9 Best CPU Coolers That Will Blow You Away, Quietly

Building a high-performance PC in Singapore requires a top-notch CPU cooler to keep temperatures in check. CPU coolers have evolved to offer quieter operation and better cooling for today’s powerful processors. Whether you’re seeking the best CPU fan cooler for air cooling or the best AIO cooler for maximum heat dissipation, here are some of the most highly recommended ones across all categories.

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Best air CPU coolers (air-cooled heatsinks)

Best performance: Noctua NH-D15 G2

High performance value: DeepCool AK620

Best budget pick: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black

Best AIO liquid CPU coolers (all-in-one water coolers)

Best performance value: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Most high-end: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite (Capellix XT)

Top performing and most aesthetic: NZXT Kraken Elite 360

Best low-profile CPU coolers (SFF & HTPC builds)

Ultra-compact & quiet: Noctua NH-L9i / NH-L9a

Strong 92mm fan: Thermalright AXP90-X53

120mm fan for higher cooling: ID-Cooling IS-55 ARGB

Which is better: Air or liquid CPU coolers?

Have you gotten wind of the best CPU coolers yet?

Best air CPU coolers (air-cooled heatsinks)

Air coolers (often called CPU fan coolers or heatsinks) remain a popular choice thanks to their reliability and excellent performance for the price. The best air-cooled CPU coolers in 2025 can rival liquid coolers in cooling high-end CPUs, all while operating quietly.

Best performance: Noctua NH-D15 G2

Dual-tower flagship air cooler

Noctua NH-D15 G2 cpu cooler — (Credit: ALLSTARS)

Why to get	Why not to get
Unmatched air-cooling performance; rivals some 360mm AIOs Extremely quiet even under full load (~24.8 dBA) Top-tier build quality with long 6-year warranty Broad socket compatibility (Intel LGA1700, AMD AM5/AM4) Excellent for overclocking and high-TDP CPUs	Very large and heavy; requires spacious mid/full-tower case May block tall RAM modules in dual-fan mode Premium price (~$210) for an air cooler

Noctua’s NH-D15 has long been the gold standard in air cooling, and the updated NH-D15 G2 continues that legacy. This dual-tower, twin-140mm fan cooler delivers performance on par with some 360mm liquid coolers while maintaining impressively low noise levels. Its massive heatsink uses eight heatpipes and two next-gen NF-A14 fans to whisk away heat even from overclocked high-TDP CPUs.

Despite its size, the NH-D15 G2 is designed with an asymmetrical fin stack to improve PCIe slot clearance and memory compatibility. If you want the best CPU heatsink for heavy-duty cooling with near-silent operation, the Noctua NH-D15 G2 is the top pick.

Height and size (W x D x H)	150mm x 152mm x 168mm Requires mid or full-tower case with at least 170mm CPU cooler clearance
Noise levels	Max ~24.8db(A) at full load – whisper-quiet for cooler of this size
Socket support	Broad multi-socket compatibility Intel LGA1700 Intel LGA1200/115x Next-gen LGA1851 AMD AM4/AM5
TDP handling	High thermal capacity ~250W or more Comfortably cools top-end chips (Core i9, Ryzen 9) without throttling Keeps Core i9-14900K around 72°C under full load
Average price on Shopee	Around $180 – $220

High performance value: DeepCool AK620

Dual-tower value air cooler

DeepCool AK620 cpu cooler — (Credit: PCKAKi.COM)

Why to get	Why not to get
Excellent performance for the price (~$90 – 100) Quiet operation with dual 120mm fans Handles high-TDP CPUs up to 260W Stylish blacked-out design with decent RAM clearance	Still large; may not fit smaller cases RAM clearance can be tight for extra-tall modules Lacks RGB or lighting features

The DeepCool AK620 is a dual-tower heatsink that offers high-end cooling at a more wallet-friendly price. With a similar twin-tower design and dual 120mm fans, the AK620 can tame enthusiast CPUs at noise levels and temperatures comparable to those of the Noctua, all at a fraction of the price.

