Best CPU cooler for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in 2023
Skip to main content
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
AMD ramped every performance category up with the 7950X. The top-end Ryzen 9 processor has gigantic performance, but it’s offset by a 170W power draw and raised temperatures. The best CPU cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950X depends on your PC case and clearance over other components, such as RAM modules, but ultimately needs to prevent the chip from getting too hot under load. Our favorite pick is the NZXT Kraken X63, but we’ve rounded up alternatives to fit your budget and custom build needs.
NZXT Kraken X63
Best overall
If you have space for 2x 140mm fans in your PC case, the Kraken X63 offers an all-in-one closed-loop radiator with a gorgeous infinity-mirror pump head compatible with the AM5 socket. Our X63 RGB review shows the variant with colored fans but the same pump, and we’re focused on thermals for now.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid PL240 FLUX
AIO runner-up
If RGB aesthetics are essential, the PL240 FLUX offers similar performance but ramps up the multi-colored lighting to satisfy any gamer. It’s a low-profile radiator, taking up 2x 120mm fan spots ideal for more compact PC cases, but it’s capable of handling the 7950X under heavy load.
be quiet! Silent Loop 2 280mm
Subtle AIO
If you’d rather keep your case modest, the Silent Loop 2 does away with RGB lighting and focuses on quiet operation instead. be quiet! offers variants from 120mm up to 360mm, with our 280mm pick seated comfortably in the middle with a balance of whispered AM5 socket performance and cost.
Noctua NH-D15
Best air cooler
It would take outrageous thermal output to put the Noctua coolers to shame, and even the 7950X can operate comfortably under stress with the NH-D15. The heatsink is 150mm wide, and 2x 140mm fans are attachable on both sides, so make sure you have enough clearance for this monster.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB
Air-cooled alternative
One of my longest-standing recommendations for CPU air cooling, the Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB variant looks sleek and performs admirably. Featuring adjustable lighting via a motherboard header or the dedicated controller, it’s another chunky option that demands clearance.
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Hushed cooling
The king of silence from be quiet! is a chunky air cooler, but our Dark Rock Pro 4 review demonstrated almost silent double PWM fans offering subtle thermal control. It’s ready for the AM5 socket and is perfectly suited to a modest build with a larger PC case designed for efficient airflow.
Why you can trust Windows Central
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Breaking down the thermal performances in our combined AMD Ryzen 9 7900X and 7950X review showed that you get exactly the performance you pay for with this beefy processor, but the temperatures can be concerning. There’s plenty of room for overclocking, and anyone building a PC gaming rig around this CPU will likely push it for every bit of effort possible. I’ve chosen the NZXT Kraken X63 as the best overall choice for the 7950X in its 280mm variant as the ideal middle ground, but the Kraken X73 RGB offers a 360mm radiator and extra lighting if you have the case space and budget.
All-in-one coolers aren’t your only option for the Ryzen chip, and Noctua still offers fantastic performance with its NH-D15, though it needs plenty of clearance over other components on your motherboard and in the case. If you prefer to stick to conventional cooling methods, it’s a long-serving champion available in the classic brown or a simplistic black variant. Still, if you’re looking for subtlety, the Dark Rock Pro 4 from be quiet! offers near-silent running until it’s time to put the 7950X through its paces with intense gaming, and it’ll keep up.
Get the best of Windows Central in your inbox, every day!
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Ben is the channel editor for all things tech-related at Windows Central. That includes PCs, the components inside, and any accessory you can connect to a Windows desktop or Xbox console. Not restricted to one platform, he also has a keen interest in Valve’s Steam Deck handheld and the Linux-based operating system inside. Fueling this career with coffee since 2021, you can usually find him behind one screen or another. Find him on Mastodon @[email protected] to ask questions or share opinions.
Windows Central Newsletter
Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Windows Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site .
©
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,
New York,
NY 10036.
