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Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 9600X – our top picks

The ultimate cooling solutions to keep the temps low
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Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 9600X – our top picks
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The Ryzen 5 9600X has now launched, and you can grab it from Amazon and other major retailers.

It is an entry-level processor with a default TDP of 65W, so you don’t have to worry about it generating too much heat like some of the high-end CPUs in the AMD 9000 series lineup. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t opt for the best cooling solution, as keeping the temperatures low will help keep the CPU running smoothly and improve its lifespan.

We’ve reviewed several CPU coolers and have conducted in-house testing to get an idea about their real-life performance. Based on that, we’ve selected a few coolers that we think are the right fit for the processor. Also, you may want to check out the best GPUs for Ryzen 5 9600X if you’re looking for a solid graphics card to pair with it.

So, without wasting another second, let’s dive in! We’ve also listed all popular retailers offering this CPU in our Where to Buy 9600X page, so you can check them out if you want to get this processor for your rig.

How we picked

For this list, we went through several options from different brands and selected the ones that offer the best value for money. During the selection process, we considered factors such as price, performance, features, and build quality. On top of that, we never solely rely on online ratings and reviews for our lists. Instead, we conduct in-house testing of each cooler before recommending it to our readers. You can check out how we test components to learn more about our process.

Our top picks

Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 5 9600X overall
01
Best in ClassHighly Recommended
Specifications
  • Cooling Method: Air
  • Material: Aluminium, Copper
  • Max fan speed: 1500 rpm
  • Noise level: 24.6 dBA
  • Fan size: 140mm
  • Thermal paste: Included
Reasons to Buy
  • Dual 140mm fans makes cooling a breeze.
  • Double stack heatsink makes for great cooling performance.
  • Easy (but strange) mounting solution.
  • Included high quality thermal paste.
Reasons to Avoid
  • Quiet mode on the fans can let temps climb.
  • Big and bulky.
  • Fan design is to a certain taste, although a black version of this cooler is available

If you're looking for something that ticks all the boxes of a great cooler for the Ryzen 5 9600X, then we'd recommend the Noctua NH-D15. This is an Air cooler that offers a dual-fan design. In our in-depth Noctua NH-D15 review, the cooler managed to keep the temps low and performed well during the stress tests. 

Air coolers are considered affordable compared to AIO coolers, but some of the premium ones can still be a bit expensive. As for the Noctua NH-D15, it falls in the premium category, but that's because it’s different and better than most of the other Air coolers that you'll find in the market. 

Unlike regular Air coolers that come with a single fan, the NH-D15 offers two 140mm fans paired with a dual heatsink setup. These heatsinks come with six copper and aluminum vapor chambers, which provide better heat dissipation. On top of that, its noise levels are also pretty low, 24.6 dB, which is similar to a whisper.

The NH-D15 from Noctua is a fantastic cooler with a brilliant value for money.

PC Guide

For our review, we tested the NH-D15 against the Intel Core i5-14600K. Intel CPUs tend to generate more heat compared to AMD CPUs, so testing the cooler with them is the best way to learn about their actual potential.

The cooler managed to keep the idle temperature at around 34°C. When we launched the Aida stress test, the temperatures stayed around 70°C for the most part, but the max we recorded was 86°C. While the results were decent, the temperatures would have been higher if we had used a top-tier processor. However, with the Ryzen 5 9600X, you can expect similar or better results.

Overall, the Noctua NH-D15 will easily help keep the Ryzen 5 9600X cool, even during intense gaming sessions. But make sure you're using one of the best thermal pastes with it for better cooling.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the NH-D15 does an excellent job of keeping the CPU temperatures low. Most of them praised its build quality. One of the reviewers mentioned: “The quality of packaging, cooler and everything included is excellent. It is very well made and finish is flawless.”

Best high-end CPU Cooler for Ryzen 5 9600X
02
  • A Corsair H150i ELITE LCD XT computer liquid cooling system with a digital display and three fans illuminated by multicolored LED lights.
  • Close-up view of the baseplate of a Corsair CPU cooler, showing a square copper surface with screws along the edges. The background includes blurred computer components and the "PC guide" logo in the corner, highlighting the ELITE LCD on an H150i model.
  • A close-up view of a H150i CPU water block attached to a motherboard inside a computer case, highlighting the detail of computer components and connectivity with an ELITE LCD for precise monitoring.
  • A computer setup with three cooling fans displaying colorful LED lights, a GeForce RTX graphics card, and a motherboard visible. For an in-depth look at the cooling system's performance, check out the Corsair H150i ELITE LCD XT review.
Excellent
Specifications
  • Radiator Type: Aluminium
  • Fan Edition: 3x Corsair ML120 ELITE RGB PWM
  • Max RPM: 2000 RPM
  • Socket Support: Intel 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4
Reasons to Buy
  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Universal compatibility
  • Easy installation
Reasons to Avoid
  • iCUE is required for proper operation
  • Can be expensive
  • Fans don’t match those that come with Corsair cases

If budget is not an issue and you don’t want to compromise on cooling, then we'd recommend the Corsair H150i ELITE LCT XT. This is an AIO cooler that can even keep the hottest CPUs cool during intense sessions. In our Corsair H150i ELITE review, we found it to be a solid cooler for both cooling and improving the overall aesthetics of your build.

