Menu
homeAndroid

What type of cooler is best for the processor. CPU cooling system size. The best tower coolers for gaming systems and overclocking

We could start this article with a spatial discussion about the benefits of water for the body. But do you need to waste your time re-reading the obvious? Let's get straight to the point - you want to choose a really good water cooler and don't know where to start.

Many people mistakenly believe that this type equipment is intended exclusively for offices. However, recently, coolers are increasingly being purchased for home use. Agree, drinking from the tap is dangerous for your health, and storing settled water in ordinary plastic bottles is not convenient. And the child will not be able to pour water from a heavy container. That is why every housewife, wife and mother is obliged to think about purchasing special equipment.

We bring to your attention 8 criteria designed to make your choice easier.

1. Selecting a cooler based on installation method

There are two types of coolers: table and floor. The former have much smaller dimensions and are ideal for small apartments or offices with limited space. They are installed on special stands, countertops or regular kitchen tables. If desired, the equipment can be moved to a new location independently.

The water temperature in such devices is often controlled by electronic system cooling. Due to the absence of noisy parts, desktop coolers are incredibly quiet. They will not disturb even the light sleep of a baby. It is worth noting that this technique is suitable for low consumption, that is, for small families and small teams.

If you are concerned about the health of your loved ones, try mineral water “Dear Muscovites”. It contains 16 healthy salts and will benefit your family.

If guests are not uncommon for you, and your home is more like a noisy booth than a quiet haven, then you better pay attention to floor coolers. They occupy a slightly larger area and are a compact cabinet. Gone are the bulky structures with unflatteringly protruding tubes. Nowadays, all desktop coolers are designed with the assistance of professional industrial designers. You can choose equipment for any interior. Some cooler models are equipped with a separate shelf for storing dishes.

If the flow rate is high, it is important to stock up on water. To avoid problems with storing bottles, we recommend using a stacker - a stand for containers.

The third type of equipment is represented by the so-called purifiers. These are devices for those who do not want to bother with containers. Purifiers process tap water into drinking water. They have a multi-stage filtration system installed. The advantage is obvious - you do not need to change containers. Disadvantages - high cost, the need to monitor filters, the inability to independently assess the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of water.

If you are concerned about the aesthetic side of storing bottles, then in addition to the cooler, purchase. A convenient device will highlight the style of any room.

Some users complain about the lack of microbiological safety of bottled water. However, here everything depends on the integrity of the supplier. Good water its composition is close to mineral springs. But purifier filters (especially in the first days of operation) can repurify water and literally turn it into poison. Therefore, it is better to take finished products in bottles. Artesian water "Aqua Area" undergoes gentle filtration before packaging. With crystal purity, only useful components are preserved in it.

The process of water carbonation is close to industrial. The cylinder contains carbon dioxide of high purity, which is used to saturate the water. It is completely harmless, safe and approved for use by children over 3 years old.

Teach your child kindness by drinking “Make the World a Kinder” water.

It is necessary to dwell on ozonation in more detail. Ozone gas occurs naturally after a thunderstorm. It is an extremely strong oxidizing agent. In small quantities, ozone is used for disinfection and deodorization (elimination of unpleasant odors). It destroys harmful organic matter. Have you felt the freshness of the air after heavy rain?

Modern coolers have a special device installed - an ozonizer. An electric arc is generated inside the insulated housing. The air passes through the discharge (miniature lightning) and some of the oxygen turns into ozone. The latter is bubbled into the water, purifying it of pathogenic microflora and impurities.

6. How to choose a reliable cooler

In order to determine the build quality of a cooler, you do not need to have high qualifications in the field of mechanics. It is enough to carefully examine the body from all sides. There are no cracks or crevices in a conscientiously manufactured device. All parts fit tightly together. The faucets turn smoothly and the buttons do not stick.

Plastic should not have a specific smell. Don't be shy and definitely smell the cooler. Wires and tubes in reliable equipment do not protrude from the body. When turned on, the device does not make loud noises, at most it can hum slightly.

7. How to choose an economical cooler

Key indicators of cooler efficiency will be: heating power, cooling power, and energy efficiency class. On the one hand, the more powerful the equipment, the better and faster it copes with the functions assigned to it. But on the other hand, with an increase in this characteristic, utility costs for light increase in direct proportion.

