Top rated CPU coolers
Here’s a ranking of the top rated CPU coolers. To give you a quick overview, we’ve added the most important information about each product. This page always stays fresh and updates automatically.
1. Noctua NH-D15 Chromax
The NH-D15 chromax.black is a completely black version of Noctua's award-winning flagship model, the NH-D15. The recipe for success of this premium cooler remains unchanged thanks to the same dual-tower design and the proven NF-A15 PWM fans: the CPU cooler offers excellent quiet operation combined with cooling performance that can compete with complete water cooling systems. The chromax.black version, with its black fans and black-coated heatsink, additionally combines these advantages with a sleek stealth design. The overall high-quality package is completed by the renowned multi-socket mounting system SecuFirm2 and Noctua's popular NT-H1 thermal paste. Whether for overclockers or silent enthusiasts: the NH-D15 chromax.black is a true premium solution that looks just as good as it cools.
2. Noctua Nh-D15
The Noctua flagship model NH-D15 is a dual-tower cooler of elite class, based on the legendary NH-D14, and continues its pursuit of ultimate cooling performance with the highest level of quiet operation. With its wider heat pipe layout and two NF-A15 140 mm premium fans featuring PWM support for fully automatic speed control, the NH-D15 can further enhance the award-winning efficiency of the NH-D14. The overall high-quality package of the NH-D15 is completed by the proven SecuFirm2 professional mounting system and Noctua's renowned NT-H1 thermal paste. Whether for overclockers or silent enthusiasts, the NH-D15 is a premium solution for the highest demands.
Based on the award-winning NH-D14, which has received over 350 recommendations and awards from leading international hardware websites and magazines, the NH-D14 is one of the most successful premium coolers of all time. The NH-D15 achieves improved silent cooling performance compared to the NH-D14, thanks to the wider arrangement of the heat pipes and the two NF-A15 fans.
The dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes offers more cooling surface, better heat distribution, and superior airflow efficiency in dual-fan operation compared to conventional single-tower coolers. The width of the cooling fins has been increased from 140 mm to 150 mm, and the distance between the heat pipes has been widened. The improved heat distribution over a larger surface area achieved through these measures significantly contributes to the superior efficiency of the NH-D15.
Thanks to the recessed lower cooling fins, the NH-D15 provides 62 mm of clearance for tall memory modules in single-fan operation—most current high-end modules can be used without any issues.
3. be quiet! Pure Rock Slim 2
Be quiet! Pure Rock Slim 2 is particularly suitable for quiet and compact multimedia systems. Thanks to its compact dimensions, Pure Rock Slim 2 is the perfect choice for PC cases with limited space. The asymmetrical design allows for complete configuration of RAM slots. For this reason, the cooler is compatible with a wide range of components and offers many configuration options. The Pure Rock Slim 2 features three heat pipes with aluminum caps. These are key to its high cooling performance, as they efficiently transfer heat to the cooling fins.
4. Noctua Nh-U12s
The NH-U12S is the latest 12 cm single-tower CPU cooler in Noctua's classic U-series, which has received over 400 awards and recommendations from international specialist publications. The 45 mm slim design of the S version not only guarantees 100% compatibility with tall RAM modules but also allows for significantly improved silent cooling performance compared to the previous version, thanks to an further optimized design in conjunction with the fully automatic PWM-controlled NF-F12 FocusedFlow fan. The overall high-quality package is completed by the proven SecuFirm2 mounting system, Noctua's renowned NT-H1 thermal paste, and a 6-year manufacturer's warranty. Its excellent cooling performance, outstanding quiet operation, and great compatibility make the NH-U12S a premium solution for the highest demands.
5. Noctua NH-U12A
The 120mm Premium Cooler NH-U12A represents the latest, fifth generation of Noctua's award-winning NH-U12 series. To extract even more performance from the 120mm form factor, it is equipped with two units of the exceptionally quiet flagship fan NF-A12x25 PWM and features a completely newly developed heatsink with 7 heat pipes and increased surface area for even better heat dissipation. This way, the NH-U12A can compete with many 140mm CPU coolers while still offering the case and PCIe compatibility of the 120mm class. The overall high-quality package is rounded off by the proven SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, Noctua's renowned NT-H1 quality thermal paste, and a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty. Its top-notch cooling performance, excellent compatibility, and outstanding quiet operation make the NH-U12A a true premium solution for the highest demands.
