Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X

The long-awaited Zen 3 processors have finally been announced, and despite maintaining an identical number of cores and threads with the Zen 2 Ryzen 3000 series CPUs, these processors will see a huge increase in performance – especially with regards to gaming.

This is accomplished by changing the architecture of the cores, threads, and L3 cache of the processor – a method AMD seems to have tested with their Ryzen 3 3300X. Each CCD (Chiplet Die) will have CCX (Core Complexes) within, from which inter-core communication occurs, including utilization of the L3 cache. In Zen 2 Ryzen CPUs, each CCX could contain up to 4 Cores and up to 16 MB of L3 Cache. This caused the need for the cores to communicate through with other CCXs, resulting in larger inherent inter-core latency. With the new Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, each CCX can hold twice the number of cores and twice the L3 Cache: that is 8 cores and 32 MB of L3 cache. For latency dependent workloads and applications, one of which is gaming, one can expect to see a significant increase in performance, as well as an IPC uplift of 19% and faster single and core & single thread performance; all while maintaining an equally low TDP (Thermal Design Power) with previous generation CPUs. By focusing on optimizing their existent cores and threads, AMD can now claim to have both the best consumer workstation and gaming processors.

One thing that the AMD Zen 3 Ryzen CPUs do not have, is a stock CPU cooler. So, if you are looking to upgrade to one of the new processors, like the Ryzen 9 5900X, you are going to need to purchase a cooler. Investing in a powerful cooler is always a wise decision to make, as they prevent the CPU from overheating, and allow you to push the processor to its overclocking limits – and can continue to do so even after you upgrade your CPU again. Therefore, having a cooler that can keep CPU temperatures low, limit the amount of noise emissions, and at the same time maintain a long lifespan, if of utmost importance.

That is why we’ve chosen the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X CPU – including an air cooler, an AIO cooler, and even a low-profile cooler for SFF builds.

Read Also: Best Motherboard for Ryzen 9 5900X

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Best CPU Coolers for the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

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Best Budget CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X – Noctua NH-U12S

Brand	Noctua
Item Dimensions LxWxH	6.22 x 1.77 x 4.92 inches
Power Connector Type	4-Pin
Voltage	12 Volts
Cooling Method	Fan
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Noise Level	22.4 dB
Material	Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating
Maximum Rotational Speed	1500 RPM

When it comes to air coolers, no one beats Noctua. This company’s products not only provide the best cooling performance, but they also emit the least amount of noise and have heatsinks that provide exceptional heat dissipation.

For the Ryzen 9 5900X, the best CPU cooler, on a budget, is the NH-U12S. This cooler features a single 120 mm PWM controlled fan, that can output an impressive 2.61 mmH2O while spinning at up to 1,500 RPM. The PWM controls mean that the fan will only spin when temperatures require it to, so at low loads the cooler will be inaudible.

Still, even at high loads, the SSO2 magnetic bearings featured in the fans emit a maximum of only 26-40 decibels (benchmarked) – which ranges from virtually silent, to the sound of a whisper at one foot away. The magnetic bearings also guarantee endurance, as the cooler includes a 6-year warranty and an MTBF of 150,000 hours.

The NH-U12S also includes Noctua’s top-of-the-line NT-H1 thermal paste, and can even be upgradeable by installing a second 120mm fan.

The Noctua NH-U12S currently sells for $59.95, which is an excellent price for what it has to offer.

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Best Air CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X – Noctua NH-D15

Brand	Noctua
Item Dimensions LxWxH	5.91 x 6.34 x 6.5 inches
Power Connector Type	4-Pin
Voltage	12 Volts
Wattage	1.56 watts
Cooling Method	Fan
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Noise Level	24.6 dB
Material	Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating
Maximum Rotational Speed	1500 RPM

Going one step above the NH-U12S, Noctua features the high-end NH-D15 – and this is by far the best air cooler the industry has to offer. Not only is it more than powerful enough to cool the mid-to-high-end Ryzen 9 5900X, but it can even be used for cooling AMD’s professional-grade Threadripper processors.

This fan features two NF-A15 140 mm fans – outputting a static pressure of 1.51 mmH2O each, as well as 68 CFM of airflow – operating at a max RPM of 1,200. Like the aforementioned NH-U12S, this cooler also has SSO2 magnetic bearings and Noctua’s NT-H1 thermal paste. In addition, it has a massive, all-aluminum, heatsink with six direct contact nickel plated heatpipes.

Benchmarks carried out by TweakTown show us how this CPU cooler not only outperforms its competitors, some of which are twice as expensive, but it’s also the most quiet, and still maintains an MTBF of 150,000 hours.

You can currently find the NH-D15 for $89.95 – and it is certainly worth every penny.

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Best AIO Cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X – Corsair H115i RGB Platinum

Brand	Corsair
Item Dimensions LxWxH	12.6 x 5.51 x 1.18 inches
Cooling Method	Water
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Noise Level	37 dB

If you are a gaming enthusiast looking to have one of the best performing consumer-grade CPUs available, then chances are you’re also going to want to show it off. While still providing the cooling needed to maintain the overclocking speeds of the Ryzen 9 5900X, the Corsair H115i offers both style and longevity.

This all-in-one liquid cooler makes use of a two RGB 140 mm, magnetic levitation, PWM fans, which can output an incredible 97 CFM of airflow and 1.27 mmH2O of static pressure.

These fans are also equipped with 16 individually controlled RGB LEDs, and operate at 400-2400 RPM. They are utilized to cool the liquid within a 280 mm all-aluminum radiator, which is subsequently transferred to the CPU until it is heated, and then transferred back to the radiator to be cooled again.

The best cooling and style that a liquid CPU cooling has to offer, the Corsair H115i RGB Platinum can currently be found for $169.99.

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Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X – Scythe Big Shuriken 3

Brand	SCYTHE
Cooling Method	Air
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Material	Rubber

For those looking to utilize the Ryzen 9 5900X Series for an SFF build, we have the low profile, 69 mm tall, 15 mm thick, Scythe Big Shuriken 3. This CPU cooler features a large, 120mm Scythe Kaze Flex slim fan, which is PWM controlled and makes use of fluid dynamic ball bearings – allowing for incredibly low noise emissions (benchmarked under 40 dB) as well as an MTBF of 120,000 hours.

An awesome feature of the Big Shuriken 3 is that it allows for an upgrade in the form of mounting an additional 120 mm fan. If you can spare an extra 10 mm of thickness, you can use a Noctua NF-12×25 fan, and also has an incredible amount of cooling power, and for once not worry about the thermals in an SFF build.

The Scythe Big Shuriken 3 can currently be purchased for an incredibly low, for its performance, price of $46.99.

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Recommendation Summary