The energy efficiency class depends on the built-in parts and optimization of the device's operation. Machines of different classes with the same power consume different amounts of energy. However, economical models are more expensive. If the cooler will be used frequently large group people, then it is more rational to purchase a device with high power And high class energy efficiency.

8. How to choose a safe cooler

Since the device operates with a conductive liquid and is powered from the mains, the insulation condition should not be neglected. Another important safety criterion is the presence of a safety latch on the hot water tap (“child protection”).

Choose your equipment wisely and it will serve you for many years. Don't forget that your health depends on the quality of coolers and the water used in them.

Every time when choosing a cooler to cool a processor, buyers face certain difficulties. The range of devices is constantly growing, the characteristics are getting better, so stopping at just one is quite difficult. Difficulties in choosing are also explained by the fact that many parameters of the parts are quite specific, and they may be incomprehensible to a person who is not very well versed in technology. To eliminate all the gaps and find the best option, our editors have prepared a rating of the best CPU coolers, the purchase of which will be a real treat for your computer.

The best CPU cooler companies

One of the main dilemmas that a buyer needs to solve is to decide which cooler to choose from, so as not to regret the money spent. There are several manufacturers in the computer parts market that are popular among users. It is their products that you should pay attention to first of all in order to remain satisfied with the performance of the cooling system for many years.

  • Cooler Master– the manufacturer from Taiwan has been known in the computer spare parts market for decades, so there is definitely no doubt that it will offer an unreliable cooler for your processor. Compliance with international standards, high performance, reliable assembly and a reasonable price - with such parameters, the company's products cannot but enjoy popularity.
  • DeepCool– a decent selection of good coolers for personal computer Deepcool is a famous company specializing in cooling systems. Offers a wide range of budget models, and premium quality parts, and each of the offered options is different high reliability and excellent performance. You definitely won’t be able to pass by the spare parts offered by the company.
  • Corsair– the manufacturer is a real regular in reviews and ratings of the best coolers and power supplies. Almost every part offered is the perfect combination of quiet operation, innovative cooling system and highest quality. It is no coincidence that many famous gamers choose Corsair as the main supplier of components for their computer.

Deepcool GAMMAXX 400

This popular budget cooler model with one fan has gained fame due to its incredibly strong set of characteristics at a price of only 1300-1500 rubles. The maximum power dissipation of the device reaches 125 W, while the structure of the part includes 4 heat pipes and a housing made of aluminum and copper, which allows not only to effectively cool the processor, but also to maintain a decent level of performance for more than one year. At a speed of 900 rpm the cooler is very different quiet operation(up to 21.4 dB), although when increased to 1500 rpm, the noise level reaches 32 dB.

Advantages:

  • work with wide range processors (from Intel Sempron to Core i7)
  • blue backlight
  • reliable hydrodynamic bearing
  • support for modern platforms
  • great price

Flaws:

  • decent dimensions – 136x159x76 mm
  • noticeable noise under load

Cooler Master Hyper 212 (RR-CCH-LB22-GP)


Next in the ranking is a good and inexpensive cooler that is not very versatile, but can without a doubt be called one of the best in the budget category. Main feature The device is incredibly quiet with a noise level of 19 dB at 2000 rpm. This combination is quite a rare event at a price of 2500-3000 rubles, so the demand for the part is very high. Separately, it is worth mentioning the possibility of installing a second 120 mm fan, which allows you to increase the level of cooling without additional problems. Judging by the reviews, this model The cooler also pleasantly pleases users with a neat and not too bright blue backlight, which does not irritate the eyes, as in some other devices.

Advantages:

  • air flow – 69.69 CFM
  • successful design of the radiator made of aluminum and copper
  • very quiet operation
  • excellent efficiency
  • convenient fastening

Flaws:

  • some LEDs turn off over time
  • large dimensions

Thermalright TRUE Spirit 140 Power

The TOP of processor cooling systems continues with one of the best coolers with one fan. Despite the relatively average speed rotation (from 900 to 1300 rpm), the device allows you to increase the air flow to 73.6 CFM. At the same time, the maximum power dissipation can reach 360 W, largely due to sophisticated heat pipes, the number of which the manufacturer has increased to six. At medium speeds the model is the most quiet cooler of those proposed in the rating, since the noise level can drop to 17 dB. With price tags ranging from 3,300 to 3,600 rubles, such a part is a real tidbit of the cooling system market.