It features six copper heatpipes and a fin stack optimised for efficient airflow. Despite the heavy cooling potential (rated for ~260W TDP), the AK620 maintains a relatively compact footprint in its category.

Height and size (W x D x H)	129mm x 138mm x 160mm Requires ~165mm clearance to be safe Offers 47mm RAM clearance in dual-fan mode
Noise levels	Around 29dB(A) under full load – a low hum
Socket support	Compatible with all modern sockets By default: Intel LGA1700 Intel LGA1200 Intel LGA1151/115x AMD AM4/AM5
TDP handling	260W class cooling More than enough for overclocked 12th/13th-gen Intel Core i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9 CPUs Holds i9 or Ryzen 9 in the 70s °C under all-core stress
Average price on Shopee	Around $100 – $120

Best budget pick: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black

Mid-range air cooler

Why to get	Why not to get
Affordable (~$65) with good cooling for mid-range CPUs Compact size fits most standard ATX cases RGB fan adds visual appeal Easy to install; widely compatible Well-known and reliable legacy model	Not ideal for overclocking or high-TDP CPUs Single fan may get louder under heavy load Performance is average compared to dual-tower coolers

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black takes the legendary Hyper 212 design and updates it with a sleek black finish and an improved ARGB fan. It’s a tower-style heatsink with four direct-contact heatpipes and a 120mm Halo² series fan. It’s ideal for CPUs like Intel Core i5/i7 (non-K or mild OC) or AMD Ryzen 5/7, where you want solid cooling and quiet operation without spending a fortune. While not as massive as dual-tower coolers, the Hyper 212 is proven to be a big step up from stock CPU coolers, making it a top budget choice for mid-range builds.

Height and size (W x D x H)	73mm x 124mm x 154mm Fits in most standard ATX cases
Noise levels	Around 45 dB(A) at full load
Socket support	Broad support Mounting brackets included for: Intel LGA1700 Intel LGA1200 Intel LGA1151/115x AMD AM4/AM5
TDP handling	Suitable for mid-range TDP CPUs of ~150W or less Can handle chips e.g. Core i5-13400F or Ryzen 5 7600 effortlessly Rated for mainstream use by Cooler Master ~125W CPU with safe temperatures
Average price on Shopee	Around $50 – $80

Best AIO liquid CPU coolers (all-in-one water coolers)

For those who want even more cooling potential or a cleaner look, AIO (all-in-one) liquid coolers are the way to go. The best AIO coolers in 2025 feature large radiators (240mm, 280mm, or 360mm) with multiple fans, providing superior heat dissipation for high-core-count and overclocked CPUs. Also, modern AIOs are maintenance-free, easy to install, and often come with RGB lighting or even LCD displays for customisation.

Best performance value: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Exceptional thermal performance that rivals pricier options

Why to get	Why not to get
Thicker radiator offers higher thermal capacity Integrated VRM fan helps cool motherboard Quiet operation despite high performance Strong value for cooling heavy workloads	Requires case support for 360mm radiator No RGB on pump (fans only) Thicker radiator can limit case compatibility

If you want an AIO that can handle overclocked flagship CPUs without costing a fortune, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is a top choice. It’s often hailed as one of the best-value AIO liquid coolers on the market. This cooler delivers exceptional thermal performance – it’s rated up to 300W TDP, and in testing, it matches or beats many pricier competitors.

Arctic’s design features a thick 38mm, 360mm radiator and three high-static-pressure 120mm fans, plus a unique integrated VRM fan on the pump block for extra motherboard cooling. Despite the powerful cooling, it remains fairly quiet and comes with customisable A-RGB lighting on the fans for a bit of flair.

