8 Best CPU Coolers In 2023 [Hands On Tested]

Over the years, we have seen a plethora of processors arriving in the market. Both AMD and Intel are competing to pack as much performance into their processors as possible, and as a result, their thermals are higher now more than ever. Therefore, if you’re building a gaming PC in 2023, then you need to have the absolute best CPU cooler to go along with your rig.

Due to so many options available in the market, it’s challenging to decide which CPU cooler is the best for a particular use case scenario. After all, there are so many factors to consider before you buy a cooler. Therefore, to help you out with the purchase decision, we have compiled a thorough list of the Best CPU Coolers in 2023. 

Best CPU Coolers Comparison Table

Last update on 2023-12-13

Last update on 2023-12-13

We tested these coolers against each other and factored in various aspects like their price-to-performance ratio, build quality, aesthetics, and more to determine which of them is the best for a particular use case. With that said, let’s get started!

Best CPU Coolers

Here’s a list of the best CPU coolers:

1. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
2. Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black
3. DeepCool AK620
4. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm A-RGB
5. Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT
6. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB
7. Alphacool 11772 Eisbaer Pro Aurora 240mm
8. be quiet! Pure Loop 120mm

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4

Best Air CPU Cooler

Specifications: Fans: 1x Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM, 1x Silent Wings 3 135mm PWM | Fan Speed: 1,200RPM, 1,500RPM | Noise: 24.3dB(A) | Dimensions: 121 x 136 x 163mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151, 1155, 2011-3 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB Fans: No

Starting with the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 air cooler, we must discuss a few things. For example, the performance of the air cooler is exceptional, rivaling many All-in-One (AIO) coolers. However, the size of the cooler can be problematic for many consumers.

Looking at the technicalities, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4’s dimensions are 121 x 136 x 163mm (L x W x H) — requiring you to own a PC case with enough clearance to fit such a massive cooler. In most cases, you must also be wary of your RAM’s height because the cooler will remain on top of the RAM slots.

On the other hand, the air cooler comes with 2x Silent Wings PWM fans; a 120mm fan that goes up to 1,500RPM and a 135mm fan that goes up to 1,200RPM. Moreover, even with both fans running at maximum load, the air cooler does not exceed noise levels of 24.3dB(A). When we tested the cooler, we had no issues with its noise either; it was really impressive. Of course, alongside the fans, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 also houses seven heat pipes with an approximate diameter size of 6mm. Above the heat pipes, we see around 90 aluminum fins which should provide enough heat dissipation.

As far as heat dissipation is concerned, the Dark Rock Pro 4 has an advertised Thermal Design Power (TDP) of up to 250W. Therefore, the cooler can keep almost every processor’s temperature in check to a certain extent. In fact, when we tested it on the Core i7-12700K, we were really impressed to note that the cooler kept the 12700K on idle at 26°C and at 78.6°C under load. For an air cooler, the performance is superb.

While the fans do not support any form of RGB, the black aesthetic provides a high-quality stealth look that should fit remarkably in dark-themed builds. But if you’re going for a more vibrant look, the cooler might stand out due to not having any form of RGB.

What We Liked

As far as the best CPU coolers in 2023 go, we love the thermal performance and the black aesthetic the Dark Rock Pro 4 has to offer.

What We Disliked

There aren’t many things to dislike about the air cooler. However, it is too big and can cause compatibility issues with the PC case and RAM height.

Who Is It For?

The be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 air cooler is for consumers who want to own a high-end CPU without getting into liquid cooling.

What Makes It The Best CPU Air Cooler?

The heat dissipation quality and the quiet fan noise for a cooler of its size make the Dark Rock Pro 4 the best CPU air cooler.

• be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 Review.

Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black

Best High-End Air CPU Cooler

Specifications: Fans: 1x NF-A15 140mm | Fan Speed: 300 — 1,500RPM | Noise: 19.2 — 24.6dB(A) | Dimensions: 135 x 150 x 160mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2066, 2011-0, 2011-3 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB Fans: No

Moving towards the best high-end air CPU cooler, we have the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black air cooler. There are various reasons why it’s the best high-end air cooler. For example, the Noctua NH-D15S goes neck-to-neck with the thermal performance of many liquid coolers. However, to achieve this, you need to use two fans and a considerable PC case size to accommodate the cooler.