Advantages:

  • connector for second fan
  • excellent cooling volumes
  • excellent work surface made of aluminum and copper
  • Well-designed radiator with good heat dissipation

Flaws:

  • impressive dimensions
  • awkward fastening

Deepcool NEPTWIN V2


A perfectly balanced model with two fans can confidently be called the best budget cooler. Six heat pipes, power dissipation up to 150 W and a speed range from 900 to 1500 rpm - parameters that are sometimes not found in expensive parts. Wherein average cost spare parts do not exceed 2,500 rubles, which fully explains its incredible popularity. The air flow due to the presence of two fans is 139.5 CFM, so the user will hardly be able to feel any serious heating during the entire life of the device. Buy new system cooling without paying attention to the best cooler in terms of price-quality ratio is a big mistake for the buyer.

Advantages:

  • low noise level (ranging from 18 to 30 dB)
  • additional blue backlight
  • work with processors from Sempron to Core i7
  • excellent quality of parts and workmanship
  • convenient installation

Flaws:

  • standard valves - sometimes vibrate at high speeds
  • very bright backlight

Cooler Master Hyper 212 LED Turbo


A high-quality cooler with an air cooling method and a price tag of 2300-2600 rubles is an excellent option for both a home and office computer. Its versatility is explained by its wide speed range - from 600 to 1600 rpm. At the same time, at minimum and average performance, the model can operate with a noise level from 9 to 17 dB, so it is simply impossible to hear its operation. Judging by the reviews of the cooler, the device also demonstrates excellent performance at high speeds, although it is impossible to say that any noise appears, since 18-31 dB at 1600 rpm is a very good indicator. A decent set of characteristics and a reasonable price make the model excellent choice for the buyer.

Advantages:

  • robust aluminum housing
  • two reliable fans
  • nice red backlight
  • ease of installation
  • excellent anti-vibration protection
  • Comes with thermal paste

Flaws:

  • insufficient air flow for two fans – 66.3 CFM

Corsair CWCH90


The next model is one of the best water coolers with highest performance. Unique technology allows the device to effectively thermoregulate the processor using a copper water block, which prevents liquid or vapor from getting on wires and other parts. The noise level is 35 dB, which at 1500 rpm is a very good result. At the same time, the device has only one fan, which allows you to place the cooler even in a small system unit. A significant advantage of the part is the aluminum radiator, which, due to its refractoriness (melting point - from 660 degrees), guarantees the unchanged properties of the mechanism.

Advantages:

  • air flow – 94 CFM
  • compact dimensions – 140x170x53 mm
  • possibility of installing a second fan
  • high reliability (5 years warranty)
  • It is possible to install an additional fan

Flaws:

  • high cost - from 6500 rubles
  • high noise when the pump is running

Arctic Cooling Liquid Freezer 120


It would be a crime to complete the cooler rating not to talk about the best processor cooling system available today. Swiss quality, which is perhaps unnecessary to talk about, and perfectly selected parameters make the device inaccessible to competitors. Power dissipation up to 300 W and the presence of two fans provide maximum degree cooling even at a relatively small speed range from 500 to 1350 rpm. At the same time, the presence of a water cooling system with a copper water block, as well as 6 mm heat pipes, allows the quiet and compact cooler to deliver maximum performance without the slightest heating.

Advantages:

  • low fan noise
  • well-thought-out design
  • high performance
  • long service life and reliability
  • use of modern developments
  • combination of price and quality

Flaws:

  • no criticisms found

Which CPU cooler is best to buy?

Right choice quality system cooling for your PC depends on many factors: processor power, design system unit and, importantly, the budget allocated for the purchase. Among the proposed models you can find options for home and office, for gaming and work computers. The final decision on which cooler is best to buy is made by the user himself, based on his own preferences and the conditions of future operation of the device. At the same time, taking into account the opinions of experts will allow you to avoid unjustified mistakes and the risk of getting high quality cooler.

How to choose a CPU cooler | Basics (why bigger is better)

Any electrical circuit has resistance, and it is the principle electrical resistance built into both the CPU and toasters. Electrical semiconductors have an unusual feature - they can change resistance from low to high when electrical current is applied in a certain way. These states are represented in a logic circuit as ones and zeros. Although CPU logic circuits are not designed to heat anything, we are essentially using small hotplates in computers.

Groups logic circuits, performing data processing, become very hot. Therefore, the developers are faced with the task of preventing the melting of small pieces of glass on which these circuits are etched. For this purpose, they came up with heat sinks in the form of massive metal radiators - these are the key elements of the processor cooling system.

Yet the term heat sink means something that absorbs heat. Radiators are helped to dissipate a large volume of heat into relatively cold air by their fins, which increase the dissipative surface area. These fins turn a standard CPU heatsink into a special type of heatsink, if you ignore the terminology. Like most radiators, their main principle of heat transfer is convection (and a little - thermal radiation), this is when heated air rises upward, being replaced by cold air from below.

The heat output of a processor depends on its clock speed, voltage, circuit complexity, and the material on which the circuit is engraved. Few fin-count heatsinks are sufficient to cool some low-power processors, but most desktop users want more performance, which results in more heat that needs to be dissipated.

When natural convection does not replace warm air with cold air quickly enough, the process must be accelerated, which is achieved by installing a fan. The photo above shows a rare, all-copper cooler. Copper transfers heat faster than aluminum, but it also weighs more and costs more. To achieve better price-to-cooling and cooling-to-weight ratios, manufacturers often use a copper core surrounded by aluminum fins.

Additional fans and increased heatsink surface area improve the efficiency of the CPU cooler. Liquid cooling allows you to install huge radiators that are not attached to motherboard, and to the computer case. A so-called water block is installed on the CPU, which transfers heat to the liquid. The pump is installed on the side of the radiator (as in the photo above) and pumps water (or coolant) through the channels of the radiator and water block.

Any of the solutions described above will maximize contact with circulating air, but they will not work effectively without good contact surfaces of the CPU and cooler. Used to fill the space between surfaces thermal conductive material, it displaces air, which acts as an insulator. Most CPU coolers come with it. For many models it is immediately applied to the contacting surface. But instead of factory materials, enthusiasts often choose third-party thermal conductive compounds, although our tests have shown that the difference between them is quite small .

For extreme cooling, refrigerant compressor units are used. Such systems are able to reduce the CPU temperature much lower than the ambient temperature. But, as a rule, they use much more energy than the processor itself. There are versions that compress and cool the air to produce liquid nitrogen. However, condensation around cold components is a serious concern, so even the simplest “refrigerators” are usually used only at exhibitions and competitions.

The “bigger is better” rule applicable to coolers, in in this case limited by the size of your case, but there are several other factors to consider as well. Since this article is written for beginners, we will only consider models from our list of the best processor coolers. It includes large air coolers (height over 150mm), low profile coolers (up to 76mm), mid-sized coolers (from 76 to 150mm), and pre-built fluid systems cooling.

How to choose a CPU cooler | What about "boxed" coolers?

"Boxed" or "boxed" coolers are coolers that are supplied by CPU manufacturers with their products. Typically, they are not designed for the increased heat output of the processor during overclocking or for installation in the limited space of narrow computer cases. The motherboard typically reduces fan speed to reduce noise and is the first to respond to rising CPU temperatures by increasing the fan speed up to maximum. If at maximum speed When the fan rotates, the cooler is unable to lower the CPU temperature to an acceptable level, the system reduces the clock speed and voltage of the CPU. We call this process thermal throttling or throttling. In the worst case, you can see a picture when a humming computer is not able to provide the required level of performance.

Third-party coolers usually have a larger dissipative surface area, as well as larger fans, which allow them to pump larger volumes of air with less noise. The photo above from left to right shows: a water cooling system with a radiator for two 140 mm fans, a large air cooler with two radiators, two generations of standard or boxed Intel coolers and a wide, low-profile cooler designed primarily for HTPC systems.

Included with the FX-8370 processors, AMD provides Wraith cooler, which is another attempt increase the cooling efficiency of box coolers.

Temperature changes as the processor heats up

Despite the good performance of the new AMD cooler, buyers are still sometimes forced to buy third-party coolers, since some high-end CPU models come without them.

Recently, AMD and Intel have begun shipping compact liquid coolers that meet the cooling demands of very hot processors without the need for customers to turn to alternative brands. Growing popularity of 120mm fan mounts in modern buildings allows you to install small CBOs in housings different forms and sizes, which distinguishes them favorably from air coolers of similar dimensions.

As is known, many problems in modern computer arise not because of poor reliability of components, but because of a very banal situation - their overheating. Therefore, ensuring a high-quality cooling system for the entire system unit is the key to long-term operation of the computer. Choosing the best CPU cooler Intel or AMD plays an important role in this.

