Table of Contents
The Ryzen 5 3600 is an amazing 65W chip that is quite a pack of power in a small thermal envelope. Moreover, it provides affordable gaming power to anyone looking for it.
However, a common issue with the Ryzen 5 3600 is it overheats fast. So, the stock cooler Wraith Stealth is not enough.
In this article, we shall walk through some of the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 5 3600 available in the market. These aftermarket CPU coolers can help you make the best out of the processor’s performance.
Also, I can help you pick the best CPU cooler for the Ryzen 5 3600 for your requirements. So, let’s get started!
A Quick Buyer’s Guide
Here are some important factors to consider while picking a cooler for the Ryzen 5 3600. These factors will ensure you get the best value for your hard-earned money!
Types of Coolers
There are primarily two types of coolers that you can pick from that offer excellent cooling. Here are the primary two categories: Liquid coolers and air coolers.
Liquid Coolers
Liquid coolers or water coolers use distilled water or other liquids to perform cooling. They are generally more effective at maintaining cooler temperatures during peak performance than air coolers. However, they are more difficult to maintain than air coolers.
You can go with liquid coolers if you are a gamer or someone who uses the processors at their peak for a long time. Otherwise, it may simply not be worth the money you pay since liquid coolers are usually more expensive.
Air Coolers
Air coolers are an excellent alternative to stock coolers. Moreover, air coolers are generally more popular than liquid coolers since they are effective and inexpensive.
Further, air coolers are quite larger than water coolers, yet they are available in a wide range of sizes. They also make more noise at higher speeds than liquid or water coolers.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
TDP is one of the most important factors to consider while investing in a CPU cooler. The TDP for the Ryzen 5 3600 is 65W. It refers to the heat a CPU produces when it works at its base clock.
When you are looking for a cooler, ensure the cooler has more TDP than the processor. You can find the TDP rating on the cooler’s product listing. If you do not find it on the product listing or packaging, you can check their official website.
Speed
Speed is an important factor since it plays a vital role in cooling your CPU. The processor is safe when the cooler is propelling air through at an accelerated speed.
Hence, I recommend you choose coolers with a decent spinning speed if it is an air cooler. On the other hand, ensure the liquid component is strong if you plan to purchase a liquid cooler. It should act fast and stay durable for the most efficient temperature reduction.
Noise Levels
The level of noise a cooler produces during its operation is an important factor to acknowledge. If the noise levels of the coolers are too high, it can cause many inconveniences.
Firstly, it can disturb you with your work. Secondly, the sound waves can interfere with other components in the CPU. Although most high-quality coolers ensure to perform in lowered noises, you may have to discard a good performer for its noise levels.
RGB
RGB is an excellent feature, yet it is only an option. If you are interested in flashy lights that make your PC look edgier.
However, make sure to prioritize necessary factors such as performance, durability, and noise levels over RGB. On the other hand, if you do not like the flashy lights or think it is unnecessary, you do not have to waste your time on this feature.
Ease of Installation
Usually, AIO (All-In-One) coolers are more complex to install than a standard cooler. However, the ease of installation depends on the model of the cooler and your processor. Hence, it is important to pick a cooler that is easy to install on your PC.
Water or liquid coolers are more difficult to install than air coolers. It is so because it involves the extra step of installing the radiator and fans.
Size
Air coolers are generally bulkier than water coolers. However, the entire structure stays in one area instead of liquid coolers that you have to distribute across the system. You will need space for the radiator, and it has to be in the proper orientation.
Hence, if you want something effective, you can go with air coolers in a small area. Moreover, they are available in a wide range of sizes. If you want a low-profile air cooler and have enough space for alignment, you go with liquid coolers.
Top 5 Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 5 3600
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler with 2x NF-A15 PWM 140mm Fans... | 10,447 Reviews | $109.95 | Buy now |
Let’s check out five of my top picks for the best CPU cooler for the Ryzen 5 3600. I have presented a detailed review of each of these choices. Plus, I have included a list of pros and cons.
