Best CPU Cooler for Overclocking
Best CPU Cooler for Overclocking

Best CPU Cooler for Overclocking 2021

  • Best Premium CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15
    • Noctua is a state-of-the-art dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes and 2 fans be responsible for class-leading cooling performance for overclocking or near-silent systems.
  • Budget Friendly: Corsair Hydro Series H60
    • Corsair Hydro H60 is a super budget-friendly liquid CPU cooler. Precise PWM control, dynamically adjust fan speed between 600 RPM to 1,700 RPM
  • Best Performance CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
    • Cooler Master ML360R is an exclusive tech cooler master which controls quality and builds on decades of innovation with 100 percent in-house design and built-up.
  • Best Tower CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34
    • Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUP improved heat dissipation by spreading direct-touch heat pipes evenly.
  • Best Silent CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B
    • Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B CPU Air Cooler has one of the most silent operations in all the CPU coolers regardless of the low RPMs.

Going for the best CPU cooler for your PC build is an important decision because having one of the best CPU coolers can avert shattering issues caused by CPU overheating. So, if you want your PC to work perfectly and smoothly, it will need to be operated at a safe temperature. Particularly if you’ve got a plan to go for overclocking, it would be necessary then.

So, for that, you’ll need to make sure that you’re running the best CPU cooler for overclocking. It would help you out to work as smoothly and fast as you expect because a high-quality CPU cooler is required for the rig.

There are a variety of CPU Coolers, but mainly they can be categorized into one of three categories: air, closed-loop, all-in-one (AIO) coolers, or custom / open-loop cooling setups. Open-loop coolers are by far the most composite and costly choice, and though they are unmatched both in terms of cooling and aesthetics.

Although CPU coolers have variations usually they come in two variations. The first is an air cooler which comes with a vast metal heat sink that draws heat back from the CPU, then blew outs by a fan. Before you going to get an air cooler, you need to think through your CPU socket type, PC case’s dimension, RAM sanction, and airflow. Then the best purchase can be made.

The second option is liquid cooling with the most common being the AIO (all-in-one) variety. The coolant passes through a closed-loop via a plate that’s attached to your CPU. Liquid cooling is a more effective choice. It can lead to some flashy-looking mechanisms with wild RGB lighting options.

A good CPU cooler is significantly involved in noise reduction. So, buying a CPU cooler that efficiently manages thermal output is important to high performance and an increased overclocking potential, being succeeded in a quiet environment.

By keeping in mind your ease, workload, and budget, we gathered a list of air and AIO coolers. We are listing the best CPU cooler for overclocking. You can choose either of them as per your budget and all.

Best Premium CPU Cooler

1. Noctua NH-D15

Noctua NH-D15 well-thought-out the best CPU cooler for overclocking. Noctua is a state-of-the-art dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes and 2 fans be responsible for class-leading cooling performance for overclocking or near-silent systems. It comes with 2 highly optimized NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation.

Noctua NH D15 - Best CPU Cooler for Overclocking -  Premium CPU Cooler

Packed with two of the well-known quiet NF-A15 PWM 140mm fans and Noctua’s verified NT-H1 thermal compound, the NH-D15 SE-AM4 forms a comprehensive high-quality solution that characterizes a top choice for both overclockers and silent form-factor fanatics who make every effort to tune their AM4 systems to the thoroughgoing.

Even working at 100 percent, the cooler ran silently. If you aren’t a fan of liquid cooling or don’t have the space to mount a radiator, the NH-D15 is about as good as it gets for air cooling. Well-known Noctua quality backed up by 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, deluxe choice for Intel Core i9, i7, i5, i3 (e.g. 10900K, 10700K, 10600K, 10980XE) and AMD Ryzen (e.g. 3950X, 3900X, 3700X, 3600X).

This is the most award-winning CPU cooler as it never disappoints with its performance. Its dual-fan system makes it prime for gamers who be apt to overclock their systems. On the other hand, this isn’t a good option for gamers who are very particular about their battle station glamour, for them, this is not a smart option.

I must praise Noctua for excellent materials packaging. All components are protected in the box with expanded protective material. Everything comes in a properly rigid cardboard box which protects the packaging contents. This can be your first preference if you’re intense about performance and you would love to buy it again if you make a plan to have another system.

There’s one disadvantage only and that’s it is bulky and because of it, it could cause problems with tall RAM modules clearance. Because of its size, it cannot fit in smaller-sized cases. Its socket is AMD specific and another needs to be gotten for Intel PCs, which adds to the cost. In some cases, it is also seen to block the top PCI Express slot.

