Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 5 5600X in 2023
Do you think your Ryzen 5 5600X is getting too hot, and you are looking for the best CPU cooler to cool it down? Then, you are in the right spot. In this article, whether you are a gaming enthusiast or want to overclock your system, you will find the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 5 5600X processor meeting your demands and inclinations.
Generally, gamers and overclockers prefer Ryzen 5 5600X processor by AMD. Because it has 6 cores and 12 threads and has the ability to speed up base clock speed up to 4.6 GHz, allowing multitasking and high-performance single tasks, although it is a mid-range processor, at times, especially during extensive tasks such as running heavy games and extreme overclocking, it may cause overheating which is usually resolved with its efficient power cooling system. But sometimes, it may need some extra cooling effect or advanced cooling solution as it reaches its maximum capability.
1
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280
2
NZXT Kraken Z63
3
Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
So, to overcome this challenge, we bring to light the list of Best CPU coolers for Ryzen 5 5600X. Moreover, with years of experience in the technology and gaming industry, I’ll reveal the perks and shortcomings of these best CPU coolers and put forward clear-cut CPU coolers in accordance with your specifications and liking. Not only this, but this article also includes buying tips and advice so you will be able to uncover your fundamental needs and specifications.
Our Recommendations Top 8 Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 5 5600X
Design
Product
Features
Price
Noctua NH-U12A
Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
Corsair H150i RGB Pro XT
Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2
Be quiet! Dark Pro 4
NZXT Kraken Z63
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280
Noctua NH-D15
1
Noctua NH-U12A
9.8
In the gaming and technology industry, Noctua has gained popularity due to its high performance and reliability. Noctua uses high-quality fans and pipes in Noctua NH-U12A. That’s why it is considered the best air CPU cooler. Moreover, it was awarded for offering an exclusive air-cooling effect and maintaining optimal temperatures during extensive tasks like gaming.
Noctua NH-U12A uses high-quality materials like aluminum cooling fins and copper base that acts as a powerful conductor by transferring heat efficiently. For further heat dissipation, it consists of two fans with a size of 120mm. These fans run at a speed of a minimum of 450 RPM, which can extend up to 2000 RPM during heavy workloads such as gaming, moderate overclocking, and multitasking.
This Noctua NH-U12A cooler’s architecture is built in such a way that it cools down the Ryzen 5 5600X seamlessly. For instance, it features seven heat pipes made up of copper and distributed, which increases the surface area by up to 37%. Furthermore, the NH-U12A has an asymmetric design that allows for limited space. This means that you can easily install multiple RAM modules, and this CPU cooler won’t disturb you.
Noctua’s NH-U12A is designed with compatibility in mind. It supports AM4 sockets for Ryzen 5 5600 processors. It also supports AMD’s newer socket AM5 and older AM3. Other than that, it also supports various sockets, including Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA2066, and LGA2011. Installation of this CPU cooler gets easier with Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting, which also offers fine-tuning and manual adjustment to CPU cooler performance.
Being a gaming enthusiast for so long, I prefer a quiet cooling system. Thanks to Noctua’s advanced fan technology, the NH-U12A is one of the quietest coolers during heavy operations. The NH-U12A also supports a 4-pin PWM cable and has low-noise adaptors that allow for automatic speed management, which means whenever the temperature rises or decreases, it automatically adjusts the fan speed.
Noctua NH-U12A does not have RGB lighting or an eye-catching color scheme. If you prioritize performance, easy installation, and durability over aesthetics, Noctua NH-U12A is a reliable choice, even if you are playing long gaming sessions or doing work tasks that require concentration.
2
Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
9.6
As the brand name suggests, Be Quiet! Gains popularity among gamers or user groups who prefer silent operation. Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 also offers a quieter experience in an affordable range, so it is considered the best budget-friendly CPU cooler.
Pure Rock 2 is designed with noise reduction in mind, and it maintains its name in the gaming industry by delivering a quiet cooling experience even during heavy gaming sessions.
Be Quiet has designed this Pure Rock 2 in a way that it dissipates maximum heat without making a louder noise. It includes 2 fans of 120 mm with high-quality rifles that offer efficient cooling. The 9 blades in each fan make noise of only 26.8dB even when these fans are running at 100% capacity, ensuring a peaceful and quiet environment for both you and your PC components. So, it is an ideal choice for those seeking a silent CPU cooler for their Ryzen 5 5600x.
