The Best CPU Cooler You Must Need: Best Performance Ever!

When it comes to building a high-performance PC, one of the most important components to consider is the CPU cooler. A good CPU cooler not only keeps your processor running at a safe temperature but can also boost your PC's overall performance. But with so many options available on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the best CPU cooler you must need for the best performance ever.

CPU Cooler Types:

Stock coolers that come with processors are not very efficient for heavy workloads like video editing, rendering, and gaming. They might cause temperature spikes in the range of 80-90 degrees, making the fan run louder to cool the heat sink. There are better alternatives to stock coolers that can bring down temperatures and prevent CPU clock throttling.

Mainly, you’ll get three types of cooling systems or coolers for your PC:

1. Air Coolers
2. Liquid Coolers
3. Immersion/ Submerged Coolers

Let’s explain each of these types.

1. Air Coolers:

Aftermarket air coolers are a simple upgrade for your stock CPU cooler that offers increased performance by using larger fans and heatsinks to dissipate heat faster. If you have a 4-core processor or higher, it's recommended to use an aftermarket cooler for better temperature control and lower fan noise. It's important to understand the different types of air coolers available to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Air coolers can be further divided into three types:

1. Low Profile:

Low-profile air coolers are designed for mini-ITX builds with limited space where liquid coolers won't fit. They have thinner heatsinks and smaller fans, which can decrease cooling performance but are still better than stock coolers.

2. C-Type:

C-type coolers are smaller in size compared to twin-tower air coolers and have a single heatsink connected to their heat pipes. They come with a single fan that helps blow out the heat from your CPU.

3. Twin Tower:

Twin tower air coolers consist of two large heatsinks that form a U shape or a twin tower. They have fans attached to each heatsink that actively dissipate heat out of your case and are typically aligned with the exhaust fans at the back of your case, increasing cooling performance.

Merits:

• Air coolers are affordable and typically cost between BDT 2130 to BDT 10,640 providing an average 20-30% drop in your processor's temperature on idle and at load. This can be the best budget CPU cooler for you.
• Easily install and maintain these air coolers.

Demerits:

• Large heatsinks on air coolers might not fit in some cases, particularly Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX cases.
• Air coolers often have large fans that can become loud at high speeds.

Pro-tip:

When selecting an air cooler, ensure that you have sufficient RAM clearance on your motherboard to prevent the cooler from interfering with the RAM area.

2. Liquid Coolers:

If you want both beautiful aesthetics and good cooling, consider getting a liquid cooling system. Liquid cooling systems are designed to reduce further the temperature of your processor on load, which can prolong its lifespan. They also offer room for overclocking to boost your processor's performance.

Liquid coolers can be further divided into two types:

1. AIO or All in One:

All-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers are the easiest way to add liquid cooling to your computer. They include all the necessary components such as a radiator, pump, and block. AIO coolers come with pre-built mounting mechanisms that support Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) or Intel processors, making them easy to install. The water block with an inbuilt pump is connected to the radiators using pipes, and the radiators have fans to dissipate heat quickly.

2. Custom Loops

For the ultimate in CPU cooling, a custom water-cooling system is a way to go. Similar to an AIO, a custom water cooling system consists of many of the same components but with the addition of a reservoir, fittings, water block, and custom tubing.

Let’s know a bit more about the parts of the custom water cooling loop system:

• Fittings- Fittings are used to connect the tubing line to the water block, reservoir, and radiator in a water-cooling system.
• Waterblock- The water block is a component attached directly to your processor that is actively cooled by water circulating inside the block.
• Reservoir- Custom water cooling systems typically outperform AIOs due to the larger reservoir, which allows more coolant to be stored in the system and leads to better cooling performance.
• Tubing- Water tubing is a crucial part of a custom water cooling system, allowing coolant to flow smoothly through the system. Hardline water tubing can provide a cleaner look, while soft tubing is easier to set up.
• Radiator- The radiator is a component of a custom water cooling system that cools down the liquid with the help of fans. The radiator fins absorb heat from the coolant, and the fans attached to the radiator help dissipate the heat from the fins.
• Pump- The pump is a component that helps the coolant circulate through the custom water cooling system, from the water block to the radiator, effectively dissipating the heat generated by the processor.

Merits:

• It is undeniable that a custom water cooling solution offers excellent cooling performance for your system.
• Again, the aesthetics of a custom water cooling system, especially with hard-line water tubing, can greatly enhance the overall look of your computer build.
• You’ll get a quieter performance than the air coolers.

Demerits:

• Custom water cooling systems can cost between BDT 63,826 to BDT 1,59,564, which is a significant investment. This price includes the components, planning, and installation of the system.
• Custom water cooling requires regular maintenance, including changing the coolant and cleaning the components.

Pro-tip:

It is important to weigh the benefits and costs before deciding if a custom water cooling system is the right choice for you.

3. Immersion/ Submerged Coolers:

Submerged cooling systems are worth considering if you want extreme cooling for your entire system, as they can cool not only your CPU but also your motherboard, GPU, and RAM. These systems typically use a tank filled with mineral oil, which is non-conductive and an efficient coolant.

Merits:

• Submerging a PC in mineral oil can cool and improve cooling performance, as all hardware except the hard drive is also cooled.

Demerits:

• Submerging a PC in mineral oil can be a nightmare when it comes to component maintenance, as all components need to be removed from the oil.
• Oil leaks from the tank can cause a mess on your desk.
• These are highly expensive coolers.

Pro-tip:

Once you have submerged the CPU in mineral oil, you can’t easily remove it and mount it in a normal case without dealing with greasy computer components. So, decide carefully.

