How To Find Out What CPU Cooler I Have?

How To Find Out What CPU Cooler I Have? is the most searched question when your CPU cooler has stopped working and needs a replacement. 

CPU overheating is a situation when a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) generates excessive heat and exceeds a specific temperature set range during powerful and heavy tasks such as gaming, data processing, video editing, etc. This temperature rise leads to various issues, such as decreased performance, unexpected shutdowns, and permanent damage due to electric discharge. So, to prevent overheating, CPUs have various mechanisms to cool down the system, including CPU coolers. 

CPU coolers are crucial for keeping your computer cool and making it stable. So, it is important to know what CPU coolers ‌your system needs in order to prevent overheating and potential damage, especially during extensive tasks. Knowing your CPU cooler ultimately allows you to make informed decisions regarding upgrades or replacements, ensuring your processor operates at its best. However, many people are unaware of their CPU cooler’s make and model, which can make finding a replacement process difficult. This article teaches how to check CPU cooler compatibility and information regarding coolers for computers and offers tips to upgrade according to your needs and preferences.

How Can You Find Out What CPU Cooler You Have?

If you want to upgrade your PC Build or want to learn more about your CPU cooler for a future upgrade, there are several methods to check the CPU cooler installed on your system.

Check The Manual:

First, you can refer to the manual that came with your computer or motherboard to find the specific CPU cooler installed in your system. This manual also provides information about compatibility issues, installation guidelines, and care tips for your cooler, assessing compatibility between specific coolers and processor sockets.

Check it Out From The Manufacturer’s Website:

In case you missed the manual, the best way to find out the CPU cooler you have is to check the manufacturer’s website for your specific processor model. However, if you don’t remember the model number, follow the instructions: 

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
2. Type “msinfo32” in the box and press OK. This will open the System Information window.
3. Look for “Processor,” and the model number will be written next to the processor.

Now you know the model number. Here’s how to check the CPU cooler information from the manufacturer’s website:

1. Search for your CPU on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Navigate to the product page for the “Specifications” or “Technical Details” section.
3. You can find all the information about the CPU cooler type used in your CPU in the specification section.

Access BIOS:

Another method to find the CPU cooler is by checking your computer’s BIOS. However, you must turn on or restart your computer if you already use the system. By following these steps, you can check the CPU cooler information from the BIOS:

1. When the boot screen appears, look for access keys F1, F2, F10, or Del.
2. Press the designated key to enter the BIOS.
3. Once inside the BIOS, navigate to the “CPUFan” or “HardwareMonitor” section.
4. There, note down all information regarding the CPU cooler; otherwise, you must restart it in case you forget the exact name again.

Inspect Your Computer Case:

Still, you cannot get information using the above method; you can physically inspect the CPU cooler by opening the computer case. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off your system and unplug the power cable.
2. Remove the top computer case.
3. Locate the CPU socket, typically the largest socket of all.
4. Identify the type of cooler; it is found at the top.
5. Look for a label or sticker on the CPU cooler that displays the manufacturer’s name and model number.
6. Note all the information on a piece of paper in case you want to learn more about your CPU cooler in the future.

Check Online:

If no label or sticker is present, try identifying the cooler by its size, shape, or type. You can also capture a picture and search it online. Many websites and review blogs provide information about CPU coolers based on the processor model number. Not only this! These websites, such as Techz Gaming, help identify the root cause, fix problems, and provide a solution.

Ask On The Forum Or Customer Support Platform Manufacturer:

If you’ve tried all of the above and are still unsure what CPU cooler you have, you can post a picture that you have taken on a forum or directly reach out to the manufacturer for assistance. As users are more knowledgeable there, they can provide you with the necessary information about your CPU cooler.

Want to upgrade your CPU Cooler? Here check this latest news on Cooler Master CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Shows Off Color-Changing CPU Cooler, 3D Vapor Chamber

Types of CPU Coolers

Now you already know How to find a CPU cooler; knowing the different types of CPU coolers is also very important in case you forget the name and model of the processor. You can identify different coolers for the CPU by looking at their components. So, I have elaborately described each CPU cooler and its characteristic features below.