To explain, the Noctua NH-D15S’s dimensions are 135 x 150 x 160mm (L x W x H) — making it even bigger than the Dark Rock Pro 4. Although, unlike its rival, the Noctua NH-D15S has a versatile design and can support RAM sizes up to 65mm tall. So, you can fit almost all high-end RAM modules having RGB illumination and big cooling pads.

When looking at the fan support, the Noctua NH-D15S comes with an NF-A15 140mm fan with a fan speed of 1,500 RPM. But you can also place a second 140mm or 120mm fan through the provided mounts. Also, at maximum fan speed, the cooler’s noise levels don’t exceed 24.6dB(A), while they can be as low as 19.2dB(A). For that reason, the Noctua NH-D15S has amazing versatility for cooling solutions.

Besides the fan support, the Noctua NH-D15S also houses six heat pipes having a thickness of 6mm. Due to its intricate design for RAM clearance, each side of the cooler has 45 black metal fins — totaling 90. Therefore, due to all the fins and heat pipes, heat dissipation isn’t an issue for the Noctua NH-D15S. On the topic of heat dissipation, the air cooler has a rated TDP of 220W.

Due to the high thermal power, the Noctua NH-D15S can keep almost all processors cool enough to run without problems. We tested the NH-D15S with the i7-10700K, and we pushed it to its limits by testing its performance with the processor overclocked @ 5.0GHz. The cooler did not disappoint at all; in fact, it was right up against the likes of 240mm AIOs.

While the air cooler doesn’t support any form of RGB, its black aesthetic provides a killer look for darker builds. You can also utilize Noctua’s heatsink covers to change the color of the air cooler as per the color theme of your build.

Also Read: Best CPU Coolers For The Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

The Noctua NH-D15S is on our “best CPU coolers in 2023” list due to its great thermal dissipation while providing amazing RAM clearance. We love its intricate design that goes with almost all PC builds.

What We Disliked

The size of the air cooler makes it a difficult choice to fit in slightly smaller cases. Also, the lack of RGB makes it slightly less desirable if you’re building a flashier build.

Who Is It For?

The Noctua NH-D15S air cooler is for those who own a big chassis and are looking for the best air cooling possible.

What Makes It The Best High-End Air CPU Cooler?

The RAM clearance, intricate design, and high-end quality fins make the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black the best high-end air CPU cooler.

• Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black Review

DeepCool AK620 CPU Air Cooler

Best Budget Air CPU Cooler

Specifications: Fans: 2 x 120mm DeepCool FDB PWM | Fan Speed: 500 — 1,850RPM | Noise: ≤28dB(A) | Dimensions: 129 x 138 x 160mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB Fans: No

Of course, not all consumers can afford expensive CPU coolers, which is where the DeepCool AK620 air cooler comes in as the best budget cooler. The air cooler has an amazing TDP and supports two cooler fans at high RPM speeds. Moreover, the DeepCool AK620 air cooler isn’t massive either, meaning it can easily fit in ATX cases.

For example, when looking at the dimensions, we see that the DeepCool AK620 dimensions are 129 x 138 x 160mm (L x W x H). While the length and height are pretty much the same, the width is considerably smaller than the other coolers mentioned above. Therefore, the cooler shouldn’t face RAM or graphics card clearance space issues.

Leaning towards the fan support, the DeepCool AK620 air cooler has two 120mm FDB PWM fans with speeds ranging from 500RPM to 1,850RPM. The only downside of the fast fans is the increased noise level. Fans are usually inaudible till 25dB(A) noise levels. However, the DeepCool 120mm FDB PWM fans have a noise level of ~28dB(A) at maximum speeds, making them audible. Other than that, you won’t find any problems with heat dissipation.

Although, fans are not the only cause of the great heat dissipation. The DeepCool AK620 air cooler houses six nickel-plated copper heat pipes around 6mm in thickness. Furthermore, the heatsink houses 50 fins making the fin stack dense enough for the cooler to require high static pressure fans. Ultimately, these factors help the air cooler maintain its heat dissipation.

In any case, through the fans and the high-density fins, the DeepCool AK620 air cooler maintains a 260W TDP. So, you can easily fit any high-end processor and have no worries about the temperatures later on.

While the cooler doesn’t support RGB, its simple look fits most silent aesthetic builds. On the other hand, if you’re planning a flashier build, completely illuminated with RGB, the DeepCool AK620 will be quite lackluster.

What We Liked

For the pricing, we were really impressed by how well the DeepCool AK620 performs. 