Considering Factors While Choosing the Best CPU Cooler:

Consider the below-mentioned things and you’ll be golden:

1. Your Particular Use Case:

For extreme overclocking, a higher-end cooler is necessary and will come at a higher cost. But for budget-oriented gaming builds not planning on overclocking, an entry-level cooler or stock cooler can suffice. Stock coolers are usually sufficient for average users. Some stock coolers, like those on AMD's Ryzen processors, can handle mild overclocking and replicate the performance of entry-level third-party coolers. If you're on a budget and won't be stressing your system, you don't need to spend extra on a high-end cooler. But if you want to maximize your processor's performance, an upgraded cooler is necessary.

2. Air Coolers Vs Liquid Coolers:

We’ve already discussed the various types of CPU coolers here in this blog. Just read their specific features, merits, and demerits to choose the best one for you.

3. TDP Rating:

A cooler's TDP rating is crucial in determining whether it can adequately cool your processor. The TDP is the maximum amount of heat generated by a component that the cooling system can dissipate under any workload. If you buy a cooler with a lower TDP rating than your processor, it may not cool your processor sufficiently. It's best to ensure the cooler's TDP rating exceeds your processor's rating, especially if you plan on overclocking. Stock coolers and most third-party coolers typically exceed the TDP rating of most processors, but it's still important to check the TDP rating before purchasing.

You can find the TDP ratings on the spec sheets provided by the retailer or manufacturer.

4. Clearance:

In addition to compatibility with the motherboard socket, you'll want to ensure that your CPU cooler is compatible in the following areas:

• Bulkiness:

High-end air coolers can sometimes have clearance issues because of their bulkiness. They might interfere with the DIMM slots on the motherboard or with taller memory kits, and they can hang over the top PCIe lane, requiring you to install your GPU in a lower lane. It's important to check if a bulky air cooler will interfere with other parts in your system before making a purchase.

• Height:

Certain CPU coolers can be too tall to fit inside some cases, so it's important to check both the CPU cooler's height on its spec sheet and the case's spec sheet to ensure compatibility before making a purchase.

• Radiator Size:

When it comes to liquid cooling, specifically all-in-one (AIO) coolers, the radiator size is the biggest factor in determining clearance. AIO coolers come in different radiator sizes, but not all cases can accommodate each size. So, it's important to check if the case you're considering can accommodate the radiator size of the AIO cooler you want to use.

5. CPU Socket:

Check CPU cooler compatibility with your motherboard and processor combination to ensure it will fit. Some CPU coolers only fit specific CPU sockets, so it's important to double-check. You can find this information on the CPU or motherboard spec sheet and the CPU cooler's spec sheet.

6. Sound Levels:

Large fans on CPU coolers tend to produce less noise than smaller fans because they can spin at slower speeds while still providing similar levels of cooling. Therefore, coolers with 140mm fans are generally quieter than those with 120mm fans. Again, coolers with multiple fans can also operate at lower speeds, since more fans are working together to cool the system. For those looking to build a quiet PC, choosing a cooler with a larger fan or multiple fans may be a good option.

7. Aesthetics:

When it comes to aesthetics, personal preference is key. You might like the sleek low-profile look of AIO coolers, while some might like the extreme look of the custom liquid coolers. While others might prefer the large bulky high-end air cooler.

When you are not sure what option you like, consider checking out some images of finished builds that your friends have done to know which CPU cooler style will look the best. Ultimately, it's important to choose a cooler that not only looks good but also fits your needs and is compatible with your system.

8. Price

When choosing a CPU cooler, the first thing to consider is your budget. Whether you're upgrading your current cooler or building a new system, it's important to allocate the appropriate amount of your budget to the cooler. You don't want to underspend and end up with a cooler that can't handle your CPU, but you also don't want to overspend and waste money that could be put towards more essential components. As a general rule of thumb, the better and hotter your CPU runs, the more you will need to spend on a higher-quality CPU cooler.

Best CPU Coolers in Bangladesh

arc RGB 120 Liquid Cooler- Best CPU liquid cooler

arc RGB 240 Liquid Cooler- Best Water CPU coolers

arc Air Cooler- Best CPU air cooler 2023

Final Words:

Now, you must have become quite sure about which CPU cooler will meet your requirements best from this blog-” The Best CPU Cooler You Must Need: Best Performance Ever.” In case, you have more queries, just check the FAQ part.

FAQ

If your CPU is cooler, will it improve performance?

Efficient cooling is crucial to keeping a computer's components safe and ensuring optimal performance. CPUs run faster and more reliably when kept at cooler temperatures, and higher temperatures can lead to stability issues and even damage over time. This is particularly important if the PC is used for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or overclocking. In some cases, standard cooling systems may not be enough, and additional cooling solutions may be necessary to maintain safe temperatures.

How do you know if you need a better CPU cooler?

For CPUs with a low wattage of 40w to 70w, it is more cost-effective to opt for a smaller to medium-sized cooler instead of investing in the largest available cooler. If your CPU is around or above 70w, it is advisable to choose a bigger and more efficient cooler to ensure proper cooling and prevent potential overheating issues.

How do you know if your cooler is quite good?

CPU cooler manufacturers typically list the compatible CPUs or the maximum heat wattage they can dissipate. To ensure proper cooling, it is important to choose a CPU cooler that is rated at or above the wattage of your CPU, such as a 125W CPU requiring a 125W or higher rated cooler. Higher thermal dissipation ratings for the heatsink result in better CPU cooling and quieter fan operation.