Corsair H115i RGB Platinum AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
Best Overall Cooler for Ryzen 5 3600
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions | 12.6 L x 5.51 W x 1.18 H inches |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Noise Levels | 37 dB |
| Compatibility | Desktop |
First, on my list of the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 5 3600, I have Corsair H115i RGB Platinum AIO Liquid CPU Coolers. Let’s take a closer look at its features and find out what’s special about this cooler.
It is one of the most popular water coolers available in the market for its high performance and excellent airflow capacity. It has an RGB magnetic levitation PWM fan that delivers improved airflow along with a beautiful blast of colors. The airflow is 97 CFM, which is pretty impressive.
Furthermore, it has individually controlled RGB LED lights that you can use to produce customized lighting effects. Its CORSAIR iCUE software lets you control the lighting. It also allows you to adjust coolant temperatures and fans.
You can expect high performance and low noise cooling with the thermally optimized plate. The fans can also run between the speeds of 400 to 2400 rpm. Finally, it is very easy to install, which is an important feature.
Conclusion
It is a high-performing cooler suitable for the Ryzen 5 3600. Further, you can customize the stunning RGB colors along with fan speed. Plus, it has a thermally optimized cold plate with a low-noise pump.
No products found.
Noctua NH-L12S Premium Low Profile CPU Cooler
Best Compact Cooler for Ryzen 5 3600
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions | 5.04 L x 5.75 W x 2.76 H inches |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Noise Levels | 23.9 dB |
| Compatibility | Desktop |
Next up, we have one of the best compact coolers for the Ryzen 5 3600. It is by the popular cooler brand Noctua. Let’s check this compact yet power-packed cooler and its features as you read on.
Noctua NH-L12S Premium Low Profile CPU Cooler is an excellent low-power cooler. The total height of this cooer is only 70 mm, (5.04 L x 5.75 W x 2.76 H inches). Despite its size, it has 12 volts and 1.56 power.
Furthermore, it is an improved successor to the NH-L12, perfect for ITX and HTPC systems. Moreover, it is further optimized with an NF-A12x15 which is 120mm. It also includes a low-noise adaptor that provides ultra-quiet operation and offers automatic speed control.
This cooler also includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste, which is quite effective. Plus, it has an easy installation on Ryzen 5 3600. It also has a SecuFirm2 mounting system which secures the cooler in the system.
Conclusion
If you are looking for something low-profile and quiet, this cooler can be a fantastic choice for you. It has a design suitable for HTPC environments and Form Factor cases. It also provides excellent performance with tall RAM modules when it is in high clearance mode.
No products found.
Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B CPU Air Cooler
Best Budget Cooler for Ryzen 5 3600
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions | 6.5 L x 5.75 W x 3.94 H inches |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Noise Levels | 24.9 dBA |
| Compatibility | Desktop |
I consider this cooler the best budget CPU cooler for the Ryzen 5 3600 for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it has a high airflow capacity of 51.17 cubic feet per minute. It also has an impressive speed ranging between 300 RPM to 1200 RPM.
It has an additional fan clip if you want to add additional fans. It also has a push-and-pull configuration for maximum performance. This configuration also ensures the air inside the CPU is cool and fresh all the time.
With these coolers, RAM modules with tall heatsinks are not a problem. It has an asymmetric design which allows excellent access to the memory banks. It is one of the main reasons why this cooler is my top pick for a Ryzen 5 3600.
It has 6 x 6 mm heat pipes and a copper plate base. This feature will ensure better heat dissipation and cooling. Moreover, these coolers are very easy to install with their spring-loaded mounting system.
Conclusion
You can pick this if you are looking for a very easy cooler highly-priced to install and work efficiently. The high airflow capacity (51.17 cubic feet per minute) ensures better cooling. Further, I appreciate its push-pull configuration, which helps during long hours of work.
No products found.
EVGA CLC 280mm All-In-One RGB LED CPU Liquid Cooler
Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 5 3600
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions | 7 L x 14 W x 7.7 H inches |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Noise Levels | 39.5 dB |
| Compatibility | Desktop |
Next on our list, we have an amazing liquid CPU cooler for the Ryzen 5 3600. It has an impressive build that has a new cooling block that offers an improved flow rate. Plus, it has an excellent heat transfer surface area that offers great cooling.
