PC gaming enthusiasts are no strangers toAMD’sabsurdly fastX3D chips, which are optimal for gaming. What makes them so special is their3D V-Cache technology, which offers a massive L3 cache. This L3 cache on the CPU enables games to access data faster than relying solely on the RAM. This principle made theRyzen 7 7800X3Da super-hit over the years, and now the reigns are in the hands of the latest generation CPU, theRyzen 7 9800X3D.
Cooling such a beast is a big ask, as you need the high-end type of hardware capable of handling the heat and dissipating it efficiently. But which CPU cooler is ideal for such a processor? We have curated a list of the top air coolers and AIOs that are going to keep the temps low and the performance high for your newAMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor.
6The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120
Best Overall Air Cooler
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is a safe bet when it comes to efficient air cooling on a budget. Almost always available for around $30, this dual-tower, dual-fan air-cooler hassix nickel-plated copper heatpipesand two120mm TL-C12C PWM fans. This combination allows for a reliable and steady cooling system without having to worry about breakdowns, since the only moving parts are the easily replaceable fans.
It also runs very quietly under load with minimal coil whining. The cooler does not feature anyRGB lightingto keep costs low and offer a highly competitive product to the masses. The cooler is tested to withstand loads of 200W without breaking a sweat, making it a great buy for power-hungry CPUs, except Intel 13th and 14th Gen. you may get the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO as well if you want an updated all-black design without the heatpipes protruding out.
5Noctua NH-D15 Chromax
Best Premium Air Cooler
If you want the absolute best when it comes to air cooling, then Noctua has you covered. TheNH-D15has been around for over a decade and has stood the test of time, emerging as one of the best CPU coolers available. It features similar specs to the Peerless Assassin, with itssix nickel-plated copper heatpipeson a copper base. Thetwo 140mm NF-A15 HS-PWM fansrun fast, yetquiet enoughto avoid being bothersome. Noctua products do not feature any RGB whatsoever, and the NH-D15 is no exception.
If you’re not a fan of their signature brown and beige theme, the all-black version serves as a good alternative. This CPU cooler can handle light overclocking without temps going through the roof. If you’ll mostly be gaming on your PC, then the NH-D15 can easily manage the heat and avoid the thermal throttling of theRyzen CPU. You should also consider a mid-tower or full-tower PC case, as this gigantic cooler will not fit smaller form factor cases.
4ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360
Best Overall 360mm AIO
Arctic has mostly been operating in Europe and mainly produces PC cooling solutions. ItsLiquid Freezer IIwas a hit among PC enthusiasts and was succeeded by theLiquid Freezer III. In the refresh, they added a custom contact plate forIntel processorsto improve the thermal conductivity of the thermal compound and the waterblock.
The thick, 38mm radiator paired withthree P12 PWM PST A-RGB fansefficiently cools the CPU while the small pump fan cools the VRMs. Under extreme load, even if the fans run on full blast, they don’t make a lot of noise. The AIO is offered in a few variations of color, illumination, and sizes.
This AIO can handle modest overclocking and doesn’t thermal throttle under heavy load. If your workload involves a lot of CPU-intensive tasks, like3D rendering and machine learning, then the Liquid Freezer III will be adequate.
3ASUS ROG Ryujin III
Best Premium 360mm AIO
For those looking for a high-end CPU cooler for their high-end Ryzen processor and have deep pockets, then they should check out theASUS ROG Ryujin III 360mm AIO. ASUS makes some of the best PC components, which bring an iconic gamer aesthetic without skimping on performance. The water block is designed by Asetek and features a small fan to cool the VRMs. Asetek is a major player when it comes to developing AIOs, and the Ryujin III carries its legacy.
The3.5mm 60Hz LCDcan showcase short videos, real-time system performance stats, and GIFs through Asus’Armoury Cratesoftware. The 30mm-thick radiator houses thethree Noctua iPPC-2000 PWM fans, which offer robust cooling without producing much noise. They have also used an improved copper cold plate and thick, 7mm rubber tubing for better heat dissipation. This AIO comfortably handles extreme overclocking on even hotter running CPUs and is unbothered when handling extended gaming sessions.
2TRYX Panorama SE 360 ARGB
Best Unique AIO
If you’re looking for an AIO that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie and isn’t full of gimmicks, then theTRYX Panorama 360 ARGBwill check all the boxes. What makes it stand out is its 6.5-inch, rectangular curvedAMOLED displayon the Asetek pump. This creates a cascading effect as the screen bends over the edge, making the content on it look 3D. You can upload GIFs and short videos that will look crisp and vibrant thanks to the 2K, 60Hz display.
Controlling the graphics is made easy by their proprietary software, Kanali, which even lets users capture gameplay and process it to be viewable on the mini display. In terms of cooling, it’s on par with other premium AIOs, and can easily cool a Ryzen 7 9800X3D. TRYX offers their AIOs in three sizes under three models: Panorama, Panorama ARGB, and Panorama SE ARGB. The reliable 8th-generation Asetek pump, along with thick tubing, ensures efficient cooling without the risk of breaking down unexpectedly.
1NZXT Kraken 120
Best Cooler For Small Form Factor PC
SFF, or “small form factor”, PCs are trending lately due to their compact size, which fits well in a tight environment and can be easily maneuvered. TheNZXT Kraken 120is a single 120mm fan AIO that fits in small mini-ITX cases while not compromising much on performance. It won’t be as efficient as something with a chunkier radiator or more fans, but it’ll get the job done.
The RGB ring around the water block adds a nice touch to the AIO’s aesthetics, while the Aer P radiator fan keeps the ensemble chilly. The AIO can handle long gaming sessions and even intensive workloads, but it is advisable to refrain from overclocking, as it will show signs of thermal throttling. If you want to go the air-cooler route, then the Noctua NH-L9x65 low-profile CPU cooler, the ID-COOLING IS-55, and the be Quiet! Pure Rock low profile will be your best bet.
