The best tower cooler for CPU. The best CPU water cooling systems. Why change the cooler that comes included?
The processor is the main element in the operation of a computer and is responsible for all calculations occurring in the system. When the "stone" operates, some amount of heat generation or TPD occurs. Cooling systems help prevent overheating and keep the processor in working condition. Currently, coolers and life support systems are mainly used liquid cooling or in common parlance - dropsy, although there is no water there. Cooling has gained some popularity liquid nitrogen, but this is an extremely expensive pleasure.
A standard cooler consists of a radiator and a fan, the number of which may vary depending on the model. The purpose of the radiator is to transfer heat from the processor cover to all its surfaces, greatly increasing the surface area with which the air comes into contact. The fan brings in cooler air, displacing hot air. Liquid cooling systems are more compact, more expensive, and remove heat better. The working fluid is initially distilled water with many additives and impurities that increase the bactericidal and galvanic effect.
We have selected for you the top 15 best coolers and liquid cooling systems for processors and motherboards.
Best Liquid Cooling Systems
Let's start with the top five best liquid cooling systems. If you want to get low temperatures, immediately pay attention to the 3-section options. It is worth noting that in Russia, unfortunately, prices are greatly inflated and it makes sense to pay attention to foreign sites. The section is represented by both serial and custom models.
5 ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW+ 240
Budget option for emergencies
Country: China
Average price: 3782 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.2
If you have very little money, but really want an LSS, you can take FROSTFLOW+ 240. However, we would not advise taking risks and recommend saving some money and using it as a plug tower cooler. Despite the ability to cool Intel i5/i7/i9 processors and the latest Ryzen from AMD, taking a two-section system with an RPM of 700-1800 is not the best idea.
The maximum power dissipation here is only 200 W with a pump output of 96 liters per hour. Everything would be fine, but its bearing is not hydrodynamic, but ceramic, which affected the price and overall reliability in general. According to the manufacturer, the bearing is guaranteed to work for its factory 50,000 hours at a noise level of 25 dB, which is not bad for this model.
4 Alphacool Eisbaer LT120
The best single-section life support system
Country: China
Average price: 6438 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.4
A copper radiator with thermal conductivity is almost 2 times higher than that of aluminum, and all this happiness will cost you only 6,500 rubles. This is definitely top, and considering that it has a quick locking mechanism for AlphaCool HF, which will allow you to expand the dropsy by adding, for example, a video card outline. However, in this case, the LT120 simply will not be able to simultaneously cool both components, so it is not recommended to take risks. There is no talk of overclocking here.
The system will fit all modern sockets, including Intel i5/i7 and AMD processors along with the new AM4 socket. The rotation speed of the turntable ranges from 550 to 1700 rpm, depending on the mode of use. The noise level is 29 dB, and the pump capacity is 70 l/h.
3 Cooler Master Liquid ML240R RGB
Great look
Country: China
Average price: 8930 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6
Those who like to have a rainbow in their body will definitely like it Cooler Master Master Liquid ML240R RGB. For special purposes, there are 3 types of fans with different speeds, allowing you to combine components for better effect. The company has learned from the mistakes of the past and the model in the latest revisions leaks only in case of disregard and lack of care in terms of cleaning, and it is better to buy an additional filter altogether.
According to customer reviews, there is no difficulty in installation, which should also be added to the list of advantages. A nice addition will be the tube of thermal paste included. Parts of the turntable fasteners are completely rubber and are separately screwed to the body, creating minimal background noise.
2 NZXT Kraken X62 (RL-KRX62-02)
Buyers' choice
Country: China
Average price: 12172 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8
NZXT Kraken X62 (RL-KRX62-02) is one of the leaders in sales, but frankly speaking, 12 thousand is an overpayment, albeit for a beautiful appearance. By installing it in the case, you will get a real mirror inside, since the pump is made using the latest technologies. The radiator length is 240 mm, which eliminates the need to worry about the temperature of the “stone” under heavy loads.
Paired with the radiator are 140 mm fans with good speeds - 500-1800. The contact area with the block itself is rubberized, which significantly helps reduce noise levels and eliminate rattling. The contact pad of the pump is entirely copper, and on the reverse side there is a microchannel structure for rapid heat dissipation. All hoses are braided, which is good news, and the connection with the pump has an angle adjuster to adjust it to the features of your unit.
There are several global types of coolers:
Boxing. The radiator is small in height and is made mainly of solid aluminum. The fan acts as a cover. The main advantage is low cost of production and manufacturability, which has a beneficial effect on cost. Manufacturers often use similar designs when selling kits with processors. For “stones” with a heat release of up to 65 W, this solution is considered acceptable. “Boxed” options cannot cope with large indicators. Is a dead-end branch.
Tower. By increasing the height of the fan and adding copper heat pipes to the aluminum bar, heat dissipation can be significantly improved. There are “towers” with both vertical and horizontal fan locations. The first option is more widespread, but fundamental differences no in efficiency. The effectiveness of such a system depends on the diameter of the tubes, their number and indirectly on the size of the turntable. The more the better system will cool the air.
1 Arctic Liquid Freezer 360
6 fans – the best serial LSS
Country: China
Average price: 11,705 rub.
Rating (2018): 5.0
Having bought this dropsy for a very reasonable price, you will, in addition to a pleasant appearance get 6 coolers in a set at once. Such a colossus will not fit into every box, so before purchasing, carefully measure the dimensions of your system unit.
The water block is made of copper and has impressive dimensions of 82x82x40 mm. The air is driven by 120 mm fans, creating an air flow of 74 CFM. The radiator is aluminum and does its job well. The maximum power dissipation is 350 W, and the Freezer 360 itself will fit perfectly on any modern processor. There is no backlight or speed control.
The best boxed coolers
Inexpensive, with low power dissipation and allowing you to save a lot of space in the case, boxed coolers. For processors such as i5-8400, i3-8100, i7-7700, they are quite sufficient, because there is complete silence even at night and stability does not suffer.
