Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X in 2022 - Full Review
There's no denying that the Ryzen 9 5900x and the Ryzen 9 5950X are ones of the most capable processors available at the time of writing this article.
The new Ryzen 9 5950X and 5900X processors from AMD provide the best of both worlds: performance for gamers with 12 cores, 24 threads and enough power under load for content creation tasks like video editing or motion graphics.
These premium desktop computer chips also come equipped with support for PCIe 4.0 - meaning you can expect lag-free gaming thanks to its increased bandwidth.
While these CPUs have a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) of just 105W, it's hard to keep them cool. The punch line here is that AMD has excluded both Ryzen 9 5900x and 5950x from including any stock cooler or thermal solution as standard - which means you'll need an aftermarket solution if want optimal performance out your new hardware.
While we can't help you find a Ryzen 9 5900X, we can certainly help you find the right cooler for your CPU, and that's exactly what we're going to do in this guide. We strongly recommend pairing your processor with the best cooler out there as these chips can get really hot, which is normal considerig the power they bring to the table.
That's why we're going to focus strictly on finding the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X as well as for the Ryzen 9 5950X without taking into consideration support for anyother CPU . After all, we don't want our readers to end up with something that just isn't good enough.
What to Kow Before Buying a Cooler For Ryzen 9 5900x or 5950x
Cooler Socket compatibility
The most important part of any cooler is support for the socket size of your processor. If the cooler is not compatible with your CPU socket you will have an unusable cooler.
Many coolers come with pre-packaged kits that make them compatible with most motherboards sockets on the market. The most widely used sockets today are AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 and the newly launched 1700 socket for Intel’s 12th gen CPUs (more on 12th gen Intel processors in a future discussion).
Our list contains only the best coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 9 5950X. We have already made sure that these coolers are compatible with both these CPUs as well as with the socket they sit in.
Dimensions of the Cooler
Dimensions are perhaps the most important item on our list. Choosing the wrong cooler size can end in disaster.
Motherboards come in different sizes and shapes, so if your cooler is large, it could cover one DIMM slot or two RAM slots and a taller cooler can interfere with the side panel of your PC case.
For liquid coolers, it is necessary to match the size of the radiator with that of the case. Not all cases support large radiators. Be sure to check the above points before buying a cooler for Ryzen 9 5900x or Ryzen 9 5950x.
Max TDP support of the Cooler
The Ryzen 9 5900x as well as the 5950x are surprisingly thermally efficient CPUs due to the 7nm lithography.
AMD states that their rated thermal power (TDP) is 105W. This means that the cooler must be able to remove 105W of heat from the CPU for stable operation.
Some benchmarks have reported that these processors can peak at 143W under certain conditions and we keept this top value in mind when we built our CPU coolers list.
Related read: What are the best white motherboards for gaming in 2022?
Best Coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 9 5950X
So keeping in mind about what to look for when choosing a cooler for the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X CPUs let's have a look on what we think are the best coolers to keep these two beasts nice and chilly.
1. Corsair H115i RGB Platinum – Best Watercooling AIO solution for Ryzen 9 5900X & Ryzen 9 5950X
The Corsair H115i RGB Platinum has a radiator with an increased surface area of approximately 280mm, which is 27% more than competing coolers.
Radiators made with extra surface area are responsible for better cooling performance experiences. The next step with its software is working with its pumps, heaters, fan speeds and peripheral accessories to make it work properly.
Corsair never disappoints its fans, as it has earned the fame of being the best cooler for both the 5900x and 5950x, and this time it appears with a CPU cooler with an excellent LED display and full RGB illumination.
These liquid coolers are also available for Threadripper CPUs, support almost all Intel and AMD sockets, and provide amazing compatibility. The price tags might be high for some users, but that shouldn't bother you if you have the will to buy a great product for your PC.
2. ARCTIC Liquid Frieza II 280 – Best 280mm AIO for Ryzen 9 5900X & Ryzen 9 5950X
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280mm is the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X or 5950X as it’s amazingly compatible with high-end CPUs. One thing that's crystal clear about this product, which sets it apart from its competitors in terms of cooling performance and efficiency alike?
