Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D in 2025 – our top picks
Table of Contents
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D release date is here, and it has almost the same specifications as the 9950X except for a bolstered 128MB L3 cache – crucially the TDP remains at 170W so the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 9 9950X3D are very similar to this other CPU.
While you can choose between an air and AIO CPU cooler, opting for an air cooler isn't recommended for a flagship processor, as an AIO cooler would be a much better fit due to its superior cooling performance. While the 170W TDP isn't near the competition's alternatives, when we tested the Ryzen 9 9950X with PBO enabled, we experienced thermal throttling, and our 240mm AIO CPU cooler faced difficulty keeping it cool. We’ve selected some models below that should enable you to overclock this processor for extreme output and provide a better overhead than an air cooler.
Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D: at a glance
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Best CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 27.2dB(A)
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 2,500 rpm
- Thermal paste: Included
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Best runner-up CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D
ASUS ROG Ryuo III 240
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 36.54dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 2,200 rpm
- Thermal paste: Included
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Best high-end CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D
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
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 how we review and select products.
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.
Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D: Our top picks
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 27.2dB(A)
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 2,500 rpm
- Thermal paste: Included
- Great performance
- Stylish
- Affordable
- Bulky CPU block
- No screen (could be a pro for some)
- Fans look cheap
Offering excellent performance and value, we recommend the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos to use with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D to keep it tame. This AIO cooler is a good option because it delivers the same or better performance than its alternatives but at a lower price point.
In our MasterLiquid 360 Atmos review, we stress-tested the Intel Core i5-14600K, which has a maximum TDP of 181W, which is 11W more than the 9950X3D. Before starting the test, we checked the idle CPU temperature and the air behind the fans, which came around 37°C and 24.6°C, respectively. When we fired up Aida, a stress testing software, the CPU's temperature ramped to 77°C, and the fans’ air expelled only increased to 27.8°C.
This shows how good this cooler is at transferring the heat, and 77°C isn't out of the ordinary for a CPU, especially when you're running Aida, as it takes the processor to its utmost limit.
As for the specifications and build quality of this cooler, it has three 120mm fans that come pre-installed to the radiator and have a maximum RPM of 2,500. Despite that, it has a noise output of 27.2 dB(A), meaning that it is quieter than a whisper, and you won't be bothered by it while gaming, working, or streaming.
This is a very affordable cooler that really brings in bang for the buck performance. It has a nice sleek aesthetic and it comes in two colours to choose from.
PC Guide
The tubes that carry the liquid from the cooling block to the radiator are made of sleeved rubber, meaning they should be robust and avoid cracks or leaks, which is essential for an AIO cooler because if the tubes leak, the cooler, for the most part, becomes useless.
Unlike other CPU coolers, there is no LCD on the cooling block, but it offers a clear panel through which you can see the heatsink inside it and watch the inner workings of it. There is some RGB on the edges of the block, which can be turned off if you're aiming for a non-RGB gaming setup.
Overall, the MasterLiquid 360 Atmos managed to keep the 14600K at a very comfortable temperature, and it was also very easy to set up. So, it should also deliver excellent cooling performance while paired with the 9950X3D. To ensure that you've covered every avenue, we recommend using the best thermal paste to ensure efficient transfer from the CPU to the block.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this cooler has excellent cooling performance, build quality, value for money, and aesthetics. One reviewer said: “I installed this on an i9-14900k with a Thermal Grizzly contact plate and Arctic mx-6 thermal compound, and even in Cinebench it doesn’t go above 78°c. In the heaviest of gaming it has been at 55°. Absolutely fantastic temps with this. Very quiet, and also beautiful. 5 stars.”
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 36.54dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 120mm
- Max fan speed : 2,200 rpm
- Thermal paste: Included
- Great cooling performance
- Customizable LED faceplate
- RGB fans are quiet
- Might be more than you want to spend
- Installation is harder than an Air cooler
- Armory crate is needed for fan and RGB control
If you're looking for a CPU cooler for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D with a shorter radiator for a smaller PC case that doesn't compromise the cooling performance, we recommend you check out the ASUS ROG Ryuo III 240.
This CPU cooler has two 120mm fans with a maximum speed of 2,200 RPM and a 36.54 dB(A) noise output. The reason for a higher noise level is that 120mm fans have to spin faster to expel the hot air and keep the CPU cool, while 140mm fans can deliver the same results at a lower RPM due to their size. Also, being limited to only two fans gives this cooler a higher noise output than our top pick.
That being said, in our ASUS ROG Ryuo III 240 review, we used the same test bench with the 14600K and ran the same testing software. The idle CPU temperature was 31°C while the air temperature behind the fan was 25.9°C.