5 Deepcool CK-11508
For office PCs
Country: China
Average price: 290 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.5
The cheapest and weakest Deepcool CK-11508 in our top is suitable for office machines without overclocking, since it dissipates no more than 65 W of energy, but for such a price you shouldn’t expect more. The 92mm fan produces a modest 40.9 CFM. The noise is appropriate - only 25 dB.
According to customer reviews, the model will easily fit on LGA1150/1151/1155/S1156 sockets. The small contact surface is compensated by a good screw fastening and clamping force, but you should be careful not to overdo it, as it can be easily broken.
4 AeroCool BAS
Most low level noise
Country: China
Average price: 595 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6
Received the status of AeroCool BAS gaming cooler. The maximum power dissipation is 100 W; you can’t really drive 95 W processors on it, but it can handle the new Ryzen with a TDP of 65 units. The spinner is unregulated and the number of revolutions is only 1200 per minute. It's not much, but it's enough to complete all your tasks. The noise level is minimal – 19 dB, thanks to the wide 120 mm cooler.
Due to the compact shape, air intake comes from the side cover of the case, creating air sweat up to 55.6 CFM. The radiator is made well, the fins do not spring.
3 Cooler Master C116 (CP6-9GDSC-0L-GP)
For lovers of Intel processors
Country: China
Average price: 590 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7
According to customer reviews, for 590 rubles you get an analogue of a boxed cooler, which has a copper core and is standard for Intel processors. Only LGA 775/1151 sockets are supported, but 1151 is compatible with 1150/1156/1155. The model can handle cooling 95 W processors and below, it is compact and component base at his best and does not need criticism. The kit includes an additional mounting plate, and the cooler itself is secured with screws to the motherboard.
The only thing is that the plate itself is made of plastic, which is why it can sag and eventually crack. Adjusting the speed is possible only with the help of a rheobass. Thermal paste has already been applied to the contact surface itself, which means you don’t have to shell out money for a tube.
2 Cooler Master CK9-9HDSA-PL-GP
Easy installation, high speed
Country: China
Average price: 800 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8
"How more complex system– the greater the chance of it breaking,” thought Cooler Master and released an extremely simple model CK9-9HDSA-PL-GP. Despite the modest size of the fan (95 mm), this option can spin up to 4200 rpm, creating a powerful air flow of 64.1 CFM. When using it, several nuances should be taken into account.
This “baby” is only suitable for AMD processors with sockets AM2, AM2+, AM3/AM3+/FM1, most of which are outdated. The presence of high speeds has significantly reduced the durability of the bearing and the guaranteed operating time is only 40,000 hours, and under maximum loads it begins to resemble an airplane turbine.
Liquid cooling systems consist of the following elements:
Water block - heat exchanger;
- water pump
- Storage tank
- Fans
- Hoses and tubes
When choosing a liquid cooler, focus on dropsy coolers with 3 or more blocks, in which case the differences with conventional tower coolers will be visible. If you are assembling a small gaming PC, then you can purchase a single-section version.
Many people take such systems for beauty, often buying dropsy for 4-5 thousand, which is a waste of money. Such models not only cope poorly with their tasks, but also quickly begin to leak. Cheap options have a higher percentage of defects, but even the most expensive model can leak. The only correct solution is proper operation.
1 Deepcool ARCHER BIGPRO
The best solution for stock processors
Country: China
Average price: 955 rub.
Rating (2018): 5.0
We recommend Deepcool ARCHER BIGPRO as an inexpensive box. A simple and successful design with support for the new AM4 socket from AMD allowed the cooler to establish itself in the market as a popular one. Installation takes about 30 seconds with straight hands. The copper core greatly enhances heat absorption, resulting in a maximum power dissipation of 125W.
A nice bonus is the multi-directional fins of the radiator, which is why the heat is evenly distributed over the entire area of the radiator. The turntable is capable of accelerating to 2000 rpm, pleasing with a low noise level both at the top and at minimum speeds. For your money - definitely top.
The best tower coolers
The most popular and in demand segment.
5 Deepcool ICE EDGE MINI FS V2.0
The most budget tower
Country: China
Average price: 717 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8
Install ICE EDGE MINI FS V2.0 in your computer and ensure low temperatures for any Intel and AMD processors without overclocking. However, if the overclocking is weak, for example on the new Ryazhenkas, then the cooler can be used, but with extreme caution. In this case, V2.0 will be slightly more efficient than a standard box turntable.
Buyers in their reviews praise the versatility and this is completely deserved, since the package includes mounts for all modern processors. The low noise level is also pleasing, although the diameter of the turntable is only 82 mm. 2 copper heat pipes transfer heat to the radiator, which needs to be cleaned frequently, as it clogs quickly. The connection is made via a 3-pin connector. It is recommended to approach the installation carefully, since the fastenings, especially for AM3+, are a bit tight.
4 PCcooler GI-X6B
Best cooler for Ryzen overclocking
Country: China
Average price: 1700 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9
Beauty, silence, low temperatures - this is just a small list of the advantages of this model. There are already two fans here, both with a diameter of 120 mm. This is enough to dissipate 160 W of heat, since 5 heat pipes cope with it at once. The only problem is the staple is a bit tight.
The coloring of the blades, heat pipes and lighting caused the price to increase; if beauty does not bother you, you can choose an alternative. In stress tests on the Ryzen 1800x, the temperature slowly rises to 85 degrees over half an hour, after which it does not rise at all. In general, we recommend it for connoisseurs and aesthetes.
3 Thermalright AXP-100R
Top solution for low profile systems
Country: China
Average price: 3770 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9
Option for low profile systems. It's simply not better now. 6 heat pipes with a 100 mm fan are capable of dissipating 125 W of heat. There is no backlight or speed control. Optionally, it is possible to install a 120 mm turntable. Its height is only 6 centimeters, which greatly saves space inside the case.
The rotation range is also impressive - from 900 to 2500 rpm. This is not a standard, but for daily tasks and a little overclocking is fine. The noise level at maximum speed increases to 30 dB, which is basically tolerable.
2 be quiet! DARK ROCK PRO 4
Liquid Cooling Buster
Country: China
Average price: 6700 rub.
