Best CPU Cooler Picks 2024

This article contains the best CPU Cooler Picks. We created these lists after years of testing and will continue enriching the corresponding lists and graphs with coolers.

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Test Methodology

We first install the cooler into a hemi-anechoic chamber, and with the help of a highly sophisticated sound analyzer, we take all necessary noise measurements required for the testing. Afterward, we install the system inside a giant climate chamber, where the ambient temperature remains steady at 25 degrees Celsius; this way, We don’t have to take the delta difference into account since we can evaluate all coolers under the same ambient temperature.

Besides the Giant Force climate chamber, I also use the following equipment.

IMG_3923

Noise Low

Noise1

Noise2

To evaluate the coolers, we use a superpower-hungry Intel i9-13900K. This beast reaches 360W of sustained load, which we measure accurately using a Powenetics v2 system. Below are all the parts of the CPU cooling station test system. The thermal paste we use is Arctic Cooling MX-4. We run at least two test sessions and take the average results. In all tests, the applied conditions are the following:

• Ambient Temperature: 25°C ±0.5°C
• Humidity: 30% ±4%RH

We also use an AMD system to evaluate the cooler’s performance. This processor’s maximum actual TDP is 195-200W.

The load application is no other but the notorious Prime95 (small FFTs), which applies a tremendous load to the processor. We run each test for 20 minutes, allowing for a 10-minute cool period between each test. The whole procedure is fully automated thanks to a particular application that we made for this purpose. In AIOs, the pump runs full speed during the entire testing duration.

Cooling_Test_App1

Cooling_Test_App2

Cooling_Test_App3

The critical point in our methodology is that we consider the CPU’s average frequency during testing because it doesn’t remain steady throughout the tests. It constantly changes according to the load and operating temperatures. Moreover, we have the Powenetics system to continually measure the CPU’s power consumption, which is way more accurate and faster than a software solution like HWinfo (don’t get us wrong—HWinfo is still a great tool).

Overall Performance Calculation

To calculate each cooler’s overall performance, we take into account three factors, the CPU’s temperature, wattage, and frequency, by using the following equation:

(Wattage / Temperature) x Frequency