The cooling category covers CPU coolers, case fans, liquid cooling kits and their parts, as well as thermal pastes and other accessories. It suits anyone replacing an old cooler and anyone building a custom water loop. Our range includes many products from Noctua, Arctic, Thermal Grizzly, Alphacool and Thermaltake.
How to choose a cooler
Socket and space in the case. Check which socket your motherboard has (AM5 or LGA1700, for example) and whether the cooler's mounting kit supports it. An air cooler's height must fit inside the case, and large heatsinks can get in the way of memory modules.
Air or liquid cooling. An air cooler has no pump, so there are fewer parts that can fail and it is simpler to install. A closed-loop liquid cooler with a 240, 280 or 360 mm radiator removes heat from high-power processors more effectively and leaves more room around the socket. Enthusiasts building their own loop choose water blocks, fittings and radiators separately.
Cooling capacity. Compare the cooler's stated capacity with the processor's TDP and leave some headroom, especially if you plan to overclock. A cooler that is too weak makes the processor reduce its clock speed, which lowers performance.
Noise and fans. A larger fan (140 mm rather than 120 mm) can move the same amount of air at lower speeds, so it runs more quietly. PWM control adjusts speed automatically with temperature. Fans pushing air through a radiator need good static pressure, while case fans are judged mainly on airflow.
Thermal paste and accessories. Paste must be reapplied whenever you change a cooler. Our range includes thermal pastes, phase change pads and thermal putty, such as Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM and TG Putty Pro. Liquid metal conducts electricity and should not be used directly on aluminium, so read the manufacturer's instructions first.
Brands in our range
- Noctua: an Austrian manufacturer known for quiet fans and large air coolers with long warranties.
- Thermal Grizzly: a German manufacturer specialising in thermal pastes, liquid metal and other heat transfer products.
- Alphacool and EK Water Blocks: makers of liquid cooling parts for custom loops: water blocks, radiators, pumps and reservoirs.
- Bitspower: known for fittings, tubing connectors and other components for custom water cooling.
- Arctic: offers affordable Freezer air coolers, MX thermal pastes and P series fans.
- Corsair, Thermaltake, ASUS, Deepcool and Lian Li: sell ready-made closed-loop liquid coolers with radiators of different sizes, and Lian Li is also known for its Uni Fan fans.
Lenovo products are also available. The category is divided into CPU coolers, case fans, liquid cooling, and thermal pastes with accessories.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a CPU cooler?
Start with the processor's socket and TDP, then check the maximum cooler height or radiator size your case allows. The cooler needs a mounting kit for your socket and a rated capacity somewhat above the processor's heat output.
Is air or liquid cooling better?
Both can do the job well. A large air cooler often suits a mid-range processor and is simpler to fit. Liquid cooling helps when the processor runs very hot or when you want more free space around the socket.
How often should I replace thermal paste?
Replace thermal paste whenever you remove the cooler, or when processor temperatures slowly creep up. Many manufacturers say good paste lasts several years, but the exact time depends on the product.
Is it worth replacing the cooler that came with the processor?
It is worth it if the processor often reaches high temperatures or the fan is noticeably loud. An aftermarket cooler usually has a larger heatsink and a bigger fan, so it cools the processor better and more quietly.