Rating (2018): 5.0
2 fans and 7 heat pipes produce a killer 250 W of dissipated power. He sets records and competes with dropsy, showing the closest, and even superior, results of life support. The equipment is rich and matches the price category. A heatsink, turntables, mounting brackets, instructions, a screwdriver, thermal paste and mounts for Intel and AMD - you will find all this inside the package. The body is completely black, there is no hint of backlighting or other frills.
Compared to the 3rd generation, the “four” has become much easier to install without breaking your fingers and motherboard, Ryzen owners will be especially pleased. Each module consists of 42 aluminum plates, the distance between which is only 2 mm, which is the standard. According to customer reviews, this is an excellent device, but the price and weight of almost 1 kg greatly narrow the circle of fans of the model.
1 Thermalright Macho 120 Rev.A
The best professional model for overclocking
Country: China
Average price: 3160 rub.
Rating (2018): 5.0
Very quiet (25 dB), compact and convenient for installation on all modern processors. It will definitely withstand overclocking on all i5 and i7-8700K at 5 GHz. If you are planning to buy it for Ryzen, then do not forget about the mounts that you need to buy separately for the AM4 socket. They cost about 225 rubles. There are also Alternative option. Write to the Taiwanese support of the company and provide a photo of the receipt and documents, after which the missing elements will be sent to you free of charge.
It has almost standard speeds in the range from 600 to 1300 per minute. The number of heat pipes is 5. The massive radiator had a negative impact on the weight and now it is 754 grams. Be careful when installing it on the motherboard, because PCB is now very thin. A small nuance - there is a “Direct” version on sale with a 140 mm fan, which provides better cooling and costs only 200 rubles more. There is also revision B, already with 6 tubes.
How to choose a cooling system for a processor?
When choosing a cooler, rely on several important points:
- Dimensions. Before purchasing, measure the width of your case if you are going to buy a “tower”. Many powerful cooler models are large and may simply not fit into the case.
- Processor heat dissipation. Choose a cooling system that can handle the heat generated by your stone. If the TDP of the “stone” is 95 W, then you should pay attention to models with a power dissipation of about 110 W. When overclocking a similar processor, you need to consider options from 120 W or more - it all depends on how hard you are going to “drive” the processor.
Let's touch on some nuances when purchasing:
- Distance between plates. The higher it is, the less pressure is needed for air circulation. Optimal distance 1.5-2 mm.
- The larger the radiator area, the higher the heat dissipation efficiency.
Summarizing:
- If the processor is not overclockable, then choose a radiator 4-5 cm thick, with 3-4 pipes and 120-140 mm fans with a maximum low-speed fan. From 300-400 rpm.
- When the heat dissipation is more than 120-140 W, you need to go with the width of the radiator and no wide radiator can be quieter than a thin one, but this condition is leveled out with larger fan sizes.
Hi all. Let's talk about how to choose cooling for a computer, more precisely for a processor.
In general, any weather (in winter - batteries, in summer - sun) is a difficult time for our computer, because the temperature environment(and as a result, computer components) increases significantly, and therefore the cooling systems have to work at full capacity, trying to cool the ardent character of our iron friends.
However, standard coolers do not always cope with their task successfully, which leads to constant reboots, shutdowns and other problems that follow overheating of the computer.
As you probably remember, the article “” will help you identify overheating (and find out the temperatures of components in general), and today I will tell you how to choose the right cooler for, which, as a rule, has the hardest time of all.
Why do you need a separate CPU cooling system?
To begin with, I would like to explain a little why the processor needs cooling and why the cooler that is usually given in addition to the crystal (that is, to this very processor) is bad. No, seriously, there was no way to do without this part, because I am very often asked why the option that comes with the processor is so bad, because, they say, they are not fools and know what to put in the kit. Of course, I don’t argue that the computer works with such a cooling system, but there are a number of nuances here.
To put it very simply, the processor consists of a huge number of small electrical conductors, each of which requires energy. And, as is known from school course According to physics, energy does not disappear from the conductor - it goes from electrical to thermal.
Considering that a modern processor has more than half a billion transistors, the question of the need for cooling disappears by itself: the heat from them is enough to heat a small room. The processor cannot independently dissipate such an amount of energy: the area is too small, and the materials are not the same.
Therefore, with each crystal, manufacturers supply a simple cooler (if, of course, you buy BOX processor version, not OEM). For operation at standard frequencies and at normal temperature it is enough, but for extreme situations (long warm-up, i.e., for example, working with a full-fledged processor-dependent application or game, high ambient temperatures (summer), overclocking, etc.) it is better to look for a more powerful model.
The fact is that under this very simple cooler supplied in the kit, the processor still gets noticeably very hot. No, the temperature does not reach critical, but it is still stable is high, and because of it, some chemical processes that continuously occur in the crystal are accelerated, as a result of which, firstly, it can simply fail faster, and secondly, it slows down and skips cycles. The main problem lies precisely in the fact that when weak system CPU cooling.. mmm.. small performance margin. Look at all sorts of results tables on the Internet.
Even in an air-conditioned room, the temperature of the crystal under a standard twist rises to 73 degrees (and this is with the stand open, i.e. without the case). In the building where they live next door hard disks, video cards, disk drives, etc., the air can heat up under 60 degrees and the higher this temperature, the more difficult it is for the cooler, and the hotter the surrounding air, the more performance drops.
However, it’s also not worth going to the store and buying the first cooler you come across. In the world of cooling, sometimes the device is 3000 rubles may well be worse than the model for 1000 rubles and this is due to many factors, which we will talk about now.
Part 1: Cooler Base
Well, let's get started.
The work of any cooler begins... at its base, namely, at the place where it comes into contact with the processor. Here the cooler takes heat from it and transfers it to the cooling area. This process is called heat transfer, and its efficiency depends on two variables - area and surface material.
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It is usually unrealistic to come up with something superb here, because the dimensions of the processor are fixed, that is, the contact area cannot be increased, and there is only one material that is affordable and has high-quality thermal conductivity - copper (there is, of course, also aluminum, but it is less efficient).
