Powerful cooler. CPU cooler parameters. Selecting a cooler by installation method

Nowadays it is very difficult to imagine life without the use of computers and various gadgets, because with their help almost everything is available to us. For some it is entertainment, for others it is a way of communication, for others it is a place to work and earn good money. If there is demand, it means there is progress, today is the most average Personal Computer has the performance that prestigious institutions dreamed of just a few years ago. Yes, we ourselves notice that every year newer and more powerful computers are born.

U high power There is a huge disadvantage - heat generation. If the load on the processor is high enough, it consumes more electricity, and therefore highlights a large number of heat. And heat is a problem, because its excess leads to system malfunctions, and frequent and prolonged overheating of the processor can lead to rapid failure of the processor, since the processor requires constant cooling, especially if you load it heavily or overclock it. That is why the cooler has become almost the most main detail computer, although not the most expensive.

How to choose a good cooler for a computer based on parameters (4 important points)

Listed above are the most basic aspects, knowledge of which is necessary when purchasing a cooler. We can only advise that when purchasing a cooler, you touch its blades: they should not have any play, and they should also spin easily. We must not forget about the material from which the cooling radiator was made; it is best if it is aluminum.

Nowadays you can find a huge number of coolers on the market, but the best ones are from THERMALTAKE, COOLER MASTER and XILENCE. Of course, coolers from other companies may not be inferior in quality, but these three are the most famous, and also, these are the companies that care not only about cooling the system, but also think about the problem of excess dust. The mentioned products from these companies collect less dust, and all because the coolers are covered with a special coating and made of a special material. This repels dust, which affects the operation of the cooler, and because of this, the temperature of the system, since the more dust accumulates, the more difficult it is for the computer to operate.

The cooling system is one of the most important parts of every gaming computer. It helps keep the processor temperature low, ensuring stability, reliability, and efficiency. Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked in most builds. Users are deterred by the high cost of the cooler, and they prefer to invest in other parts of the computer system.

This article is intended to help those who want to overclock their processor, create a silent gaming PC, or simply add the finishing touches to their design. Below is an overview best systems CPU cooling, among which there is sure to be one that will harmoniously fit into a system unit of any size.

How to choose a CPU cooler?

CPU cooling systems come in a variety of sizes. Some are limited by socket types, while others are limited by available free space. Therefore, before choosing a CPU cooler, you should make sure that you have enough free space. For example, the dual-fan PHANTEKS PH-TC14PE has dimensions of 159 x 140 x 171 mm. These options require caution when making a purchase, as most midi-tower cases don't have room for this. In addition, using two fans may be problematic if the height of the RAM modules exceeds 40 mm.

When choosing a cooler, you must take into account that assembling a gaming PC or mining rig is complex process, requiring additional costs. The problem is that resource-intensive software subjects the chipset to extreme loads, so using standard cooling components is ineffective. The inevitable increase in temperature and volume becomes a serious problem.

Thus, a cooling device is required that provides efficient cooling and lack of noise. AMD or Intel processor cooler must support them low temperature even during acceleration.

The manufacturer usually indicates ultimate loads The CPU is in its specification so that the consumer does not overload it. But such restrictions are not always justified - the processor is often capable of performing more than is provided for by safety standards. Operating the CPU in a mode exceeding its nominal parameters is called overclocking. This makes it possible to increase system performance under a feasible load, but at the same time the processor temperature also increases. Higher heat causes the computer to malfunction. To prevent this, a cooling system is used. The cooler dissipates heat and provides stable work computer.

Air or water cooling?

There are two methods for reducing processor temperature. Traditionally, air cooling is used, which is quite inexpensive. Modern coolers also use water as a cooling agent. In this case they are called liquid. Both methods differ in cooling capacity and components. Below are brief characteristics each of them.

Air cooling uses air as the heat dissipation medium. In system of this type not as many components as in liquid. It consists of a radiator and a fan that moves the air. The entire heat transfer mechanism is controlled by just these two components. Less quantity components means lower cost. This method considered effective, economical and relatively simple.

On the other hand, to improve the efficiency of coolers for AMD and Intel processors, a liquid cooling system was developed. The fact is that water has a greater heat-absorbing capacity than air, and it works better in a hot environment. That's why it's preferable air cooling. In addition, it uses more components. The water cooling system includes a radiator, fan, pump, reservoir and, of course, water. All these components make the cooler bulky. In perfect working order water cooling more efficient than air. But nothing in this world comes for free, and this moment higher productivity comes at a higher cost. Liquid systems are significantly more expensive and also have a number of disadvantages - installing a cooler on a processor is difficult, and they are prone to leaks.

