Gaming PCs require to perform smoothly during long gaming sessions. So you have to pick the top-notch components to push your system to the performance edges. With a high-end CPU, investing in the CPU cooler is the pivotal decision for any user before upgrading or building a new PC. Generally, a liquid cooler is not the only option to keep the CPU cool, but it is not conventional because the best CPU air cooler is another great option. The user can enhance the noise-free operations, overclocking, and lower temperatures with the best budget CPU cooler. If your processor can’t handle the amount of heat, then it may lose its swiftness and lifespan. The end-users should watch thermal plates or thermal interface material for immersive cooling. Air cooling lowers the temperature of the system by dissipating the heat. It allows easy installations, consistency, and sturdy actions. If we talk about the best AIO cooler, it is noise-free with potent and moderate qualities to enhance cooling performance.

The CPU coolers lower the burden of disruptions with the high-rated overclocking headrooms of processors. No doubt liquid cooling allows the best CPU water cooler with tons of features and efficient working, but air cooling also gives tough competition in the market. You can keep your tepid CPU frosty with an efficient fan and implied heatsink. If money is not your concern and customized cooling is your priority, go ahead and grab the best CPU cooler. The prosumer can owe the air, liquid, or AIO cooler for lowering the temperatures and controlling the airflow in different components. The large air coolers take more internal place in any PC case and vertical authorization away from the motherboard. Many users think that air cooling is noisy and slightly coherent, but that is not true all the time. If you do further research, you will know that many latest air coolers are fanless with more cooling options.

Our top picks

01

best cpu air cooler

Deepcool AS500 Plus

Deepcool AS500 Plus

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02

best quiet cpu air cooler

Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

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03

best big air cpu cooler

Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth

Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth

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Quick Shopping Tips:

Let us help you with some quick tips you should consider before buying the sturdy and efficient CPU cooler.

CPU Socket: The CPU socket offers a series of pins for connecting the processor to the motherboard. You can easily replace and set the processor without patching. The CPU slots are ubiquitous in gaming desktops and laptops. Don’t worry about the size, as sockets are available in different sizes for your mainstream CPU coolers. The manufacturers are designing the latest CPU cooler with high-tech features to fit the best socket. The prosumer often thinks whether they go with Intel processors or AMD processors. Well, you should go through the spec list to ensure the compatibility of the socket with your cooler.

Aesthetics: The enthusiast’s users and pro-gamers should monitor this ample featuring. The latest coolers are coming with improved and enormous changes to blow the minds of tech marketers. The coolers deliver robust and extraordinary performance with an immersive experience. You can have a low-profile AIO cooler or any utmost air cooler. We suggest you check out the cooling connections with processors for flawless maintenance,

TDP: The thermal design point helps you determine how much your system generates heat during working. The prosumer will find out the best compatibility of the CPU cooler for your system. You will face disruptions and failures if you go for a processor with lower TDP. The higher TDP allows more efficient and stunning performance even under load. You can increase TDP if you don’t want to invest in better cooling.

Heatpipes: A crucial thing to keep an eye on is the heat pipe of the cooler. The heat pipe is the modern way of heat dissipation generated during working. The heat pipes are made up of copper, which uses water for working. The two-phase systems provide cooling for the surroundings. They are commonly used in many latest desktops, laptops, tabs, and high-tech smartphones for the cooling process. An overclocker and a high-tech user should never avoid it before any investment.

The Best CPU Air Coolers: First look

Deepcool AS500 Plus

Deepcool AS500 Plus

best cpu air cooler

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Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

best quiet cpu air cooler

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Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth

Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth

best big air cpu cooler

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Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black

best performance cpu air cooler

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Cryorig C7

Cryorig C7

best mini-itx cpu air cooler

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Noctua NH-P1

Noctua NH-P1

best enthusiast cpu air cooler

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Be Quiet! Dark Rock TF 2

Be Quiet! Dark Rock TF 2

best Cooling cpu air cooler

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Deepcool Assassin III

Deepcool Assassin III

best big air cpu cooler alternative

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The Best CPU Air Coolers: In-depth Review