It turns out that the maximum that the manufacturer can do is to make sure that, with all other components, heat transfer is carried out as efficiently as possible, namely... the base must be ideally polished.
Therefore, one of the first selection criteria is the “specularity” of the metal in the area of contact with the processor, that is, ideally you should see your reflection on the surface, or at least not observe any significant irregularities or, especially, scratches, because they reduce contact area and reduce work efficiency.
Also beware of heat pipes “tearing” the base of the cooler (see photo above), as they also reduce the useful contact area. If you see that the tubes protrude from the total surface area, then it is better to put such a cooler aside and look for something else.
But what you rarely need to pay attention to (a common mistake of beginners who believe that the color always determines the material) is the color, because copper is often coated with nickel.
Part 2: Heat Pipes
The next stage of work is the transfer of heat to the cooling surfaces. When the processors were weak and cold, this stage did not exist: the radiator was attached directly to the base and dissipated heat into the air. With the increase in productivity and the amount of energy released, heat transfer began to be taken more seriously - heat-conducting tubes appeared on coolers.
This invention is old and well known to many. One end of a copper pipe is sealed, liquid is poured into it, the air is pumped out and the other end is sealed. When heated, water absorbs energy and turns into steam, which rises to the upper (cold) part of the pipe, cools, condenses, releasing stored energy, and flows down. And so on ad infinitum.
Everything is the same in coolers, but with one caveat. When installed in the case, the cooling system is in horizontal position, and water cannot flow into the heating zone on its own. Therefore, the tubes are filled with porous material. Due to the capillary effect, liquid can move against the forces of gravity and move in any direction.
It is also difficult to come up with anything new at this stage, because the operation of heat pipes practically does not depend on their physical parameters, and therefore, as a criterion, one must rely on the number of heat pipes. Globally, the more, the better, but in general, three or four will do as a minimum (less is doubtful).
Part 3: body and components
The next phase of the cooler's operation is heat dissipation. This action takes place on the fins of the radiator, namely dozens of plates strung on heat pipes. It is here that the heat taken from the processor will be given to the air and it will be able to breathe more freely. The radiator can look whatever you want - developers are not shy about experimenting with shapes, angles of inclination, materials, and so on, but all this joy is subject to a number of rules, which are the following criteria for selection.
Firstly, the dissipation area should be maximum, that is, there should be as many radiator plates as possible, and the radiator itself should be as massive as possible. Secondly, the thinner the plates, the better, because the heat will be retained less. The requirements for the material of this whole thing are the same - high thermal conductivity, that is, copper should act as it. Some say that copper is not necessary in this phase and it is important to use it exclusively in the base and heat pipes, because given the high dissipation area, the radiator can also be made of aluminum. However, I do not really agree with this statement and I think that even here it is better to choose copper as the material. But see for yourself.
Part 4: active cooling, namely the fan itself
Well final stage The operation of the cooling system for the processor is active cooling, i.e. the cooler itself. No matter what manufacturers say, a radiator with a powerful processor cannot handle a powerful processor alone - the limitation of available space and high thermal resistance(temperature drop per watt of heat removed).
Again, the use of a heatsink alone is questionable due to the weak release of dissipated heat from the case, which leads to an increase in temperature in the case and heating of other elements inside it.
Naturally, a fan helps overcome such problems: the powerful air flow created reduces the resistance of the radiator and increases the amount of heat removed.
The rule for turntables is simple: you need to look for the largest ones in size (and not, contrary to the opinion of beginners, in the number of revolutions). The larger the diameter of the impeller, the more air is taken in per revolution, which means the required rotation speed and, as a result, the noise decreases.
Tobish, taking the turntable 120 mm With 1200 revs and turntable 80 mm With 2400 and having compared them, we find that the first one is, firstly, more efficient, and secondly, much quieter.
By the way, in addition to the size and speed, you also need to monitor the type of bearing. If it says " Ball bearing"(swings) - we take them because they are quiet and last a long time. If " Slide bearing"(slips) - we put it off, because they make noise and quickly turn sour.
Part 5: choosing thermal paste
When buying a cooler, do not forget about thermal paste. Expensive and good coolers usually have it included or already applied to the surface, but for the rest it’s worth buying separately.
What is thermal paste? This is a layer of paste (just like toothpaste), the purpose of which, when applied to the surface between the processor and the base of the cooler, is to eliminate the unevenness of the contacting surfaces and remove all the air between them. Good thermal paste may well bring the temperature down 5-10 degrees.
Unfortunately, smart comparative tests There are almost no pastes, and those that are made do not correspond to reality. The fact is that to get into working mode, the paste needs about 200 hours, and as you understand, no one will spend that much time on each tube. So you need to choose it according to technical characteristics. Most important parameter- thermal conductivity. The higher the better.
Globally, it seems that he covered all the main points and did not forget anything. It’s probably impossible to be more detailed :)
As always, if you have any questions, want to add or say something, then write in the comments to this article.
By the way, do not forget that dust often accumulates between the fins of the radiator and it needs to be cleaned, which I wrote about in the article ". By the way, there are also a few words about choosing the right case.
As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, additions, etc., then welcome to comment on this article.
- PS2: I wrote a few words about cooling video cards.
- PS3: Thanks to my favorite magazine for help in writing the article “ gambling addiction”.
As you know, many problems in a modern computer arise not because of poor reliability of components, but because of a very banal situation - their overheating. Therefore, ensuring quality system Cooling 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 suitable only for office work with processors that do not heat up too much, Intel type 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, or 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 the 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 dark yellow.
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 the installation of RAM 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 is also expensive models, in which these two types are combined, as in the figure below.
All the characteristics described above are indicated 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 a program running under Windows or through the 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 blue screen BIOS.
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.
Have you ever wondered what productivity and speed is like? modern processors? This is actually very important. Every modern processor must be cooled. This need arises due to the fact that it constantly heats up, due to the huge number of information flows that it has to process. Of course, the cooler plays the most important role in the process of cooling the processor. This device constantly supplies cool air to the core of the processor, allowing it to work for many years. However, not every processor cooling system is capable of coping with such a complex task. There are a huge number of models on the computer equipment market in 2018, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s easy to get confused in such diversity. How to choose a cooler for AMD processor and Intel we will talk about in this article.
A socket is a connector on the motherboard into which you can insert CPU. Sockets have different distance mounts for coolers, so the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a good cooling system is the socket. Design features modern sockets are such that they differ for each specific processor. The method of mounting the device will be different, and it is necessary to decide on the model in advance before visiting the store. Modern processor manufacturers, AMD and Intel, produce completely different architectures for these sockets, each of which is suitable only for one type of processor. The main thing is to know what kind of hardware your computer has, then everything will fall into place.
CPU Cooler Size
After the socket is determined, you need to choose one of the hundreds of models of cool processor cooling systems that the modern market offers. Cost is not always the most important factor here. The main thing is that the fan fits easily inside the system unit. Some home computers have undergone repeated upgrades over many years of operation, and this leads to the fact that certain problems may arise when installing a cooling system. There may simply not be enough space for the cooler. That is why its geometric parameters must be treated extremely carefully. The size of the fan blades directly determines the amount of air that will be supplied to cool the processor. The stronger this flow, the better for the computer. The best cooler has geometric parameters of 92 by 92 by 25 mm. This standard is primarily used by people in private home settings. For a processor that is not the fastest, this is quite enough. If a person purchases a fan for a computer that he uses for games and complex tasks, then this size may not be enough. Here it is worth paying attention to models with a geometry of 120 by 120 by 25 mm. This is a more powerful device that creates more intense airflow. By the way, it has been noted that larger fans for cooling the processor are less noisy.
Video advice from an expert on choosing a cooling system for a processor
Cooler rotation speed
A reliable cooler should provide high enough rotation speeds to ensure maximum cooling efficiency. This parameter is measured in revolutions per minute. The most “advanced” models are considered intelligent, that is, they independently change the rotation speed depending on the load on the system. For example, a person just surfs the Internet, while the processor runs on a minimum of resources. In this situation, the rotation speed will be approximately 1100 rpm. If he suddenly decides to play some modern “shooter” game, then the fan begins to navigate according to the state of the processor, that is, it picks up speed, which can rise up to 2000 rpm. For those who have purchased a large size fan, there is no need to worry about overheating at all, it will easily maintain optimal temperature processor.
Types of CPU Cooling Systems
There are several types of processor cooling systems.
Box cooling systems
A cooler that comes with a processor in one box for one price is called boxed, from the word BOX (box). They are not the most powerful and are quite noisy. But for a low-power household computer, it is better to buy this system, which is very convenient. It's easier and cheaper than buying these devices separately.
Cooling systems without heat pipes
The simplest and cheapest processor cooling systems consist of a cooler and a radiator, which is a block of copper or aluminum plates - heat reflectors. They are easy to install and easy to use. Such cooling is quite sufficient for a low-power computer; in addition, this system has low price. Its significant feature is the fairly high noise from the fan, which increases with increasing load on the computer.
Multi-cooler cooling system
Many processor cooling systems are equipped with two or even three coolers. Of course, the more fans, the more powerful flow air and, accordingly, stronger cooling of the processor. But such units are massive and weigh quite a lot. It is clear that it is not advisable to install this expensive type of cooling system in an ordinary low-power computer.
Liquid Cooled Systems
Systems with liquid processor cooling have copper and aluminum heat pipes through which a liquid circulates, intensively removing heat. These systems are extremely efficient and quiet. But the price of such systems is quite high. In addition, they have specific fastenings, which make the coolers difficult to install; The devices are quite bulky and take up a lot of space. And it’s not a fact that a liquid-cooled system will have a high-quality fan.
Radiator designs for processor cooling systems
To choose the right cooler For an Intel and AMD processor, it is important to take into account the design of its heatsink, which determines the direction of outgoing air flow inside the system unit.
Coolers with tower radiators
Tower cooling systems do an excellent job of cooling the fastest processors. They remove heat well, thereby providing long work computer. The only disadvantage of this type of radiator is the narrow direction of the outgoing air flow, which does not reach other parts of the motherboard. Outgoing air from tower systems rushes either upward or into back system unit.
C-type coolers
C-type cooling systems, with their curved tubes over the processor with a radiator with a cooler attached to them, resemble the letter C. In addition to high-quality cooling of the processor, these systems provide much better airflow to the motherboard.
Combined
Combined processor cooling systems are quite rare. They are equipped with powerful expensive system units. This aims to combine the two above-mentioned types of cooling. But devices of this type are not much more effective, but they are expensive. And whether they are needed is a personal question for everyone.
Top CPU coolers of 2018
The main characteristics of good coolers were listed above, but in addition to them you need to pay attention to the specific company that produced this device, and released it into the world. The most popular and high-quality products on the computer market in 2018 are considered to be the products of the companies Thermaltake and Cooler Master. It is these two companies that are most widely known today. This does not mean that there are no other manufacturers on the market similar devices. Of course, they are present, and even produce products that are distinguished by high quality indicators. Only Thermaltake and Cooler Master coat their devices with additional protection that prevents dust from falling out. After all, dust is also destructive for any microprocessor technology. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the products of companies - DeepCool, Zalman and Thermalright and so as not to get confused in this a huge number models, we have compiled a rating of the best coolers for all types of processors and sockets, which took the entire Top of the coolest magazines and won the respect of gamers, so here they are.
The best CPU coolers of 2018
This Top includes universal models of processor cooling systems that became sales leaders throughout 2017-2018, that is, they are suitable for both Intel and AMD.
- ZALMAN CNPS10X PERFORMA
- DEEPCOOL ASSASSIN II
- Cooler Master Hyper 412S
- THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A
- Noctua NH-D15
- Cryorig H5 Ultimate
- Arctic Freezer i32
The best coolers for Intel i5, i7 processor
Here we have collected the Top 7 best processor cooling systems from Intel in 2018.
