One of the most important things when building a high-end PC is to choose a CPU cooler that is, for some people, a pain in the rear. Because of the reason that they aren’t entirely sure about what to choose between an Air or Liquid Cooler.
To help you overcome this issue and choose the perfect CPU cooler, we have the Quick Shopping Tips section that will guide you through the must things to check for when opting for a CPU cooler.
But first of all, you should be aware of what you’re going to use your PC for so that it becomes easier for you to filter out the below list.
For better know-how of the things to have in check, go through the Quick Shopping Tips section.
Quick Shopping Tips
- Compatibility: This step is mostly missed/overlooked by people who are building their system for the first time on their own. And get into trouble when they proceed with the build. It is recommended to check for the instructions on both the processor and the cooler to have the basic information in mind for your ease. The instructions are normally found on the back of the product or come with the manual. Also, you can check the compatibility on the product’s website or check for reviews online. Site Note: don’t forget to check the size of the cooler and look out for the PC case’s instructions if it can house that cooler because sizes cause issues as well.
- Air vs Liquid Cooler: The first and foremost thing is to know the reason behind your PC usage — if you’re using it for high-end gaming, graphics work, and mostly for overclocking then you should consider the Liquid Coolers due to the fact that they have better performance as compared to the Air Coolers. Also, Air Coolers are not entirely bad but they don’t have as much aesthetic visual representation if compared with Liquid Coolers. Moreover, they tend to be a bit noisy and create some heat issues in the case. Apart from these, they are better in performance also, and if you’re tight on budget then you can go for the Air Coolers.
- TDP Rating & CPU Socket: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power which means how much the hardware generates the heat. In simple words, you must have to buy a CPU cooler that has a higher TDP rating as compared to the CPU because the cooler with a higher TDP rating will help in easily eliminating heat.Consider it a must thing to check before opting for any CPU cooler because you will encounter issues if overlooked. The same instruction goes for the CPU Socket. It is a right-hand rule that not every CPU cooler will be compatible with your build so it is necessary to have a look at the instructions once to nutmeg any issues waiting for you. You can find the instructions/information about the CPU socket on the product’s manual or online.
- Aesthetics: If you’re an admirer of minimalism or aesthetics then you can go for the liquid coolers because they tend to have a better visual representation in the form of design and RGBs integrated into their pump head. Another thing is that the Liquid cooler has advanced software that lets you adjust the fan speeds, control the RGB, and sync them with your system as well — this feature adds a ton of values to your build and increases the aesthetics. However, it is a personal choice, and the Air Coolers normally come in minimalistic designs but they are not armed with RGB, unfortunately.
- Budget: Normally, Liquid coolers are expensive due to their better performance, latest technology, and design. On the other hand, Air Coolers aren’t that expensive and performance is good as well. But if you’re frequently going to overclock your processor then you should consider the Liquid Coolers as they are intended to perform better.Another thing is that Air Coolers are the cheaper alternative to Liquid coolers with some features expelled. However, we recommend going for the Liquid coolers for people who are into high-end gaming due to the fact that the Liquid cooler will be worth the price.
List of Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 7 5800x
Air Coolers
The Assassin III is no behind from the most famous CPU coolers that are currently available on the market due to its novel thermal module layout, its top-tier 7 heat pipes, and the top-of-the-line fans that are always ready to challenge any air coolers.
What further increases its efficiency is its higher TDP rating that is 280W that makes it one of the hardcore heat killers. Not only does it have a higher TDP rating but combined with its slick design, it lowers the CPU heat with style.
The DEEPCOOL has made the frame narrow in the middle and wider around the outer rim just to make the airflow have higher pressure when passing through it and to keep it quiet while working, its noise-canceling teeth are unevenly distributed to further avoid any sympathetic vibration, which ultimately keeps the operation quieter.
To make it compatible and adaptable, it is only 138mm wider so that it doesn’t poke its nose in the GPU on the mainstream M-ATX, ITX, and ATX motherboards. Moreover, it is 165mm tall that makes it fit for all of the full and mid-tower cases.
Furthermore, to make the mounting even easier on the CPU, it has a slightly convex copper base that is further polished in 0.1mm class that makes it smoothly stick to the CPU properly.
- Better mounting
- Nice build quality
- Quiet Performance
- Good for gaming
- Heatsink fins aren’t of high-quality
What makes the Dark Rock Pro 4 a tough competitor in the CPU cooler market is that the beQuiet didn’t compromise on the performance from any aspect. It achieves higher cooling performance in no time and works tremendously well with the overclocked CPUs.
Moreover, it provides 250W of TDP that is more than sufficient for the Ryzen 7 5800x — the higher TDP lets the CPU cooler efficiently lower the CPU temps in no time even if it is at the peak. This product suits the systems that are aimed at frequently using demanding graphics applications and overclocking.
Unlike other CPU coolers, the Dark Rock Pro 4 provides a better performance-to-noise ratio — all thanks to its two PWM fans that are backed with the latest fluid-dynamic bearings, airflow-optimized fan blades, and six-pole motors.