We ran the Aida stress test, and the temperature ramped up to 77°C, which is where the MasterLiquid 360 Atmos kept it at as well, and the air behind the fans was 30.6°C, a bit higher than what we got with the 360 Atmos.
What this means is that despite being limited to only two fans, the Ryuo III was able to go toe-to-toe with a cooler and a triple-fan radiator.
The ASUS Ryuo is a fantastic cooler for the money and is capable of cooling far beyond the CPU we tested it on.
PC Guide
Besides that, it has fancy features like the CPU block featuring an Anime Matrix LED on the CPU block, which can be customized using the ASUS software. In addition, the tubes are also of good quality and feel strong but aren't stiff, meaning you can bend them to install the radiator in the orientation you want.
So, despite being a smaller AIO cooler, it was able to deliver good cooling output, and it also makes for a good option if you've got a mid-tower PC case that doesn't support a 360mm radiator. It should work great to keep the 9950X3D and keep it from thermal throttling. However, if you're looking to get extreme performance from this processor, the next option should be a good fit for you.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this ASUS ROG Ryuo III 240 has excellent build quality, value for money, and cooling performance. One user stated: “This is a great AIO cooler. I have this on an unlocked 12th gen i9 processor running at a solid 5.2 GHz no issues. Swapped thermal paste for Noctua non-conductive. Fans are really quiet, pump is basically inaudible compared to the fans even running consistently at 100%.”
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise level: 31.5dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan size: 140mm
- Max fan speed : 2,000 rpm
- Thermal paste: Pre-applied
- Fantastic cooling performance
- Sleek, minimal design
- Noctua fans
- Pricy compared to other coolers
- No screen, you'd expect one for this price, however, can be a plus if you don't want a screen.
For those who plan on overclocking the 9950X3D to the max and want to experience the full potential of this chip, we recommend using the ASUS ProArt LC 420. This CPU cooler has a 420mm radiator on which you install three 140mm fans with a maximum speed of 2,000 RPM.
In short, this CPU cooler was built to keep flagship processors like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in line, even if you've overclocked them. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a large cooler, so ensure that your PC case is compatible with it.
In our ASUS ProArt LC 420 review, it showcased excellent performance, keeping the 14600K cool even during stress testing. The maximum temperature that the 14600K touched during Aida was 72°C, while the air behind the fan was 30.8°C.
This difference of 5°C might not seem a lot, but it is significant, especially when you consider that this difference was during stress testing. Regarding its aesthetics, there isn't much going on as it features an all-black design with no RGB, a perfect option for those putting together a stealth build.
The accompanying fans are Noctua NF-A14 Industrial PPC-2000 fans, a company that is renowned for its CPU coolers and other cooling solutions. So, the entire package has a very premium look and feel to it.
That being said, to get the full potential out of the 9950X3D, you need to ensure it doesn't throttle, and for that, you need the best of the best, and this CPU cooler should get the job done. The only downside is that it costs more than other options but also makes up for its performance.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this CPU cooler has exceptional cooling performance and can keep even the toughest CPUs cool. One reviewer said: “All in all, it's a no-nonsense cooler that handles the heat of a 14900K really well. If you're after reliable cooling without all the RGB craziness, I'd say give it a shot. It just works, and that's exactly what I need it to do.”
How to choose the best CPU cooler for 9950X3D?
Like the first 9000X3D processor in the Ryzen 9000 lineup, the 9950X3D can also be overclocked, meaning its power draw and thermal output can drastically increase, requiring robust cooling solutions to keep it from thermal throttling, especially if you're located in a hot region.
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
While most CPU coolers come with installation brackets that are compatible with both Intel and AMD processors, it is still better to double-check whether they are included in the package before purchasing.
Since the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is based on the AM5 platform, head to the tech specs page for any CPU cooler you're considering and look for the “Compatibility” section. For example, the ROG RYUO III 240, a CPU cooler that we've included in this guide, is compatible with the AM5 and AM4 sockets for AMD processors and LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115x sockets for Intel CPUs.
Ambient temperature
A crucial aspect to consider is the ambient temperature. This can impact your choice of a CPU cooler. For example, if you're located in a region where it snows a lot and generally the temperature is cold, it means that the base temperature for various components will also be low, and keeping them should be easier.
However, if you're located in a hot region, it means the base temperature of your processor will be high. When you put more stress on it, it might reach its operational temperature limit sooner than it would in a cold climate. In this case, an AIO cooler or even a water block would be ideal; however, you might get away with an air cooler in a cold region.
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