The BEST CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950x
With the launch of the new Ryzen 7000 series processors, it is obvious that people will be interested in purchasing a new cooler for these power-hungry processors. That is why we are here with a complete guide for purchasing the Best CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7590x. The Ryzen 7000 series of processors, codenamed “Raphael,” are based on the new Zen 4 architecture. Their flagship Ryzen 9 7950x, titled the “Fastest processor in the world,” comes with 16 cores and 32 threads. While AMD’s claims of the Ryzen 9 7950x being the fastest processor in the world might seem outrageous at first, the specifications alone show how they might have achieved just that. The Ryzen 7950x comes with a base clock speed of 4.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz, which is already a huge improvement over their previous flagship. AMD’s new Zen 4 architecture brings more to the table than just that; these newer processors also come with PCIe Gen 5 support, DDR5 memory support, and a brand new 5nm process node. Additionally, pricing also seems to remain mostly the same as the previous generation. As expected, Gaming performance with the Ryzen 9 7950x is off the charts thanks to its incredible boost clock speeds. While the core count has remained the same as the previous generation, All of the 7000 series processors have seen a huge increase in performance compared to the last generation. However, this monstrous 16-core chip is capable of more than just gaming. Productivity has always been AMD’s strong suit, and that remains true with the Ryzen 7000 series of processors, with the 7950x beating Intel’s flagship 12900k in almost every application. An increase in performance also comes with an increase in the TDP, and these newer chips are no exception to this rule. The top-of-the-line Ryzen 9 7950x comes with a TDP of 170W, which is a 65W increase over the Ryzen 9 5950x. The other chips also follow a similar pattern. AMD has also equipped all of their Ryzen 7000 series processors with integrated RNDA 2 graphics. On top of all that, AMD plans on releasing a 3D cache version of at least one of these processors in the near future. Before we go in full details, here is a quick look at our recommended CPU Coolers with a comparison table.AM4 Socket Specifications
The launch of the newer AM5 socket marks the end of AM4’s lifespan. The transition to the AM5 socket suggests that the Ryzen 7000 series processors will not be backward compatible with the AM4 socket. The once future-proof socket, which was capable of supporting the latest Ryzen processor, finally meets its end. Much like the AM4 socket, AMD has stated that they plan on supporting the AM5 socket for the next 5 years. With the transition from AM4 to AM5, AMD has switched over from micro PGA to Land Grid Array (LGA) CPU socket that comes with a total of 1718 pins. AMD claims that this switch was done to improve signal integrity. This is not particularly surprising since their older generation threadripper processors have already used the LGA socket in the past. The launch of the AM5 socket also came with the introduction of newer chipsets. AMD has introduced four new chipsets, the X670E, X670, X650E, and lastly, the X650. With the X650 being the cheapest amongst the four. With the all-new AM5 socket, AMD has removed support for DDR4 memory, limiting users strictly to DDR5 RAM modules. While the shift from DDR4 to DDR5 might come as a surprise to some people, it should prove to be beneficial in the grand scheme of things. Not only will the Ryzen 7000 series benefit from the higher frequencies that DDR5 is able to provide, but it should also help future-proof your systems. For anyone interested in purchasing DDR5 RAM, you can also check our article on the Best DDR5 RAM in 2022. One of its more important features includes the support for PCIe Gen 5 lanes which will provide a huge increase in bandwidth. The AM5 socket comes with 24 PCIe 5.0 lanes for your storage and graphics needs. Unlike the previous iterations of the Ryzen processors, the newer Ryzen 7000 series is going to come with integrated RNDA 2 graphics, which is why the AM5 socket has support for a total of four display outputs. Furthermore, it also supports 14 “SuperSpeed” USB ports, capable of providing transmission speeds up to 20GBps. Another important thing to note is that older AM4-based CPU coolers will be compatible with the AM5 socket, so you won’t have to purchase a separate cooler if you intend on upgrading to the Ryzen 7000 series of processors.Best CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x
Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.black
Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x
What We Liked
It is clear Noctua has gotten a lot right with the NH-D15S, starting with its performance. While the Noctua NH-D15S is a relatively old cooler, its performance is not to be taken lightly; it delivers incredible cooling performance, capable of cooling even the highest-end processors currently available. Not only that, but the Noctua NH-D15S also comes with additional fan clips, allowing you to install another 140mm for extra performance. While that might increase the overall noise levels of the cooler, the gain in performance completely justifies it.What We Disliked
There is not much to dislike about the Noctua NH-D15S; it is an excellent cooling solution, capable of cooling the best processors currently available. The only thing worth pointing out is the lack of RGB, which might be a problem for some people; however, its elegant all-black design does make up for the lack of RGB lighting.What Sets The Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black Apart From Its Competitors?