01

best cpu air cooler

Deepcool AS500 Plus

Brand

DEEP COOL

Dimensions

3.86 x 5.56 x 6.46 inches

Base Height

41.3mm

Weight

1198 g

Fans

5

Socket Support

LGA 1200/ 2066/ 2011/ 115X, AM4/ AM3+/ AM3/ Am2+/ AM2/ FM2+/ FM2/ FM1

Warranty

3

Deepcool AS500 Plus
Deepcool AS500 Plus

PROS

+SATA controllers

+A-RGB LED strips

+140mm PWM fans

CONS

-No HDT technology

-Not compatibility with AMD Thredripper

The Deepcool AS500 Plus is a single tower CPU cooler that boosts your system with robust features. The great cooler has five nickel-plated heat pipes between the milled baseplate and universal backplate for efficient performance. The air cooler is compatible with current Intel and AMD CPU sockets except for AMD Threadripper. The cooler offers spring clips for the prosumers wishing for some other fans. The thermal paste and RGB controller close out the accessories collection of the cooler. If you want easy installations with an elaborated user guide, then tension screws mounted on the plate bracket will do it for you. The Deepcool has an integrated 140mm PWM fan with efficient 70.8 CFM at sturdy 1200 RPM. The splendid trim fan blades allow directional airflow through the chassis and cooling tower while its rubber base fan minimizes the noise.

One main thing that makes it the best CPU air cooler is its top bezel with an RGB lightning module for vertical channels. The cooler has been positioned at the center over the CPU for a broad affinity with memory DIMMs. The cooler has the gleaming A-RGB LED strip for a low-profile glow that tones your setups. The cooler can handle the 220 TDP generated by the system under the workload. The 3-pin connectors for the cables of the best air cooler CPU actuate with the help of the SATA controller. The cooler styling allows maximum RAM height within a thin profile. The cooler weighs about 1198 g with 3.86 x 5.56 x 6.46 inches. The coolers' connectors will enable a connection between the cooler and voltage header of the motherboard. The immersive latest styling of the CPU cooler is undeniable for any prosumer.

02

best quiet cpu air cooler

Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

Brand

Be quiet!

Dimensions

4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches

Base Height

38.1mm

Weight

1.27 pounds

Fans

1

Socket Support

1150/ 1151/ 1155/ 1200/ 2011(-3)square ILM/ 2066, AM3(+)/ AM4

Warranty

3 Years

Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

PROS

+HDT technology

+Noise-free operations

+U-shaped copper heat pipes

CONS

-Only one fan

-No captivating TDP

The great cooler has immersive styling with a good quality build. Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 shows some hardware look with the mounting brackets and backplate, supporting AMD and Intel processors. The cooler has only one fan, but an extra pair or wire spring’s integration allows you to add a second fan for further cooling. The cooler features four efficient U-shape copper heat pipes connected with an aluminum base clock. Its base has milling of thermal excess fins on the side of the central channel for mounting brackets during the cooler installations. The under-review product is the best quiet CPU air cooler that allows consistent performance for the CPU, maintaining the connection with the device for heat dissipation. A cooler has thermal paste for effective contact patches without any pooling. The integrated cooling fin imparts a vast airflow with minimum restrictions for lowering the temperatures.

The cooler has a steel slide rule which covers the base making you unable to see the irregularities across sideways. The PWM 4-pin connector manages the 120mm Pure Wings 2 fan at 1500 RPM with a lengthy lifespan. The cooler provides easy installations for the end-users or enthusiasts with maximum processing. It has a central alignment of the torsion bar in a tangible way which allows correct orientation. The system can easily access the tension screws for efficient working. The CPU cooler allows extraordinary cooling efficiency with a TDP of 150W and HDT technology that makes it the best air cooler. The cooler has asymmetrical construction, which keeps away from blocking memory slots. The prosumer gets frustrated with noise during tasks; the cooler allows noise-free operations to reduce stress.

03

best big air cpu cooler

Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth

Brand

Cooler Master

Dimensions

5.7 x 6.03 x 7.28 inches

Base Height

31.8mm

Weight

1312 g

Fans

3

Socket Support

LGA2066/ LGA2011-V3/ LGA2011/ LGA1700/ LGA1200/ LGA1366/ LGA1156/ LGA1155/ LGA1151/ LGA1150/, AM4/ AM3+/ AM3/ AM2+/ AM2/ FM2+/ FM2/ FM1

Warranty

5 Years

Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth
Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth

PROS

+Push-pull setup

+Al-in-one mounting system

+SickleFlow durability of fans

CONS

-No RGB lights

-Slightly noisier than similar coolers

Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth has landed with immersive and gleaming premium aesthetics in the market. The black color aluminum of the top adds charm to the black hardware for a thorough finish. The cooler’s copper base has a nickel-plated covering for efficient contact with the CPU for excellent power dissipation. The stunning cooler covers a large surface area due to the embedment of the dual tower heatsinks for enhanced cooling. The integration of six heat pipes allows more heat dissipation in the cooler. The prosumer will be pleased to know that the cooler offers the best combination of thick fins and layers distance for maximum airflow. The powerful dual Sickleflow 140 fans of this best CPU air cooler allow pressure optimization with a Push-pull setup.