The inclusion - alongside a pump radiator plate combo design to provide excellent AIO watercooling functionality! This same cooler consumes less power even when overclocking; saving you 80% or more than what others would use on average at stock speeds (and without sacrificing any features).
The cooler has been designed to have all cables integrated into it, which gives the watercooling unit a very sophisticated look. The 40mm PWM fan is durable and highly compatible with any VRM for overclocking performance--this makes it perfect in any high-end computer!
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280mm AIO is a great choice for anyone looking to build their dream PC system and keep it cool. It features the best possible components, including high-quality watercooling components that are easy enough even beginners can install on any compatible motherboard without much hassle.
3. Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora LT360 – Best 360mm AIO for Ryzen 5900X & Ryzen 9 5950X
The Alphacool Eisbaer LT360, like any other AIO solutions, has a very high heat dissipation capacity. The TDP limits air coolers, but for liquid cooling solutions that is not always the case, and especially is not the case for the AIO at hand.
We chose this AIO solution because it is the best 360mm AIO for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X due to the fact that this is the to-go solution for overclockers when testing the limits of a CPU. With this cooling kit you can easily reach the maximum frequency of 4.8GHz or even 5GHz in some cases.
For advanced users, the quick coupling is a blessing. The pump operates very quietly; even at 2600 RPM, it seems to make very little noise, barely audible. The tubes of the water block come out from the sides, which facilitates handling since the joint is movable.
All heat exchange material is copper and we all know that cooper is the best material for heat dissipation. The quality/price ratio that Alphacool offers for this AIO solution are its selling points as the best cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X.
You might be interested in: Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 5800X Review
4. BeQuiet Dark Rock Pro 4 – Quietest CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X & Ryzen 9 5950X
We have always been huge fans of "BeQuiet!" products. The manufacturer lives up to its name by producing low-noise products at an affordable price. And this is the case of the Dark Rock Pro 4 - the quietest cooler for the 5900X and Ryzen 9 5950X.
The biggest advantage of air coolers over liquid coolers is that they are virtually maintenance free. An incredible lifespan of 300,000 hours has been promised on the technical sheet of this cooler. There's no LED display or RGB lighting like other manufacturers offer. The fans are easily replaceable, but the installation process isn't the easiest.
This is the quietest cooler for the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X. It produces only 24.3dB(A) at maximum fan speed. This air-based cooler can cool a processor with a TDP of 250W. Knowing that the maximum TDP of the Ryzen 9 5950X is 143W, this cooler is oversized, which is a good thing in case you want to do some overclocking.
The manufacturer assures its quality by backing it with a three-year operational warranty. It allows 40mm clearance for RAM, which is enough for most RAM memory modules to fit under the cooler. In short, it has everything you expect from a cooler that fits in the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X list.
5. Noctua NH-C14S – The Best Compact Air Cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X & Ryzen 9 5950X
We considered the Noctua NH-C14S worthy of our best coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X due to one it's unique feature: its design. It is the first-ever cooler to feature a Type-C topflow design.
The Noctua NH-C14S was designed for users who need plenty of space for RAM but don’t want to make compromises on cooling capabilities. It offers RAM clearance of up to 70mm. The total height of the cooler is 115 mm, which is suitable for small cases. It is not only designed for RAM but also for PCIe slots. The design is slightly offset to allow clearance for the top PCIe slot of most micro-ATX and ATX motherboards.
Since Noctua uses a lot of resources to design its products, they are expensive compared to other coolers. The color theme used in Noctua products has always been criticized by users, but some people like it for its uniqueness and brand image.
The cooler provides 119W of NSPR, which can also be referred to as TDP for simplicity. That's enough to cool both the Ryzen 9 5900x and the Ryzen 5950X. The complete cooler is easy to install and remove from the case. The build quality is excellent, and the materials used are top notch.