What We Disliked

While we can’t complain because of the budget, the lack of RGB and slightly loud fans are a few negative points of the cooler.

Who Is It For?

The DeepCool AK620 air cooler is for all consumers who want to stay within a certain budget while utilizing high-end processors without experiencing thermal bottlenecks. Furthermore, since you can pair it with both AMD and Intel rigs, it is the best budget deal you can get.

What Makes It The Best Budget Air CPU Cooler?

Its low price yet amazing thermal performance and heat dissipation make the DeepCool AK620 the best budget air CPU cooler. We should also mention including two 120mm PWM fans, which most budget air CPU coolers usually don’t come with.

• DeepCool Ak620 Review

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm A-RGB

Best 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Specifications: Fans: 3x ARCTIC P14 PWM 140mm | Fan Speed: 200 — 1,700RPM | Noise: 10.64dB(A) | Dimensions: 458 x 138 x 38mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2066, 2011-3 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB Fans: Yes

Moving towards All-in-One (AIO) coolers, the best 420mm AIO CPU cooler in 2023 has got to be the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm variant. Not only do you get extra space for bigger fans, but you also experience the same level of noise as the more compact versions. However, the size also poses problems for consumers owning regular ATX-sized cases.

The dimensions show that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm requires 458 x 138 x 38mm (L x W x H) of space. Almost no ATX case can support a 420mm radiator, neither at the top nor at the front of the case. So, if you’re not rocking a full tower case, your best bet would be to look toward the compact versions of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II.

Other than that, you shouldn’t find any RAM clearance issues. Although, you will require around two inches of clearance space for the radiator to fit in the case. If you’re using a massive graphics card such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4000 series GPU, finding such clearance space at the front of the case might be slightly difficult.

In any case, leaning toward the fan support, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm AIO comes with three ARCTIC P14 PWM 140mm fans running at a maximum speed of 1,700RPM. Even though the AIO utilizes three 140mm fans at greater speeds, the advertised noise levels don’t exceed 10.64dB(A), meaning your computer won’t make any fan noise.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm can also handle up to 300W TDP without issues. If you ramp the fans and utilize proper airflow, you can easily handle over 320W. With that said, the AIO is ideal for overclockers and content creators. It’s overkill for everyday use and slight gaming.

Even after all of its amazing cooling capabilities, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm includes A-RGB fans, allowing consumers to customize their cooler. Not only can you adequately cool your processor while allowing for great airflow, but you can also create a great RGB theme with your other components.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is compatible with AMD and Intel processors, so compatibility shouldn’t be an issue. However, having a big enough case can be a hassle for such a massive radiator. You must account for the size of the chassis and graphics card before opting for the 420mm version of the AIO cooler.

What We Liked

Apart from the insanely good thermal performance and a 300W TDP, the silent 140mm running at 1,700RPM really blew us away.

What We Disliked

We dislike the radiator size of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II, which makes it incompatible with many PC chassis.

Who Is It For?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II AIO cooler is for consumers planning to overclock their high-end CPUs. Furthermore, if you’re a content creator, then this AIO will also be quite useful for you.

What Makes It The Best 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

The silent fans yet amazing thermal performance make the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II the best 420mm AIO liquid cooler. The amazing A-RGB options are another factor, serving as icing on the cake.

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Best 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Specifications: Fans: 3 x AF120 RGB Fans | Fan Speed: 500 — 2,100RPM | Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB Fans: Yes

The Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT 360mm AIO CPU cooler is next due to its amazing thermal performance and aesthetics. While most AIO coolers focus on cooling or aesthetics, the Corsair H150i leaves no boundaries in providing users with both. You not only gain amazing performance, but you also get a sleek design, and the AIO pump has an LCD screen too!

Regarding the sleek design, the Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT 360mm AIO requires 397 x 120 x 27mm (L x W x H) space. So, most ATX and even micro-ATX cases should fit the cooler and radiator without hassle. Therefore, if budget isn’t an issue and you’re looking for a great aesthetic build, you can easily fit the Corsair AIO cooler at the top or front of your chassis.

Because the Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT 360mm AIO has three AF120 RGB fans running at speeds of up to 2,100RPM, cooling shouldn’t be an issue. Besides that, the high density of thinly designed fins on the radiator helps greatly with heat dissipation. Moreover, the sturdy aluminum construction ensures the cooler will last for a good time.

The cooler is also advertised to handle up to 250W, making it a great choice for almost any modern high-end processor. While keeping the PC quiet, you can easily cool your processor and manage proper airflow using the AF120 fans.