The CPU cooler provides inaudible operations with a noise level of 30dB for an epic performance. The cooler offers excellent graphics cards and RAM clearance compatibility with ATX and M-ATX objectives. The all-in-one mounting system of the best big air CPU cooler offers easy installations. The fan configuration of the cooler provides excellent reliability with a clear 40mm RAM height and a concave heatsink. The air cooler currently supports both Intel and AMD desktops for exceptional cooling. The mounting hardware of the cooler has plated brackets, tension screws, a universal backplate, and deadlocks for lowering the temperature. The prosumer can buy this great cooler with the manufacturer’s five-year warranty.

04

best performance cpu air cooler

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black

Brand

Noctua

Dimensions

6.33 x 5.9 x 6.49 inches

Base Height

165mm

Weight

2.86 pounds

Fans

6

Socket Support

LGA1200/ LGA1155/ LGA1150/ LGA1700/ LGA2011-0/ LGA2011-3, AM2/ AM2+/ AM3/ AM3+/ FM1/ FM2/ FM2+/ AM4

Warranty

6 Years

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black

PROS

+Dual tower design

+SecuFirm2 multi-socket

+64mm clearance for memory heatsink

CONS

-No SATA controllers

-Not immersive brown and beige

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black has landed in the tech- market with all-new premium qualities. The cooler has arrived in black from head to toe with a black coated heatsink that is the special pro for black lovers, fans' anti-vibration pads, fan clips, and many mounting components. They are easy to synchronize with other color schemes. The cooler has a dual-tower design with fine-tuned six heat pipes better than a single tower cooler. The cooler distributes the heat in the large surface area with higher-ranking airflow with dual fan mode. The cooler allows 64mm clearance for the memory heatsinks with a single fan mode. The lower fin of the best performance CPU air cooler makes it compatible with the worthier RAM modules in the market.

If you want the fan’s durability, go with standardized RAM—the premium fans of the cooler support PWM for automatic control on speed on the motherboard. You can reduce the rate for many operations with a low-noise adaptor from 1500 to 1200 RPM. The cooler integrates two 140mm fans and an aerodynamic design that measures the acceleration channels. The millions of prosumers have appreciated the coolers' quality and performance worldwide and endorsed by 200+ international sites and magazines. The large surface area of the best CPU air cooler provides powerful airflow to the motherboard’s components, its surroundings, and heatsinks for excellent cooling performance. The cooler has a TIM solution for allowing the least thermal resistance with outstanding reliability. The cooler is highly appreciable by overclockers and eager enthusiasts worldwide.

05

best mini-itx cpu air cooler

Cryorig C7

Brand

Cryorig

Dimensions

3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches

Base Height

47mm

Weight

295 g

Fans

4

Socket Support

LGA 1150/ LGA 1151/ LGA 1155/ LGA 1156, AM2/ AM2+/ AM3/ AM3+/ AM4/ FM1/ FM2/ FM2+/

Warranty

3 Years

PROS

+Small in size

+Zero interface model

+Extraordinary memory clearance

CONS

-Little bit noisy

-Not enough socket support

Cryorig C7 is specifically designed for all consoles and PC systems. The cooler manufacturers have targeted the mini-ITX or micro-ATX cases for compact performance. Many prosumers want to have a cooler which fits in a small space, and they use mid-tower coolers that are not much compatible with them. The high-tech CPU coolers are small in size with robust specifications with an additional warranty of three years after registration. The cooler’s heatsink is made up of copper metal with immersive simplicity. The smooth and straightforward mounting system of the best mini-ITX CPU air cooler supports many latest sockets. The great cooler can run the processor at a maximum TDP of 115W, which is still appreciable by prosumers.

The cooler supports both Intel and AMD processors with a 47mm size. The great cooler has a sturdy 92mm PWM fan that can spin up to 2500 RPM. It generates a 40.5 CFM of airflow and 2.8mm of air pressure with a noise level of 30dBA. The product is unique with some stunning specs and features as it has an RGB featuring and 4-pin connector fan, which is controlled by a power connector of 12V. The enormous CPU cooler has an efficient heatsink designed with 57 aluminum fins—the full copper heat pipes are nickel-plated for a stunning performance. The zero interference models of the CPU cooler weigh 295g with appreciable cooling.

06

best enthusiast cpu air cooler

Noctua NH-P1

Brand

Noctua

Dimensions

5.98 x 6.06 x 6.22 inches

Base Height

158mm

Weight

1180 g

Fans

No fans

Socket Support

GA1700/ LGA1200/ LGA115x (LGA1151/ LGA1155/ LGA1156)/ LGA20xx (LGA2066/ LGA2011-0/ LGA2011-3), AM4/ AM3+/ AM2+/ FM2+/ FM1

Warranty

6 Years

PROS

+VRM heatsink

+Passive cooling

+Easy installations

CONS

-No fans

-No SickFlow durability

The Noctua NH-P1 is a breathtaking CPU cooler challenging for the competitors. The cooler has an incredible design for non-resistant cooling extensively. It is not just a heatsink without any fan but can do fanless operations meticulously. The fanless cooler is compatible with cooling high-tech CPUs with heat dissipation, which varies from low to moderate. The cooler has potent cooling for a robust setup with no moveable components. The cooler is thick and encloses extensive fins to achieve mass and airflow with a minimum resistance in natural cooling. Are you an enthusiast or any gamer who wants to increase the performance headrooms? Here is the best enthusiast CPU air cooler; you can fit an extra 120mm fan in the cooler. The fanless cooler doesn’t mean that it is a waste of investment and time as it provides excellent cooling with the advantage of noise-free operations.

The cooler without a fan will allow less dust accumulation in filters and the system with the clearance of unfailing. The latest motherboards offer PCIe x16 slots near the sockets, and the large heatsink blocks their way. The asymmetrical layout of the cooler can fit it easily when installed in pendant orientation. It has a SecuFirm2 mounting system for high-tech quality, security, effortless installations, a powerful pro of this best air cooler. The cooler does not cause any disruption for RAM slots on Intel and AM4 based motherboards. The cooler has many heatsinks that fit fins to heat pipes for an enormous interface. The thermal expansion of the cooler is soldered, which does not collapse even after many years.

07

best Cooling cpu air cooler

Be Quiet! Dark Rock TF 2

Brand

Be quiet!

Dimensions

8.27 x 7.48 x 9.06 inches

Base Height

50.8mm

Weight

3.3 pounds

Fans

2

Socket Support

775/ 1150/ 1151/ 1155/ 1156/ 1366/ lga2011(-3) square ILM/ 2066, AM2(+)/ AM3 (+)/ AM4/ FM1/ FM (+)

Warranty

3 Years

Be Quiet! Dark Rock TF 2
Be Quiet! Dark Rock TF 2

PROS

+220W of TDP

+120mm fan for DIMMs

+63 top & 31 bottom fins count

CONS

-Thorny to remove

-No support for AMD Threadriper

Be Quiet! Dark Rock TF 2 is far better than its predecessors with a prominent spec list. The great cooler has landed in the market with all-new significant changes for the end-users. A cooler weighs 3.3 pounds with a TDP of 220W for extreme cooling and has stunning fin counts, up to 63 in the top portion while 31 fins at the bottom. The sturdy cooler has two parts with an aluminum coating for the fins and cover plates. The efficient heat pipes have covered with copper while the base is nickel-plated. The cooler has thin, silent wings with a maximum RMP of up to 1300, while the other fan offers 1400 RPM of speed. A dynamic fluid bearing spins the 6-pole motors for both lovers.

You can rate it up to 12V with robust 4-pin PWM connectors embedded at the end of cables; all these top-notch features make it the best cooling CPU air cooler. The CPU cooler has a diminishing C-style for lowering the illustration with Allen screws which brushes the aluminum plate on the cooler. The cooler has a pair of Y-splitter cables for smooth and straightforward connectivity. The cooler allows stunning airflow throughout the system. The users can use six heat pipes to directly distribute heat across the comprehensive profile under the mounted fan. The manufacturer has presented it as the best air cooler with three years of warranty with fantastic performance. The power splitters control the single-header fan and inject the thermal paste for reliability.