Best CPU cooler for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Ryzen 5 processors feature the same TDP as Ryzen 7, here are the best coolers for the job
Updated: Feb 8, 2023 2:10 pm
Share this article…
ASUS ROG Ryujin II 240
EK 240mm AIO D-RGB All-in-One Liquid CPU Cooler
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler
Ryzen 7000 series deals: Grab one of the best Ryzen 7000 deals of 2022
Best cooler for 7600X: First look
ASUS ROG Ryujin II 240
EK 240mm AIO D-RGB All-in-One Liquid CPU Cooler
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler
Can you use an air cooler for Ryzen 5 7600X?
Why do we need a CPU cooler?
The best cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 240
ASUS ROG Ryujin II 240
EK 240mm AIO
EK 240mm AIO D-RGB All-in-One Liquid CPU Cooler
be quiet! Dark Rock 4
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler
Why is it bad when a CPU overheats?
Final word
01
Editor’s Choice
02
Runner Up
03
Air Pick
AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600X looks to be one of the best CPUs for the price, offering excellent speeds for gaming at a fraction of the cost of the other SKUs.
Just like the Ryzen 7, this won’t require the best CPU cooler on the market, however reliability and quality are still very important.
With a default TDP of 105W, the 7600X will not require a cooler that supports more than 150W TDP, however, we are still going to recommend the best. This is because the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs are prone to getting incredibly hot, so we aim to recommend the best coolers we can as a preventative measure. It’s in the best interests of your CPU to keep it as cool as possible for as long as possible.
The new Ryzen 7000 launch brings us four new SKUs, all now coming with higher TDPs when boosted, so the best CPU cooler for the job is an absolute must.
Ryzen 7000 series deals: Grab one of the best Ryzen 7000 deals of 2022
- Ryzen 9 7950X – was $799, now $573
- Ryzen 9 7900X – was $549, now $473
- Ryzen 7 7700X – was $449, now $348
- Ryzen 5 7600X – was $299, now $248
READ NOW: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X vs Ryzen 5 5600X
Best cooler for 7600X: First look
01
Editor’s Choice
02
Runner Up
03
Air Pick
Can you use an air cooler for Ryzen 5 7600X?
Yes, air coolers for Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 SKUs of the new CPU range are fine, however, they need to be rated for at least 150 TDP.
For those looking to save money, there is no need to go for a liquid cooling solution with this processor but if you feel it completes the aesthetics of your build, then no harm is done.
Why do we need a CPU cooler?
CPU coolers play a crucial part in every PC build, whether that’s an air cooler, AIO cooler, or full loop.
Every CPU requires electricity to function but in terms of PC components, we think of this in TDP. TDP stands for thermal dynamic power and it’s the maximum amount of thermal energy a component can emanate under normal operating conditions.
The best cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Here are our top selections for the most affordable SKU in the Ryzen 7000 lineup.
ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 240
ASUS ROG Ryujin II 240
Type
Liquid
Max RPM
2000
Max Noise
29.7 dB
Dimensions
78.15 x 87.5 x 81 mm (Water block)
Pros
- LCD Screen
- High Performance
- Aesthetically, one of the best looking AIOs on the market
Cons
- Expensive
- More affordable options that perform similarly
We list the ASUS ROG Ryujin II as one of the best coolers on the market and while it is overkill for the Ryzen 5, the 240mm model is ideal.
This cooler comes in both 240 and 360mm, giving different options for various form factor cases. For the purposes of this article, the 240mm may be the better option, saving you some money.
The main feature of the Ryujin II is the LCD panel covering the pump, allowing you to display any image, GIF, or even AIDA64s information.
The Ryuijin ii comes with 380mm sleeved rubber tubing, adding to the overall durability.
This has all the efficiency, cooling capacity, and quality your Ryzen 5 7600X could ever need, with the pump design a nice-to-have extra.
EK 240mm AIO
EK 240mm AIO D-RGB All-in-One Liquid CPU Cooler
Pros
- Efficient cooling
- Incredible design
- High-end build quality
Cons
- 240mm not suitable for Ryzen 9
The EK 240mm model is another possible liquid option for the Ryzen 5 7600X CPU.
The cooling from this is as good as the 240mm model above, however, cannot compete with 360mm models.
This features 2x 120mm fans, a large radiator, and a powerful pump, giving your new CPU all the cool water it needs to run effectively.
This cooler features one of the nicest pump designs on the market and is from a brand that knows all about water cooling.
be quiet! Dark Rock 4
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler
Air or liquid?
Air
Max RPM
1400 RPM
Max Noise
21.4 dB
Dimensions
H(159) x W(136) x D(96) mm
Pros
- One of the best air coolers for the price
- Quiet
- Affordable
Cons
- Lacks the same cooling potential of the AIOs
The Dark Rock Pro is arguably one of the best air coolers on the market.
The design is a bit hit-and-miss for some, however, the cooling performance is superb.
The size means this will only be suitable for mid-towers and up, with extra clearance needed for the two large heatsinks and accompanying 140mm fans.
Overall, this is one of the best air coolers and will handle the Ryzen 7 without issue.
Why is it bad when a CPU overheats?
An overheating CPU can result in harm to the processor, potentially resulting in system crashes or the loss of data. The heat produced by the CPU can cause the metal contacts to broaden, which can negatively impact electrical connections and result in the processor’s failure.
The processor may throttle or decrease its speed to prevent damage due to excessive heat, leading to decreased performance and stability. Prolonged overheating can cause permanent damage to the processor, making it unusable. To prevent this, it’s crucial to maintain proper cooling, either through the air or liquid cooling solutions.
Final word
There are a lot of options when it comes to the best cooler for the Ryzen 5 7600X CPU but you just need to make sure you aim for a cooler that handles over 150 TDP.
All of our selections are the best on the market, however, it is viable to go for more affordable options if required.
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Best 13th Gen Intel CPU Cooler
Keep your 12th Gen processors under control with these best coolers
The 13th Gen Intel Raptor Lake processors are out and are one of the most powerful processors on the market right now. consumer desktop platform. A lot of heat is generated with high power, so you will need aftermarket cooling solutions to keep these temperatures under control. Here is the best CPU cooler for Intel 13th Gen.
Intel has extended the power budget of its top-tier processors in this lineup despite the generation-to-generation jump in performance per watt. As a result, new 13th generation CPUs must be paired with decent aftermarket CPU coolers to maximize their potential.
Contents
- Things to Consider When Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel 13th Gen
- Compatibility
- Performance and Noise
- Air cooled or liquid cooled
- Best 13th Gen Intel CPU cooler
- EK AiO Elite 360mm D-RGB
- be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black
- FAQ
What to Consider When Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel 13th Generation
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a secondary cooler. These tips will help you make the right decision, no matter your budget or platform.
Compatibility
Checking CPU cooler compatibility is critical when buying a cooler for any CPU. You should not only check the compatibility of the cooler with the processor itself, but also check the compatibility with the PC case you are using.
For the 13th generation Intel platform, you will need a processor cooler that is compatible with the LGA 1700 processor socket. contents of delivery.
The second part is more important. If you’re buying an AiO liquid cooler, you’ll need to make sure your case actually supports the cooler’s heatsink. Many cases these days support 240mm, 280mm, or even 360mm radiators, but this is something you should definitely check beforehand.
If you are buying an air cooler, it is important to check the clearance of the cooler case in terms of its height. Buying a cooler that is too high for your PC case will cause you problems and you won’t be able to close the side panel of the case.
Performance and noise
Of course, the CPU cooler in question should work well. Aftermarket coolers in general offer a significant improvement over the stock coolers that come with the kit, but to varying degrees. If you’re using an unlocked top-tier processor like the Core i9 13900K, you’ll need a more powerful CPU cooler.
It’s hard to judge the cooling performance of a CPU cooler without testing it. Some manufacturers publish approximate TDP numbers, but they do not give the full picture. Before making a final purchase decision, it is important to read the reviews of users and experts about the cooler on the Internet.
