If you have read any of our reviews of the latest ranges, Intel 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs run hot. They bring a lot to the table and further push what is possible on the desktop, making both productivity and gaming more capable than ever. It is hard to deny that they are a notable step up for anyone looking to upgrade, but those speeds inevitably more heat from the CPU, and let’s be honest, stock coolers just don’t get the job done anymore.
While the CPUs can withstand the temperatures and are made to run hotter than past CPUs, even when they are under load, it does not mean that heat will not take a toll on performance. The hotter these CPUs get, the more they will throttle, and you won’t get the top potential speeds they offer; don’t even get me started on overclocking and what that will do.
So with the new needs of the latest Intel and AMD ranges, we broke down the best coolers you can buy to keep your new Intel 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 cool, even when pushed.
While we included air coolers on this list, for the top end of the 13th Gen range, like the i9-13900K or the Ryzen 9 7950X, we would suggest you use an AIO liquid cooling, as these chips get exceptionally hot.
ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU Cooler
It’s difficult to compile a list of top-notch coolers without mentioning the ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU AIO Liquid Cooler. This all-in-one (AIO) cooler stands out as one of the most visually appealing coolers on the market, largely due to its massive pump and eye-catching LCD screen on the CPU block. Available in both 240 mm and 360 mm versions, it’s designed to fit virtually any case. The cooler’s ability to maintain optimal temperatures for even the most powerful processors makes it an ideal companion for new Intel 13th Gen and AMD 7000 builds.
The ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 360’s tubing is extra thick and durable, ensuring longevity and reliable performance. The LCD screen offers extensive customization options, allowing users to display any image or GIF they desire while ensuring that their CPU operates at peak performance. As an added bonus, the ROG RYUJIN II 360’s LCD screen enables users to monitor system performance and CPU temperatures directly on the cooler, providing a convenient and insightful window into their system’s internals.
For those seeking to keep their new Intel 13th gen CPU or AMD ZEN 4 systems cool, the ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 360 AIO liquid cooler is our top recommendation.
Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix Liquid CPU Cooler
Corsair has built a solid reputation for producing enthusiast-grade PC components, so it’s no surprise that one of its coolers made the list. The Corsair H150i iCUE Elite Capellix is an exceptional piece of hardware designed to keep your new PC running cool and quiet. Its striking appearance and capability to handle even the most power-hungry CPUs have made the iCUE H150i Elite Capellix a popular choice among gamers.
The H150i ranks among the best in cooling performance, with other available variants catering to a range of case sizes. This 360 mm option is perfectly suited for cooling the new Intel Core i9-13900K, while its vibrant RGB lighting adds a touch of flair to any system, making it look truly extraordinary.
The Capellix stands out as one of the most visually appealing coolers on the market. Its pump and fans boast a sleek and stylish design, providing the necessary cooling power for high-performance CPUs such as the top-end AMD Zen 4 or Intel 13th Gen processors. With its combination of stunning aesthetics and outstanding cooling performance, the Corsair H150i iCUE Elite Capellix is a worthy addition to any enthusiast’s PC build.
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
As a personal fan of the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, I couldn’t resist including it on this list. With its highly efficient thermal performance and near-silent operation, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is an impressive CPU air cooler solution designed to handle high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 7000 series or the Intel 13th Gen range. While every cooler on this list should be capable of maintaining low temperatures, few can achieve this while operating so quietly.
Aesthetically, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 offers a robust air cooler in an all-black design that is sure to complement most gaming builds. The size is rather large due to the massive heatsinks and fans, but the low noise level, maxing out at 24.3 dB, is remarkable. If you’re seeking an aesthetically pleasing option that will keep your system cool and quiet, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is an excellent choice.
To top it off, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is also relatively simple to install. The instructions make the process straightforward; you just need to ensure you have enough space to accommodate it, and then you’ll be ready for some gaming action.
Noctua NH-D15
The Noctua NH-D15 is a top contender and can hold its own against some of the AIO liquid coolers on this list. It is one of the best coolers you can buy, and the fact it can work without the need for a full radiator or water is a testament to the quality and build of the cooler.
The design of the Noctua NH-D15 may be a bit relatively subdued compared to the RGB CPU liquid coolers and LCD screens on this list, but that is deceptive on how well-built the Noctua NH-D15 truly is. The size can be quite daunting for many builders, with a bit of extra clearance needed for the two giant heatsinks, heat pipes and accompanying 140 mm fans. Noctua does offer an ‘S’ variant for those that want this model but lack the space and want a slightly more low-profile cooler option.
This is the product for you if you’re looking for a powerful cooling solution that won’t make too much noise. It’s got a max noise level of 24.6dB and a max RPM of 1500, so it can handle just about anything you throw at it. This is the cooler I gravitate toward if AIO liquid coolers just won’t fit. It looks great (to me, at least), works well, and is one of the best coolers on the market.
Cooler Master MASTERLIQUID ML240P MIRAGE
I am a fan of Cooler Master’s MasterLiquid ML240P. With its attractive design, intelligent RGB lighting, copper cold plate, and an incredibly quiet pump, it possesses all the elements of a fantastic product. In the office, the MasterLiquid ML240P efficiently eliminated excess heat, keeping our high TDP Intel and AMD chips cool, even under load. During Cinebench tests, the MasterLiquid ML240P maintained temperatures within a similar range as the ASUS cooler, with only a degree or so difference, and we experienced minimal thermal throttling. This makes it an excellent choice for ensuring your system operates at peak performance.
Featuring an easy installation process, an appealing look, and impressive performance, the MasterLiquid ML240P is definitely a cooler to consider for your next build. While it may not have a fancy LCD screen, it compensates for this with effective cooling capabilities and the ability to handle the heat generated by these powerful CPUs.
NZXT Kraken Z63 RGB
What matters is whether the Kraken Z63 RGB can deliver on its promise of great cooling performance. Our testing found that it outperformed many other AIO liquid coolers we considered for this list. With our tests, it was more than capable of taking on the AMD Ryzen 9 7950, AMD Ryzen 7 7700X along with the Intel Core i9-13900K, keeping them well under the top temperatures we saw in some of our testing, all while looking fantastic while it does so.
NZXT has taken the Kraken and made it even better with the new Kraken Z63 RGB 280 mm. The design and lighting changes make it easy to customize, and the overall performance is exactly what you would expect from NZXT. The LCD screen is a great addition, and with the NZXT CAM software, this can be adjusted to show anything from a GIF to details on your system.
If you’re looking for a cooling solution for your new build that will really stand out, definitely check out the NZXT Kraken Z63 RGB.
be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX AIO Cooler
Lovers of silent computers will be happy to hear the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX AIO Cooler is one of the quietest coolers on this list. We tested this on both our AMD Ryzen 9 7950X and Intel Core i9-13900K builds, and it performed with flying colours, pardon the pun.
Keeping both flagship CPUs cool is not easy, but the Pure Loop 2 FX AIO Cooler managed to keep it 15 percent cooler than offerings from Razer and Deep Cool. It kept our test bench builds cool, even under heavy workloads, and it did it all before we pushed the fans past 50 percent. The only gripe I had with the Pure Loop 2 FX AIO Cooler was the size. The 360 mm model we tested is not for people with small cases and can be tedious to get everything hooked up and in place, but once done, it runs incredibly well and to top things off, the RGB looks amazing when all setup and running.