Height and size (L x W x H)	398mm x 120mm x 38mm 360mm radiator Need 65mm clearance for radiator and fans
Noise levels	~26 – 27db(A) at full tilt
Socket support	Wide multi-platform support By default: Intel LGA115x Intel LGA1200 Intel LGA1700 Next-gen Intel LGA1851 AMD AM4 AMD AM5
TDP handling	Up to ~300W Kept a Ryzen 9 7950X3D at just 68°C under full load Can comfortably cool Intel Core i9 13th/14th-gen chips at stock or overclock
Average price on Shopee	Around $140 – $180

Most high-end: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite (Capellix XT)

For reliability and bling

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite (Capellix XT) cpu cooler — (Credit: Performance PC Pte Ltd)

Why to get	Why not to get
Premium build with bright RGB lighting Strong cooling capacity (~290W TDP) iCUE software integration for lighting and fan curves Quiet and efficient pump Trusted Corsair brand with 5-year warranty	Higher cost Setup and cable management can be complex iCUE software may be overkill for casual users

Corsair’s iCUE H150i Elite series is a popular high-end AIO cooler line, known for strong cooling, vibrant RGB, and seamless integration with Corsair’s iCUE software ecosystem. The latest H150i Elite Capellix XT (360mm) features a split-flow copper cold plate and three ML120 or AF RGB Elite fans, which provide excellent static pressure and airflow. Its pump head sports addressable RGB LEDs, and some models even come with an LCD screen.

Rated around 290W TDP, the H150i can handle the hottest CPUs while keeping noise in check with its PWM fan curve. If you already have other Corsair RGB components, the H150i ties in nicely, and even by itself, it makes for a stunning build centrepiece.

Height and size (L x W x H)	397mm x 120mm x 27mm Fits in most cases that support triple-fan radiators
Noise levels	30-31db(A) at full speed Near-silent at idle/low loads Pump is quiet and has selectable speeds via iCUE
Socket support	Extensive compatibility, supports all modern Intel and AMD sockets Included brackets for: Intel LGA1700 Intel LGA 1200 Intel LGA115x Intel LGA 1366 Intel LGA2011 AMD AM5 AMD AM$
TDP handling	290W cooling capability, more than enough for any mainstream desktop CPU Can kepe overclocked Core i9-13900K or Ryzen 9 7950X under control
Average price on Shopee	Around $200 – $280

Top performing and most aesthetic: NZXT Kraken Elite 360

Visual showpiece with additional LCD display

Why to get	Why not to get
Features a customisable LCD display on pump Excellent performance and aesthetics Efficient cooling for high-end builds Clean, minimalist design with strong RGB effects CAM software allows customisation and monitoring	Very expensive LCD screen adds complexity and power requirements Requires case support for 360mm radiator

If you want your cooler to be both a high-performance device and a visual showpiece, the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 is as premium as it gets. This 360mm AIO not only delivers excellent cooling performance, but it also features NZXT’s signature 2.36-inch LCD screen on the pump block. This vibrant display can show real-time stats, custom images, or even GIFs, adding a unique personalisation to your PC build.

In terms of cooling, it’s easily capable of handling heavy loads, and NZXT’s build quality means solid reliability. It integrates with NZXT CAM software for controlling the LCD and fan curves. While the Kraken Elite is one of the more expensive AIOs, it combines form and function like no other, making it the best AIO cooler for enthusiasts who want the coolest-looking rig on the block.

Height and size (W x D x H)	Radiator: 401mm x 27mm x 120mm Waterblock: 935mm x 935mm x 65mm
Noise levels	29 – 30db(A) at max Quiet pump, with variable speeds to balance cooling and acoustics
Socket support	Broad compatibility Out-of-the-box support Intel LGA1700 Intel LGA1200 Intel LGA115x Intel LGA2011 Intel LGA2066 AMD AM5 AMD AM4
TDP handling	~280W cooling capacity Able to handle top-tier chips e.g. i9-14900K, Ryzen 9 7950X, etc.
Average price on Shopee	Around $260 – $300

Best low-profile CPU coolers (SFF & HTPC builds)

Building a compact PC or a Home Theatre PC often means you need a low-profile CPU cooler that can fit in tight spaces. Low-profile coolers prioritise a shorter height (usually under ~70mm) to accommodate small form factor cases like Mini-ITX builds. Despite their small size, the best low-profile CPU coolers manage to cool modern CPUs efficiently without excessive noise.