To give an even better cooling performance, its front Silent Wings 3 fan is aimed at providing high air pressure — all the credit goes to the funnel-shaped air inlet that is in the frame. To eliminate the vibration, it is backed with vibration-isolating elements that are fixed on the heat sink.
If we talk about the design, it is armed with seven latest technology 6mm copper heat pipes that further increase the heat conductance. The airflow-optimized and uniquely shaped cooling fins along with small dots on their surface significantly up the air circulation game.
- Double-tower layout
- Aesthetic design
- Powerful cooling performance
- Better performance-to-noise ratio
- Installation is troublesome
The Big Shuriken 3 is a bit different from all the CPU coolers we have listed here, and what differs it from the rest of them is its size — it is only 69mm tall, meaning it is aimed at the small form factor PCs (Mini ITX and HTPC).
To deliver even better cooling performance while keeping the CPU cooler to be slim and small, it features the newly developed Kaze Flex Slim fan that is only 15mm in thickness but its size doesn’t restrict it from providing top-level performance — provides better airflow even under load.
Moreover, it is armed with the 5 sintered heat pipes alongside the copper base layout that are aimed at transferring the heat more effectively and the offset design allows the Big Shuriken 3 to be compatible with the most popular motherboards that are available on the market.
Since installation becomes a problem for the majority of CPU coolers, this one comes with the new H.P.M.S 3 mounting system that ensures secure and easy installation — the good news is that it is compatible with the latest platforms and sockets as well.
The Big Shuriken 3 has taken a nice approach to the infamous problem, the RAM modules with larger passive heatsinks that create issues to the CPU coolers. But you’re in the safe zone with this cooler as its heat pipes are slightly sloped backward so the radiator isn’t directly above the baseplate, hence eliminating the problem.
- Asymmetrical design
- New H.P.M.S Mounting System
- Low profile layout
- Kaze Flex Slim Fan
- A bit noisy
The Scythe came up with a new and better design for the Fuma 2, the successor of the Fuma cooler, which is armed with the dual Kaze Flex 120 fans (you get an option to add 3rd fan for even better cooling performance) and the Reverse Airflow concept that adds a huge value to the overall new design concept.
Since it aims to reach the next level, it comes with dual heatsinks, six 6mm heat pipes, and a copper base plate that guarantees a decent drop in the CPU temps. And the Reverse Rotation concept (fans rotating in opposite directions) creates stable airflow and higher static pressure.
Due to all of the new features, the Fuma 2 performs 15% better in cooling than its predecessor, the Fuma cooler.
Furthermore, it has an asymmetrical design that ensures max space for the memory slots, which is a more common problem for people who opt for a CPU cooler… and it features a cut-out fin that further improves the memory compatibility — makes the installation easier for taller memory heatsinks.
Site note: Fuma 2 uses two different thicknesses for the fans (25mm and 15mm) and fans clips are also included if you ever wish to install another fan.
- Option for 3rd fan
- Kaze Flex Fans
- Stable performance
- Ideal for gaming PC
- Mounting system isn’t great
The NH-D15 is the exceptional successor of the infamous NH-D14 that is armed with the state-of-the-art dual-tower design alongside 6 heat pipes and 2 fans that are solely aimed at keeping the legacy.
What makes it the best among all the other Air coolers is that its fin-stack is further widened, went from 140mm to 150mm, and the heat pipes get more space which lets them uniformly distribute the heat over the larger surface area.
Moreover, the NF-A15 140mm fans are of a premium class that armed with the aerodynamic design has already developed a massive reputation as the best 140mm fans. The fans are PWM support that significantly increases its efficiency by controlling the speed. And the low-noise adaptors are also embedded to ensure quiet operation.
Since it comes with the SecuFirm2 mounting system, it ensures an easy and secure approach to mounting and eliminates the struggle for installation on AMD and Intel — you can check their manual or description for more information about the sockets.
Topped off with the fans, heat pipes, NT-H1 thermal paste, the dual-tower design gives a premium quality solution to the heating issues caused by the CPU — ultimately, making this CPU cooler to be the ideal product for overclockers and people who love silence.
- Dual-tower design
- SecuFirm2 mounting system
- Premium-grade Fans
- More surface area for better heat distribution
- Fan clip is a bit weak
Liquid Coolers
The Kraken M22 is armed with one of the latest controls to make it perform really well in the most intense gaming sessions. To even make its performance up to par than the previous generations, its radiator, fans, and pump head are redesigned so you can have the best experience in liquid cooling.
What’s interesting is that you get a free hand over the tuning of the fan and the pump performance with the CAM software — allowing you to freely tweak around the fan and make changes to the pump head, even make the sophisticated changes with ease.
Also, with the CAM software, you get the option to track/monitor the liquid temperature, pump speed, and manage the performance with accuracy — moreover, you can do all this with your mobile app or desktop, the choice is yours.
It features an enhanced pump that is aimed at being quieter while performing at its max — able to displace more liquid as compared to the previous generations. Another reason that lets this pump provide such results is its enhanced design — it doesn’t compromise on the performance.
To further increase its cooling efficiency, it is backed with the Aer P radiator fan that is solely designed to provide liquid-cooling perfection without having to make any noise — the build quality is also durable and gives a powerful performance.
