Coolers

The cooler protects the processor from overheating and determines how quietly the computer will operate. Here you will find air coolers with one or two towers, AIO water cooling systems with radiators from 120 to 420 mm, and passive models for quiet systems.

How to choose

• Processor heat. Energy-efficient processors can manage with a small air cooler. Powerful models with many cores require a cooler with two towers or water cooling with a 280–360 mm radiator.
• Air or water. Air cooling is simple, reliable, and pump-free. AIO water cooling directs heat directly to the radiator, freeing up space around the memory and looking cleaner.
• Noise. Larger fans and radiators cool the same at lower RPMs, making them quieter. Check the noise level in decibels.
• Socket. The cooler must support the processor's socket – AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, and others. The mounting kit is usually included in the box.
• Aesthetics. There are models with RGB and addressable ARGB lighting, pump displays, and white versions for light builds. The lighting is controlled by the motherboard or an included controller.
• Airflow direction. The towers of air coolers blow towards the rear fan of the case, while the radiator of the water cooling usually sits on top or in front. A well-organized airflow in the case lowers the temperatures of all components.

What to watch out for

• The height of the air cooler must be less than the maximum specified for the case.
• Large towers may block the first memory slot with high modules with a heatsink.
• For water cooling, check where the radiator is mounted in the case and what size it is.
• Don't forget thermal paste if the cooler doesn't come with it pre-applied.
• The pump of the water cooling must be connected to a connector that runs at full speed or is set for the pump.

Compatibility

First, check the socket of the processor, then the dimensions of the case – height for air coolers and mounting locations for radiators in water cooling. The connectors for fans and pumps connect to the motherboard, and ARGB lighting requires a 5V ARGB connector. Spare thermal paste is useful for any cooler removal.