Moving towards aesthetics, the Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT 360mm AIO comes with an LCD screen, RGB fans, and a beautiful white design. Therefore, you can easily illuminate your entire PC using only the AIO fans and the pump. Moreover, you can change the colors as you please to keep harmony with the aesthetic you’re going with.

What We Liked

There are many things to like in the Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT 360mm AIO. For example, we love the AIO cooler so much because of the thermal efficiency, RGB options, and LCD screen on the pump.

What We Disliked

Although there aren’t many things to dislike in the AIO cooler, its price makes it a difficult-to-choose product for many consumers. If you can’t spare around $250 for an AIO cooler, you should likely look somewhere else.

Who Is It For?

The Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT 360mm AIO is for gamers and content creators with a high budget. That’s precisely why it has entered our list of the best CPU coolers. Furthermore, if you’re looking for the best white CPU cooler, then it is definitely worth considering.

What Makes It The Best 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

The silent AF120 fans, the customizable RGB, and the LCD screen are definite reasons for the Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT 360mm to be categorized as the best 360mm AIO liquid cooler.

• Corsair H150i Pro Review

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB

Best 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler Alternative

Specifications: Fans: 3x ARCTIC P12 – 120 mm fans | Fan Speed: 200 — 1,800RPM | Noise: 10.64dB(A) | Dimensions: 398 x 120 x 38mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2066, 2011-3 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB Fans: Yes

Because 360mm AIO coolers are widely used in many computers, we have provided an alternate option to the Corsair H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT AIO cooler. For the alternate version, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm version is one of the best 360mm AIO CPU coolers you can find. The strong points of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II are the pricing, amazing thermal performance, and RGB customization.

Starting with its size requirements, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II requires 398 x 120 x 38mm (L x W x H). Because the cooler isn’t extremely big, it can easily fit in almost all ATX cases. You can place the radiator at the top or front of the chassis. Furthermore, because the fans are pre-installed, you don’t have to bother installing the fans on the radiator.

Talking about the fans, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO CPU cooler comes with 3x ARCTIC P12 120mm fans running at a maximum speed of 1,800RPM. Even at such speeds, the advertised noise of the fans doesn’t go above 10.64dB(A). The noise levels are the same as the ARCTIC P14 PWM 140mm fans of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420mm AIO cooler we discussed earlier.

Because of the fans and the high-density thin layered fins, heat dissipation shouldn’t be a problem for the cooler. The advertised 300W TDP is enough for any high-end processor available in 2023. So, you should choose the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer 360mm AIO if you’re thinking of seriously overclocking your computer or want to get into extreme content creation. We tested this AIO with the Ryzen 7 7700X, and after analyzing the temperatures both under load and at idle, we concluded that it is undoubtedly a superb 360mm AIO.

Discussing the aesthetics, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer 360mm AIO’s aesthetics are similar to its 420mm variant, except that it’s more compact. Alongside great cooling, you can customize the RGB of the fans catered to your liking thanks to the A-RGB fans that come with the cooler. Couple that with its sleek aesthetic design, and you’ll see why the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO cooler is one for an aesthetic-type build.

What We Liked

The radiator quality, thermal performance, and easy installation impressed us the most.

What We Disliked

In our tests, the lack of control over the fans and pump speed was quite a letdown. 

Who Is It For?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO is for consumers who wish to get into overclocking without spending a fortune on their cooling options. Starter-level content creators might want to consider the AIO too.

What Makes It The Best Alternative 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

Its amazing thermal performance for its price and RGB customization make the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO the best alternative 360mm AIO liquid cooler.

• ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm Review

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital

Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Specifications: Fans: 2x 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 0 — 2,500RPM | Noise: 31.5dB(A) | Dimensions: 279 x 124 x 30mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, 3647, 4189 AMD: AM4, TR4, sTRX4, SP3, sWRX8, AM5 | RGB Fans: Yes

After discussing the best 360mm AIO CPU coolers, let’s discuss the best 240mm AIO CPU cooler in 2023. The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm AIO liquid cooler is perfect for this category. While the cooler isn’t heavily marketed, its thermal capabilities make it a strong contender amongst its peers.

Starting with the dimensions, the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm requires 279 x 124 x 30mm (L x W x H) of space. So, you can fit the AIO cooler in almost any case without having any problems. Furthermore, you can fit the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm AIO liquid cooler in mini-ITX cases.