Water cooling is only beneficial if:

• uses a mini ATX assembly and doesn't like the look of low-profile air coolers;
• The voltage on the CPU is increased to squeeze maximum performance out of it;
• required extra space, released when installing a more compact system.

Otherwise, you should stick to air coolers, because with moderate overclocking, this alternative provides competitive performance and temperatures.

Criterias of choice

If we consider the example of a gaming PC, its main component is the graphics card, which experiences maximum heating. It can generate 2-3 times more heat than standard processor, which poses a danger to the entire system. In this case, the liquid cooler has an undeniable advantage before air cooling - he has best ratio performance and efficiency, and it lowers temperatures faster.

However, it has a problem - water leakage. Liquid can leak out at any time, causing the computer to malfunction. Although manufacturers modern systems While taking this issue very seriously, the risk factor still remains.

Before choosing a CPU cooler, you need to compare the characteristics best models taking into account the following factors:

• air flow;
• cost;
• noise level;
• temperature.

Replacing the cooling system

IN general outline To replace the air cooler, you must perform the following steps:

1. Identify the socket type and select the cooling system.
2. Before removing the cooler from the processor, you need to prepare the computer - turn off the power and remove the case cover, disconnect all expansion cards and cables from the motherboard.
3. Dismantle the old model. Devices for LGA775 or LGA1366 sockets are mounted on 4 racks with flat heads, which should be rotated counterclockwise and carefully removed. AMD sockets are secured using a lever located on one side of the radiator, which must be rotated 180 °. After this, you need to disconnect the fan cable and remove the cooler.
4. Apply fresh thermal paste, first removing any remnants of the old one.
5. Install new system cooling according to the instructions for the specific model.
6. Connect the power supply for the processor cooler to the 3- or 4-pin connector on the motherboard.
7. Check operation and monitor temperature conditions using the supplied software or third-party utilities.

Fan selection

Many manufacturers of CPU air cooling systems tend to pay little attention to the fan and do not attach much importance to it. Although most companies produce high-performance coolers that provide good temperature control, this is achieved with the help of very fast spinning and loud fans. RPM does affect air flow, but does not necessarily provide enough pressure. Fast rotation of the blades alone is not enough. A fan is required that is capable of pushing air with greater force. These devices are usually called SP static pressure coolers and are specifically designed to move air with greater force.

The only downside to the SP fan is that it tends to provide less airflow. Devices of this type can also be very useful for cooling a computer case, inside which a large number of wires or compartments with storage devices prevent heat dissipation. hard magnetic disks. Otherwise, it is better to use regular models.

When planning to replace your old loudspeaker annoying cooler processor, you should consider replacing the fan, as this can save a lot. Therefore, users recommend checking its characteristics and determining what to replace it with. In addition, many do not even realize that the radiator often allows you to place a second fan. This will make it possible to reduce the speed and, accordingly, the noise level of the cooling system.

Large CPU cooler: how to choose?

IN last years many CPU cooling systems have appeared big size, but only a few of them can be called really good. And these are, first of all, Noctua NH-D15, Cryorig R1 Ultimate and PHANTEKS PH-TC14PE. They have the best price/performance ratio on the market. In temperature tests, these models are head and shoulders above large all-in-one coolers and small 120mm single-fan cooling systems.

All three devices come with their own PMW-controlled CPU cooler and quiet fans that can produce good overall static pressure. Of these, the noisiest is the Noctua NH-D15, which measures 24.60 dB without an adapter. When installing the latter, this figure drops to 19.20 dB, and the Cryorig becomes the loudest (23 dB at a maximum rotation speed of 1300 rpm). That's not a bad thing, and the excellent performance doesn't require the CPU cooler to rev when browsing or streaming video.

These CPU cooling systems have some differences, but not many. Apart from a slight difference in fan volume, they all operate at temperatures that differ by 1-3 degrees, but this depends on the specific computer configuration. So it all comes down to aesthetics and sizing. Although Noctua is a favorite of many enthusiasts and gamers, this model is not very attractive. The NH-D15 only comes in one color and that color is brown. As for the Cryorig R1 Ultimate cooler, it comes in a stylish black design with black aluminum radiators. Finally, the Phanteks PH-TC14PE comes in white, black, blue and red-white variants, at least offering more variety.

