The Best CPU Air Cooler in 2023

In order to get the most out of a computer, you need a good cooling system. The best cooling systems can keep a computer running at optimal temperatures for extended periods of time.

A lot of people think that the fan inside a computer case is the biggest fan in the computer. It's not. There is a fan that blows on the CPU, but it's not the biggest fan. The biggest fan is the one that cools the air coming into the case.

The best CPU air cooler is an excellent way to cool down during hot summer days. However, not all air coolers are created equal, so you need to choose carefully.

Check out our picks for The Best CPU Cooler for AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, The Best AIO Cooler for CPUs, The Best CPU for Gaming.

1. Noctua NH-U14S DX-3647

Specifications

• Power Connector Type: 4-Pin

• Voltage: 12 Volts

• Cooling Method: Air

• Compatible Devices: Desktop

• Noise Level: 24.6 dB

• Material: Copper (base and heat pipes), aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

• Maximum Rotational Speed: 1500 RPM

Pros

• Outstanding performance

• Very little noise

• Easy and safe installation

• Everything about it is top-notch

• If you want, you can add fans

Cons

• Smaller cases have compatibility concerns with tall cooler height

• Requires proper case cooling

• Expensive 

Product's Summary

The NH-U14S DX-3647 supports both square and narrow type LGA3647 platforms and has a bigger, specially designed contact surface. 

It combines maximum performance with exceptional acoustics and is built on the well-proven, 140mm-size NH-U14S heatsink and is furnished with the renowned, PWM-controlled NF-A15 140mm fan. 

The NH-U14S DX-3647 is a comprehensive premium quality solution for silently cooling LGA3647-based Xeon workstations and servers. It is finished with the expert SecuFirm2 mounting mechanism and pre-applied NT-H1 thermal compound.

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2. DeepCool AS500 Plus CPU Air Cooler

Specifications

• Voltage: 12 Volts

• Wattage: 1.32 watts

• Cooling Method: Air

• Compatible Devices: Desktop

• Noise Level: 29.2 dB

• Maximum Rotational Speed: 2500 RPM

Pros

• Easily affordable

• Quiet activity

• Fantastic thermal performance

• Enhance quality

Cons

• Not designed for powerful overclocked CPUs

• Installation could be a little challenging

Product's Summary

Powerful TF140S FDB fan with PWM capability provides great cooling and silent operation. Heat is effectively radiated out of a heatsink with a high fin density using five 6mm heat pipes. 

A small 48mm heatsink provides versatility for a dual fan system while maintaining excellent RAM compatibility. The RGB software or the provided wire controller can be used to alter the A-RGB top cover, which offers a low-profile underglow.

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3. be quiet! BK031 Dark Rock TF 2

Specifications

• Voltage: 230 Volts

• Wattage: 230 watts

• Cooling Method: Fan

• Compatible Devices: Desktop

• Noise Level: 27.1 dB

• Material: Ceramic, Rubber

• Maximum Rotational Speed: 1150 RPM

Pros

• Extremely silent operation

• Great value

• Excellent construction

• Blowing downward to increase system cooling

Cons

• Heavy overclocking is not allowed

• Very plain appearances

Product's Summary

The Dark Rock TF2 performs similarly to other single-tower air coolers, and even while it is more expensive than most, two premium fans make up for some of that cost. 

Installation flexibility is greatly increased by the fan's ability to be mounted above, below, or both the heatsink. It can be used in a variety of systems, from robust gaming PCs to small SFF systems.

The Dark Rock TF 2 continues the Be Silent legacy of being extremely quiet, especially under light loads, and with a power rating of up to 230W, it can support 

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4. Cryorig C7 RGB

Specifications

• Voltage: 12 Volts

• Wattage: 100 watts

• Cooling Method: Air

• Compatible Devices: Desktop

• Noise Level: 14 dB

Pros

• Really little size

• Cooler than you'd anticipate given its size

• Low-noise operation

Cons

• Not one for overclocked, high-core-count CPUs

Product's Summary

Although Cryorig C7 RGB has a 100W maximum power rating, 65W class CPUs with six or eight cores or less are more appropriate. You won't notice your processor throttling under continuous loads either because of the slight headroom it has for turbo bursts.

There are copper and graphene-coated versions with TDP ratings up to 125W if you need a little bit of extra TDP headroom, but they cost more. For the smallest form factor systems, the C7 is a fantastic option.

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1. How effective are CPU air coolers?

Although air coolers are quite effective at moving heat away from the CPU, you should be aware that heat is also transferred into the case. The system's overall ambient temperature may rise as a result of this. Through the radiator's fans, liquid coolers do a better job of transferring the heat outside of the system.

2. Is the air cooler more secure?

Systems for cooling PCs with air are reliable, affordable, and simple to set up. They offer the most secure method of cooling your PC and require the least amount of upkeep. If you want to build a PC quickly and inexpensively, 

3. Can an air cooler handle gaming?

The most popular and frequently least expensive technique of cooling is the air cooler. It employs a fan to move air across heatsinks and other components, which is typically thought to be adequate for the majority of gaming PCs. Although more expensive, liquid cooling is a more effective solution.

In conclusion, the most important thing that you need to look for in an air cooler is good cooling performance. It’s also important that you look for a good price/performance ratio. It’s really up to you to decide which one is the best, but these are the factors that will help you make a decision. We’ve reviewed a few of the best CPU air coolers on the market. These include The NH-U14S DX-3647, Powerful TF140S FDB, The Dark Rock TF2, and Cryorig C7 RGB.