Looking into the thermal capabilities of the AIO cooler, the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm comes with two 120mm fans. Both fans run at a maximum speed of 2,500RPM, making them some of the fastest. Although, thanks to the amazing speed, the AIO cooler is slightly loud, ranging at a noise level of 31.5dB(A). Furthermore, in our tests, we recorded their noise speed at around a whopping 54 dB(A), which is quite a lot.

However, the AIO made up for the noise output by impressing us with its sheer performance; it only stayed around 4°C behind its 360mm sibling. The build quality is also quite good, with materials like copper and brass to ensure longevity, making the Eisbaer Pro Aurora a high-end product.

Looking at the aesthetics of the cooler, we realize that the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital’s pump is one-of-a-kind. The sturdy blue-color pump gives off a mecha-like feel. So if you’re going with a similar theme, the cooler will be an amazing addition to your PC. Moreover, the fully customizable RGB features make the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital a worthy liquid cooler to own.

Lastly, examining its compatibility, the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital has diverse socket compatibility for AMD processors. Although, on Intel’s end, the cooler doesn’t support the LGA 1200 socket. Therefore, you can’t utilize the cooler using an Intel 10th or 11th gen processor. Furthermore, due to the short length of the tube, your installation options are limited. For the most part, you can only install the radiator at the top of the case. So, ensure you don’t have excess fans; else, you’ll waste potential airflow. Besides that, the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm can fit in most cases, making it easier for consumers to fit the cooler in any chassis.

Also Read: Best Mid-Tower PC Cases

What We Liked

The thermal performance, build quality, and RGB customization are some things we love about the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm AIO. They are also why it’s one of the best CPU coolers in 2023.

What We Disliked

The short pump to radiator tube length makes installing the AIO cooler slightly annoying, which we also dislike. Furthermore, the high noise output and the steep pricing are also disappointing.

Who Is It For?

The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm AIO cooler is for consumers who don’t have a big chassis or budget but want to adequately cool their processors without getting into water cooling.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

Its thermal performance for the price and RGB customization make the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm the best 240mm AIO liquid cooler.

• Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora Digital 240mm Review

be quiet! Pure Loop 120mm

Best 120mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Specifications: Fans: 1x Pure Wings 2 120mm PWM | Fan Speed: 0 — 2,000RPM | Noise: At 50% 16.9dB(A), At 75% 26.3dB(A), At 100% 33.1dB(A) | Dimensions: 157 x 120 x 52mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151, 1155, 2011-3 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB Fans: Yes

For the last cooler on the list, in the best 120mm AIO liquid cooler award, we have the be quiet! Pure Loop 120mm cooler. While a 120mm AIO cooler can never hope to provide amazing cooling performance, it’s the perfect choice for consumers willing to get into water cooling but who don’t want to spend a lot of resources. Due to the price consideration and performance of the cooler, it’s currently one of the best options available.

For starters, looking at the dimensions, the Pure Loop 120mm cooler requires a 157 x 120 x 52mm (L x W x H) space to fit in the chassis. Therefore, you can easily fit the pump and radiator without any issues. From mini-ITX to E-ATX cases, the Pure Loop 120mm cooler should fit in any case without many problems. The only problem might be the tube being too short.

Although the radiator can only fit one 120mm fan, the Pure Wings 2 120mm PWM can go up to speeds of 1,800RPM. Due to the speed of the fans, the noise levels of the Pure Loop 120mm cooler can reach up to 33.1dB(A) at 100% load. On the other hand, if you keep the fans at 50% speed, the noise should stick to around 16.9dB(A), which is still slightly loud.

In any case, due to the great build quality of the radiator and the high-density fins, heat dissipation shouldn’t be a problem. Moreover, the 250W TDP leaves enough headroom to install high-end processors. Although, overclocking said processors would be a no-go with a 120mm AIO cooler.

Moving on, discussing the aesthetics of the cooler, the Pure Loop 120mm AIO cooler has an extremely simple design, which might make it unfashionable for consumers looking for a trendier design. Although, the cooler does provide RGB, so if that’s all you’re looking for, you’re good to go.

Lastly, it’s important to know that 120mm AIO coolers are better suited to be installed at the back of the chassis, so if your chassis is too big, the tube connecting the pump and radiator won’t be able to reach that far. For that reason, you must know the dimensions of your chassis before purchasing the cooler.

