Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X – our top picks
Table of Contents
The Ryzen 9950X is one of AMD’s recent entries and it is available for purchase on Amazon for all the enthusiasts out there.
The more powerful processors get, the more energy they require to run, meaning their thermal output is also great. This is fine, as they are designed to run that way, but too much heat could damage the CPU or result in thermal throttling. The Ryzen 9000 series flagship CPU, 9950X, has amazing specifications and a TDP of 170W to match.
AMD launches latest Ryzen 9 9950X3D & 9900X3D CPUs!
AMD's highly anticipated Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D chips have finally arrived! Below, we will be listing all the latest listings from the web's biggest retailers.
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D - CA
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D - CA
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D - Newegg
*Stock availability and pricing subject to change depending on retailer or outlet.
So, it wouldn't be surprising if it got a bit hot during operation, and robust cooling solutions must be used to prevent overheating. That said, selecting one CPU cooler is easier said than done, as hundreds of options are available with varying styles and features.
To help you cut through the clutter, we researched the market and put together this in-depth guide that lists multiple cooler options, their reviews, details, and pros and cons. So, let's get right to it, shall we? If you want to order a Ryzen 9 9950X before the scalpers clear out the shelves, we’ve got you back.
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Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X
ASUS ROG Ryujin III 240
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 36.54dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 2,000 rpm
- Thermal paste: Included
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Best air cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X
Noctua NH-D15
- Cooling Method: Air
- Material: Aluminium, Copper
- Max fan speed: 1500 rpm
- Noise level: 24.6 dBA
- Fan size: 140mm
- Thermal paste: Included
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Best high-end CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X
ASUS ProArt LC 420
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 31.5dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 140mm
- Max fan speed : 2,000 rpm
- Thermal paste: Pre-applied
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Best budget CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X
APNX AP1-V
- Cooling Method: Air
- Noise level: 16.1 – 32.8 dBA
- Material: Aluminum
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 1800 rpm
- Thermal paste: Not included
How we picked
Our selections aren't based on on-box specifications; instead, we take a hands-on approach and test the limits of each CPU cooler by running it against various benchmarking software like Aida64 and CPU-Z. You can learn more about how we test CPU coolers in-depth and visit our cooling hub for more cooler buying guides.
In addition, we look at the CPU cooler's brand, price, dimensions, and installation process. As this component will remain the same for the next few years, it needs to be invested in wisely.
Our top picks
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 36.54dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 2,000 rpm
- Thermal paste: Included
- It has excellent cooling performance
- It uses dual 120mm Noctua fans
- It kept the 14600K pretty cool during the Aida stress testing
- It comes with a heavy price tag
- The bulky pump block might put off some people
The Ryzen 9 9950X is the most powerful CPU in the 9000 series lineup, and to keep this monster cool, we recommend the ASUS ROG Ryujin III 240. We tested this CPU cooler for its review, and even though it has 120mm fans, its performance didn't disappoint.
For starters, this cooler has a max fan speed of 2,000 RPM and comes with pre-applied high-grade thermal paste. It also features a copper CPU plate for effective heat transfer and a 3600 RPM Asetek pump that should keep the liquid pumping at a good rate to ensure low temperatures. However, if your CPU is overheating and you’re wondering how to stop it from overheating, we’ve got you covered there as well.
It has an all-black finish, including the aluminum radiator, making it an excellent choice for various builds, whether there is a lot of RGB or a completely silent build. The one thing that stands out is the 3.5” LCD on the pump block, which allows you to display different memes, gifs, or animations. While this doesn't affect how the cooler performs, it does help add a bit of your personality to your build, which is a nice addition.
There is no point in purchasing an AIO cooler with poorly constructed pipes as they carry the heat to the radiator, and the fans expel the hot air. So, if the tubes leak or are prone to damage, you're throwing your money away. That said, the Ryujin III's tubes are made from sleeved rubber and have a 40cm length.
It manages to keep our 14600K cool in every scenario, which is the most important factor when it comes to CPU coolers.
PC Guide
This should allow you to install this CPU cooler in a number of orientations according to how you've positioned other components. This CPU cooler is also easy to install and is compatible with both Intel and AMD, meaning you just have to use their respective backplates. In this case, you'll use the AMD plate, which will fit comfortably on top of your 9950X.
We checked its performance against the i5-14600K, which, according to Intel, has a max turbo power of 181W, 11W higher than the 9950X. We conducted several tests, but we'll look at the results of Aida, which pushes the CPU under inhumane stress to a point where everyday workload can't possibly take it.
The ASUS ROG Ryujin III kept the 14600K in a pretty comfortable range with an average core temperature of 61°C and a max temperature of 77°C.