- Deepcool Lucifer V2
- Master Hyper 101
- Cooler Scythe Katana 3
- Thermalright HR-22
- Thermaltake Contac 30
- Cooler Master X6 Elite
- ZALMAN CNPS10X OPTIMA
Best CPU coolers for AMD
Updated: 07/13/2018 16:43:23
The processor heats up intensely during operation. This is due to the laws of physics and there is no way to get around them. Coolers, in turn, are designed to cool the processor to a temperature at which it will function normally. We have compiled a rating of the best coolers that are suitable for use with almost any processor - from a simple Celeron for an office typewriter to a high-performance Intel Core i7-7700K, which to this day remains one of the best gaming chips.
How to choose a CPU cooler
The CPU cooler must be chosen carefully. Otherwise, he will not cope with his “responsibilities.” Overheating of the processor, in turn, leads to a drop in performance, shutdown the computer, or damage the chip itself.
Active, passive and liquid cooling
Cooling can be organized by one of three types– active, passive and liquid.
Active cooling system involves the use of a radiator and fan. The first is installed on the processor. The radiator plumage is heated by the “chip”, after which it is cooled by air flows. The efficiency of an active cooling system depends on the materials from which the heat pipes are made, as well as on the performance of the fan.
Thus, the most effective are copper heat-water tubes with copper or aluminum fins. But exclusively aluminum radiators are suitable for cooling only old or budget processors like the Celeron or Pentium lines.
The disadvantage of the active cooling system is that it requires a constant flow of “cool” air inside the case. Otherwise, other components of the motherboard may overheat. Therefore, the system unit must be installed so that air circulates freely around it.
In addition, the efficiency of active cooling decreases when the radiator becomes clogged with dust.
The liquid cooling system is structurally similar to the active one. Only instead of a radiator, a contact plate and special tubes with a thermal fluid (often ordinary water) are used. The fans are placed in a separate block, which is placed outside the system unit. Thanks to this, there are no special requirements for installing the system unit, and the performance of the cooling system does not decrease over time.
The disadvantage of a liquid cooling system is that it is expensive.
Passive cooling consists only of a radiator. Heat from the processor is dissipated naturally through convection inside the system unit. The performance of such a cooling system leaves much to be desired, so it is used exclusively with low-heating chips - old or mobile, including laptops or ultrabooks.
When choosing the type of cooling system, you should be guided by the purpose of the computer:
Office "typewriter" with old or low-power processor– a passive radiator is suitable;
“Regular” or “gaming” computer – active cooling;
Gaming computer with top components - liquid cooling.
What to look for when choosing a cooler
The main criteria when choosing a cooler are compatible socket and power dissipation.
Since processors differ not only in performance, but also in size, it is important to consider socket and cooler compatibility. Socket - the size and form factor of the chip itself, as well as the placement of mounts for the cooling system on the motherboard. If it is not compatible with the cooler, installing the latter simply will not work. You can find out which socket is used from the technical characteristics of the processor and motherboard, as well as using the AIDA64 program or similar.
Power dissipation is the performance of the cooling system. It shows how much heat can be removed by the cooler. The power dissipation must be greater than the thermal dissipation (TDP) of the processor. Both of these parameters are measured in Watts, so comparing them is not difficult.
The remaining parameters are optional and do not have much importance when choosing a cooler.
Manufacturer
The quality of the materials used, the durability of the cooler and additional functions cooling systems. Therefore, it is advisable to choose devices from trusted companies.
Rating of the best CPU coolers
| Nomination | place | Name of product | price |
| The best tower coolers for gaming systems and overclocking | 1 | 5 500 ₽ | |
| 2 | RUB 4,190 | ||
| 3 | 7,660 RUR | ||
| 4 | 5,090 RUR | ||
| The best mid-class coolers under 3000 rubles | 1 | RUB 2,111 | |
| 2 | RUR 3,970 | ||
| 3 | 1 150 ₽ | ||
| 4 | RUB 3,350 | ||
| 5 | RUB 2,756 | ||
| Best systems passive cooling | 1 | RUR 3,920 | |
| Best CPU Water Cooling Systems | 1 | 9,273 RUR | |
| 2 | 6,290 RUR | ||
| 3 | 5,990 RUR |
The best tower coolers for gaming systems and overclocking
A tower cooler is a type of active cooling system. Its design involves placing the fan on the side of the radiator, allowing heat to be dissipated more efficiently. The main thing is to choose the right direction for blowing hot air.
An important advantage of a tower cooler is maintaining the performance of the radiator over time. The plumage is not covered with dust, so the efficiency of the airflow does not decrease.
Why first place: High performance, wide socket compatibility, virtually silent operation.
Description: The Noctua NH-U14S tower cooler opens the rating - one of the best active cooling systems on the market. At a relatively low price, it provides a maximum power dissipation of 220 W, making it compatible with high-performance and overclocked processors. The mounting pad can be installed on chips of the most popular sockets of the LGA, AM and FM series, including LGA1151 (which is used in the line Intel Atom Coffee Lake).
The radiator design includes six direct contact copper heat conductor tubes and an aluminum tail. Moreover, the plates are not welded to the tubes, but are pressed with them, which ensures effective heat transfer.
The fan is based on a magnetically centered bearing. The maximum speed is 1500 rpm, and the regulator of this number is internal. The fan provides an airflow of 82.52 CFM, but the volume does not exceed 24.6 dB.
Advantages
Highly productive and at the same time almost silent;
The kit includes a mounting structure, bolts, thermal paste and everything you need for installation;
Operating life 150 thousand hours, manufacturer's warranty 6 years.
Flaws
-
Large - can block PCI connector or RAM slots;
When used with overclocked or “hot” chips, it is better to replace the supplied thermal paste with another one.
Why second place: High performance and compact design, but comparatively high level noise.
Description: In the Zalman CNP9900DF model, the manufacturing company used a radiator of a non-standard design for tower coolers. The tail is located radially, and the fans (there are two of them here) are somewhat “recessed” into the plates. According to the manufacturer, this design provides better heat dissipation and a smaller dissipation area while maintaining efficiency.
