If you want to keep your CPU cool and quiet, you need a good CPU cooler. There are many options available, from air coolers to liquid coolers, but which ones are the best? Here are our top 5 picks for the best CPU coolers in 2023, based on performance, features, noise and price.
1. Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
The Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT is the best liquid cooler we’ve tested, offering excellent cooling performance for any CPU. It features a massive 420mm radiator with three 140mm fans, a pump with a customizable LCD screen, and 33 RGB LEDs for stunning lighting effects. It also supports the latest Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets, as well as older ones. The only downside is that it’s huge, so you’ll need a spacious case to fit it. But if you have the room and the budget, this is the ultimate AIO cooler for your PC.
- Price: $199.99
- Socket support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, and AMD Socket AM5 and AM4
- Fan speeds: 500–1,700 RPM
- Noise level: Up to 35.8 dBa
2. Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black is the best air cooler we’ve tested, delivering outstanding cooling performance with minimal noise. It features a dual-tower design with two 140mm fans, six heatpipes, and a black coating that looks sleek and stealthy. It can handle any CPU, even overclocked ones, without breaking a sweat. It also comes with Noctua’s excellent mounting system and accessories, as well as a six-year warranty. The only drawback is that it’s very bulky and may interfere with some RAM modules or cases. But if you want the best of the best in air cooling, this is it.
- Price: $99.95
- Socket support: Intel LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151 and AMD AM2(+), AM3(+), FM1, FM2(+), AM4
- Fan speeds: 300–1500 RPM
- Noise level: Up to 24.6 dBa
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3. Deepcool AS500 Plus
The Deepcool AS500 Plus is a great value air cooler that offers impressive cooling performance with low noise levels. It features a single-tower design with five heatpipes and a 140mm fan, as well as an RGB strip on the top for some extra flair. It can handle most CPUs with ease, even some overclocked ones, and it has enough clearance for most RAM modules and cases. It also comes with an extra fan clip if you want to add another fan for more airflow. The only downside is that it doesn’t support the latest Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 sockets yet. But if you have an older CPU or plan to upgrade later, this is a solid choice.
- Price: $59.99
- Socket support: Intel LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1200/1151/1150/1155/1366 and AMD AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1
- Fan speeds: 500–1200 RPM
- Noise level: Up to 26 dBa
4. NZXT Kraken X63
The NZXT Kraken X63 is a sleek and powerful liquid cooler that offers great cooling performance and aesthetics. It features a 280mm radiator with two 140mm fans, a pump with a customizable RGB ring and logo, and a CAM software that lets you control and monitor everything. It also supports the latest Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets, as well as older ones. The only downside is that it’s quite expensive and may not fit in some cases. But if you want a liquid cooler that looks good and performs well, this is a good option.
- Price: $149.99
- Socket support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1
- Fan speeds: 500–1800 RPM
- Noise level: Up to 36 dBa
5. Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition is a budget-friendly air cooler that offers decent cooling performance and style. It features a single-tower design with four heatpipes and a 120mm fan, as well as an RGB strip on the top for some extra flair. It can handle most CPUs with moderate loads, but may struggle with overclocked ones or high ambient temperatures. It also has enough clearance for most RAM modules and cases. It also comes with an RGB controller if you don’t have an RGB header on your motherboard. The only downside is that it doesn’t support the latest Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 sockets yet. But if you want an affordable and reliable air cooler with some RGB goodness, this is a good option.
- Price: $39.99
- Socket support: Intel LGA2066 / LGA2011-v3 / LGA2011 / LGA1200 / LGA1151 / LGA1150 / LGA1155 / LGA1156 / LGA1366 and AMD AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ /AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1
- Fan speeds: 650–2000 RPM
- Noise level: Up to 26 dBa
Conclusion
These are our top 5 picks for the best CPU coolers in 2023, based on performance, features, noise and price. Whether you want an air cooler or a liquid cooler, there is something for everyone on this list. Of course, there are many other CPU coolers available, so you should always do your own research and check the compatibility and dimensions of your CPU, motherboard, case and RAM before buying. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy recommendation, you can’t go wrong with any of these coolers. Happy cooling!
