A CPU cooler is often overlooked when buying a PC… and yet it can prove important depending on how you intend to use it!
Below you will find a comparison and a buyer's guide covering everything you need to know before buying your CPU cooler!
The 2 best CPU coolers in our ranking!
Things to know before buying your CPU fan!
- Many brands offer two CPU cooling systems: watercooling (liquid cooling system) and air cooler (air cooling system).
- Before buying a CPU cooler, you must ensure it is compatible with your components . Also, make sure its size is suitable for your computer case, as we will see in the section dedicated to purchasing criteria.
- Cooler Master is one of the best brands for buying CPU coolers . You can be sure of the quality and performance of their components; in addition to cooling systems, they also offer other components such as computer cases and power supply .
Comparison of the best CPU coolers!
As you have seen, there are two types of coolers for your processor: liquid and air.
What is the best solution? Choosing the components to incorporate into a configuration is a crucial step in achieving the results that best meet your expectations. Although these two cooling systems share the same goal in your setup—absorbing heat from the processor and then dissipating it—their operating methods and capabilities can differ.
We therefore invite you to learn more further down in our buying guide after reading the comparison!
The 3 best water coolers from Cooler Master!
Its operation is similar to that of its air-cooled counterpart, but this one has a waterblock filled with coolant allowing for more interesting performance .
1. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R RGB
Features and Reviews
If you're looking for a high-quality water cooling system, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid is for you. Its polyphenylene sulfide and fiberglass components, forming the low-profile dual chamber, make it impervious to oxidation and corrosion.
Its low-resistance radiator improves airflow for more efficient heat exchange and unparalleled cooling performance. The integrated MasterFan maximizes air pressure for superior liquid cooling. Its dual-tube design ensures durability and a premium look. With an average lifespan of 160,000 hours, your peace of mind is guaranteed.
2. Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 240
Features and Reviews
Combining performance and discretion, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 240 is the perfect choice. Its dark color complements your setup and adds a touch of elegance. With a copper base and high-quality components, its lifespan is estimated at 70,000 hours.
Its 120mm MasterFan Air Balance fan smooths CPU fan operation, significantly reducing daily clicks and vibrations. The dual-chamber pump isolates the heated liquid to maximize cooling performance. Its ease of installation makes it one of the best value-for-money products on the market.
3. Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120
Features and Reviews
The MasterLiquid 120, the little brother of the MasterLiquid 240, is the minimum you need if you want to get started in gaming. Ideal for new systems or upgrades, you'll have no trouble installing it thanks to its compatibility with both Intel and AMD configurations. Small in size and with a matte black finish, it's one of the most stylish and compact liquid coolers on the market.
With an average lifespan of 70,000 hours, you'll never have to worry about replacing it. Its dual heat dissipation pump and MasterFan Air Balance technology smooth the fan's operation for reduced vibration. The FEP tubing ensures full airflow and eliminates potential evaporation.
The 3 best CPU coolers from Cooler Master!
In this design, heat is transferred from the processor via thermal paste applied to a copper or aluminum plate, which typically serves as a conductive base. Its efficiency can therefore vary depending on the materials used in its construction, as well as the size and number of fans.
1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
Features and Reviews
With its understated yet striking design, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition seamlessly integrates into your setup. Its brushed aluminum top cover and black reinforced metal fins create a truly unique aesthetic. Customizing your system's colors is easy with the included RGB LED controller.
With simpler installation than its predecessor, the Master Hyper 212 is one of the best cooling solutions available. Its stacked fin array ensures low airflow resistance. In addition to being quiet, the wide, fine-tuned speed range guarantees above-average cooling performance. To minimize dynamic losses and accelerate exhaust gases, its fan allows for easy and quick push-pull configuration.
2. Cooler Master Hyper 212 LED Turbo Red
Features and Reviews
The extraordinary Cooler Master Hyper 212 Turbo Red gives your system a unique design thanks to its dual fans featuring red blades and LEDs. In addition to its stylish look, its original all-in-one mounting system makes it compatible with both AMD and Intel products.
For improved heat dissipation to the metal base, four thermal pipes in direct contact between the processor and the aluminum fan have been incorporated. Its dual PVM fans enhance the balance between airflow and static pressure to reduce heat. Unwanted noise during your gaming sessions will be a thing of the past thanks to its anti-vibration rubber mounts.
3. Cooler Master Hyper TX3 EVO
Features and Reviews
Offering one of the best price-to-performance ratios currently available, the Cooler Master Hyper TX3 EVO is one of the most affordable products on the market. Its compact design allows for significantly increased airflow, resulting in superior cooling.
Featuring three aluminum thermal pipes in direct contact between the processor and the fan, heat dissipation is guaranteed compared to metal bases. Its anti-vibration rubber pads and quick-installation cover prevent noise and provide a high-quality experience.
If you are an impatient person who loves simplicity, its quick installation system and compatibility with Intel and AMD components will allow you to easily incorporate it into your setup.
The buyer's guide to help you choose your CPU cooler!
What is a CPU cooler?
Cooling systems are used to dissipate the hot air from your PC that is located on the various components.
Indeed, in a computer, the components perform much better when they are fresh; the more they heat up, the more they are damaged and lose efficiency.
This allows them to be refreshed for a longer lifespan and better performance; water cooling is particularly useful if you use your computer for long hours at a time.
The two components that generally generate the most heat are the graphics card and the processor , so they require good cooling fans for your processor.
How to choose between a vendirad and a watercooling system for your CPU?
The answer will simply depend on the tasks or actions you will perform with your setup.