- Liquid-cooling perfection
- Powerful and durable
- Amazing lighting color
- Quiet performance
- Manual needs more work
The talk of the town Freezer II has set new standards in liquid cooling with its pump and additional 40mm VRM fan that is PWM controlled — both these combined provide next-level cooling performance even on the most powerful processors of AMD and Intel (putting aside the other components for a second).
If we dive into the VRM fan, it is quite durable and focuses on powerful, silent operations. This dude completely opposes the concept that small fans aren’t suitable enough to provide better and silent performance.
Now let’s talk about the other components — the radiator has curves (i mean, it is 38mm thick) alongside the high fin density. It gives off the allowance to use a larger amount of water in the circuit to uplift the cooling game, making it suitable for overclocking CPUs.
To make it different and much more efficient from other Liquid coolers, it is aimed at consuming 80% less power — unlike other liquid coolers, it consumes less power when cooling is not needed.
Furthermore, to avoid the cable mess, the ARCTIC has integrated the PWM cable into the sleeved tubing — ultimately only one short cable is visible that goes all the way from the pump to the motherboard. All this saves you from the cable headache and gives an overall cleaner appearance.
- 80% lower power consumption
- Additional 40mm VRM fan
- Integrated cable
- Fiber-reinforced EPDM tubing
- Pain to install
- Manual needs more work
First and foremost, the Liqmax III features a dual-chamber design that effectively isolates the pump from the heat that ensures a longer lifespan for the cooler. The first chamber is directly in contact with the heat and keeps the second chamber (the pump) away from being directly in contact.
The Dual Chamber water Block design not only keeps the pump away from direct heat but also comes with a Central Coolant Inlet (CCI) structure that combined with the Shunt-Channel Technology (SCT) right on the cold plate efficiently injects the coolant at the hot spots to downgrade any heat surges — resulting in a better heat transfer.
Moreover, its fans are armed with the dual-convex blade design that effectively creates high-volume airflow and high air pressure by down forcing the air, which further increases the cooling efficiency. And to prevent any vibrations and noise, it comes with anti-vibration rubber pads that keep the cooler in a balanced state.
This CPU cooler is efficiently designed for motherboards that feature the 5V addressable RGB header so that it can sync with the motherboard’s software and show off its stunning visual aesthetics — can display 16.8 million RGB illuminations.
Furthermore, it is compatible with the Intel and AMD CPU sockets — you can check their manual or product’s description for more information.
- 16.8million RGB illuminations
- Dual-convex fan blades
- Better cooling efficiency
- Dual chamber design
- Needs more work on the manual
The H100i RGB Platinum is armed with two 140mm RGB magnetic Levitation PWM fans that are 24/7 ready to provide extreme cooling performance. We can say that it is mainly aimed at the builds’ that are all dedicated to overclocking and hardcore gaming.
If we talk more about the fans, they can run from 400rpm to 2400rpm. Moreover, it comes with a thermally optimized cold plate that works better than the heatsink available in an air cooler. And with the cold plate, you get a pump head that does one of the most important jobs — circulating the liquid.
A piece of good news for people who are all crazy for RGB and powerful performance — its 16 individually controlled RGB LEDs embedded in the pump head are aimed at producing stunning and vivid colors, and you can customize them to match your build as well.
All the RGB customization, adjusting the pump and fan’s speed, and monitoring the CPU temp can be done with the iCUE software that opens doors for a whole new world — basically gives you a free hand to achieve whatever you desire with a simple to use interface.
Furthermore, with the H100i RGB Platinum, you are all into a tool-free mounting bracket for faster and easy installation on all of the major CPU sockets.
- Easy to install
- Quieter performance
- Better cooling
- Nice price-to-performance ratio
- Not an ideal design
It is not hidden from anyone that the NZXT products are amongst the most iconic ones of all time. And the Kraken Z63 CPU cooler is not behind any other powerful CPU cooler available on the market.
The reason is that it features fluid dynamic bearings and chamfered intake that combined uplifts its reliability, performance, and makes it capable to perform silently. Moreover, the pump head and fans also back it up to lower down the CPU temps even in peak times.
Another great thing about the Kraken Z63 is that it has the easiest installation — all of the components are perfectly labeled and outlined for installation. You just need a case that offers the required space for this CPU cooler, follow the instructions, and you’re good to go — even if you’re a beginner.
After your system is booted up, you’ll begin to see the Kraken Z63 is on full display — showing you the CPU temps. And with the CAM software, you’re all allowed to change the RGB lighting or just check how your CPU is doing.
The pump head has a fully programmable display and you can rotate to fit your motherboard without causing any issues to the direction of the logo.
- Bright 2.36” LCD — pump head
- Easy to install
- Flexible tubes
- Programmable display
- Buggy software
Final Thoughts
The above CPU coolers are hand-picked by our experts and we made sure that each of them perfectly suits the Ryzen 7 5800x without any issues — both the Air and Liquid ones.
If you have found your ideal CPU cooler for your build, let us know in the comment section, and if not what’s stopping you?
Put down your issues in the comment and our experts will reach out to you without any delay.