Ultra-compact & quiet: Noctua NH-L9i / NH-L9a

37mm low-profile

Why to get	Why not to get
Ultra-low profile (37mm height) for tight ITX builds Virtually silent in operation Perfect for 65W TDP CPUs in small form factor PCs Excellent build quality and long-term reliability	Not suitable for high-TDP or overclocked CPUs Limited cooling headroom (up to ~95W only) Separate model required for Intel vs AMD sockets

Noctua’s NH-L9i and NH-L9a are legendary in the SFF community. Standing only 37mm tall, including the fan, these coolers can fit in the smallest ITX cases – even those about the size of a shoebox. The NH-L9i is the Intel-oriented model, while the NH-L9a is the variant for AMD; both feature a compact heatsink, with Noctua’s incredibly quiet NF-A9x14 slim fan.

The NH-L9 series is not meant for overclocking or very high TDPs, but with appropriate CPUs, they provide adequate cooling with virtually silent operation. Ultimately, we’d recommend them mostly for ultra-small builds like mini HTPCs, small office PCs, or ITX gaming builds using efficient CPUs.

Height and size (W x D x H)	95mm x 95mm x 23mm Stays within CPU socket zone on mini-ITX boards
Noise levels	~19.9db(A) at full 2500RPM Typically under ~15db(A) at lower loads Usually like a soft whoosh that’s hard to hear unless you’re very close
Socket support	NH-L9i supports Intel sockets e.g. LGA1700/1200/115x NH-L9a supports AMD sockets e.g. AM5/AM4
TDP handling	For ~65W or lower TDP Can handle up to ~90W with limitations (high load temperatures, but functional)
Average price on Shopee	Around $100

Strong 92mm fan: Thermalright AXP90-X53

53mm low-profile

Why to get	Why not to get
Strong cooling for a 92mm low-profile cooler Low noise operation (~22.4 dBA) Ideal for compact gaming rigs with CPUs up to ~130W Affordable price ($50–55) Slim fan design fits many ITX cases	Still limited for extreme workloads or overclocking Fan may interfere with tall RAM modules Not as quiet as Noctua NH-L9i under full load

Thermalright has made a strong comeback in the cooling market, and their AXP90 series offers excellent low-profile options. The AXP90-X53 uses a four-heatpipe design with a dense fin stack and a 92mm slim fan. Despite its small size, the AXP90-X53 can handle surprisingly high thermal loads for an ITX cooler. It’s ultimately a great choice for those who need something shorter than a standard tower cooler but also more capable than the ultra-mini coolers.

Height and size (W x D x H)	94.5mm x 95mm x 38mm Will overhang the RAM on some boards Suitable for cases that allow up to 55mm CPU height
Noise levels	~22.4db(A) at full speed Very quiet
Socket support	Supports with appropriate mounting kit Intel LGA115x Intel LGA1200 AMD AM4 Included brackets for Intel LGA 1700 AMD AM5
TDP handling	100 – 130W TDP No official number, but tests indicate ability to handle CPUs in 100W range well
Average price on Shopee	Around $60 – $70

120mm fan for higher cooling: ID-Cooling IS-55 ARGB

57mm low-profile

ID-Cooling IS-55 ARGB cpu cooler — (Credit: Tech Dynamic)

Why to get	Why not to get
Low-profile (57mm) with a full-size 120mm fan Impressive cooling for CPUs up to ~150W ARGB lighting adds visual appeal Good value at ~$58 Great for performance SFF builds with more clearance	Overhangs RAM slots – requires low-profile memory Louder than smaller coolers under load (~31 dBA) May not fit ultra-compact cases with <60mm clearance

ID-Cooling has made a name for themselves by offering budget-friendly coolers that perform impressively, and the IS-55 ARGB continues that trend – it’s often touted as one of the best low-profile coolers under 60mm tall. This cooler is unique among our low-profile picks because it uses a 120mm fan on a low-profile heatsink with five heatpipes. The result is a cooler that covers more area and can push more air at lower RPMs, which helps cooling performance significantly.