So, this cooler should be able to handle the thermal output of the 9950X and keep it performing optimally. However, we recommend using the best thermal paste to ensure effective heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler contact patch.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, the Ryujin III 240 has great value, performance, and build quality. One reviewer said: “I’ve been looking for something to tame the beast of the i9 14900k, so I decided on this. I got the noctua two fan, and it’s definitely keeping my temps down. At high load and gaming, I get about 50-65c.” We believe this review sums up perfectly what this CPU cooler is capable of.
- Cooling Method: Air
- Material: Aluminium, Copper
- Max fan speed: 1500 rpm
- Noise level: 24.6 dBA
- Fan size: 140mm
- Thermal paste: Included
- It has dual 140mm fans, heatsinks, and six vapor chambers
- It has excellent cooling performance
- The pre-applied thermal paste is of high-quality
- It has a large form factor
- The quiet mode lowers the noise level as well as the performance
AIO coolers can be expensive due to the design, technology, and performance they offer. That said, many still use air coolers, which are a viable option, especially Noctua, a name synonymous with excellent cooling performance.
We recommend using the Noctua NH-D15 CPU cooler for the 9950X as it costs less than AIO options. During its review, it had excellent performance keeping our test bench's CPU cool.
To begin with, this cooler has a max fan speed of 1,500 RPM, and while that may seem slow, it has two 140mm fans, which don't need to spin as fast as 120mm fans but achieve the same cooling results with a lower RPM.
It also had a noise level of 24.6 dBA, which, to put it into perspective, is like whispering. This CPU cooler is also compatible with the AM5 and AM4 platforms, so you don't need to worry about compatibility issues.
The NH-D15 from Noctua is a fantastic cooler with a brilliant value for money, it is capable of cooling many CPUs in the higher end thanks to it's double stack heatsink and dual 140mm fans.
PC Guide
To accommodate the dual fans, it also has dual aluminum heatsinks, which have six copper and aluminum vapor chambers going through them for effective heat transfer. There is a bit of a design flaw, as you have to be careful while installing the fans on the heatsink because they are sharp, and you could accidentally get cut.
Regarding its performance, we installed it on top of the 14600K and started the Aida stress test. The 14600K under extreme load had an average core and max temperatures of 70°C and 86°C, respectively, with 0% throttling. The air expelled from the fans had a temperature of 30.2°C, showcasing how effective this CPU cooler is.
Overall, the Noctua NH-D15 is a solid air cooler with excellent performance and should be able to keep even the most demanding processors cool.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this cooler has excellent performance and quiet operation, making it well-liked among the users. One reviewer stated: “Performance is exceptional. My thermals have never been this low or consistent. For reference, I have been using an AIO with a single fan radiator, so I was due for an upgrade. I run a Ryzen 5800x3D, and I haven’t seen my temps go higher than 80 degrees, even during my full load stress test.”
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 31.5dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 140mm
- Max fan speed : 2,000 rpm
- Thermal paste: Pre-applied
- It has exceptional cooling performance
- It has a sleek design
- It has three 140mm fans
- It comes at a comparatively high price point
- It doesn't have a built-in LCD
- It needs a large case to accommodate the radiator
If you’re not limited by your budget, we’ve brought in another ASUS AIO cooler for you, the ProArt LC 420. This is one of the largest CPU coolers we've seen, and during its review, it performed stellarly, which didn't come as a surprise.
This CPU has a max fan speed of 2,000 RPM and features three Noctua NF-A14 Industrial PPC-2000 140mm fans, which help it tame even the wildest processors. Its tubes are made of sleeved rubber like we saw in our top pick, which gives it a layer of durability and ensures smooth operation for a long time. To keep the rest of your components as cool as your CPU, we recommend using powerful 140mm case fans to ensure adequate cross ventilation.
This CPU cooler doesn't have fancy features like an LCD on the pump block or ARGB fans; instead, it focuses purely on performance and delivers in that domain. We have the same test bench to check all our CPU coolers, which gives us a clear picture of how they compete against each other.
This cooler is designed to be the best, and integrate seamlessly into any PC case that can accommodate is huge 420mm radiator.
PC Guide
The idle temperature of the 14600K went to a maximum of 33°C, and the air temperature behind the fans was 27.8°C. During the Aida stress test, the maximum temperature was 72°C, and the average core temperature hovered at 57°C. The air temperature behind the fans at this point was 30.8°C, a difference of only 3°C, which is massively impressive. Even the max temperature isn't that high, as processors can easily cross 80°C during heavy loads, though the ambient temperature plays a big role.