However, here are some things to consider:
Beginners and intermediate levels:
If you are someone who wants to perform basic tasks or play games that do not require advanced components, we advise you to opt for a CPU cooler – air cooling.
Its simpler operation allows for affordable prices while maintaining good performance. Furthermore, this system is generally the easiest to install , making it perfect for beginners and intermediate users. Be sure to choose copper materials, as they are generally of higher quality than aluminum.
Looking for a bright RGB CPU cooler? Here are our top 3!
Experienced:
However, if you want to be equipped with the best components for demanding tasks, we recommend water cooling – a liquid cooling system. This setup is generally more expensive than the previous one.
More complex to install than a standard air cooler, it will require some technical skills to integrate into your system , as well as a certain amount of available space . These drawbacks will be largely offset by the integration of software that allows you to control the fan speed and lighting (some CPU coolers do not have this feature, so be aware). The noise level will also be lower than with an air cooler.
Looking for RGB water cooling? Here are our top 3!
Advantages and disadvantages of CPU fans
There can be many reasons why someone might want to buy a cooling system.
For example, when you buy different components to build your own PC, you will receive a mini heatsink for your processor.
The problem is that the mini heatsink included with your processor is often inefficient and can therefore cause your processor to overheat, which will damage it and reduce its performance.
Therefore, buying a better CPU fan separately is a wise choice in this case.
As we have seen, it is possible to regulate the temperature of its components with a CPU cooler, that is to say an air cooling system.
But there is another system, known as watercooling, which has advantages that I will present to you in comparison with those of the air system:
| Vendirad – CPU Air Coolers | Watercooling – Liquid Refrigeration | |
| performance | Its performance may be more than sufficient for a low- or mid-range computer. And even for a high-end computer that won't be subjected to a heavy workload. | They offer significantly better performance. They are ideal for high-end gaming equipment . |
| Interview | It is advisable to clean the dust from time to time and change the thermal paste once a year. | They require more complex maintenance. This includes, among other things, replacing the thermal compound and cleaning the radiators and fans. In addition, the fluids in the pipes must be bled and refilled. |
| Noise | They are increasingly incorporating better systems to reduce noise to a minimum. | These are much quieter systems. |
| Space required | Generally, they require less space than liquid cooling systems. High-performance systems tend to require more space, although they generally require larger cases. | These are larger systems, so they generally require a fairly large box. |
| Price | Much cheaper. | Its price is much higher. |
4 purchasing criteria to consider before choosing it!
There are several criteria to consider when purchasing your CPU cooler, so you will find all the necessary information below.
Choose the type of cooler
First of all, you need to decide what type of system you want to integrate into your PC: air cooling or liquid cooling.
Generally speaking, it's recommended to start with an air- cooled system if you're a beginner or if your budget doesn't allow for anything else. In any case, it remains a good choice because it's relatively easy to install and inexpensive.
Liquid cooling – water cooling – is more expensive and also more difficult to install. This system is often used in gaming PCs, that is, for playing video games.
In addition to its high performance, it's also a quiet CPU cooler because, unlike a heatsink, it has no motor or blades to generate noise. This also means it requires more frequent maintenance.
Good to know: Did you know that CPU coolers are becoming increasingly quiet? Furthermore, if you're absolutely looking for a completely silent PC, we invite you to check out the best silent PC cases !
The size
Make sure your case is large enough to accommodate the CPU fan. If you're building your gaming PC, we recommend choosing an ATX case .
The case needs to be large enough to house most of the components. Keep in mind that if the cooler is too wide or your case is quite small, like a mini-ITX , you might encounter assembly problems…
Regarding CPU coolers, they don't take up much space widthwise but can block height, so pay attention to this factor.
CPU coolers are much bulkier and require more in-depth research, so check the dimensions of your case and the space taken up by each of your components.
Compatibility
Of course, the system must be compatible with your motherboard and processor. Make sure the socket is the same for all your components , and you shouldn't have any problems.
You will find this information in the instructions but also on the various product pages where you can buy them.
The power
Your CPU fan has obviously increased your PC's power consumption.
A CPU cooler will require approximately 50W to power it.
Water cooling requires a little more power supply , on average between 100W and 150W depending on the quality.
What are the various advantages of Cooler Master CPU fans?
As you saw in our comparison, we only offer Cooler Master models.
The brand represents a guarantee of quality in the industry, and is appreciated by both experts and enthusiasts. Here are a few examples of the brand's advantages:
The products are of very good quality and sustainable
There is a lot of variety and choice among the products
The price/quality ratio is excellent
How to install a CPU cooler yourself?
The procedure is quite simple and fairly common for each installation, but it remains essential to consult the instructions that will be provided with the product to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Installation of a CPU cooler involves 3 main steps:
First, you need to shut down your computer, take care to unplug it properly and put it in a position that will make installation easier.
You'll need to apply thermal paste to the processor. Thermal paste is very important; it allows cool air to properly regulate the temperature. If it isn't applied, your processor will be damaged extremely quickly. Applying the paste is therefore essential; you can apply it in an X shape on your CPU.
Once that's done, you need to mount the fan. The screw locations vary depending on your motherboard. After it's mounted, connect it to the "FAN" connector on your motherboard. You can also find its location in your motherboard's manual.
Good to know: To successfully apply thermal paste to your CPU, you need a high-quality paste. Discover the best thermal pastes for PCs .
Here are the best-rated, budget-friendly CPU fans!
Conclusion
Make sure to check if the cooler is compatible with your PC! However, don't forget to carefully check the sockets and the size of the components. You now have all the information you need to buy a CPU cooler!