Noctua NH D15 - Best CPU Cooler for Overclocking - Premium CPU Cooler
01. Noctua NH-D15
short overview
I must praise Noctua for excellent materials packaging. All components are protected in the box with expanded protective material.
OVERALL
9
pros
Dual 140 mm Fans Built-in.
No Additional Software Required.
Noiseless Performance.
cons
Bulky in Size.
9

Rating

NOCTUA NH-D15

Budget Friendly Liquid CPU Cooler

2. Corsair Hydro Series H60 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Corsair Hydro H60 is a super budget-friendly liquid CPU cooler. Precise PWM control, dynamically adjust fan speed between 600 RPM to 1,700 RPM with a 120-millimeter Corsair SP Series PWM fan which makes it easy to lessen noise or maximize airflow. CPU temperatures are unusually lowered with a 120mm high-density slim-radiator for maximum cooling superficial area and performance. It facilitates you to experience lower CPU temperatures with a 120mm high-density slim radiator.

Corsair Hydro Series H60 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Corsair’s Hydro Series H60 is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler with a 120mm radiator built for low-noise liquid CPU cooling and intrepid styling with a white LED-lit pump head. A white LED-lit pump head adds an intelligent touch to the design and boosts the aesthetics of your gaming gear. It has a thermally improved cold plate and low noise pump design for more efficient, soundless cooling.

This is easy to install as there’s a linked tool-free mounting bracket for quick and easy installation onto all current AM4, LGA 1151, and LGA 2066 socket CPUs. With tool-free easy installation and Corsair engineered cooling, the H60 is everything you need to keep your CPU running fast, cool and soundless.

Corsair Hydro H60 is the prime importance for passionate gaming sessions where the right amount of overclocking is on the go. However, this is an AIO liquid cooler and not very hard on the pocket, yet it will not be recommended for competitive gamers because its limits when it comes to overclocking the system make it a second choice. For meticulous games that require systems to be overclocked to a higher degree, this is a restrictive factor.

Corsair Hydro Series H60 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
02. Corsair Hydro Series H60
short overview
This is easy to install as there’s a linked tool-free mounting bracket for quick and easy installation onto all current AM4, LGA 1151,
OVERALL
9
pros
Easy to Install.
Excellent Performance.
Socket Adaptability.
Pump Noise is very Low.
CONS
Single Fan.
9

RATING

CORSAIR HYDRO SERIES H60

Best Performance RGB CPU Cooler

3. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R

Cooler Master ML360R is an exclusive tech cooler master which controls quality and builds on decades of innovation with 100 percent in-house design and built-up. It has a Polyphenylene sulfide and glass fiber structure that resists a wide range of chemicals rendering it unaffected by moisture or absorption in water.

Dual dissipation low profile dual-chamber pump boosts performance and sturdiness over last-gen single chamber pump designs. Substantial performance jumps over last-gen technology. The pump is also light in weight and resistant to corrosion. Its custom design and low resistance radiator permit for a higher flow rate and increased heat exchange effectiveness and be responsible for incomparable cooling performance.

It comes with addressable RGB mode so color for your fan can be personalized without a glitch. Don’t you think it is more aesthetics adapted to gamers ask for than a custom-made touch of glitz and style? Well, I am sure it is.

The FEP tubing makes it strong yet flexible whereas the sleeved tubing on the exterior gives it a premium look. Master Fan MF120R ARGB guarantees an exact air cooling solution which is ideal for making the most of air pressure for AIO liquid cooling.

Cooler Master’s new MasterLiquid ML360R RGB makes elite performance available with RGB display. Being cost-effective when in evaluate to its matching part. Cooling Master is a choice for gamers who are pointing toward achieving superior performance on a budget.

Cooler Master has a lot of features that make you get for your machine but it is likely to get louder at maximum RPM which is a downside especially for gamers who don’t want even a slight interruption. Also, the hoses are very rigid that makes them problematic to install.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
03. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
SHORT OVERVIEW
Cooler Master’s new MasterLiquid ML360R RGB makes elite performance available with RGB display. Being cost-effective when in evaluate to its matching part. Cooling Master is a choice for gamers who are pointing toward achieving superior performance on a budget.
OVERALL
8
PROS
Chic Design and Aesthetics.
Price is Lower than the other 360 AIOs.
Excellent Cooling Ability.
CONS
Poor Controller Management.
8

RATING

COOLER MASTER MASTERLIQUID ML360R

Best Tower CPU Cooler

4. ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO

ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO

Another best CPU cooler for overclocking in low-budget. Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUP improved heat dissipation by spreading direct-touch heat pipes evenly. An optimized heat sink is designed with 54 cooling fins which leads to an ideal heat indulgence for the Freezer 34 eSports DUO. Arctic Freezer falls just one degree short of the famous Noctua NH-D15. The two fans are 120mm with a max speed of 2100 RPM, which is pretty a lot of speed.