Verdict
Overall, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black is a phenomenal cooler with a stunning black look which is perfect for all-black builds. It provides top-notch thermal performance along with excellent RAM clearance, which is why we have crowned the Noctua NH-D15S as the Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x.EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB
Best 360mm CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x
What We Liked
It is clear that EKWB has not compromised on the specifications and build quality of the EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB. Not only does it boast impressive specifications on paper, but it also has the performance to back up all of its claims. The EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB truly lives up to its name, offering unparalleled cooling performance. Aesthetically, The EKWB has done a great job its design, it also comes loaded with RGB on both the fans and the pump.What We Disliked
It is clear that EKWB has cut no corners with the EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB, offering the best in class performance. All of that added performance means you will be paying a premium for the EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB. Apart from its hefty price tag, the EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB also features a rather bulky design, even for a 360mm AIO, due to its six-fan design, which means PC case compatibility can be an issue. The installation is not very simple either; the inclusion of six fans increases the thickness of the entire cooler, which means installing it in a smaller case can be a bit of a hassle. It also comes with an absurd amount of cables for the fans; dealing with this many cables can get challenging.What Sets The EK-AIO Elite Apart From Its Competitors?
The EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB completely blows away the competition when it comes to thermal performance, thanks to its monstrous six-fan design. The inclusion of a fan hub makes managing the cables a lot easier as well. The fan hub also allows users to control the fan speed and lighting of the fan and the pump. As mentioned previously, you are able to use a push-pull configuration with the EK-AIO Elite, which does wonders for the airflow, pushing warm air out of the radiator from the three fans on the other side of the radiator. Also read: Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 5800x 3DVerdict
To sum up, if you are in the market for the best-performing cooler that money can buy then the EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB is the way to go. Its remarkable six-fan design not only looks good but also provides some of the best cooling performance we have seen. While its size might be a concern for some people, it still manages to provide decent RAM and GPU clearance. All of this, combined with its superior build quality, makes the EK AIO Elite 360 D-RGB the Best 360mm CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x.Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x
What We Liked
What We Disliked
There is not much to dislike about the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB because of its incredible price-to-performance ratio. Installation can be a little inconvenient with the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB; however, its nothing major.What Sets The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Apart From Its Competitors?
Even with the smaller 40mm VRM fan, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB manages to remain incredibly quiet even under extreme load. The Liquid Arctic Freezer II 240 A-RGB completely destroys the competition when it comes to value; priced at just over 100 US dollars, the Freezer II 240 A-RGB is undoubtedly one of the cheapest 240mm AIO Liquid coolers you can currently purchase.Verdict
The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB packs a lot of performance at an extremely competitive price. It is obvious that Arctic has gone all out with the Liquid Freezer II, offering a separate VRM fan, A-RGB fans, a stunning design, and integrated cable management. Not only does the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB look visually appealing, but it also provides great performance, all the while maintaining low noise levels, making it the Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x.NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm
Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x
What We Liked
The NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB is jam-packed with features, offering top-notch performance and a breathtaking white design. The RGB and the fully customizable LCD screen further add to its aesthetics. Speaking of the LCD screen, it was an excellent inclusion by NZXT. The 24-bit LCD has a brightness of 650 cd/m², and it can be used to display temperatures, clock speeds, and custom GIFs. Additionally, fan curves and speeds can be controlled using the NZXT CAM Software.What We Disliked
Since it offers top-notch thermal performance and excellent build quality, NZXT has listed it at a ridiculously high price. With a premium price tag of over $300, the NZXT Kraken Z73 is one of the most expensive CPU coolers you can currently purchase. While it does perform exceptionally well, if you are on a tight budget, a cheaper cooler like the previously featured Arctic Liquid Freezer II will provide adequate cooling performance for the Ryzen 9 7950x.What Sets NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm Apart From Its Competitors?
Even with the lower resolution, the LCD screen looks incredibly sharp, thanks to its smaller 60mm diameter. NZXT has also done an excellent job with their “Cam” Software, allowing users to make full use of the screen. In addition to the LCD screen, the NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm comes with a stunning all-white design which is not very common when it comes to 360mm liquid coolers.Verdict
In conclusion, if budget is not a restriction, then the NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB is a definitely worth considering; it comes with an LCD screen, RGB, and most importantly, offers amazing cooling performance. All of the above-mentioned features, coupled with the aesthetically pleasing white design, make the NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360 the Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x.DeepCool AK400 Performance
Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x
What We Liked
What We Disliked
While the DeepCool AK400 provides great value for its price, it falls short in terms of cooling capabilities, especially for high-end processors such as the Ryzen 9 7950x. The DeepCool AK400’s performance is by no means terrible; however, with this level of performance, overclocking should be completely out of the question. Another thing worth mentioning is the complete lack of ARGB; while the DeepCool AK400 is a Good Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x, the lack of RGB might be a deal-breaker for some people.What Sets The DeepCool AK400 Performance Apart From Its Competitors?