But all problems begin with the computer case - this is not only the base on which all components are screwed for compact placement. This is also one of the components of the PC cooling system. Just a few years ago, processors and video cards were not so powerful and did not produce as much thermal energy. Therefore, the case was not subject to such stringent requirements as today - it was a heavy box, closed on all sides, with 1 or maximum 2 small fans for air intake from the front and exhaust from the rear.

Today, if you are collecting at least a universal home computer, this is no longer enough. Cases on the market today have holes for large fans on all walls, and air intake and exhaust are carried out from several directions.


Not only are two fans not enough, but very often users take cases without pre-installed fans and do not install them themselves, causing overheating to occur even faster.

The same applies to the processor cooling system. As you already know from the article about, they are sold either with a cooler (the so-called “BOX”) or without it. So, boxed versions are only suitable for office work slightly overheating processors, such as Intel Core i3, i5, i7. From experience, they are normal mode They heat up little and the stock CPU coolers cope with the task quite well.


If you plan to overclock them, play games, work in complex graphics applications, then you need to buy a separate cooler (radiator + fan). This is especially true for AMD processors that generate a lot of heat.

How to choose the best CPU cooling cooler for Intel and AMD?

So we come close to the issue of choosing a cooler for the processor. Let's take a closer look at those parameters that affect performance and are worth paying attention to when purchasing.

First of all, choose the cooler that fits your processor socket! As a rule, they support several sockets from both Intel and AMD, but given that they all have non-standard mounting, take the time to look at the instructions - perhaps installation is not provided for your socket.

CPU cooler type

This is more likely not even a type of cooler, but of the entire system as a whole. The most common is air, which is what we call a processor cooler. It consists of a metal radiator, which absorbs heat from the processor cover, and a fan, which blows air onto it and thereby cools it. Advanced models even have two fans - one for blowing in and one for blowing out.

Another type of processor cooling common among gamers is water. Options for such systems vary, from small fans associated with cooling liquid tubes to large expensive systems with remote radiators. One thing in common is that thermoregulation involves liquid, which cools more than just air.


By the way, if you plan to use this type of cooling, then pay attention to the presence of special holes on the rear panel of the case for the tubes to exit - they are usually covered with rubber curtains.

Coolers can also be divided into active and passive - the passive one does not have a fan and is usually used for inexpensive and already outdated video cards - of course, this is not suitable for a processor.

Cooler radiator size

I won’t touch on water cooling, but let’s talk about the most accessible and widespread - air cooling. And here the size of the radiator and the number of metal plates are important - the more there are, the easier it is for it to remove excess heat. It is also desirable that they be as thin as possible.

Fan size

A fan or even two must be installed on the radiator to pump and exhaust air. The larger the fan (120x120x25), the more efficiently it cools the processor, and secondly, it is easier for it to do this than a small one, so with the same quality of heat dissipation it will make less noise. It is also better to take fans with the inscription “Ball bearing” - they have a quieter and more durable bearing.

Ability to adjust CPU fan speed

It would be good if it was possible to adjust the speed of the processor cooler - so that it would not just spin at a constant speed, but would select it depending on the heating. It is easy to distinguish such a fan - its power connector, which connects to system board, must have 4 contacts.

Metal and number of heat pipes of the computer cooling system

The radiator is in direct contact with the surface of the processor case, so the metal from which this surface is made, as well as the tubes through which heat is transferred to the radiator, are important. The characteristics of the metal must be such that it heats up and cools down as quickly as possible. There are tubes made of aluminum, but copper works best for this, although such a unit turns out to be heavier. So get the CPU cooler that has them in dark yellow color.

Cooler location type

As I said, the larger the processor cooler, the better, but at the same time consider how it will be located on the motherboard and in the case - will it interfere with installation? random access memory or expansion cards, covering the necessary slots. And will it fit in the width of the case? Considered optimal tower type, since it exhausts air directly to the exhaust rear case fan.

In the same time classical the option when the fan blades are directly in front of you when looking at the motherboard from above is more suitable if the case and mother small format microATX, and they need to compactly accommodate as many devices as possible. The advantage of this type is also that the radiator fins blow around other components inserted into the motherboard.

However, there are also expensive models in which these two types are combined, as in the figure below.

