Best CPU Coolers for AMD Ryzen 9 5950X: 2021 Roundup

Best CPU Coolers for AMD Ryzen 9 5950X: 2021 Roundup

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. CPU Cooling Technologies
   1. Air Coolers
   2. All-in-One Liquid Coolers
3. Factors to consider when choosing a CPU cooler
   1. CPU Compatibility
   2. Heat Dissipation Capability
   3. Noise Level
   4. Price
4. Review of Different CPU Coolers
   1. Deepcool AS500 Plus
   2. Arctic Freezer 50
   3. Cooler Master MA624 Stealth
   4. Cougar Aqua 240 ARGB
   5. Silverstone IceGem 240P
   6. G.Skill Yankee 360
   7. Phanteks Glacier One 360 MP
   8. Ice Giant Pro Siphon Elite
5. Performance testing and Analysis
   1. Temperature Results
   2. Noise Performance
   3. Overclocking Performance
   4. VRM Thermals
6. Conclusion

CPU Cooling Technologies

When it comes to cooling your CPU, there are two main technologies to choose from: air coolers and all-in-one liquid coolers. Air coolers use metal heatsinks and fans to dissipate heat from the CPU, while liquid coolers use a combination of a radiator, Pump, and liquid coolant to keep temperatures in check.

Advantages of Air Coolers:

• Lower cost compared to liquid coolers
• Less complexity in installation and maintenance
• Can still provide adequate cooling for most CPUs

Advantages of All-in-One Liquid Coolers:

• Higher cooling performance, especially for overclocked CPUs
• More efficient heat dissipation
• Aesthetically pleasing designs

Factors to consider when choosing a CPU cooler

1. CPU Compatibility: Make sure the cooler you choose is compatible with your specific CPU socket.

2. Heat Dissipation Capability: Look for a cooler that can effectively dissipate heat from your CPU, especially if you plan on overclocking.

3. Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the cooler, especially if you want a quiet PC setup. Look for coolers with low noise ratings.

4. Price: Set a budget for your CPU cooler and look for options that offer the best performance and value for your money.

Review of Different CPU Coolers

Deepcool AS500 Plus

• Mid-sized air cooler with dual fans
• Good performance and value for money
• Easy installation process
• Suitable for moderate overclocking

Arctic Freezer 50

• Dual-tower air cooler with ARGB lighting
• Decent cooling performance, but limited RAM clearance
• Tricky installation process
• Relatively affordable

Cooler Master MA624 Stealth

• Dual-tower air cooler with a stealthy design
• Average cooling performance
• Quiet operation
• Tricky installation process, particularly with the front fan

Cougar Aqua 240 ARGB

• All-in-one liquid cooler with a 240mm radiator
• Good cooling performance at an affordable price
• RGB lighting with multiple effects
• Cable management can be challenging due to the number of cables

Silverstone IceGem 240P

• All-in-one liquid cooler with a 38mm thick radiator
• Great cooling performance for high TDP CPUs
• Premium design with RGB lighting
• Installation can be tricky, and cable management is challenging

G.Skill Yankee 360

• All-in-one liquid cooler with a 360mm radiator
• Excellent cooling performance for high-end processors
• Easy installation process
• Premium build quality, but the price is on the higher side

Phanteks Glacier One 360 MP

• All-in-one liquid cooler with a 360mm radiator
• Aesthetic design with an infinity mirror
• Good cooling performance, but fan noise can be loud
• Challenging installation process

Ice Giant Pro Siphon Elite

• Air CPU cooler with thermosiphon technology
• Impressive cooling performance, even for high-end CPUs
• Unique design and build quality
• Expensive compared to other coolers

Performance Testing and Analysis

In our performance testing, we evaluated the temperature results, noise performance, and overclocking capability of each CPU cooler. We found that all-in-one liquid coolers, especially the 360mm variants, consistently performed well, keeping CPU temperatures low even under heavy load.

However, some air coolers, such as the Deepcool AS500 Plus, surprised us with their performance, offering comparable results to 240mm all-in-one liquid coolers. These air coolers demonstrate the benefits of a well-designed heat pipe layout, specifically tailored to AMD's chiplet layout.

Noise levels varied across the coolers, with some requiring higher fan speeds to achieve optimal performance. The acoustic performance of the coolers is an important consideration for those seeking quieter PC operation.

When it comes to overclocking, all-in-one liquid coolers proved to be more effective at handling the increased heat load, allowing for stable operation at higher frequencies. However, some air coolers, like the Deepcool AS500 Plus, demonstrated the ability to handle moderate overclocking without breaking a sweat.

VRM thermals were also analyzed, with the Noctua NH-D15 performing exceptionally well, keeping VRM temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius during overclocking.

Conclusion

Choosing the right CPU cooler is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and stability, whether you're a casual user or an enthusiast overclocker. All-in-one liquid coolers offer excellent cooling performance, especially for high TDP CPUs and overclocking, but air coolers can still provide satisfactory results at a lower cost.

Consider factors such as CPU compatibility, heat dissipation capability, noise level, and price when making your decision. Each cooler reviewed has its strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

With proper installation and the right cooling solution, you can ensure that your CPU remains at optimal temperatures, allowing for efficient and reliable performance.