The DeepCool AK400 provides unmatched value thanks to its extremely low price. Its insane price-to-performance ratio is not the only that has surprised us; DeepCool has also managed to pack the AK400 with the decent build quality, which makes it worth considering if you are on a budget.Verdict
Its incredible price-to-performance ratio, coupled with the simple design, completely sweeps the competition. While its performance might not be on par with some of the higher-end coolers featured on this list, it still does a decent job of keeping up with them, that too, at a very reasonable price. While it might not be the Best Ryzen 9 7950x CPU Cooler, the great value it provides, coupled with its decent performance, makes the DeepCool Ak400 Performance the Best Cheap CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x.Do You Need A New CPU Cooler For AMD Ryzen 9 7950x?
AMD has revealed that most AM4 coolers will also be compatible with the AM5 socket, allowing users to switch to the newer platform without buying an entirely new cooler. Even if you have an incompatible cooler, chances are that your cooler manufacturer will launch separate mounting kits for the AM5 socket.CPU Coolers Compatible WIth AMD AM5 Socket
- Gigabyte AORUS WATERFORCE X Series
- Cooler Master PL-FLUX Series
- Arctic Liquid Freezer Series
- NZXT Kraken X73/Z73
- Noctua NH-D15
- Corsair ICUE H150i
How We Selected These CPU Coolers
Here are some of the factors you need to consider on your hunt for the Ryzen 9 7950x Cooler.Budget
All of the coolers mentioned in this list are of different price categories. Paying more for a cooler will get more performance; while that is true for the most part, the level of performance you might need heavily depends on your workload. For people dealing with CPU-intensive tasks, opting for an expensive AIO Liquid cooler should offer them better performance. On the other hand, budget air coolers should get the job done for normal gaming and day-to-day use.Performance
Performance is the most important factor to consider when looking for a cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950x. Since the 7950x is the highest-end offering from AMD, it needs a good amount of cooling to avoid issues such as thermal throttling. It is no surprise that liquid coolers perform significantly better than traditional air coolers, so opting for a 360mm or even a 240mm AIO liquid cooler might be a better option when looking for a cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950x.TDP Rating
The new Ryzen 7000 series processors come with an increased TDP rating, with the Ryzen 9 7950x having a TDP of 170W. That is why it is extremely important to look for a cooler that is capable of cooling a CPU with a higher TDP While TDP may no longer be an accurate representation of the cooler’s performance, it still does a good job of putting into perspective how a cooler should perform compared to other coolers in a similar price category. All of the above-mentioned CPU coolers are more than capable of cooling the Ryzen 9 7950xNoise Levels
For people working in professional environments, it is important to look for a cooler with a lower noise output. Usually, coolers that come with a triple-fan setup have an overall louder noise output; however, there are exceptions to this.Aesthetics
The design of your cooler can heavily impact your system’s appearance, making it extremely important to go for a cooler that matches the aesthetics of your build. While aesthetics might not be the most important factor for everyone, it is always nice to go for something looks more presentable. For those on a strict budget, performance should always be their priority, which means sacrificing aesthetics for a bit more performance should not be an issue; however, in the end, it all boils down to personal preference.Why Trust Us
Tech4Gamers was founded by a group of talented tech enthusiasts with over a decade of experience in the PC Gaming industry. Moreover, they have been recognized by several renowned brands such as Gigabyte, ASUS, MSI, and DeepCool over the past years. Over the years, Tech4Gamers has built a solid reputation for providing reliable information about the latest technological advancements. Not only that, but they also provide in-depth reviews of newly launched products.Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need A New CPU Cooler For AMD Ryzen 9 7950x?
AMD has announced that older generation AM4 coolers will be compatible with their new AM5 socket, which means it will not be necessary for you to buy a separate cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950x.
Does Ryzen 7000 support DDR4?
The new 7000 series processors from AMD will not have support for DDR4 memory, which means buyers will be limited to DDR5 RAM kits.
Will Ryzen 7000 be AM4?
With the new Ryzen 7000 series, AMD has moved on to their brand-new AM5 socket, which suggests that these processors will not be backward compatible with the older AM4 socket.