It includes four heat pipes of six millimeters with HDT (Heatpipe Direct Touch) technology that also helps to expel heat from the CPU. This heating dissipation is further enhanced by aluminum caps over heating pipes. Pure Rock 2 also has asymmetrical designs that do not block memory slots and improve the overall performance of memory modules.
Regarding compatibility, the Pure Rock 2 supports AM4 sockets and sometimes AM3, so it is a compatible choice for Ryzen. It also supports Intel sockets, including 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 2011(-3) square ILM, and 2066.
It is important to note that the Pure Rock 2 does not support advanced software for automatic temperature monitoring and customization. It does not offer performance as good as other coolers. However, its affordable price makes Pure Rock an ideal choice for someone who prefers a balance between price and performance. Additionally, its brushed aluminum finish gives it a nicer and sleeker look to any case, while the black color adds a mature touch to your gaming setup.
3
Corsair H150i RGB Pro XT
9.6
Let’s reveal the best all-in-one Liquid CPU cooler with exceptional cooling performance and stunning RGB lighting effects. Yes! Corsair H150i RGB Pro XT is the right choice if you settle on liquid coolers.
Liquid coolers usually allow maximum heat elimination with their high-quality mechanisms but the advanced micro-fine copper base of the H150i RGB Pro XT makes it stand out in this category. It also features a 380mm radiator that occupies adequate space, offering superior heat dissipation at lower fan speeds.
The H150i RGB Pro XT cooler comes with three Corsair ML Series fans that improve airflow, especially during extreme CPU cooling performance and heavy gaming sessions. These fans are not your regular fans, but they are meant to remove 20% heat from your system with its patented design with custom housing and a copper core.
It is lightweight, although it is made up of high-quality aluminum and plastic materials, providing durability. It has a mounting bracket that is easy to install and can support almost any CPU socket. As its name suggests, Corsair offers 16 individual RGB LEDs on the pump head and is the perfect choice for someone who prefers aesthetics and is fond of RGB lightning.
Additionally, it also features advanced software such as Corsair iCUE software, which helps you to customize fan speeds, offering a pleasant user experience and control over the cooling system. Not only this, but it also allows customization by mixing and matching the lightning effects with other components, such as keyboards, mice, and fans. This synchronization makes you feel like a cool gaming champ or PC build.
The price of the Corsair H150i RGB Pro XT is comparatively on the higher side, and it may take up space due to its massive radiator size and may not be fixed in a compact PC case. Its high-end features and excellent performance make it the best liquid CPU cooler and a versatile choice for users who prefer high-end CPU coolers with RGB lightning.
4
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2
9.6
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 is renowned for its high-quality cooling system in the gaming industry. It is considered the best quality CPU cooler as it offers quality with performance in an affordable range. It almost covered all those features that one may need in a CPU cooler.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 is designed with build quality in mind. Its design includes a pump with a PPS-Fiberglass housing that improves its performance and durability and provides a quiet cooling experience by reducing cavitation. In addition, it includes EPDM rubber tubes instead of PVC tubing, which may prevent issues like brittleness and cracking.
In terms of its cooling system, it features a radiator of 240 mm and dual 120mm fans. These fans run at speeds of 650-1800 RPMs, which will eliminate large amounts of heat generated by the Ryzen 5 5600X during heavy workloads and gaming sessions. ML240L RGB V2 has a TDP of 180W, and its radiator increases the surface area, which increases the heat dissipation by up to 25%.
So it is compatible with an AM4 socket and other Ryzen sockets including AM5, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, and FM1. Due to its efficient cooling system, it may cool down high-end CPU processors. It supports a wide range of sockets, such as LGA2066, LGA2011-V3, LGA2011, LGA1200, and LGA1151, and its installation is also pretty straightforward.
One standout feature of the ML240L RGB V2 is its addressable RGB lighting on pumps and fans. These RGB lightning are easily controlled by inbuilt software, and you can add any vibrant color to make it more appealing and create your desired theme. Although it lacks an OLED display, which is usually a feature of high-end coolers, it provides real-time temperature monitoring and customizable visuals.
Another important thing to note is that it can generate some noise under heavy loads. This noise level is tolerable, although it may be problematic for those who prefer an extremely cooling experience. Otherwise, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 is an excellent quality CPU cooler due to its durability and performance in an affordable range.
5
Be quiet! Dark Pro 4
9.7
If you are Looking for an extremely quiet CPU cooler, then don’t miss the Be Quiet brand. Dark Pro 4 of the Be Quiet brand not only provides an excellent silent cooling experience but also comes with high-end features and specs, So it is the perfect example of the best quiet cooler that offers high performance.
One of the standout features that makes it an exceptional cooler is its robust architecture. The Dark Pro 4 is built with top-notch materials, including copper heat pipes that are meticulously soldered, and its heat sink fins are precise, ensuring reliability and high performance. Whereas the Silent Wings fans have exclusive fan blade design and fluid dynamic bearings and are arranged exclusively to maintain a whisper-quiet operation. Additionally, asymmetrical design clears space for RAM modules.
Its exceptional cooling system includes a dual-tower design with a total of seven heat pipes. These pipes are made up of copper that conducts heat efficiently and has a nickel-plated finish to avoid corrosion resistance. It also features large aluminum fin stacks that significantly increase surface area. Due to these cooling features, the Dark Pro 4 is an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts and overclockers.
Technically, when CPU coolers cool processors, it may cause noise, but due to its advanced noise reduction ability. The Dark Pro 4 is equipped with two high-quality PWM fans. These fans operate at a speed range of 300 RPM and extend up to 1,500 RPM with airflow ratings of up to 50.5 CFM, delivering strong airflow to lower heat turbulence. Furthermore, the advanced design of Silent Wings produces noise levels of a mere 24.3 decibels at maximum speed, allowing for smooth and quiet operation.
The Dark Pro 4 offers high-end features, including easy installation with a convenient mounting system, compatibility with almost all sockets, and motherboard configurations compatible with tall VRM heatsinks or rear I/O components. It lacks RGB lightning, so it is an ideal choice who prefer dark themes for PC setups. A stylish black brushed aluminum finish adds a touch of elegance and upgrades the overall system.
6
NZXT Kraken Z63
9.6
For someone who never compromises on aesthetics and PC building, then NZXT Kraken Z63 RGB is the best RGB CPU cooler because it offers stunning RGB lighting with exceptional performance with an advanced liquid solution. That combines exceptional cooling performance with stunning RGB lighting effects. With its innovative design and powerful features, the Kraken Z63 offers an excellent cooling solution for high-performance gaming and overclocking setups.
One of the standout features of the Kraken Z63 is its customizable RGB lighting. It features a 2.36″ (60mm) diameter LCD panel on a water block supporting 24-bit true-color graphics with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. All these features allow you to personalize your cooling system by displaying system information and temperature readings, or they would be beneficial during games and animations.
For an efficient cooling system, The Kraken Z63 cooling system’s water block is constructed from high-quality copper. Copper is an excellent thermal conductor, which helps to keep your CPU temperatures under control even during demanding tasks or overclocking sessions by transferring heat from the CPU to liquid coolant. It also features ultra-low evaporation rubber tubing of 400mm with a nylon braided sleeve. This tubing minimizes the risk of coolant leakage, making it a long-term investment. For the same reason, Kraken offers a warranty of 6 years on Z63 RGB.
Due to its water block’s dimensions of 79mm in diameter and 52mm in height, it is compatible with most CPU sockets, including AMD and Intel.
The Kraken Z63 also features a high-quality aluminum radiator with 143 x 315 x 30mm. These dimensions offer a large surface area for powerful heat dissipation. Other than that, Z63 comes with two Aer RGB 2 140mm fans having fluid dynamic bearings that create a balance between heat dissipation and low noise. These fans can operate at speeds ranging from 500 to 1,500 RPM, and you can control it according to your performance needs.
The Kraken Z63 also includes a cap made of aluminum and plastic, which helps you to offer fan control monitoring and tightly seals the water block. Additionally, it comes with advanced software, including the NZXT RGB channel connector, which customizes RGB lighting and controls the cap’s rotation orientation.