Height and size (W x D x H)	120mm x 120mm x 55mm Low-profile RAM is a must
Noise levels	~31db(A) under full load Slightly louder than small coolers mentioned above Relatively quiet at 50-70% PWM
Socket support	Broad support Intel LGA1700 Intel LGA1200 Intel LGA115x AMD AM5 AMD AM4
TDP handling	~150W TDP 5-heatpipe design and large fan allow it to handle much hotter CPUs than typical low-profile coolers Able to keep 100 – 120W load in 80°C range Great option to cool Ryzen 7 or Core i& in compact build
Average price on Shopee	Around $55 – $70

Which is better: Air or liquid CPU coolers?

Both air coolers and AIO liquid coolers are popular options for keeping your processor’s temperature in check. An air cooler – essentially a CPU fan cooler attached to a metal heatsink – uses one or more fans to blow air through finned metal fins and dissipate heat. A liquid cooler, on the other hand, pumps fluid through tubes to a radiator to carry heat away. In practice, both methods can cool modern CPUs effectively, and the question of which is “better” really comes down to your priorities and system needs

Category	Air CPU coolers (Fan/Heatsink)	Liquid CPU coolers (AIO)
Performance	Capable cooling for gaming and everyday use Can keep powerful CPUs at safe temps – comparable to an AIO in non-extreme conditions.	Superior heat dissipation for heavy loads and overclocking Maintains lower CPU temperatures under sustained high stress, providing more thermal headroom for top-end chips.
Noise levels	Usually quieter in operation (no pump noise); quality air coolers can be nearly silent at low loads. Smaller stock fan coolers may get loud at full speed (due to higher RPM) compared to larger coolers.	Includes a pump (adds a bit of noise), but large radiator fans can spin slower, keeping noise levels low even under load. High-quality AIO designs run very quietly, making them suitable for noise-sensitive builds.
Cost	More budget-friendly; high-performance air coolers typically cost lesser than similar-performing AIO liquid coolers.	Higher upfront cost; AIO coolers tend to be significantly pricier due to added pump, radiator, and liquid loop technology.
Maintenance	Almost no upkeep needed – just dust off CPU heatsink and fan periodically and replace thermal paste every few years. No pumps or liquid means fewer failure points (only the fan, which is easily replaceable).	Generally maintenance-free (sealed unit, no coolant refills required). Pump will wear out eventually, and while rare, leaks are a small risk if a component fails.
Aesthetics	Bulkier look inside case – large heatsink towers and fans can obscure RAM or motherboard design accents. Some air coolers offer RGB fans or stylish shrouds, but overall provide a more traditional, utilitarian appearance.	Sleeker, more modern appearance; uses a compact water block on the CPU instead of a big heatsink, giving an open view of your components. Many AIO coolers feature RGB lighting on the pump or fans for flashy, customisable visuals in showcase builds.
Installation difficulty	Simpler to install; just attach heatsink and fan assembly to CPU, with fewer steps and cables. Even large air coolers are straightforward with basic tools, though you must ensure your case has clearance for the cooler’s height.	More steps involved; need to mount the radiator (with fans) to the case, secure the pump block on the CPU, and connect power cables for the pump and fans (and RGB, if any). Still beginner-friendly with instructions, but takes a bit more time and planning.
Ideal use case	Ideal for users who want a reliable, no-fuss cooling solution that’s cost-effective and easy to set up – a good air cooler (CPU fan + heatsink) gets the job done with minimal hassle.	Enthusiast and high-performance builds, especially with overclocked or high-TDP CPUs, or in compact cases where large air coolers can’t fit comfortably. Best suited when maximum cooling performance is required or when building a showpiece PC where an AIO cooler’s lower temps and slick looks can shine

Have you gotten wind of the best CPU coolers yet?

Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned enthusiast, picking the best CPU coolers really depends on your priorities. At the end of the day, the best choice is one that matches your use case, fits your case dimensions, and fits your budget. Ready to put your new cooler to work? You might also enjoy our guide on how to build a PC from scratch – perfect if you’re planning your first full setup. And if you need more help on PC components, here are some of the best graphics cards you can go for!