To begin with, the H150i Elite boasts a 360mm aluminum painted radiator, which stores three Crosair ML120 RBG fans. These fans offer a speed of up to 2,000 RPM, something that will help keep the temps within safe levels. However, keep in mind that a 360mm radiator is large in size, and not every case can accommodate it. So, make sure your case supports it before making the purchase.

The H150i Elite also comes with a 2.1-inch LCD that further compliments the looks of the cooler. You can either view the real-time stats of your CPU or just run some cool animations on it. There's also an RGB ring around the CPU block, which, when paired with the RGB in the fans, can help change the feel and look of your rig. These lights can be controlled using the Corsair iCUE software, which also lets you create custom lighting profiles.

The performance of this CPU cooler is very good considering we gave it the herculean task of cooling the Intel i7-14700K.

PC Guide

As far as the performance is concerned, we used it in our rig that was being powered by the Intel i7-14700K, which is a pretty solid processor. For the most part, the idle temp was around 27°C, and the max was 29°C. During the Aida stress test, which pushes the CPU to its limits, the average temp was 79°C, while the max it hit was 100°C. The max temp may seem alarming, but it isn't. This is because Aida puts the processor under a lot of stress and it is the extreme end of CPU testing.

We also tested the performance of the H150i Elite in gaming. For this, we launched Days Gone and played it for around 10 minutes. The average temp was 55°C, while the max temp was 71°C.

Overall, for those who are willing to spend a little more than $200 on a CPU cooler, there is no better option than the H150i Elite for the Ryzen 5 9600X. After all, it is one of the best AIO coolers out there.

What users say

On Amazon, most reviewers are happy with their purchase. One of them said: “Works well in keeping my PC nice and cool. Normally temps hover at 31C and when gaming, it can go up to 60C.”

Best budget CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 9600X
0
  • APNX AP1-V ARGB out on table displaying fan
  • APNX AP1-V ARGB next to box on table
  • APNX AP1-V ARGB fan lit up and spinning
  • APNX AP1-V ARGB in box on table front view
Highly Recommended
4 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Cooling Method: Air
  • Noise level: 16.1 – 32.8 dBA
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Fan size: 120mm
  • Max fan speed : 1800 rpm
  • Thermal paste: Not included
Reasons to Buy
  • Very affordable
  • Looks cool
  • Very easy to install
Reasons to Avoid
  • Limited potential to upgrade beyond 14600K
  • Fan is integrated, so if the fan dies, you need a new cooler.

If you're not able to invest a significant amount of money on a CPU cooler right now and are looking for something that is budget-friendly, then you'd want to check out the APNX AP1-V. The is the first APNX cooler that we've reviewed, and it has definitely exceeded our expectations. In our APNX AP1-V review, we found it to be an excellent cooler that can be paired with a great number of processors, including the Ryzen 5 9600X. 

Unlike the DH-15 on our list, the AP1-V comes with a single 120mm fan. However, it has a max speed of up to 1,800 RPM, which is pretty decent and should help keep the processor cool at all times. It is compatible with both AM4 and AM5 sockets, and you can even use it with multiple Intel CPUs.

The overall design of the APNX AP1-V is also pretty clean and minimalistic, and the fan is also ARGB. To test its performance, we placed it on the i5-14600K. The idle temp remained at 30°C for the most part, and it never went above 40°C. During the Aida stress test, the average temp was around 75°C, and it didn't cross 94°C.

This is a fantastic bang for the buck cooler that is easy to install and does a decent job at keeping the 14600K cool. 

PC Guide

The only downside about the AP1-V is that its fan is integrated. This means that if something happens to the fan and it stops working, you will have to get a new cooler. Other than that, we couldn't find anything wrong with it.

Overall, the APNX AP1-V is a great choice for the Ryzen 5 9600X if you're tight on a budget. It will help keep the temps low if you're using the right thermal paste with it. We also recommend getting one of the best Airflow cases and the best 140mm case fans, as these will also help with keeping the temps low.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the cooler looks stunning, and its performance is also pretty great. One of the reviewers said: “Keeps temps really low at idle at 28°C and low while gaming. For 49 dollars it is a great option, also very quiet.”

How to pick the best cooler for this CPU

Choosing the right cooler isn’t just about picking the one that comes with a premium price tag or has a large radiator. Instead, there are some factors that should be influencing your decision, and a few of them are mentioned below.

Compatibility

Make sure the cooler you are getting is compatible with your CPU. This is because some CPU coolers only work with either Intel or AMD. We recommend opting for one that works with both, as this way, you won’t have to worry about replacing the cooler if you switch to Intel in the future.

Budget

Your budget will decide the cooler you can get. If you’re not short on cash, then we’d definitely recommend opting for a high-end Air Cooler, like the Noctua NH-D15. Or, you can even push it even further and go with an AIO Cooler instead, as this is the best cooling solution. However, make sure the AIO Cooler you are getting can fit inside your PC, as not every case can accomodate a 360mm radiator.

But if you’re tight on a budget, then you can find several Air Coolers for under $50, including the one from APNX that we mentioned in our list. These may not come with extra features, but their performance is still strong.

About the Author

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.