Overall, I recommend this CPU cooler to users who prefer a Liquid cooling system and RGB both in one. However, it is an expensive cooler due to its advanced features.
7
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280
9.5
Another liquid cooler that you must try and never want to miss out on is The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280. I used it with Ryzen 5 5600X and am thoroughly impressed with its performance as I use computers for heavy games and multitasking tasks. I can say the Liquid Freezer II 280 is the best AIO liquid cooler.
Its design includes a large 280mm radiator and dual 140mm fans. The radiator is made up of aluminum, and the fans bear fluid dynamics, which offers an excellent balance between cooling and noise reduction. Other than that, it also includes a pump integrated into the CPU block, which helps to operate quietly and effectively, with no noticeable vibrations or noise disturbances.
In terms of compatibility, the Liquid Freezer II 280 cooler comes with a mounting system that supports various CPU sockets, including the popular Intel LGA 115x and AMD AM4. The thermal paste was pre-applied on the CPU block, which saved me the hassle of applying it myself. Hence, its installation process is quite easy.
Due to its advanced cooling solutions, it works exceptionally when used under heavy loads, such as running resource-intensive games, running software, or rendering videos. Moreover, you can also push your CPU maximum limit, so it is an exceptional choice for overclockers and gaming enthusiasts.
One aspect to note is that the Liquid Freezer II 280 does not feature RGB lighting. So, if you are someone who prefers performance over a colorful aesthetic and settles on the liquid cooler with a TDP of more than 150, then you may need to take this recommendation seriously. Although it is a bit expensive, its advanced features and high technology will make this investment worthwhile.
8
Noctua NH-D15
9.8
As already said, the Noctua has gained popularity for its reliability and performance. Since NH-D15 is a top-of-the-line CPU cooler due to its dual-tower design, high-quality fans, and exceptional build quality, it makes its way into the gaming industry.
Noctua built the NH-D15 model using high-quality materials, including aluminum and copper. The aluminum fins and copper heat pipes allow maximum heat transfer, which is released during intensive tasks.
It features a dual-tower design with an expandable heat pipe layout to withdraw heat effectively. It has two premium-grade NF-A15 fans that maximize heat dissipation under high-performing tasks. Although, these fans are known for their low noise levels. Even if you are playing long gaming sessions or overclocking your system, it generates a maximum noise level of only 19.2 dB. Hence, the NH-D15 is a versatile choice for those who want to keep their system cool without making much noise.
One notable feature of the NH-D15 is its compatibility with various CPU sockets. For Intel CPUs, it supports Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA2011, LGA2066 while for Ryzen AMD processor, AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM1, and FM2(+) sockets are supported. It comes with Noctua’s trusted SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, allowing easy installation with any of the sockets.
While the NH-D15 does not have RGB lighting, so if you are looking for RGB lighting, you might need to look into other recommendations. In contrast, if you prefer an all-black aesthetic, give it a must-try, as it offers a professional and clean appearance without any distracting lighting effects.
Overall, the Noctua NH-D15 is a good CPU cooler with exceptional cooling performance and a quiet experience, even during demanding tasks or overclocking.
CPU Cooler Buying Tips and Hacks:
Before buying CPU coolers, you must know first how many CPU coolers you need, so check out this article, which is explained in detail. How many CPU coolers do I need? If I started evaluating every factor that matters to consider in CPU coolers while purchasing, it would take a whole article for it. So, in this guide, we bring to the table only those that are mandatory aspects to take into account as we care for your hard-earned money. Let’s delve into each factor
Budget
This factor is the must-have factor to consider because paying more for the CPU cooler with features you may not require is like money wasted in vain. So I recommend you to set a budget as a preliminary step before examining other aspects.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the key to consider while looking for a CPU cooler. For instance, if you buy a CPU cooler that is incompatible with the CPU, it will be pointless to buy it even if you buy an extremely high-end CPU cooler with advanced technology. So, it is essential to check compatibility beforehand for effective cooling.
Different motherboards support different CPU coolers due to their sockets. Ryzen 5 5600X processors typically support motherboards with AM4 sockets, which is specific to AMD Brand. It may sometimes support the A1200 and LGA1151, but you may need to check it first to avoid any inconvenience.
