Are you looking for the best CPU cooler for your PC? Whether you want to overclock your CPU, reduce its noise, or extend its lifespan, you need a good CPU cooler to keep it cool and quiet. A CPU cooler is a device that transfers heat from the processor to the surrounding air or liquid. There are two main types of CPU coolers: air coolers and liquid coolers. In this article, we will compare some of the best CPU coolers for 2023, based on the latest trends, updates, and news. We will also help you choose the best CPU cooler for your budget, performance needs, and case size.

Air Coolers vs Liquid Coolers

Air coolers use a heatsink and a fan to dissipate heat, while liquid coolers use a pump, a radiator, and a fan to circulate coolant. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and requirements. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between air coolers and liquid coolers:

• Performance: Liquid coolers generally offer better cooling performance than air coolers, especially for high-end CPUs and overclocking. Liquid coolers can also keep the CPU temperature more stable and consistent, as they take longer to heat up and cool down than air coolers. However, air coolers can still provide adequate cooling for most mainstream CPUs and workloads, as long as they have enough heat pipes, fins, and fan speed.
• Noise: Liquid coolers are usually quieter than air coolers, as they have fewer moving parts and lower fan speeds. Liquid coolers also have less vibration and turbulence, as they do not have a large heatsink attached to the motherboard. However, liquid coolers can still produce some noise from the pump and the radiator fan, especially at high loads and speeds. Air coolers can also be quiet, as long as they have high-quality fans, low-noise adapters, and PWM support.
• Size: Liquid coolers are more compact and flexible than air coolers, as they do not have a bulky heatsink that may interfere with the RAM, VRM, or case. Liquid coolers can also fit in slim cases that do not have enough space for a large air cooler or a fan near the CPU. However, liquid coolers require more space for the radiator, which may limit the case options and the airflow. Air coolers can also fit in most cases, as long as they have enough clearance for the height, width, and length of the heatsink and the fan.
• Price: Air coolers are generally cheaper, easier to install, and more reliable than liquid coolers, as they have fewer components and less maintenance. Air coolers also have a longer lifespan, as they do not have any risk of leaks, corrosion, or pump failure. However, air coolers can still be expensive, depending on the quality, design, and features of the cooler. Liquid coolers can also be affordable, as long as they have a simple and efficient design and a good warranty.

Best Air Cooler: Noctua NH-D15

The Noctua NH-D15 is one of the most popular and powerful air coolers on the market. It features a dual-tower design with six heat pipes and two 140mm fans. It can handle up to 220W of heat dissipation, making it suitable for overclocking and high-end CPUs. The NH-D15 is also very quiet, thanks to its low-noise adapters and PWM support. The cooler comes with Noctua’s premium thermal paste and mounting system, which are compatible with most Intel and AMD sockets. The NH-D15 is available in black or chromax. black versions, with optional colored covers and anti-vibration pads. The NH-D15 costs around $90, which is reasonable for its performance and quality.

Best Liquid Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 is one of the best liquid coolers for 2023, thanks to its innovative design and features. It has a 280mm radiator with two 140mm PWM fans, a pump with a built-in fan and a VRM cooler, and braided tubing with integrated cable management. The cooler has a self-contained and maintenance-free system, which means you don’t need to refill or replace the coolant. The Liquid Freezer II 280 can cool up to 300W of heat, making it ideal for overclocking and high-end CPUs. The cooler is also very quiet, thanks to its smooth and efficient operation. The cooler supports most Intel and AMD sockets and comes with Arctic’s MX-4 thermal paste. The Liquid Freezer II 280 costs around $100, which is a great value for its performance and features.

Best Budget Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo is a great budget option for CPU cooling. It has a single-tower design with four heat pipes and a 120mm fan. It can cool up to 150W of heat, making it suitable for most mainstream CPUs. The Hyper 212 Halo is also fairly quiet, thanks to its PWM support and anti-vibration rubber pads. The cooler comes with Cooler Master’s MasterGel Pro thermal paste and mounting system, which are compatible with most Intel and AMD sockets. The Hyper 212 Halo has a sleek black finish and a halo of RGB lighting, which can be controlled by the motherboard or a wired controller. The Hyper 212 Halo costs around $35, which is a bargain for its performance and aesthetics.

Best Low-Profile Cooler: Scythe Big Shuriken 3 Rev. B

The Scythe Big Shuriken 3 Rev. B is the best low-profile cooler for AMD CPUs, as it offers excellent cooling performance and compatibility in a compact and slim design. It has a heatsink with five heat pipes and a 120mm fan, which can be replaced with a 25mm thick fan for more clearance. It can cool up to 180W of heat, making it suitable for most AMD CPUs, including the Ryzen 9 5950X. The Big Shuriken 3 Rev. B is also very quiet, thanks to its fluid dynamic bearing and PWM support. The cooler comes with Scythe’s thermal paste and mounting system, which are compatible with most AMD and Intel sockets. The Big Shuriken 3 Rev. B costs around $50, which is a reasonable price for its performance and quality.

Best Compact AIO Cooler: Enermax Liqmax III 120

The Enermax Liqmax III 120 is the best compact AIO cooler for 2023, as it offers great cooling performance and features in a small and simple design. It has a 120mm radiator with a 120mm PWM fan, a pump with a ceramic bearing and a white LED, and flexible tubing with a leak-proof design. The cooler has a self-contained and maintenance-free system, which means you don’t need to refill or replace the coolant. The Liqmax III 120 can cool up to 200W of heat, making it suitable for most mainstream CPUs and overclocking. The cooler is also fairly quiet, thanks to its low-noise operation and anti-vibration rubber pads. The cooler supports most Intel and AMD sockets and comes with Enermax’s Dow Corning thermal paste. The Liqmax III 120 costs around $60, which is a good value for its performance and features.

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Conclusion

Choosing the best CPU cooler for your PC depends on your budget, performance needs, and case size. Air coolers are generally cheaper, easier to install, and more reliable than liquid coolers, but they may not offer the same cooling performance or aesthetics. Liquid coolers are generally more expensive, harder to install, and more prone to leaks than air coolers, but they may offer better cooling performance and aesthetics. In this article, we reviewed some of the best CPU coolers for 2023, based on the latest trends, updates, and news. We hope this article helps you find the best CPU cooler for your PC. Happy cooling!

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