The nominal maximum power dissipation is 300 W. But this value is ensured only with open mounting; in a system unit with an installed side wall, this parameter drops by approximately 25-30%. However, even this is enough for most modern processors, including gaming ones.
The radiator is entirely copper – there are three direct contact heat pipes and tail plates. The fans are equipped with direct sliding bearings, providing rotation speeds of up to 1400 rpm with a nominal volume of up to 27 dB.
Advantages
Compact, does not cover anything during installation;
Cools stock processors well;
Flaws
Not suitable for overclocked processors due to lack of performance;
Loud noise under high load;
Difficult to install, it is better to mount it on a removed motherboard.
Why third place: Powerful, quiet, with 6 direct contact heat pipes, but relatively expensive.
Description: Cooler Noctua NH-D15 – good decision for computers equipped with the latest generation multi-core processors (for example, Intel Core i9 or overclocked Intel Core i7). The device provides efficient cooling thanks to an air flow of 82.52 CFM, 6 direct contact copper heat pipes in the radiator and two fans with a rotation speed of up to 1500 rpm. At the same time, the cooler is compatible with most processors - it can be installed on almost all sockets of the LGA, AM and FM series.
Like the leader in the rating, this cooler is equipped with a proprietary radiator - copper heat conductor tubes are connected to an aluminum fin using the pressing method. The sole is also copper, polished to a mirror finish. Heat pipes are coated with nickel for better protection against corrosion.
The fans are based on bearings with magnetic centering, which ensures quiet operation.
Advantages
Excellent cooling for both overclocked and multi-core processors;
Easy installation. Everything you need for installation is included;
Quiet fans even under high load.
Flaws
Huge! Use with RAM a standard height or with cooling will not work. Install in a narrow body - too;
Boring, unattractive design;
The radiator fin plates are flimsy, so the cooler requires careful installation.
Why fourth place: Good cooler for stock, including multi-core, processors, but it may not be able to cope with cooling overclocked ones.
Description: The rating is completed by one of the most classic tower coolers designed for use with gaming and multi-core (6, 8 cores) processors – Thermalright Macho Rev.B. The device dissipates up to 280 W of heating power, is equipped with six direct contact heat pipes, an aluminum radiator and one fan that operates almost silently even at maximum speed.
The fan rotation speed ranges from 300 to 1300 rpm, and the air flow intensity is 16.9-73.6 CFM, respectively. The speed controller is external, so the specific performance can be adjusted independently for the processor or tasks used. The cooler is compatible with almost all existing chips and can be installed on LGA, AM (including the latest AM4) and FM sockets.
Advantages
High performance and quiet operation;
Relatively low price (lower than predecessors on the list);
Compact, but the fan can cover the first RAM slot.
Flaws
Less productivity than that of “colleagues”;
Assembly and installation can be tricky, but instructions are included;
Tall, 165 mm, this is worth taking into account when choosing.
The best mid-class coolers under 3000 rubles
Why first place: Tower cooler, direct contact between heat pipes and the processor, rotation speed up to 2000 rpm.
Description: The top-ranking Zalman CNPS10X Performa cooler has a tower design, thanks to which it can cool even high-performance processors. In particular, it is equipped with five copper heat pipes in direct contact with the base plate, an aluminum radiator and a 120 mm fan with a rotation speed of 900 to 2000 rpm.
The fan is equipped with a classic plain bearing, but thanks to optimization, the noise level even under maximum load is up to 36 dB. In this case, the speed controller is internal, so the rotation speed is set automatically by the cooler.
The cooler is compatible with both modern and classic sockets. So, it can be installed on almost all LGA models (including LGA1151 and even LGA775), AM, FM and S. Additional mounts can be purchased for other sockets.
Advantages
The design of the radiator allows for good cooling of processors even at low speeds;
Quiet operation;
Durability.
Flaws
Difficult, inconvenient fastening. It is advisable to place the cooler on a removed motherboard with RAM already installed;
It is advisable to replace the supplied thermal paste;
Bulky and heavy.
Why second place: Powerful, efficient cooling system, but more expensive than other models in the rating.
Description: Deepcool Assassin II is a tower cooler with two fans and eight copper heat pipes. Thanks to this, the device provides good cooling even for gaming and overclocked processors, and is also compatible with almost all used sockets.
The cooler radiator, consisting of two modules, is made of aluminum plates. Copper heat conductor tubes are connected to them by pressing. This provides good transfer and lead high temperature from the processor.
Two 140mm fans can rotate at speeds of 300-1400 rpm and are based on hydrodynamic bearings, ensuring low volume even under high load. Maximum – 27.3 dB.
The cooler, despite the low price, has high performance. For example, the Intel Core i7-7800X processor under peak load in stress tests it heats up to 54 degrees.
Advantages
High performance;
Silence of work;
Rich equipment with big amount pads, mounts, and thermal paste.
Flaws
Relatively complex assembly;
Large-sized, can cover power connectors or various functional elements motherboard;
The cooler power supply hub is inconvenient, it dangles, you need to glue it to the case yourself.
Why third place: Ultra-budget tower cooler, good combination of price and quality.
Description: The Deepcool Gammaxx 300 cooler, which occupies the “middle” of the rating, has an excellent combination of price and quality. Of course, it is not very suitable for overclocked or gaming processors, but it copes well with heating mid-range chips or with average heat dissipation. In particular, the maximum power dissipation of the device is 125 W.
The cooler is compatible with almost all processor models. Necessary soles and fastenings included. The radiator is made of aluminum plates, which are complemented by three copper heat pipes.
The cooler fan is equipped with a proprietary hydrodynamic bearing, which ensures minimal operating volume. In particular, even under load it makes 21 dB noise. The rotation speed is 900-1600 rpm (the regulator is external, i.e. it can be adjusted), and the air flow is 40 CFM.
Advantages
Simple, quick installation;
Minimum operating volume;
Rich equipment.
Flaws
Relatively large-sized;
The contact pad is made of aluminum, into which direct contacts of heat conductor tubes are built;
Inconvenient latches with plastic “ears” that can break.