The advantages of these models become obvious, for example, against the background of the Zalman CNPS10X-Performa cooler. Its 120mm fan runs at full speed of 2000rpm. produces a noise volume of 58.7 dB. PWM control of the processor cooler allows you to reduce the speed to 1350 rpm, but this does not help much. The volume is only reduced to 44.8 dB. Thus, the Zalman CNPS10X-Performa cooler is able to demonstrate excellent performance, but at the cost of too noisy operation of the supplied fan. Replacing the latter can significantly increase General characteristics models.

Best mid-size cooler

According to user reviews, one of the most popular systems cooling of this type is Hyper 212 Evo and Cryorig H7. Both coolers are quite small in size. In terms of performance, they will easily surpass any standard system cooling that comes with i5 or Ryzen chips, but they have some differences. First of all, it's appearance and design. On the one hand, there is the stylish Cryorig H7 with its black and white fan and very durable heatsink. But you can also choose a much more refined assembly with translucent black blades.

Besides exterior design, models vary in performance and price. First of all, both coolers for Intel and AMD processors provide the same optimal temperature conditions, but make different noises. Hyper 212 Evo - more old model and suffers because of it. It is focused on high performance, in this parameter it is superior to bundled coolers, but it lags behind in terms of fan volume with 36 dB versus 25 dB for the H7. It is obvious that this aspect was not given due attention during the design and, judging by many years of production, will not be given in the future. Of course, you can always replace the fan with a much quieter one, but then it would be better to buy an H7.

So why is the Hyper 212 a recommended model when the H7 performs just as well and sounds quieter? Judging by year-over-year price changes, the H7 has never dropped below $30. Unlike Hyper 212, the price of which has repeatedly fallen below this mark and even below $20. So, despite the loud fan, the Hyper 212 deserves to be considered a bargain because it not only gets the job done, but is also the cheapest replacement for a complete cooling system.

The Deepcool Gammaxx 400 processor cooler is a budget option with one radiator tower instead of two in the basic design. It copes well with normal loads, but is not recommended for overclocking, since at fan speeds exceeding 700 rpm, annoying noise becomes audible.

Best Low Profile Models

The last category of effective ones recommended by users air systems CPU cooling are small coolers. The best of them are Noctua NH-L9i and be quiet! Shadow Rock LP. Both models outperform bundled units while taking up very little space. They can easily fit into any mini-ATX build. Maximum height Noctua NH-L9i with a 92mm fan is 37mm. The Shadow Rock LP comes with a 120mm propeller and has a profile thickness of 50mm. Both models offer plenty of RAM clearance and shouldn't break the bank as they're fairly cheap.

Both models do their job of dissipating heat with little noise. The NH-L9i fan volume level does not exceed 23.6 dBA at 2500 rpm. without adapter and 14.8 dB at 1600 rpm. with adapter. Shadow Rock LP accelerates its propeller to a speed of 1600 rpm. The cooler volume level is 20 dBA.

Although the Noctua looks good on paper, the model is inferior to its competitor in terms of noise levels. To catch up with your opponent, the speed of the cooler on the processor should not exceed 1600 rpm. In addition, do not forget about the 92mm fan. Size is the reason more high temperature chipset on low speeds rotation, so I recommend that users choose the Noctua NH-L9i only if they need a very quiet cooler. For the processor, a more stable cooling system is Shadow Rock LP.

Both devices equally claim to be the best low profile cooler, but what they have in common is that they are much inferior to liquid models of monoblock systems.

Water cooling

Currently, the best CPU cooler of this type for all-in-one systems is the Corsair H110i. This model can be equipped with two 140mm fans, and because of this it is superior to many competitors. The cooler is able to maintain a stable temperature even when overclocked to high voltage. Plus, it only costs $120.

Corsair LINK is a program for a processor cooler that allows you to monitor and control its parameters. These include fan and pump speeds, heating temperatures, RGB lighting color, etc. Users recommend leaving the CPU cooler control settings in the default configuration as it provides the best balance of performance and minimum level noise.