In addition, you must also consider the acoustics of the cooler in addition to its cooling capacity. There is no point in buying an aftermarket cooler that will sound like a jet engine all the time. As a rule, the acoustic characteristics are directly related to the thermal characteristics of the cooler.
Air cooled or liquid cooled
This is an old discussion, but a very important one. Both forms of refrigeration have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s hard to pick one clear winner in this debate.
Air-cooled usually offers the best value for money if you look at all the different options at different price points. You can get a really affordable air cooler that does the job perfectly, or you can get a really fancy cooler that can compete with some of the best liquid coolers. In addition, air coolers are maintenance-free, which is an advantage.
AiO liquid coolers tend to be more expensive than air coolers, but they also have a higher thermal performance ceiling. They also look better and offer more customization options. However, you may need to service some fluid coolers in the future.
Best 13th Gen Intel CPU Cooler
Here we take a closer look at our CPU cooler options and explain why these coolers are a cut above the rest.
EK AiO Elite 360mm D-RGB
- Radiator Type — Aluminum
- Fan Edition — EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB
- Max. RPM — 3300 RPM ± 10%
- Socket Support — LGA: 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, 1200. AMD: AM4, AM5
EK is one of the most respected and coveted manufacturers of liquid cooling components, and their EK AiO Elite 360mm D-RGB is worth considering if you’re looking for the best of the best.
Despite the ridiculous designation, the EK AiO Elite 360mm cooler delivers incredible performance both thermally and acoustically.
The cooler comes in several sizes, but we recommend the 360mm version for our premium selection.
This cooler is a perfect match for Intel Core i7 and Core i9 processorsfrom the 13th generation Raptor Lake line, especially for the i9 13900K. EK claims that the AiO Elite 360mm cooler can handle 220-240W of heat output.
In addition to impressive thermal performance, EK Vardar S fans are among the best in their class when it comes to quiet operation. Not only that, the fans are also illuminated with smooth D-RGB lighting, which adds to the aesthetics of the cooler.
The EK AiO Elite 360mm D-RGB cooler is hard to beat when it comes to aftermarket solutions. However, the high price of this cooler leaves much to be desired.
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
- Socket — Intel Multiprocessor: LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1366/2011(-3) square ILM/2066. AMD: AM2(+)/AM3(+)/AM4/FM1/FM2(+)
- Fan Compatibility — 120mm
- Dimensions Without Mount (L x W x H) — 5.7 x 5.35 x 6 .40″
- Fans — 2
If you’re looking for a smarter midrange option, we recommend be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 Tower Cooler This is one of the best air coolers out there and it can work with just about any 13th gen CPU you can put on it.
Dark Rock Pro 4 claims a TDP rating of 125W, but that doesn’t mean much in the real world. This cooler is ideal for Core i5 and Core i7 processors from the 13th Gen Raptor Lake lineup.
However, when overclocking the Core i9, you may encounter some thermal limitations.
Also, be Quiet! the brand is known for its quietness-focused products, and the same trend can be seen with this cooler.
The Silent Wings fans in this cooler are very quiet, even when running at high speeds. Plus, the all-black aesthetic is really eye-catching and goes well with any PC build. 9The 0077
Cooler Master Hyper 212 has been a fan favorite for years, and for good reason. This is one of the best budget CPU coolers currently available due to its decent performance and low price.
We recommend the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition simply because it looks a bit better than the other editions, but you can also choose your preferred option.
The thermal performance of all Hyper 212 variants is very solid anyway.
This cooler can be used with any 13th generation Intel processor as long as you are not overclocking the processor. Ideally, it should be paired with Core i5 processors from the Raptor Lake line, since this combination is most cost effective. The
Hyper 212 is definitely worth considering if you need a reliable CPU cooler for your 13th gen CPU without spending a lot of money.
FAQ
Which cooler is best for 13900K?