Air Coolers:

Air coolers are the most common and affordable type of CPU cooler. They use a combination of a heatsink and a CPU fan to dissipate heat from the CPU. Although air coolers are generally durable and easy to install, they can be bulkier and noisier than other cooling options. Air coolers come in various designs, including low-profile, U-tower, and C-type coolers. Check out to find the Best air coolers for Ryzen

Low-Profile Air Coolers:

They have improved compatibility with small form factor cases. They have thinner heatsinks and limited fan capacity, although they may not offer sufficient heat outflow.

U Tower Type Air Coolers:

They feature two large heatsinks in a U shape and CPU fans attached at the sides to boost cooling.

C-Type Air Coolers:

They are smaller and suitable for small factors, with only one heatsink and a single CPU fan to blow away heat. However, they make extra noise.

Liquid CPU Coolers:

Liquid cooling systems use water or other coolants to transfer heat and offer better cooling performance than air coolers. Liquid CPU coolers come in two main variants:

AIO Liquid Coolers:

These coolers come with a CPU tube and a radiator comprising fans and water blocks. They are relatively easy to install and require minimal maintenance.

Custom Water-Cooling Loops:

They offer more flexibility and customization options. You can add extra components such as a pump, tubing, etc. However, they require greater expertise.

Recently, Asetek’s Liquid Cooling Technology Powers TEAMGROUP’s to read complete news, check this article: Asetek’s Liquid Cooling Technology Powers TEAMGROUP’s Highest Performing CPU Cooler To Date

Premium Cooling Systems:

Exotic cooling systems are advanced coolers specially designed for specific purposes, such as extreme overclocking or achieving ultra-low temperatures. It offers exceptional cooling performance at the cost of increased complexity and potential risks. Advanced users and overclocking enthusiasts typically use these methods to push the hardware performance limits, as listed below.

Submerged Cooling:

It involves immersing the entire computer or specific components in a non-conductive fluid, such as mineral oil, offering excellent thermal conductivity. However, it requires careful planning, maintenance, and additional precautions due to using fluids.

Phase-Change Cooling:

It achieves extremely low temperatures and involves compressors and evaporators to cool a refrigerant, which in turn cools the CPU or other components. They are expensive and require expertise to maintain the setup.

Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) Cooling:

It uses liquid nitrogen to achieve sub-zero temperatures. LN2 is poured onto the CPU, rapidly lowering temperatures and allowing extreme overclocking and benchmarking sessions. However, LN2 cooling is not a choice due to safety concerns.

Hybrid Cooling Systems:

Hybrid cooling systems use a combination of air and liquid cooling for different components within the system to provide efficient cooling. Hybrid cooling systems offer a balance between performance and flexibility, allowing users to customize cooling methods in three variants: Air to water (A/W), Water to Air (W/A), and Air to Air (A/A) configurations.

For example, the CPU might be cooled using water cooling, while other components like hard drives and RAM are cooled using air cooling in a W/A configuration.

Also Read: Thermaltake Introduces UX200 SE ARGB Lighting Slim Side-Flow CPU Cooler Series

How To Check CPU Cooler Compatibility With Your Setup

Now, if you want to upgrade a CPU cooler, You can easily check the compatibility of a new CPU cooler with your setup. Things that are a must to check compatibility include checking the socket type of your CPU, the height and dimensions of the cooler, measuring available space, and ensuring it fits without obstructing RAM slots or PCIe lanes. For instance, coolers designed for AMD sockets do not support Intel.

Additionally, check if the cooler has enough CPU fans for adequate cooling and if your power supply can handle its consumption. Considering these factors, you can select a compatible cooler for your computer and install it correctly for optimal cooling performance.

Conclusion:

With the help of this guide, you have learned all the steps, such as checking the manual or manufacturer’s website, accessing the BIOS, physically inspecting the computer case, searching online based on size or shape, and contacting the manufacturer or forum for assistance, that help to find what CPU cooler you have. Now, you will be able to make informed decisions when shopping for a new cooling solution or troubleshooting a problem with an existing one. 

Not only this! This in-depth guide also provides various ways to identify the CPU cooler, whether your CPU has an air or liquid CPU cooler for moderate PC use or an exotic or hybrid cooler for extreme overclocking purposes, and gather relevant information about compatibility, installation, and specifications. However, the choice of a cooler for a computer depends on factors such as budget, cooling requirements, case size, and personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions