In this article, we will explore the top CPU air coolers of 2023 that are engineered for maximum performance and optimal thermal management. Whether you’re looking to overclock your CPU or build a silent PC, choosing the right CPU cooler is crucial. We have tested and compared numerous PC air coolers and all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler models to bring you our curated list of the best CPU air coolers available on the market. These coolers have been rigorously tested to provide efficient cooling, low noise levels, and exceptional performance. Read on to find the perfect CPU air cooler for your needs.
Best Big Air CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is our top pick for the best big air CPU cooler. With its impressive dimensions of 155 x 125 x 110 mm and a weight of 25.75 oz (730g), it is capable of cooling up to 200W. This cooler is compatible with various socket types, including 115x, 1200, 1700, AM4, and AM5. It comes with two 120mm fans that provide exceptional cooling performance at low noise levels. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE offers strong performance even at lower thermal/TDP settings. Priced at just $36 USD, it is a budget-friendly option that delivers exceptional cooling performance for Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs.
Key Takeaways:
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the best big air CPU cooler for optimal thermal management and performance.
It has dimensions of 155 x 125 x 110 mm and a weight of 25.75 oz (730g), capable of cooling up to 200W.
Compatible with various socket types, including 115x, 1200, 1700, AM4, and AM5.
Comes with two 120mm fans for exceptional cooling performance at low noise levels.
Priced at just $36 USD, making it a budget-friendly choice for Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs.
Best Mid-size Air CPU Cooler: Deepcool Assassin III
The Deepcool Assassin III is our top choice for the best mid-size air CPU cooler. It features dimensions of 171.5 x 139.7 x 133.4mm and a weight of 42.7oz (1210g). With its twin cooling towers, seven heatpipes, and two 140mm fans, this cooler offers excellent thermal performance and low noise levels. It is compatible with various socket types, including 115x, 1366, 2011x, 2066, FM2(+), FM1, AM2(+), AM3(+), and AM4. The Deepcool Assassin III is a budget-friendly option that provides efficient cooling for big CPUs while maintaining silent operation.
Key Takeaways:
The Deepcool Assassin III is the best mid-size air CPU cooler for efficient cooling and silent operation.
It has dimensions of 171.5 x 139.7 x 133.4mm and a weight of 42.7oz (1210g).
Features twin cooling towers, seven heatpipes, and two 140mm fans for excellent thermal performance and low noise levels.
Compatible with various socket types, including 115x, 1366, 2011x, 2066, FM2(+), FM1, AM2(+), AM3(+), and AM4.
Budget-friendly option for efficient cooling of big CPUs.
Best AMD Threadripper Air CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S
The Noctua NH-U14S is our top pick for the best AMD Threadripper air CPU cooler. It is designed specifically for AMD TR4 and SP3 sockets and features dimensions of 171.45 x 151.4 x 52.3mm. With its six nickel-plated copper heatpipes and a 140mm PWM fan, this cooler provides excellent thermal performance and low noise levels. It is backed by a 6-year warranty and offers a simple and secure installation process. The Noctua NH-U14S is the perfect choice for AMD Threadripper CPUs, delivering exceptional cooling performance for enthusiasts and overclockers.
Key Takeaways:
The Noctua NH-U14S is the best AMD Threadripper air CPU cooler for exceptional cooling performance and reliability.
Designed specifically for AMD TR4 and SP3 sockets with dimensions of 171.45 x 151.4 x 52.3mm.
Features six nickel-plated copper heatpipes and a 140mm PWM fan for excellent thermal performance and low noise levels.
Backed by a 6-year warranty and offers a simple and secure installation process.
Delivers exceptional cooling performance for enthusiasts and overclockers with AMD Threadripper CPUs.
Best Big Air CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is our top pick for the best big air CPU cooler. With its impressive dimensions of 155 x 125 x 110 mm and a weight of 25.75 oz (730g), it is capable of cooling up to 200W. This cooler is compatible with various socket types, including 115x, 1200, 1700, AM4, and AM5. It comes with two 120mm fans that provide exceptional cooling performance at low noise levels. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE offers strong performance even at lower thermal/TDP settings. Priced at just $36 USD, it is a budget-friendly option that delivers exceptional cooling performance for Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs.
When it comes to CPU cooling, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE stands out as an excellent choice for users who require powerful and efficient cooling. With its large dimensions and weight, it ensures effective heat dissipation, allowing your CPU to perform optimally even under heavy loads.
This big air cooler is designed to handle high thermal loads, making it ideal for overclocking enthusiasts and users who engage in resource-intensive tasks such as gaming, graphic design, and video editing. The inclusion of two 120mm fans adds further cooling capacity while maintaining low noise levels, ensuring a quiet and comfortable computing experience.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE offers hassle-free installation, compatibility with various CPU socket types, and a robust build quality that ensures long-lasting durability. Whether you have an Intel or AMD CPU, this cooler has you covered.
“The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a beast when it comes to CPU cooling. It kept my overclocked CPU running at low temperatures, even during intensive gaming sessions. The dual fans are incredibly quiet, and I appreciate the straightforward installation process. Definitely worth the investment!”
Key Features:
Impressive dimensions of 155 x 125 x 110 mm and a weight of 25.75 oz (730g)
Capable of cooling up to 200W
Compatible with various socket types, including 115x, 1200, 1700, AM4, and AM5
Two 120mm fans for exceptional cooling performance at low noise levels
Strong performance even at lower thermal/TDP settings
Budget-friendly option priced at just $36 USD
With its exceptional cooling capabilities, compatibility, and affordability, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a top-notch big air CPU cooler.