Why fourth place: Quiet, efficient and comfortable. But the improved version (Rev.B) costs only a few hundred rubles more, so it’s better to take it.
Description: Tower cooler with the highest performance in this rating segment. In particular, the maximum power dissipation of the device is as much as 280 W, which makes it compatible even with gaming and overclocked processors. Includes fastenings and platforms for LGA sockets(including LGA775 and LGA1151), AM and FM.
The radiator configuration includes 6 copper heat conductor tubes with direct contact. The tail is made of aluminum sheets. The plates are connected to the tubes by pressing rather than welding.
The cooler is equipped with one 140 mm fan. Rotation speed – 900-1300 rpm. The proprietary bearing makes the fan quiet – even at maximum load it is noisy at 21 dB. In this case, the air flow is up to 73.6 CFM.
The speed controller is external, so you can adjust it yourself to suit your needs. installed processor and use case.
Advantages
-
Rich equipment with a branded screwdriver and the necessary fasteners;
High performance.
Flaws
There are many revisions, and there are even ones with an aluminum sole without direct contact of heat conductor tubes;
Large, may not fit into some cases;
Assembly is not easy for beginners and there are no instructions in Russian.
Description: Noctua NH-L9i cooler is designed for processors Intel series Core i3-i7 installed in LSI sockets. It is made in a traditional design, which involves placing a fan above the radiator. As a result, the cooler's power dissipation is relatively small and amounts to 65 Watts.
The cooler's radiator is made of aluminum plates, placed by pressing on a copper heat conductor tube with direct contact. The fan is equipped with a proprietary low-noise bearing with magnetic centering, thanks to which the cooler's operating volume does not exceed 23.6 dB even at 2500 rpm. The speed itself is adjustable from 300 to 2500 rpm. The airflow generated by the fan is 33.84 CFM. The speed regulator is built into the cooler and operates automatically.
The cooler is highly reliable – time trouble-free operation is 150 thousand hours, and the manufacturer’s warranty is 6 years.
Advantages
Low-profile design, can be installed in narrow system units;
Low operating volume and good performance (can even cool down Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5);
Simplest installation.
Flaws
The mounting bolts are fixed when the motherboard is removed;
Relatively high price;
Not suitable for overclockable or unlocked processors.
The best passive cooling systems
Why it: Copper-aluminum radiator designed specifically for passive cooling systems.
Description: The Prolimatech Megahalems Rev.C cooler was designed specifically for use as a single cooling device. It features a massive base with a polished copper sole, to which six copper heat conductor tubes are attached by pressing, and an aluminum radiator with a wide distance between the plates, ensuring free air circulation.
The cooler is compatible with the vast majority Intel sockets LSA, including the newest ones, as well as AMD AM and FM.
Even without a fan, it provides as much cooling as some of the other devices in the ranking, delivering up to 40-50W of passive dissipation. However, if you wish, you can attach a fan to it – 120 and 140 mm models are suitable. Brackets for fixing it are included with the radiator.
Advantages
Effective heat dissipation thanks to a massive base and 6 copper tubes;
Wide space between the radiator plates for better air circulation;
Massive base.
Flaws
Tall radiator, may not fit into a thin case;
Dense placement of heat pipes;
The “two towers” design has less rigidity than a monolithic one.
Best CPU Water Cooling Systems
Why first place: A cooling system that can cool the processor even without fans. Of course, there are three of them.
Description: The rating opens with one of the most productive water cooling systems – Thermaltake Water 3.0 Ultimate. The device is equipped with three fans that rotate at speeds of up to 2000 rpm. This ensures effective cooling even for overclocked processors. In addition, up to 6 additional fans can be installed.
The contact pad is made of aluminum and copper. The mount is compatible with the most common sockets, including LGA, AM and FM. Adapters for other types of processors are commercially available.
The installed fans are quite quiet - even at a maximum rotation speed of 2000 rpm, they are noisy by 20 dB. In this case, the air flow passing through the cooling system is 99 CFM. The minimum rotation speed of coolers is 1000 rpm.
The system can also work in passive mode– with coolers turned off.
Advantages
Quiet, but powerful system cooling;
Quiet pump;
Compact and easy to install.
Flaws
Over time, the noise level increases, it is recommended to replace the fans or install a reobass;
It may not be able to cope with cooling processors with a heat dissipation of more than 250-300 W (overclocked);
A bit expensive.
Why second place: Gaming water system cooling, the main disadvantage of which is the price.
Description: Deepcool Captain 360 EX could have topped the rating if it weren’t comparatively different at a high price(even for water cooling systems). It is very productive - the dissipated power is 220 W. At the same time, thanks to the use of proprietary hydrodynamic bearings in the fans, the system is characterized by quiet operation - a noise level of up to 31.3 dB at a rotation speed of 1800 rpm and an air flow of 76.52 CFM.
The contact plate of the water block is made of polished copper. The pump is equipped with a ceramic bearing, which provides a service life of 120 thousand hours. It works silently.
Why third place: Dual-fan cooling system with fast pumping and high efficiency.
Description: The rating is completed by a rather unusual liquid cooling system – Arctic Cooling Liquid Freezer 120. It differs from other devices compact unit with a radiator and fans, which has significantly smaller sizes than traditional "panels". However, it copes with the task of cooling the processor “excellently” - the rated power dissipation is 300 W.
The fans can rotate at speeds from 500 to 1350 rpm, provide an air flow of 74 CFM, are equipped with durable hydrodynamic bearings and are relatively quiet - at maximum load the noise level is 30-35 dB.
The water block is equipped with a copper contact plate and a built-in pump that rotates at a speed of 5400 rpm. Thanks to this, the cooler can be used even in passive mode. However, the pump can still be heard from the housing.
Advantages
Rich equipment with high-quality additional items;
Quiet, efficient operation;
Suitable for overclocked processors.
Flaws
Pump speed is too high, which can reduce reliability and cause noise;
Heavy and bulky;
Relatively expensive.
Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