6. Noctua Nh-U9s
The asymmetric design with 5 heat pipes allows for both increased cooling performance and better compatibility. With a footprint of 95 x 95 mm, the cooler does not overhang the memory slots or PCIe slots on all Intel and most AMD-based motherboards (including µATX and ITX). Combined with a compact height of 125 mm, this makes the NH-U9S a versatile solution with excellent case, RAM, and PCIe compatibility. The included NF-A9 premium fan ensures outstanding quiet operation, with its speed being fully automated via PWM control. With a second NF-A9 fan, available separately, cooling performance can be further enhanced in a dual-fan setup.
7. Alpenföhn "Ben Nevis" Rev.C
Thanks to its volume flow of 95.14 m³/hour, the Alpenföhn "Ben Nevis" offers an excellent performance ratio for all price-conscious users. The speed of the fan can be regulated from 400 - 1600 rpm via the PWM connection, achieving a noise level of 8 - 20.2 dB. The Shock KILLER POLE absorbs shocks during the transport of a PC system.
8. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5
The Dark Rock Pro 5 features seven high-performance copper heat pipes and a special black coating with ceramic particles. The two Silent Wings PWM fans are equipped with durable fluid-dynamic bearings, quiet 6-pole motors, and airflow-optimized fan blades. With a Speed Switch, you can choose between two modes that affect the maximum speed and PWM curve. The "Quiet" mode offers a maximum fan speed of up to 1500 RPM and is the perfect choice for everyday applications. The "Performance" mode allows the Silent Wings fans to spin at up to 2000 RPM, unleashing the full power of the Dark Rock Pro 5. The removable mesh cover with an integrated middle fan is installed from above. A completely black mounting kit with a pre-installed mounting bridge and screws perfectly matches the cooler's black design. Thanks to a nickel-plated cooling plate, the Dark Rock Pro 5 is compatible with liquid metal thermal paste such as the DC2 Pro. The properties of the liquid metal compound combined with the Dark Rock Pro 5 enable high-end CPUs to achieve even greater performance.
9. be quiet! Dark Rock Slim
Uncompromisingly quiet cooling of superlatives
The Dark Rock Slim offers an exceptionally high cooling performance of 180W TDP and is nearly inaudibly quiet. Perfect for high-end systems with limited space.
Space-saving design
Powerful cooling in small PCs
The compact design and excellent heat dissipation, even in small PCs, make the Dark Rock Slim the perfect choice for high-end systems with limited space. Thanks to its space-saving construction, no memory slots are blocked.
Nearly inaudible operation
Only 23.6 dB(A) even at 100% load
The Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM fan is equipped with seven airflow-optimized fan blades, a quiet 6-pole motor, and a durable fluid-dynamic bearing. Vibration-isolating elements attached to the heatsink allow for decoupled fan mounting.
Especially high cooling performance
The perfect balance of performance and noise
The Dark Rock Slim achieves an impressive performance of 180W TDP and ensures low system temperatures even when the CPU is running at full speed. For exceptional cooling requirements, there is also the option to install an additional 120mm retail fan.
Advanced design
The key to high-end cooling
The Dark Rock Slim features four advanced 6mm high-performance copper heat pipes that ensure maximum thermal conductivity. Airflow-optimized, wave-shaped cooling fins with small surface dots enhance air circulation. A special coating with ceramic particles ensures perfect heat transfer.
10. Xilence I250PWM
The I250 PWM from Xilence, known for its quiet PC components, provides efficient cooling for powerful CPUs with its high airflow. The red 92mm fan is extremely quiet thanks to its Hydro Bearing and PWM control. The cooler is compatible with Core i7/i5/i3 and Pentium G9650 processors. Additionally, it features a secure and stable mounting system with a backplate.
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