It also has a built-in LED that allows controlling the lighting, including the colors as well as its cycles. Further, it has fully-sleeved tubing from the CPU block to the radiator. This feature ensures excellent efficiency in addition to durability.
It has excellent fans that provide a good level of cooling at lower noises. It has curved housing that reduces noise levels and has a unique blade design. Also, the Teflon construction bearings ensure durability.
The liquid in the cooler is also excellent, which is highly priced in the market. However, it offers more impressive levels of cooling than other variants. Further, the build quality is excellent.
Conclusion
If you do not mind spending a little extra on a liquid cooler, this can be an excellent choice for you. It offers excellent performance at reduced noise levels. Plus, it has stunning built-in LED lights that you can customize.
No products found.
Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler
Best Durable Option CPU Cooler for Ryzen 5 3600
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions | 5.91 L x 6.34 W x 6.5 H inches |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
| Noise Levels | 24.6 dB |
| Compatibility | Desktop |
The last pick on our list is the Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler. It has various impressive features, including high-end dual-tower construction. It also has six heat pipes and two fans that offer excellent cooling.
It provides amazing performance even during overclocking. This model is the successor of the classic NH-D14, which is one of the most popular coolers.
Further, it has low-noise adaptors that provide ultra-quiet operation. Plus, it can automate speed controls which is pretty impressive. It also includes a high-end NT-H1 thermal paste.
It has a SecuFirm2 mounting system. This system ensures perfect contact pressure and a high level of convenience on all current sockets. Moreover, the construction is also very tough and can last for a very long time.
Conclusion
This cooler provides excellent cooling performance at lower noise levels. The dual-tower cooler can meet the demands of the peak functioning of your CPU. Plus, it is very easy to install.
- State-of-the-art dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes and 2 fans provides class-leading cooling performance for...
- Successor of the classic NH-D14; more than 250 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware...
- 2 highly optimised NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors for automatic speed control and...
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1851,...
Are Air Coolers Better Than Liquid Coolers?
Generally, liquid coolers are better than air coolers. However, it entirely depends on the manufacturing quality and design of the cooler.
Usually, liquid coolers have many exclusive features that make the cooling more efficient. Yet both types of coolers are highly effective if you implement them properly. However, entry-level liquid coolers can be substantially expensive.
Should You Replace the Liquid in Liquid Coolers Often?
No, you do not have to replace it often or at any time. It requires less interaction since the coolers have auto-renew technology. In this technology, they renew the liquid automatically using flush methods.
How to Install a CPU Cooler for Ryzen 5 3600?
It is quite easy to install a cooler for the Ryzen 5 3600. I have mentioned a few pointers in a step-by-step manner below to help you with the installation.
Apply the thermal paste if it is not already there. You will have to start by unscrewing the pre-attached brackets on the motherboard.
Then, you will have to mount the cooler. You can mount it away from the RAM to have fewer RAM clearance issues.
Place the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 3600 you pick and screw it in a diagonal pattern. Also, apply some pressure while tightening the screws as they are spring-loaded. Yet remember to tighten it gradually without pressuring it too much.
Finally, once you ensure it is properly in place, you can connect the fan header to the motherboard’s CPU fan header. Then, plug in everything that you should.
Final Takeaway
The clear winner is the Corsair H115i RGB Platinum AIO Liquid CPU Cooler! Although this cooler is quite expensive, all the features it provides are extremely beneficial.
It is from a reputed manufacturer that lasts quite longer than most other coolers in the price range. It has an impressive airflow which is at 97 CFM.
Moreover, if you are a fan of RGB lights, you can pick this one since it offers RGB LED lights. You can also use the easy-to-use CORSAIR iCUE software to control and customize the lighting.
It is also very easy to install than many coolers on this list. For instance, Noctua coolers have a SecuFirm2 mounting system, which is good, yet it is not comparable to this cooler’s installation.
It has a superior thermally optimized cold plate, which is not common in most coolers. So, this may be the best CPU cooler for the Ryzen 5 3600 available in the market!