Also Read: Best PC Cases Under $50

What We Liked

The exceptional build quality and performance for its price are factors we loved in the be quiet! Pure Loop 120mm AIO liquid cooler. These factors also make it one of the best CPU coolers in 2023.

What We Disliked

The noise the cooler fans create can distract many consumers, and the short pump-to-radiator tube is a point we disliked.

Who Is It For?

The be quiet! Pure Loop 120mm AIO liquid cooler is for consumers willing to get into water cooling without spending too many resources. The cooler is also for consumers who own small cases and don’t want to buy a new one for better cooling.

What Makes It The Best 120mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

The thermal performance, price, and slim profile are some factors that make the be quiet! Pure Loop 120mm AIO liquid cooler the best 120mm AIO liquid cooler.

Also Read: Best Low Profile CPU Cooler

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

If you’re confused by various CPU cooler terms we used in the entirety of the article, here’s a short list of the most common jargon terms:

• TDP: It is a presumed measurement of the heat a processor generates while operating. For CPU coolers, these values are the heat the cooler can dissipate.
• FPI: Stands for Fins-Per-Inch. It is a reading to check the fin density in CPU coolers. The denser a radiator is, the better the thermal cooling it can provide.
• Heat pipes: Exclusive to air coolers, heat pipes are the pipes that transfer heat from the processor to the cooler, which then dissipates it outside. More heat pipes equate to more heat transfer.
• PWM: Also called Pulse Width Modulation, is a CPU fan type that can regulate speed based on certain voltage readings.
• RPM: Also called Rotations Per Minute, it is the value through which we can calculate the speed a CPU fan runs at. Higher RPM values can equate to better cooling but more noise.
• CFM: Short for Cubic Feet Per Minute, CFM defines the amount of air a CPU fan can distribute within a minute. Bigger but slower fans can have more CFM than slower but faster fans.

Also Read: Best LGA 1700 CPU Coolers

CPU Coolers Benchmarks

Here’s a list of benchmarks we have conducted to back our claims for the awards we have enlisted for the CPU coolers. The benchmarks show comparisons against other coolers and how the ones we awarded fare. We have used the Intel Core i7-10700K, Intel Core i7-12700K, and the AMD Ryzen 7-7700X processors to conduct the following tests.

How We Test CPU Coolers

There are various rules we at Tech4Gamers, follow when testing CPU coolers. For example, performance, noise, aesthetics and build quality, and compatibility are a few factors we look at. Please read through our detailed blog on how we test CPU coolers to know more about our testing methodologies.

Performance

For the most part, the thermal performance of a CPU cooler is the main reason we test coolers. It’s the job of a cooler to dissipate heat, and the more it can dissipate, the better it is. We compare CPU coolers with their competitors in a closed environment with the same build at different clock speeds to achieve optimal results.

Also Read: Best 280mm CPU Coolers

Noise

Another aspect to look at when testing CPU coolers is understanding the noise their fans make. While it goes unnoticed by many, noise from a case fan can be extremely distracting for many consumers. Therefore, we ensure testing every CPU cooler’s noise so you don’t have to buy a noisy cooler.

Aesthetics And Build Quality

While most consumers look for aesthetics, the build quality of a CPU cooler is also important. CPU coolers have all aesthetics, from slim to sturdy looks and from RGB to stealthy models. Moreover, a good quality build ensures the longevity of the CPU cooler.

Also Read: Best Water Cooling Kits

Compatibility

Compatibility is also another important testing measure to use. While most CPU coolers are compatible with modern processors, a few might skip a generation’s compatibility. Therefore, we ensure a CPU cooler is compatible with most processors.

Socket compatibility isn’t the only compatibility to be wary of, however. RAM clearance, tube length, radiator size, and more are other forms of compatibility you should know, which we thoroughly test while reviewing CPU coolers.

Why Trust Us

Tech4Gamers has been reviewing and comparing tech products for over 10 years. An expert in the field does every product review, and we take great measures to ensure only factual and unique information is spread to our reader base. Our team consists of trained and seasoned professional writers and editors who have followed the market and computers for many years.

Not only that, Tech4Gamers has often sponsored products by brands such as MSI and ASUS for reviews, which have been featured on the website. Moreover, we also provide our readers with factual and entertaining news, top-notch product reviews, comparisons, and tech guides.

All our reviews are objective, truthful, and concise to ensure our readers aren’t fed misleading lies. We work so that our readers can benefit from honest reviews of products we have tested ourselves.