Form Factor
Another thing to consider for the best CPU cooler for you is to look for whether your motherboard allows multiple coolers or one big CPU cooler, depending on available space. CPU coolers take up much space on your board due to their size and shape. This restricted space may sometimes cause overheating as it doesn’t have an area to vent out its heat.
Moreover, few motherboards do not support multiple coolers. So it would be wise to analyze space and check whether your motherboard has a large space for multiple coolers, if it supports it, or if you need to look for one powerful CPU cooler to dispose of all the heat.
Types of Cooler
Although there are a number of types of CPU coolers depending on their cooling solution, air cooling, and water cooling have gained a lot of popularity among gamers in recent years.
Whether you prefer an air cooler or a water cooler, I recommend you check your motherboard’s compatibility, as they are pricey products, especially liquid coolers.
TDP Rating
As already discussed, the Ryzen 5 5600x is a mid-range processor, so it does not consume loads of power; hence, it is not a power-thirsty processor. Still, considering a high TDP rating is an essential factor. Let’s hypothetically say you buy a high-end CPU cooler with low TDP. You are gonna regret this purchase, especially when you run heavy games, rendering, and overclock the system.
To make things easier for you, it is ideal to choose an air cooler for TDPs below 150 and liquid coolers above 150.
Design and Material
For instance, if you conclude that you need an air cooler, then you may look into the quality of fans and pipes. Investing in high-quality materials usually offers long-term survival and bears extreme heat conditions, especially during multitasking, gaming, and using heavy software. So, looking for copper and aluminum in fans is ideal as they are the best conductors for heat.
Now, let’s say you settle on a liquid cooling system. One thing that you need to consider is the size of the radiators. Liquid coolers are usually smaller in size, but their radiator needs space to fix it. Because large-size radiators usually disrupt the performance of RAM and Graphics cards. Hence, it is recommended to buy a small radiator if you have limited space, although a large radiator works a lot better.
Noise
If you prefer a quiet CPU cooler, then I recommend you give a thought to this factor. Loud noise can be annoying and off-putting for most users. However, some high-end ones can create lots of noise. So, it is essential to have the best CPU coolers as they are not very loud and make your gameplay experience pleasant.
All these factors are specifically considered in the reviews to help you find the Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X aligned with your personal needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Ryzen 5 5600X is a popular mid-range processor among gamers and PC-building enthusiasts due to its ability to be used in heavy games and intensive workloads. It may require the best CPU cooler for its stable performance.
Air coolers are mostly affordable, so If you are looking for an Air CPU cooler, then Noctua U12A is the preferred choice as it offers performance and noise reduction at an affordable price. You can also check out Be Quiet Pure Rock 2 in a cheap cpu cooler. Although liquid or submerged coolers are mostly expensive, their value for money speaks of their advanced features and durability. NZXT Kraken Z63 is an ideal option for liquid coolers with RGB lighting features.
NZXT Kraken Z63
Specifications:
You may also use Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 if you are looking for the best AIOU cooler, although it lacks RGB lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU cooler should I use for Ryzen 5 5600X?
Noctua NH-U12A is the best air cooler for Ryzen 5 5600 X in terms of its price and performance, although it does lack RGB lighting features. Otherwise, you may use Corsair H150i RGB Pro XT if you prefer liquid coolers with RGB lighting.
Do you need CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X?
Yes! Ryzen 5 5600x only needs its regular air cooler as it is a mid-range processor. Moreover, it is not a power-hungry processor because it does not generate tons of heat, but if you are using it during intensive tasks, you may need one. However, Processors such as 5900X, 5800X, and sometimes 5700X may require extra or powerful CPU coolers during normal activities.
How hot does Ryzen 5 5600X get with the stock cooler?
Ryzen 5 5600X may get hot with a Stock cooler up to 70-82 degrees Celsius. With a stock cooler, Ryzen runs perfectly if the temperature is below 90. In contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600 x gets hotter with an aftermath stock cooler of up to 50-60 degrees Celsius.
About Author
I am a dedicated gamer with a strong passion for the tech sector. My expertise in game development has allowed me to create immersive gaming experiences that capture the hearts of players globally. I continuously stay on top of advancements in tech and gaming and frequently attend industry events.