CPUs are, in many aspects, the heart of any PC. They handle the processing of data in your computer and are very safely kept in the middle of your motherboard. Because of how important they are to your computer, it’s no surprise that they can become very hot - often many degrees hotter than the surrounding computer parts.
Since CPUs need to be at a low temperature to function properly, CPU coolers were designed to prevent overheating and also help users maximize their PC’s performance. Overheated CPUs can result in slower systems, so a cooler is necessary to keep everything running smoothly.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at the different types of CPU coolers, as well as a guide on how to pick the best one for your computer.
What is a CPU Cooler?
A CPU cooler is a device that connects directly to your CPU. It keeps the CPU cool by lowering its surrounding temperature, which results in better performance in the system. CPU coolers can either run on liquid cooling or fan cooling.
Why do you need a CPU Cooler?
CPU coolers are arguably just as important as the CPU itself, and there a couple of reasons why.
It increases performance
Performance is a metric that only gamers and professionals really seem to care about, but it’s something worth considering even if you only type documents on your computer. Performance affects how fast your computer boots up, how long you wait for your apps to load, and so on, you’ll feel the performance difference even if you don’t play games or render video.
CPU coolers are a vital component in keeping your computer at maximum performance. They keep the CPU at a temperature that helps them run more efficiently. So, whether you’re playing games, making music, or just browsing the Internet, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a CPU cooler.
It improves the CPU’s lifespan
Like most electronic devices these days, CPUs don’t last forever. However, they can last longer than usual if you make sure they’re constantly cooled. CPUs at high temperatures typically end up with a shorter lifespan, whereas efficiently cooled CPUs last for quite a while. So unless you plan on getting a new CPU in the future, you may want a cooler to maximize your current CPU’s lifespan.
Things to consider when buying a CPU Cooler
Remember these tips when you buy your next CPU cooler.
Cooling Method
There are two popular cooling methods when it comes to cooling your CPU and PC as a whole. These two methods are fan cooling and liquid cooling. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and so on.
Fan cooling is the default cooling method for most people. It’s easy, cheap, and very efficient. As long as your case has proper ventilation, fan cooling can work on even the best PC setups, and your CPU is no different. Fan cooling is also very cheap, which is great if you’re on a budget. The only real downside is that other than having fans with RGB lighting, fans aren’t that flashy - which brings us to liquid cooling.
You may have heard of liquid cooling in tech videos on YouTube. Liquid cooling involves running cold water or liquid through a pipe circuit around your computer. This cools the circuitry just as effectively as fan cooling. It looks really great too if you have a glass case. Unfortunately, liquid cooling is expensive, and you’ll need a professional to safely install it.
Price
Ultimately, everything boils down to price. Your budget determines what you can or can’t buy. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll most likely have to settle for fan cooling, as liquid cooling systems often work as a complete solution, and you normally don’t run both systems on a single computer.
If you do have the money, though, it’s all a matter of preference at that point. Liquid cooling looks great, but fan cooling can also look nice with RGB lighting. If you prefer performance over looks, then either is a viable option, too.
CPU Cooler price range
CPU coolers are vital for any system, so it’s no surprise that it’s expensive. Fan CPU coolers can cost anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on brand and specs. Liquid cooler fans are a different story, however - they cost more than $200 per unit, and that’s just for the CPU component alone - you’ll still need to install other parts for a liquid cooling system.
How we choose the best CPU Coolers
We choose CPU coolers based on their price, type, and customer reviews.
FAQ
Are CPU coolers necessary?
CPU coolers are important as they help maximize CPU performance by preventing the device from overheating.
Why are CPU coolers expensive?
Depending on the brand and type of cooler, CPU coolers can go for exorbitant amounts. This is typical because CPU coolers have low demand, as you only really need one per PC. Thus, the price of each cooler becomes more expensive.