All the characteristics described above are listed in one general parameter— heat dissipation (in watts). The higher it is, the better your processor will be cooled.

Manufacturer

Thermal paste

And finally, the final touch is the choice of thermal paste as an intermediate link between the processor cover and the cooler. Its task is to displace excess air between the metal plates, while it should also maximize heat transfer. In order for this to be as effective as possible, metal is added to good pastes, which is why it has a dark gray color rather than white - buy just such a paste. It is a little more expensive, but more effective. I already wrote somewhere, but I’ll repeat it again - I use MX-2 paste, it’s cheaper than competitors with comparable quality.

CPU cooler rotation speed

And now, after we bought a CPU cooler, I will show you how to adjust its speed if this function is supported in it and in the motherboard. This can be implemented in two ways - through the program from under running Windows or via BIOS. Gigabyte has developed for its products special utility, which is called i-Cool, which, however, is not supported by all motherboards. It makes it very easy for any novice user to do all this without going into the depths of the blue BIOS screen.

If you own a motherboard from another company, then reboot the computer, go into the BIOS and look for menu items such as CPU Smart FAN Control and CPU Smart FAN Control (I found them in the PC Status section).

In the first, the processor fan speed control mode must be activated (Enabled or Auto), and in the second, one of the modes must be set - automatic (Auto, Normal, Silent) or manual (Manual) to set the speed manually.

In conclusion of this article about processor cooling coolers, I suggest you take a look educational video— tests of several sophisticated models for Intel Core and AMD.

The heat dissipation of the processor is one of the main parameters that you should pay attention to when assembling a computer. The CPU is the key component on which the entire system depends. If it overheats, the mode will begin forced cooling, the consequence of which is skipping clock cycles, that is, problems with computer performance. When the processor cannot cool down even in this way, it begins to automatically turn off so as not to fail completely. It’s probably not worth talking about the dangers of abruptly shutting down a computer, moreover, when it happens in emergency mode operation of the central processor.

For the CPU to save permissible temperature, he needs additional cooling. This is why it is important to choose the right CPU cooler. There are many nuances that you need to pay attention to when selecting CPU fan, and it is also important not to forget about the main parameters when choosing it.

Why change the cooler that comes included?

On sale you can find central processors in OEM and BOX configurations. In terms of performance, there are no differences between these versions of the CPU of the same model, and they differ only in the configuration. OEM version represents only himself CPU, while the BOX package implies the presence of a cooler.

Many users who do not have much experience in assembling a computer may be under the impression that the ideal solution is to purchase a BOX processor package, but this is not always the case. The coolers that come with the processor are most often of mediocre quality, and they are not capable of providing cooling for the “stone” when it is used. high load. That is, if the CPU is purchased for an office computer, where it will not be tasked with more difficult work with browser and text editor, then there will be no problems with cooling the processor with the cooler from the BOX package. But if you plan to use the “stone” in games and other resource-intensive applications, then you need to worry about buying a more powerful cooler.

Modern processors consist of more than 500 million transistors, each of which heats up during operation. Due to the small area of ​​the CPU, such serious heat cannot be dissipated on its own, and an additional cooler is required to remove it. The more complex tasks are placed in front of the processor, especially efficient cooling necessary.

How to choose the right CPU cooler

The most important thing when choosing a cooler is to match it to the characteristics of the processor. Obviously, the more powerful the processor, the more heat it generates under high load. Accordingly, it needs more cooling. The heat dissipation parameter of a processor is usually designated TDP, and it is measured in Watts. When paying attention to the heat dissipation of the processor, we must not forget that the models also differ from each other in the type of socket. Now let’s look at the selection for each of the parameters in a little more detail.

CPU socket

The socket is the processor size, and it is designated: AM3+, 1150, 2011-3 and other combinations of letters and numbers. Manufacturers try to standardize CPUs into certain sizes, but due to changes in production technology over time, there are already about a dozen of them available. The socket is the size of the connector on the motherboard into which the “stone” itself is inserted.

Thus, when choosing a cooler for a processor, you should initially find out the processor model and check on the Internet on the manufacturer’s website what size it is made in. Coolers often fit into several sockets due to the versatility of the mounts.

CPU heat dissipation

Having decided on the standard size, you need to look at the heat dissipation of the processor. You can find out information about the TDP parameter of a particular processor on the manufacturer’s official website.