6. Noctua NH-D15 – Best Dual Fan CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 5900X & Ryzen 9 5950X
Noctua is well known for its high-end PC coolers. The Noctua NH-D15 is considered the best cooler for the 5900x & Ryzen 9 5950X and one of Noctua's most successful coolers. The impeccable build quality makes it a solid choice for PC setups with a Ryzen 9 5900X processor, and it comes with two award-winning 140mm fans.
The assembly is easy to install, but it is of substantial size and requires a clearance of 165 mm above the processor. The limited height of RAM that can fit under the cooler can be increased by staggering the fan, but this will affect the efficiency of the cooler.
Noctua includes its best NT-H1 thermal compound for maximum performance. It can support RAM heights of 32mm. Under 100% load, the maximum noise level reaches 24.6 dB(A). If the Low Noise Adapter (LNA) is used, the maximum noise level will drop to around 19.2 dB(A).
They have included a kit to make it compatible with the AM4 socket since 2019. Noctua uses the term NSPR rating instead of TDP and it could be misleading for consumers, but keep in mind that as a general rule NSPR is kind of the same with TDP Rating.
The NSPR of this model is 183W, which is high enough to support the maximum 143W generated by the Ryzen 9 5950X under certain loads and conditions.
Conclusions
This guide has given you an overview of the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 9 5950X. Each cooler was chosen due to its ability to keep your processor running at peak performance without breaking the bank on a high-end, expensive option.
We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you are now able to choose the perfect cooler for your needs. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
FAQ on Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X in 2022
What should I look for when choosing a CPU cooler for my Ryzen 9 5900x or 5950x?
The most important factors to consider are the size of the cooler, its compatibility with your motherboard and case, and how good it is at dissipating heat. You also need to make sure that the cooler you choose is compatible with your CPU and that it has been designed for use with AMD Ryzen processors.
How much does a good CPU cooler for a Ryzen 9 5900X or 5950X cost?
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a good CPU cooler.
Is it worth upgrading my CPU cooler if I already have a good one?
It depends on how old your current cooler is and how good it is at dissipating heat. If your current cooler is more than a couple of years old and/or it struggles to keep your CPU cool, then an upgrade may be worth considering.
I have a low-profile case. Can I still use a large CPU cooler?
Yes, you can use a large CPU cooler even if you have a low-profile case, as long as it is compatible with your motherboard and fits inside your case. Just make sure to check the dimensions of the cooler before purchasing it.
I'm not sure if my CPU is compatible with a certain cooler. How can I find out?
Most CPU coolers come with a compatibility chart that lists all the compatible CPUs. If you're not sure whether your CPU is compatible, you can usually find this information on the cooler's product page or on the manufacturer's website.
I'm having trouble installing my new CPU cooler. Can you help?
If you're having trouble installing your new CPU cooler, we recommend seeking help from a qualified technician or by contacting the manufacturer's customer service team. It's usually best to avoid trying to install a CPU cooler yourself if you're not familiar with the process, as you could damage your motherboard or CPU if you don't do it correctly.
Related read: What are the best motherboards for Ryzen 9 5950X in 2022?
I'm not sure if my case has enough room to install a new CPU cooler. How can I find out?
Most cases come with a specification sheet that lists all the dimensions of the case, including the space inside for the CPU cooler. If you're not sure whether your case has enough room to install a new CPU cooler, you can usually find this information on the case's product page or on the manufacturer's website.
What is thermal paste and do I need to use it?
Thermal paste is a compound that is used to improve the heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler. Some coolers come with thermal paste pre-applied, but if your cooler doesn't include any or if you're upgrading an old cooler, you will need to apply some yourself.
What is the best way to apply thermal paste?
The best way to apply thermal paste is to use a pea-sized amount in the center of the CPU and then spread it out using a circular motion. Make sure not to put too much thermal paste on, as this could cause problems with heat dissipation.
What should I do if my CPU starts to overheat?
If your CPU starts to overheat, you should try to lower the load on your system by reducing the number of programs that are running simultaneously or by closing some of them. You can also try to increase the airflow in your case by installing more fans or by upgrading to a case that has better ventilation. If the problem persists, you may need to upgrade your CPU cooler to a better one.