08

best big air cpu cooler alternative

Deepcool Assassin III

Brand

DEEP COOL

Dimensions

6.34 x 5.51 x 6.5 inches

Base Height

38.1mm

Weight

3.23 pounds

Fans

2

Socket Support, Intel

LGA2066/ 2011-v3/ 2011/ 1151/ 1150/ 1155/ 1366, AMD: AM4/ AM3+/ AM3/ AM2+/ AM2/ FM2+/ FM1

Warranty

5 Years

Deepcool Assassin III
Deepcool Assassin III

PROS

+Top-notch aesthetics

+Dual GameStorm Fans

+2.52W power consumption

CONS

-No small brackets

-No ARGB support

Deepcool Assassin III has a complete focus on high-tech desktops and sturdy processors with top-notch aesthetics. The cooler provides undeniable superb performance with Intel and AMD boards. The prosumer wants to use the high-rated CPUs and graphics cards, which dissipate more heat. The cooler has powerful silicon for managing heat dissipation. The cooler has a solid build with a screwdriver for disruptions during working. The outstanding aesthetics of the cooler have a mirror-finish top fin with immersive styling. The CPU cooler offers seven heat pipes for enhancing the cooling effects. The single pipe of the best big air CPU cooler alternative is nickel-plated and can run smoothly with dual towers. The fin stack of the cooler allows the solidity of fins to ensure excellent heat dissipation.

Partial ventilation at the side of the cooler provides higher airflow without any negation effects. The top of the base has a fixed torsion plate for cooling, which is attachable to tension screws during installations. Here are some other qualities of the best air cooler CPU; it provides dual GamerStorm TF-140S fans for complete airflow at a speed of 1400 RPM. A fin stack has a pair of glossy black spoilers at the top of the cooler and provides immense contrast with nickel plating. The prosumer can easily install the fans into the cooling tower with the help of wire spring clips. The cooler has straggling fan blades with a satin finish, while the mounting holes have rubber isolated grommets. The two 4-pin connectors' integration enhances the surface area for exceptional cooling.

Final Words

We all know that CPU coolers are highly demanded to resolve system temperature issues. Suppose you are a beginner and don’t know where to go or build the best efficient system. Stop bothering yourself, and we are here to help you pick the products for the best air cooler CPU with this bit of guidance. First, being an enthusiast, make a list of what specs you want in your specific cooler? Then, look at our mentioned spec list to find the best compatible cooler. The coolers vary from pocket-friendly to expensive, following your need and requirement.

Gamers love to pick the best air cooler that offers stunning airflow with tremendous pressure to remove heat from the system immediately. The enormous coolers have a gleaming design, attractive and sturdy motors, efficient fans, and immense voltage usage. Many prosumers want noise-free coolers as they can’t bear the noise disruption during working; the coolers can perform inaudible actions in time. The heat pipes coThe coolers are available in different sizes according to your system’s compatibility and space over copper and provide ample surface area for fast heat dissipation. A cooler has a nickel-plated base and brackets. It keeps your system safe from dust as the airflow through it with pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best-performing CPU air cooler?

Noctua NH-P1 is the best-performing CPU air cooler in the competitive tech market. The enthusiasts will be glad to know that the cooler has stunning fins embedment, which works perfectly with your system. The peace lover will appreciate its noise-free cooling process. The cooler has sleek styling with no fans but keeps your system’s temperature low. The cooler offers a warranty period for the buyer, so what are you thinking of checking the spec list and matching your compatibility.

Are CPU air coolers effective?

How you operate the air cooler brings efficient airflow quality to your room to reduce temperatures. The users who have asthma or any dust allergy will not be bothered by the air cooler. Deepcool AS500 Plus is a good choice for investment as it allows SATA controllers, PWM fans, heat pipes, and many other features for exceptional cooling. The cooler will add beauty by allowing A-RGB strips.

Is a CPU water cooler better than air?

No doubt, no cooling method is better than water coolers, but air coolers are entirely good at relocating heat from the processor. Deepcool Assassin III is a stunning air cooler with practical and immersive aesthetics. The cooler has two efficient 4-pin connectors for enhancing cooling performance. The prosumer often asks for the sturdy action, so the cooler allows the 1400 RPM speed of the fan. The cooler allows easy installations for the end-users.

Is AIO better than air?

Yes! It is an obvious thing that an AIO is better than air cooling. We know liquid cools down the system faster than airflow, but what happens if liquid leaks in the cooler, disrupting all of your setups? Go with great Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth to avoid efficient air cooling problems. Air coolers are also improving day by day to give a tough competition. The cooler allows vast surface area for more heat dissipation with complete airflow to lower the temperatures.