The biggest problem with liquid cooling systems compact computers is their size. Both removing the cooler from the processor and installing it are difficult. Having dual 140mm radiators means it won't fit in every case, especially the Slim as fluid systems cooling takes up a lot of space. Users who need to install a CPU cooler in limited conditions have 2 alternatives that perform equally well but are inferior to the H110i. These are the H100i and H60 models. The first one is a dual 120mm radiator, so it takes up a little less space. The second is the smallest, as it is equipped with only one 120 mm fan. It does a good job of lowering CPU temperatures, takes up little space, and only costs about $60.

Some users are convinced that only all-in-one water cooling systems are economically justified. However, this is not the case as anyone can purchase a used liquid cooler at a low price. Especially if its cost does not exceed $30.

Finally everything liquid coolers compact PCs have common problem, and it's noise. The operating volume level of all 3 Corsair Liquid variants is 35 dB, and this is partially created by the radiator. Thus, doing an excellent job of maintaining an acceptable temperature regime processor, the liquid cooling system also contributes to the overall noise from the PC. You can install a good SP fan yourself, reduce the volume and turn the model into the best water cooler.

Fan replacement

For users who want to upgrade a bundled cooler for Intel processor or AMD, owners recommend considering the Noctua NF-F12 and NF-A14 options.

The first is a 120 mm model that provides an air flow of 92 m 3 / h with a static pressure of 2.61 mm and a low noise level of 23 dB. With the adapter, the speed drops to 73 m 3 /h and the volume is reduced to 18 dB with a static pressure of 1.83 mm. Thus, the model is ideal for replacing the annoyingly loud 120mm fan.

As for the NF-A14, it is the 140mm version, and provides 143m3/h with higher, but still low for its performance, noise (24dB), and static pressure (2.08mm) without an adapter. Using the latter ensures a drop in speed to 114 m 3 /h, but the volume level decreases to 18.5 dB along with pressure (1.51 mm). Indeed, high static pressure and low noise are good reasons to replace the standard 140mm fan. The Noctua NF may not be the best CPU cooler out there, but it delivers impressive results.

According to reviews from owners, their only complaint about the model is the company’s refusal to use colors other than variations of light brown. More people would buy them if there wasn't such a restriction, since many choose components that match the color of the entire gaming platform. Alternatively, you can buy the industrial version in black with a small amount brown, but its specifications are very different. It runs at 2000 rpm. and with a noise level of 31 dB, which makes it much louder, although the air flow rate increases to 170 m 3 / h, which is really very high.

It is also important to note that all Noctua fans come with a 5-year warranty.

Conclusion

Finding a good CPU cooler has great importance because this is truly one of the most important parts computer. Once updated, it will work hard and will be one of the few things that doesn't require upgrading for a long time.

• Introduction
• Fast and quick tips by choosing a cooler for the processor
• Detailed tips for choosing a good cooler
• Conclusion

Introduction

In general, a cooler is a fan with a radiator that blows air over a very hot processor (CPU - CPU) and other parts of the computer system unit.

It turns out that almost all the main components emit heat, and some actually get very hot. Strong heating can lead to burnout of the part, which will lead to either purchasing a new one or repairing it. This is inappropriate for us, so we can’t do without a good cooler.

Usually all coolers are already included if the PC was assembled at the company. In general, most often such computers are able to work for some time, but noticeably less than if all the parts were selected by an experienced craftsman, taking into account many of the features of the system unit inside and the parts that are installed in it.

For those who want to quickly and easily choose their processor cooling, just follow these tips:

1. Your CPU Thermal Dissipation (TDP)- this is the amount of heat generated this processor(you need to look at the specifications for it), usually it is 45, 60, 90, 125 or more watts. When choosing cooling, make sure that this value is equal to the processor or higher
2. Fan speed- this is the number of revolutions of the cooler per minute. Usually from 1.5 to 4 thousand. It is clear that the higher the speed, the higher the noise
3. Mounting - it is very important not to forget that processor coolers have different mounts (although there are also universal ones), so do not forget to look in the characteristics of the processor which mount is suitable for it (or in other words - socket)
4. Thermal paste - do not forget that if the purchased CPU cooler does not have thermal paste (a special paste to improve heat transfer), then you will have to apply it yourself, otherwise the processor will overheat and a breakdown may occur, exactly the same situation happens with laptops, so we recommend the article cleaning laptops and replacing thermal paste

These are the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing a CPU cooler, but if you want to choose a truly reliable and suitable copy, then read on.

