Best ryzen cpu cooler: Best CPU Coolers 2023: Air and Liquid Cooling Picks

Best CPU cooler for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in 2023

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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

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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