Best Mid-size Air CPU Cooler: Deepcool Assassin III
The Deepcool Assassin III is our top choice for the best mid-size air CPU cooler. With its exceptional thermal performance and low noise levels, it offers efficient cooling for big CPUs while maintaining silent operation.
This mid-size air cooler features dimensions of 171.5 x 139.7 x 133.4mm and a weight of 42.7oz (1210g), making it suitable for various PC builds. Its twin cooling towers, seven heatpipes, and two 140mm fans deliver effective heat dissipation, ensuring optimal CPU temperatures even under heavy workloads.
The Deepcool Assassin III is compatible with several socket types, including 115x, 1366, 2011x, 2066, FM2(+), FM1, AM2(+), AM3(+), and AM4, making it versatile for different motherboard configurations. Whether you have an Intel or AMD processor, this cooler has you covered.
Not only does the Deepcool Assassin III provide exceptional cooling performance, but it also boasts a sleek and stylish design that enhances the aesthetics of your PC build. Its black coating and RGB lighting add a touch of elegance, making it a visually appealing choice for enthusiasts.
The Deepcool Assassin III is renowned for its outstanding performance, making it a top choice among PC builders and enthusiasts. Its budget-friendly price point combined with its impressive features make it an excellent investment for those seeking reliable and efficient CPU cooling.
If you’re looking for the best mid-size air CPU cooler that offers superior thermal performance and quiet operation, look no further than the Deepcool Assassin III.
Best AMD Threadripper Air CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S
The Noctua NH-U14S is the ultimate choice when it comes to finding the best AMD Threadripper air CPU cooler. Designed specifically for AMD TR4 and SP3 sockets, this cooler is engineered to deliver exceptional thermal performance and low noise levels, making it ideal for enthusiasts and overclockers.
Featuring dimensions of 171.45 x 151.4 x 52.3mm, the Noctua NH-U14S is designed to fit perfectly in your system. It boasts six nickel-plated copper heatpipes that efficiently dissipate heat, keeping your AMD Threadripper processor running cool even under heavy loads.
The inclusion of a 140mm PWM fan ensures efficient airflow, effectively cooling your CPU while maintaining low noise levels. Whether you’re pushing your system to the limits or simply want a quieter PC, the Noctua NH-U14S delivers the performance you need.
Installing the Noctua NH-U14S is hassle-free, thanks to its simple and secure installation process. Noctua’s renowned SecuFirm2 mounting system ensures a perfect fit and easy installation, so you can spend less time on setup and more time enjoying your PC.
To provide peace of mind, the Noctua NH-U14S comes with a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, reflecting the confidence Noctua has in the durability and performance of their product.
Upgrade your cooling setup with the Noctua NH-U14S, the ultimate AMD Threadripper air CPU cooler that combines exceptional thermal performance, low noise levels, and easy installation.
Key Features
Specifications
Supports AMD TR4 and SP3 sockets
Dimensions: 171.45 x 151.4 x 52.3mm
Six nickel-plated copper heatpipes
Weight: {weight}
140mm PWM fan for efficient cooling
Warranty: 6 years
Easy and secure installation
Conclusion
Choosing the best CPU air cooler is essential for maintaining optimal performance and thermal management in your PC. Our top picks for the best CPU air coolers of 2023 cover a range of categories, including big air coolers, mid-size air coolers, and AMD Threadripper air coolers. Each cooler offers outstanding cooling performance, low noise levels, and budget-friendly prices. Whether you’re looking to overclock your CPU or build a silent PC, these CPU air coolers are designed to meet your needs.
When making your choice, consider the specifications and features of each cooler. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE stands out as the best big air CPU cooler, with its impressive dimensions and exceptional cooling capabilities. The Deepcool Assassin III is the top pick for mid-size air CPU coolers, offering excellent thermal performance and silent operation. And for AMD Threadripper CPUs, the Noctua NH-U14S is the perfect choice, delivering exceptional cooling performance and easy installation.
Don’t compromise on the cooling of your CPU; select the best CPU air cooler that suits your requirements. The featured coolers have been tested and proven to provide efficient cooling, ensuring that your PC stays cool during intense workloads or gaming sessions. Invest in a reliable and effective CPU air cooler, and experience enhanced performance and longevity for your system.
FAQ
How important is choosing the right CPU air cooler for my PC?
Choosing the right CPU air cooler is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and thermal management in your PC.
What categories of CPU air coolers are included in the list?
The list includes big air coolers, mid-size air coolers, and AMD Threadripper air coolers.
What are the main features to consider when choosing a CPU air cooler?
When choosing a CPU air cooler, it is important to consider cooling performance, noise levels, and compatibility with your CPU socket.
What is the price range of the CPU air coolers mentioned in the article?
The mentioned CPU air coolers have budget-friendly prices, ranging from $36 USD to higher.
Are the CPU air coolers mentioned in the list compatible with Intel and AMD CPUs?
Yes, the CPU air coolers mentioned in the list are compatible with various socket types, including Intel’s 115x, 1200, 1700, and AMD’s AM4, AM5, and more.
Do the CPU air coolers mentioned come with a warranty?
The Noctua NH-U14S is backed by a 6-year warranty, providing peace of mind for users.
What is the average weight and dimensions of the CPU air coolers mentioned in the list?
The dimensions and weight of the CPU air coolers differ, ranging from 155 x 125 x 110 mm and 25.75 oz (730g) for the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, to 171.45 x 151.4 x 52.3mm for the Noctua NH-U14S.
Are the CPU air coolers mentioned suitable for overclocking?
Yes, the CPU air coolers mentioned in the list are engineered for maximum performance and are suitable for overclocking purposes.
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