Air CPU coolers are heatsink-and-fan units that keep a desktop or server processor within safe temperatures, for builders replacing a stock cooler or fitting a new CPU. Our range of over 300 models covers tower coolers, low-profile coolers and a few fans and liquid kits, from brands such as Noctua, Jonsbo, Arctic and Deepcool.
How to choose an air CPU cooler
Socket compatibility. Check that the mounting kit supports your processor socket, for example Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5 on desktop boards. Server and workstation sockets need their own coolers, and the product listing should name the sockets it fits.
Size and case clearance. Measure the space between the CPU socket and the side panel before buying a tall tower cooler. Small cases often need a low-profile model, and large dual-tower coolers can also block the first memory slots or the top of the motherboard.
Cooling capacity. The number of heat pipes gives a rough guide to how much heat a cooler can move. In our range, 4 heat pipes is the most frequent figure among listed specifications, while 6 or 7 appear on larger coolers designed for hotter processors. Fin area, base quality and fan size matter as well, so heat pipe count alone is not a verdict.
Fan size, noise and bearings. Most fans listed are 12 cm, with some 9 cm to 14 cm options. A larger fan moves the same air at lower speed, which usually means less noise. Fluid dynamic bearings are the most common type listed and are generally chosen for quiet running and long life, while hydraulic and rifle bearings appear on simpler models.
Fan connection. Most coolers use a 4-pin connector, which lets the motherboard control speed by PWM. Dual-fan coolers may use two 4-pin connectors or a splitter, so check you have enough fan headers.
Air CPU cooler brands we carry
- Noctua: Austrian manufacturer known for very quiet, large tower coolers and its brown and beige fans.
- be quiet!: German brand that focuses on low noise, with the Pure Rock and Dark Rock tower coolers among its best-known lines.
- Arctic: known for the Freezer series, which offers solid cooling at an accessible level.
- Deepcool: makes the Assassin dual-tower coolers as well as simpler single-tower models for mainstream processors.
- Jonsbo: offers slim and low-profile coolers suited to small-form-factor builds, alongside larger towers.
- Supermicro and Dynatron: supply coolers for server and workstation sockets, including low-profile units for rackmount chassis.
- Akasa: focuses on low-profile and fanless coolers for compact and quiet systems.
- Zalman: Korean brand with a long history of CNPS tower coolers.
Also in our range: Thermaltake, Montech and Lian Li.
Air CPU cooler FAQ
How many heat pipes does a CPU cooler need?
For most mainstream processors, a cooler with 4 heat pipes is enough. Higher-wattage chips and overclocked systems benefit from 6 or more, combined with a larger heatsink and a good fan. Check the cooler's stated processor support rather than counting pipes alone.
Is an air cooler as good as liquid cooling?
A good air cooler can match many entry-level and mid-range liquid coolers for temperatures. It has fewer parts that can fail, and it has no pump to make noise. Liquid cooling mainly helps with very hot processors and with fitting in cases where a tall heatsink will not fit.
Will an air cooler fit my case?
Compare the cooler height with your case's stated maximum CPU cooler height, which is usually in the case specifications. Also leave room for memory modules, since some wide coolers overhang the nearest slots. Low-profile coolers are the safer choice for slim and small-form-factor cases.
Do I need to buy thermal paste separately?
Not always, because many air coolers come with thermal paste supplied or pre-applied to the base. Check the product listing to be sure. If you remove a cooler and refit it later, clean off the old paste and apply fresh paste.