The contact surface of the Freezer 34 eSports DUO heat pipes does not cover the full heat-spreader but is right where the processor DIE is and covers even the largest versions. The push and pull feature be responsible for a great cooling mechanism. The bearing on the fan is a fluid dynamic bearing that keeps operations be quiet at a 28 decibel while operating.

The two BioniX P-fans of the Freezer 34 eSports DUO work in push-pull-mode, the subsequent increase of airflow ensures that the heat from the CPU is dissipated even faster. It runs short in the heat pipe section but that is because the 4 heat pipes come unswervingly in contact with the CPU pass on to conduct heat as much as possible.

Fast and easy to install and extremely reliable, the Freezer 34 eSports DUO mounting system is compatible with Intel and AMD sockets. The Freezer 34 eSports DUO not only fool-proof to install, but also transport safely.

This budget-friendly, aesthetics, and awesome Arctic Freezer 34 eSport DUO come in different colors such as green, grey, grey/white, yellow, white, and red. So you can get any color as per your choice. This is great. Isn’t it?

The drawback is, it lacks the RGB that is the ire of the gamer community these days. Overall, this is the perfect best CPU cooler for overclocking.

04. ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO
SHORT OVERVIEW
This budget-friendly, aesthetics, and awesome Arctic Freezer 34 eSport DUO come in different colors such as green, grey, grey/white, yellow, white, and red.
OVERALL
8
PROS
Push-pull with Dual Fan.
Low Noise.
CONS
Compatibility Issues with some Sockets.
No RGB.
8

RATING

ARCTIC FREEZER 34 ESPORTS DUO

Best Silent CPU Cooler

5. Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B CPU Air Cooler

Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B - Best CPU Cooler for Overclocking

Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B CPU Air Cooler has one of the most silent operations in all the CPU coolers regardless of the low RPMs. Quiet 120mm Kaze Flex fan (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) for high airflow and static pressure with the silent operation (PWM, 300-1200RPM). Adding fan clip for adding 2nd fan (optional) as push-pull configuration for utmost performance.

RAM modules with a tall heatsink are no problem for the Mugen 5. The asymmetric design permits unrestricted access to the memory banks. Mugen5 offers great compatibility with the most popular computer case on the market.

The award-winning Mugen 5 CPU Cooler has been updated with a freshly developed mounting system, which now offers full compatibility with AMD’s new AM4 platform. The spring-loaded design delivers secure and even pressure distribution to the CPU and allows for a quick and easy installation.

6 sintered heat-pipes and copper base be responsible for top-tier performance for high TDP CPUs, and well-found with quiet Kaze Flex 120mm fan (Sealed Precision FDB) for quiet operation and long lifespan of 120,000 hrs.

It is highly reasonable and inexpensive for the price point. This is for those who like to play with overclocking. You will see further temperature drops if you plan to attach another fan to it, which is always a good option to have if you have enough clearance for other components.

Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B
05. Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B
SHORT OVERVIEW
It is highly reasonable and inexpensive for the price point. This is for those who like to play with overclocking. You will see further temperature drops if you plan to attach another fan to it,
OVERALL
9
PROS
Inexpensive.
Super Silent.
Additional Bracket for another Fan.
cons
No RGB.
Low RPMs.
9

RATING

SCYTHE MUGEN 5 REV.B

We did our best to collect the best CPU cooler for overclocking. You can choose either of them as per your need and budget. This question may also wander in your mind, should you go for an air CPU cooler or an all-in-one liquid cooler? Well, the answer is quite simple. Overall cooling performance-wise, you should go for liquid cooling. But liquid coolers take more space because of pipes and radiators. They are often a bit louder than the air cooler.

Moreover, there is a minor risk with liquid coolers. In case of any failure, a liquid cooler will leak all its liquid on your rig. Even though consistent companies guarantee in case of such mishaps.

If we talk about air CPU coolers, they are a popular choice amongst many users because they arrange for quiet operation despite their huge size. They are less expensive and can be available easily.

FAQs

What if I won’t overclock my CPU? Should I invest in a CPU cooler then?

Yes, you should. Any kind of demanding task such as video editing, or gaming puts a huge load on your CPU, so it would be necessary to keep your machines error-free, smooth and fast. Stock CPU coolers are designed to deliver sufficient cooling for lengthy periods while the CPU is running at 100%. I’ll suggest, if you want to do any kind of CPU-intensive task, you should invest in a CPU cooler.

Is fan speed important?

Yes, it is important. The fan is supposed to cool the heat sink continuously. The heat sink and the heat pipe’s design are more important than the fan speed. Fan speed measured in RPM (revolutions per minute), and the advanced fan speeds range from anywhere between 1500 to 3000 RPMs for CPU coolers. So, you can think, how much important fan speed is to cool the heat sink while it is running at 100%.

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