The best CPU cooler for the i9-13900K would be an AIO CPU at least 240mm in size, the 13900K is one of the hottest CPUs we’ve ever tested and modern air coolers just can’t handle it.
Which cooler is best for 13700K?
The best CPU cooler for the 13700K would be an AIO around 240mm or a dedicated hinge. The 13700K is not as powerful as the 13900K, or has the same number of cores, which means it generates less heat.
What is the best cooler for 13600K?
You can get by with a powerful air cooler or a smaller AIO as long as the cooler is rated at around 250W TDP, it’s fine.
Liquid Coolers — First Choice for AMD Ryzen 5000 Processors!
Not so long ago, AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors entered the market. Compared to the previous generation of chips, the new AMD Zen 3 microarchitecture boasts a 19% increase in the number of instructions executed per clock, so the overall performance in games and professional applications has increased significantly.
To realize the full potential of the Ryzen 5000 processors, AMD officially recommends installing maintenance-free water cooling systems (CBOs) or powerful air coolers on them. Cooling is becoming an increasingly important factor in determining the performance of computers, so MSI has been developing its own CBO models.
Why is heat dissipation so closely related to computer performance? It’s all about the Precision Boost Overdrive feature implemented in AMD processors. In short, this is AMD’s exclusive auto-overclocking technology. Thanks to it, the processor frequency changes within safe limits depending on its load and temperature. If a «heavy» game is running, using all available computing resources, this function will gradually raise the processor frequency until the maximum safe temperature is reached. If a good cooler is installed, it will take longer to reach the maximum temperature, which means the processor will be able to work longer at maximum frequency. Temperature limit for current AMD Ryzen 3000-series and 5000-series processors set to 90 or 95°C.
Thus, performance is directly dependent on cooling, which is why high-performance CBOs are becoming more and more popular. Gradually, they entered the list of standard computer components.
The cooler used in the CBO is directed through the copper base of the water block that collects heat from the processor, and then through the heatsink on which the fan is mounted. After that, the cooler returns to the water block and the cycle repeats. Everything happens inside the CBO, so its operation does not affect the temperature of other components, and the heat it collects can be directly thrown out of the computer case. This is the main difference between air and water cooling systems. This is also a unique advantage that only CBOs can boast of.
To illustrate the difference in efficiency between air and water cooling systems, we tested the AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600X processor with AMD’s standard boxed cooler and MSI’s maintenance-free CBO (MAG CORELIQUID 240R model). The AIDA64 and CineBench R20 utilities were run as test tasks.
- Test system configuration
- Motherboard: MSI MEG X570 ACE
- Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600X
- Cooling:AMD/MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R box cooler
- Memory: Patriot 16GB (8GB x 2) Viper RGB DDR4 2666
We used the AIDA64 utility to conduct an hour-long stress test. Combined with the MAG CORELIQUID 240R water cooling system, the AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600X processor was able to reach 4450 MHz, while only 4288 MHz with the AMD box cooler. The difference is 162 MHz. At the same time, the maximum temperature of the chip using the CBO and the boxed cooler was 66°C and 82°C, respectively. Obviously, water cooling in this case is superior to air.
Cinebench R20 test results also confirm the excellent performance of water cooling systems. The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600X reached 4520MHz with the MAG CORELIQUID 240R and 4100MHz with the AMD box cooler. The difference was 420 MHz. Thus, a good CBO is really capable of providing improved processor cooling and allowing it to operate at a higher frequency. Of course, different processors will suit different CBOs. MSI experts’ recommendations on this matter are presented in the following table.
The performance of the new processors has improved in every way compared to their predecessors, so their heat dissipation requirements have also increased. Understanding the needs of users, MSI has developed two water cooling systems: MAG CORELIQUID 240R and MAG CORELIQUID 360. Both are compatible with the latest AMD Ryzen™ 5000 series processors. It can be adjusted depending on the power of the processor and the size of the computer case. The water block rotates 270°, so the dragon logo can be easily positioned in the correct position.