For example, if you're located in a hot region, the CPU’s idle temperature will automatically be higher than if you were in a cold region. So, the maximum and average temperatures will also be relatively high. If you’re in this situation, the best airflow PC case could also help keep the temperature low due to better ventilation.
Overall, this beast of a CPU cooler is everything you'd need to keep powerhouses like the 9950X cool and provides a good overhead for overclocking. For an unrivaled gaming experience, we recommend using the best GPU for Ryzen 9 9950X.
- Cooling Method: Air
- Noise level: 16.1 – 32.8 dBA
- Material: Aluminum
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 1800 rpm
- Thermal paste: Not included
- It comes with a very affordable price tag
- It has a very stylish design
- It is easy to install
- It is best for cooling entry-level processors
- The integrated fans means you’ll need to get a new cooler if the fan dies
The Ryzen 9 9950X comes with a price tag of $649, which is comparatively cheaper than the previous generation processor but still is a big amount. So, if you’re operating on limited finances after purchasing the 9950X, the APNX AP1-V CPU cooler might be what you’re looking for. During our testing for this cooler’s review, it had great performance, especially when you consider how less it costs.
For starters, this air cooler has a 120mm fan with a maximum RPM of 1,800. This is normal for 120mm fans as they need to spin faster to expel the heat carried to the heatsink from the CPU. A great aspect of this cooler is that it comes with AM4, AM5, and LGA1700 mounting brackets, so regardless of whether you’re with Team Blue or Red, this cooler will accommodate your CPU.
The AP1 has a very sleek, minimalistic design that doesn’t stand out but should complement the overall aesthetic of your PC. For all those who have suffered from cuts during fan installation from sharp heatsinks, this next part is going to be a breath of fresh air. The fan comes integrated, meaning you don’t have to secure it to the heatsink. So, you can simply take it out of the box, apply the best thermal paste on your CPU, and screw the CPU cooler in place.
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
Inside the heatsinks, there are eight 6x5mm heat pipes that do a good job of carrying the heat away from the CPU, and this cooler is rated at 245W TDP despite its humble design and price tag.
Regarding its performance, we again took to the 14600K as it has a base and maximum TDP of 125 and 181W, respectively, which is 11W more than 9950X’s 170W TDP. Before we started the stress test, the maximum CPU temperature was 40°C. After we started the stress test, which pushed the limit of the CPU, something that normal usage can’t accomplish, the maximum temperature was recorded at 94°C, and the average core temperature came around 75°C with 0% throttling.
The Intel 13th and 14th-generation processors are famous for running very hot, and even then, this CPU kept the 14600K from throttling, and while 94°C is pretty high, it didn’t reach its maximum operational temperature, which is great.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this CPU cooler is great for its price point and keeps the processors cool without making much noise. One reviewer said: “Great Air Cooler, love the matte white color that goes perfect with my Asus TUF Build, with an intel I5 14600KF and Gigabyte AUROS z790 Ice X white motherboard. 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 select the best CPU cooler for 9950X
The 9950X is a powerful processor, which means that its thermal output is great. So, it needs a robust cooling solution, but spending top dollar on a fancy cooler isn't a solution for everyone. There are some factors you must consider before purchasing so you don't overspend or underspend, which could affect the CPU's performance. We've listed some of these factors below:
Compatibility
First, you need to check whether the CPU cooler you're opting for is compatible with the CPU and casing. If you opt for an AIO cooler, ensure its radiator can fit inside your casing, or you won't be able to install it. For example, you get a 360mm AIO cooler but your casing can only house a 240mm radiator at max. So, you'll have to purchase a bigger casing or return the cooler for a smaller version, if available.
Besides that, consider your CPU’s socket type before purchasing a cooler. For the most part, all coolers come with different backplates for Intel and AMD, but it’s better to be safe than sorry because you don't want to find out that you spent a good amount of money on an LGA 1700 compatible cooler while you've got the 9950X on your hands, an AM5 processor. That said, CPU coolers compatible with AM4 motherboards also work with AM5 motherboards.
Noise levels
Some people are okay with the CPU cooler making a noise, while others don't want it to make a peep. So, read the reviews and customer feedback of any cooler you're looking at, as they'll give you an idea about the acoustics.
Budget
The budget is the most important factor when purchasing any component. It is always recommended to operate within your budget because if you spend more than your budget allows, you'll have to compensate for that by lowering your daily expense amount or compromising the quality of other components.
That said, for a processor like the 9950X, a high-end CPU cooler is the best option. It will set you back a couple of hundred dollars, but this isn't something you change after a couple of months. So, think of it as an investment that can be transferred from build to build, serving you for years.
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