To begin with, it is worth noting that the choice of coolers is quite diverse, which accordingly hints that you can choose the most a good option, if you know some nuances, in addition to the recommendations described above. First, let's look at the structure of a cooler or cooling system for a processor:

• Fan
• Radiator

In short, these are what the cooling system consists of. But, in a little more detail, the fan itself has the following features when choosing:

1. The bigger, the better- this means that the blades are larger, the air intake is larger, and therefore the air flow for blowing is greater, although the rotation speed may be lower. That is, if you want to choose turn down the fan, then pay attention to larger specimens.
2. It is desirable that the fan base should be friction bearing- quieter and last longer
3. Rotational speed- here according to your needs, if you want a quiet option, then take it with a rotation speed of no more than 2 thousand revolutions (sometimes with 2 fans), although this is not so important, because if the cooler has a 4-pin power supply, then the speed of its revolutions can be easily controlled
4. Branded copy- it is advisable to choose a good branded cooling (although it is not necessary for a regular PC for movies and the Internet), it will cope with its responsibilities better and will last longer

• The material, at least its base (where it comes into contact with the CPU) should be copper, since it conducts heat best (of the available materials). In particular, its base should be as smooth as possible, without obvious irregularities, otherwise this will complicate heat transfer
• Radiator size and shape. The larger the radiator, the greater the heat intake (but do not forget about the dimensions of the system unit case so that it can fit there). Plus, the shapes of radiators can be very diverse (this can be useful so that the air from them additionally cools the components of the motherboard, RAM, in general, had a certain direction of air flow)
• Availability heat pipes, which improve heat transfer
• Don't forget about attaching the radiator to the processor, it can be different, for this we specify the socket of the CPU and cooler, they must match

Conclusion

In general, if you are assembling an inexpensive home computer, then you don’t have to worry too much about choosing a cooler for the processor - a regular model that matches the characteristics of your processor will suit you. But if you are working on assembling a gaming, powerful PC, then you need to think through every little detail.

This note is only a starting point for choosing cooling; you can finally complete this process only by reading several relevant articles, viewing various videos on the Internet and, to top it all, by reading reviews and recommendations from owners of the same components.

This is the only way to build the most thoughtful and durable PC for gaming, work and other versatile tasks.

Long gone are the days when processors could be cooled passively, without coolers or even radiators - modern processors, except perhaps Pentium and Celeron J-series, require at least active air cooling, and at maximum - water cooling. And we will look at what is best for specific processors in this article.

Processor heat dissipation

This is the most important parameter, you should pay attention to it first of all. You can find out the thermal dissipation (TDP) of your Intel processor on the website ark.intel.com, AMD - products.amd.com. Most coolers also indicate how many watts they can dissipate, and this figure should be greater than the heat dissipation of the processor.

Processors with heat dissipation up to 35 W ( Intel Core T-series or AMD Pro A-series)

Processors from Intel here represent essentially mobile Intel Core - a fairly low native frequency, about 2.5-3 GHz, and significant Turbo Boost up to 3.5-4 GHz. As a result, such processors are well suited for compact systems where it's hard to do good cooling, but you need relatively good performance. AMD here presents the so-called APUs - that is, a processor with fairly powerful integrated graphics: an ideal solution for a multimedia PC. In both cases, the heat release does not exceed 35 W, so here you can get by with the simplest cooler with an aluminum radiator without any heat pipes:

Processors with heat dissipation up to 50 W ( Intel Celeron and Pentium G-lines, Core i3)

These are simple dual-core processors, some of which have hyperthreading enabled. Frequencies can reach 4 GHz, but even in this case, the heat dissipation of 50 W is very excessive for them (not to mention the Celeron without hyperthreading with a frequency of 3 GHz - there are 30 W of the eye). As a result, the same cooling system as in the previous case will suffice - a simple aluminum radiator and fan.

Processors with heat dissipation up to 65 W (Intel Core i5 and i7, AMD Ryzen without X index)

The Intel processors here are all quad-core, some with hyper-threading. Frequencies can reach 4 GHz, but there is no overclocking. As a result, 65 W is a reasonable figure for them, and even under a stressful load the heat dissipation is unlikely to be higher. In the case of AMD, everything is somewhat better - the processors have up to 8 cores, but the frequencies are low, 3-3.5 GHz, so such processors fit into a 65 W thermal package. However, they can be overclocked, so if you are interested in it, see the item with overclocked processors.