With selection of cooler according to heat dissipation parameter for a certain model processor, everything is somewhat more complicated. The fact is that in online stores and on various websites it is quite rare to find accurate information about what processor TDP a particular cooler is suitable for. However, well-known manufacturers of processor fans, for example, Noctua, are not shy about providing such information.

If information about specific model The cooler could not be found, you can use the data from the table below. Please note that the information in it is very approximate, and it is better to choose a fan option for the processor “with a reserve”.

How to choose a quality cooler

Having selected cooler models based on processor parameters, there will still be dozens, or even hundreds of fan options that can be purchased. In such a situation, you should look at the reviews about the quality of a particular cooler left by their owners. But it’s better to independently eliminate the least quality ones from the available options by evaluating the fans according to the following parameters.

Cooler base

The area that the cooler touches the processor plays an important role in cooling. Since the dimensions of the “stone” are fixed, it is almost impossible to increase this contact area. At the same time, some cooler manufacturers, in search of innovation, partially remove heat pipes from the base of the fan. Because of this, the contact area and efficiency of the cooler are reduced.

It is also important that the base is made without various patterns. It should be copper polished to a mirror finish. Before purchasing, you must inspect the cooler to ensure that there are no cuts, unevenness or other defects on its base.

Please note: In most cases, the base of the cooler is made of copper. This material is budget-friendly and efficient in terms of heat transfer. There are aluminum options, but they are much less efficient. In this case, copper can be coated with nickel, which is why it acquires a silver color.

Heat pipes

On almost every modern cooler you can see several heat pipes, whereas previously they were not used. The fact is that with the increase in processor power and the increase in heat generation, the existing cooling standards were no longer sufficient, and manufacturers decided to use a proven option - installing heat-conducting tubes.

The copper tube is filled with liquid and sealed on both sides. When heated, the liquid heats up and turns into a gaseous state. The gas moves to the other side of the tube and thereby removes heat. The steam then cools, turns back into water and returns to the base of the tube. In computer coolers, the process is approximately the same, except that there is also a porous material inside, which is necessary for the liquid to return back, even when the tubes are located in a horizontal position.

When choosing a cooler for a processor, you need to pay attention to how many tubes are installed. They do not differ much in their properties, depending on the size, so quantity becomes the main criterion. Minimum permissible quantity to cool a modern powerful processor, it takes 3-4 tubes, but the more, the better.

Radiator

From the base of the cooler, heat transfers to the radiator, which consists of dozens of plates mounted on heat pipes.


The radiator can be of any shape, but it is important to remember some rules that distinguish a good option from a bad one:

  • The larger the radiator area, the better;
  • The plates should be thin, but in large quantities;
  • It is better when the radiator is made of copper.

Since the radiator on the cooler is partially visible in open computer, some companies are trying to fulfill it the best way from a design point of view. He can be different colors, forms, plates are made at unusual angles. If the above rules are followed, then the quality of the cooler design solutions have a minor effect.

Fan

Some time ago, in pursuit of quiet computer operation, manufacturers did everything to abandon active element cooling, that is, from the cooler itself. However, a radiator without a heat dissipation element cannot handle powerful processors, and fans in the processor cooler have not yet been abandoned.

When choosing a fan, you need to pay attention to its size, and accordingly, the size of the blades. Coolers with larger blades are not only more efficient at removing heat from the radiator, but they are also quieter. There is a misconception that significantly speed is more important rotation of the cooler, but this is not the case. Speed ​​is an important parameter, but the diameter of the fan itself is more important. If you install a cooler with a small blade diameter in your computer, but high speed rotation, such a PC will make a lot of noise even when performing “office tasks”.

Also, when choosing a cooler, you need to pay attention to the type of bearing on which the fan is mounted. On sale you can find options made on rolling bearings (Ball Bearing) or sliding bearings (Slide Bearing). Rolling bearings perform better because they make less noise and have a longer service life.

How to install a cooler on a processor

Having chosen the right cooler, there should be no problems with its installation. Using special fasteners, the fan is installed on top of the processor inserted into the grooves of the socket. Most often together with comes with a cooler detailed instructions for its installation, which allows you to general outline understand the operating principle of the fastening mechanism.

It is important before installing the cooler. It is necessary to eliminate irregularities between the base of the cooler and the processor, for maximum gear heat. Without thermal paste, the processor will not be able to work for a long time, so neglecting this step is prohibited.