As a result, for such processors a regular radiator with a simple fan will no longer be suitable - it makes sense to take a tower cooler with 1-2 heat pipes and a 72-90 mm cooler, like this:

Processors with heat dissipation up to 95 W (Intel Core i5 and i7 with index K, AMD Ryzen with index X)

These processors are considered the top of the user segment - in the case of Intel, native frequencies can reach as much as 4.5 GHz, in the case of AMD - up to 4 GHz. Alas, in modern realities, an increase in frequency above 3.5-4 GHz leads to an avalanche-like increase in heat dissipation, so at stock frequencies the same i7-7700K is faster than the i7-7700 by only 10%, when the difference in heat dissipation is 30 W - almost half of the thermal package of the i7-7700 !

As a result, if you take such processors and do not overclock them, then you need to take simple representatives of super-coolers, with 3-4 copper heat pipes and a 90-120 mm fan:

Processors with TDP up to 200 W (overclocked processors, or Intel lines Core i7 and i9 X-series, AMR Ryzen Threadripper)

As I said above, every hundred megahertz above 4 GHz is given with a fight, and as a result, the i7-7700K at a frequency of 5 GHz can have a heat dissipation of as much as 150-170 W. The heat dissipation of AMD Ryzen 7 when overclocked to 4-4.2 GHz on all cores can even go beyond the psychological level of 200 W. This also includes X-line processors from Intel (6-18 core processors) and 16 core processors from AMD - they have a heat dissipation of about 150 W.

As a result, such processors require either a top-end super cooler like this:

Or a water cooling system, preferably with two coolers.

Nuances of choosing a cooler

So, with heat generation and appearance We sorted out the cooler, but some important nuances remain:

• Cooler height: if you take a tower cooler, make sure it fits into the case. Otherwise, it will simply not allow the lid to close.
• Cooler dimensions: super coolers can be so large that they will overlap the first RAM slots and the PCI connector, so either take a cooler of a different shape, or take this one motherboard, where the RAM slots are far from the socket, and the first PCI slot has x1 speed.
• Cooler noise: coolers that look identical can make completely different noises, so if silence is important to you, you should look at reviews and find out how loud a particular cooler is.
• Compatibility of the cooler with the socket: perhaps the most banal thing, but they forget about it - the cooler must have a mount for the socket of your processor, otherwise you will have to make the mount yourself, which is not always possible.
• Cooler weight: super coolers often weigh more than a kilogram - such a load can cause sagging and failure of the motherboard. So if you have a heavy cooler, think about the fact that it needs to be additionally attached to the case in order to reduce the load on the motherboard.
• Space for the SVO radiator: if you want to get a water cooling system, then make sure that there is space on the case for it.
• Using liquid metal: If you decide to use liquid metal as a thermal interface, then choose a cooler with a base that is not made of aluminum (otherwise it will corrode). Liquid metal also conducts current - make sure that it does not get on the motherboard.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated, and if all the conditions are met, you can easily choose a good cooler for yourself.

Have you ever wondered what the performance and speed of modern processors is? 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 the central processor is inserted. 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

Once the socket is determined, you need to choose one of the hundreds of models of cool processor cooling systems that are offered modern market. 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 gaming and performing 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. It's more powerful device, which creates more intense air flow. By the way, it has been noted that larger fans for cooling the processor are less noisy.

Expert video advice 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 low-power household computer It is better to buy this system 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 effective and differ quiet operation. 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 in a system with liquid cooled there will be 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 up or to the back of the 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. These systems, in addition high-quality cooling The processor blows air onto the motherboard much better.

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 cover their devices additional protection which 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 most 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.

1. ZALMAN CNPS10X PERFORMA
2. DEEPCOOL ASSASSIN II
3. Cooler Master Hyper 412S
4. THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A
5. Noctua NH-D15
6. Cryorig H5 Ultimate
7. Arctic Freezer i32

The best coolers for Intel i5, i7 processor

Here we have collected the Top 7 best processor cooling systems Intel in 2018.

1. Deepcool Lucifer V2
2. Master Hyper 101
3. Cooler Scythe Katana 3
4. Thermalright HR-22
5. Thermaltake Contac 30
6. Cooler Master X6 Elite
7. ZALMAN CNPS10X OPTIMA

Best CPU coolers for AMD