Too many CPU water coolers? Here’s how to find the right one

All-in-One (AiO) water coolers come pre-assembled with a pump, radiator, and fans, making installation straightforward and user-friendly.

They offer efficient cooling performance with minimal noise, ideal for users seeking a balance between aesthetics and effective thermal management.

A CPU waterblock is a custom component that requires additional parts like a pump and reservoir to create a full water cooling loop.

This option provides superior cooling efficiency and customization potential, making it perfect for advanced users or those aiming for high-performance overclocking.

Designed for AMD Ryzen processors, providing efficient cooling solutions for high-performance systems.

Ideal for gamers and content creators who require reliable thermal management to maintain performance during intense workloads.

Compatible with Intel's latest Alder Lake processors, offering advanced cooling technology to handle increased thermal output.

Perfect for users looking to build a future-proof system that can take full advantage of the latest CPU architectures.

Supports the newest generation of AMD processors, designed to optimize cooling for cutting-edge performance.

Best suited for tech enthusiasts who want to harness the full capabilities of next-gen CPUs while ensuring optimal thermal management.

Designed for Intel's 10th and 11th generation Core processors, delivering effective cooling for mainstream and high-end builds.

Recommended for gamers and professionals who need consistent cooling performance to prevent thermal throttling during demanding tasks.

Compatible with previous generations of Intel Core processors, providing solid cooling performance for a wide range of applications.

A great choice for budget-conscious builders who still want reliable thermal management without sacrificing quality.

Typical price i
57.– to 130.–

Typically features a single fan that provides adequate cooling for lower-power CPUs.

Ideal for compact builds or users who prioritize quiet operation over extreme cooling performance.

Typical price i
89.– to 160.–

Includes two fans that enhance airflow and improve heat dissipation compared to a single fan setup.

Recommended for mid-range CPUs or moderate overclocking, striking a balance between performance and noise.

Typical price i
110.– to 210.–

Equipped with multiple fans, often in a push-pull configuration, maximizing cooling potential.

Best suited for high-performance CPUs, especially in gaming or workstation setups where thermal management is critical.

Typical price i
94.– to 210.–

Copper is an excellent thermal conductor, providing superior heat transfer capabilities compared to other materials.

This results in lower CPU temperatures and improved performance, making copper a preferred choice for high-performance systems.

Typical price i
89.– to 180.–

Nickel-plated copper combines the excellent thermal conductivity of copper with a protective nickel coating to prevent corrosion.

This option offers durability while maintaining high efficiency, making it suitable for users who seek longevity in their cooling solution.

Typical price i
100.– to 170.–

Aluminium is lighter and less expensive than copper, making it a popular choice for budget-friendly cooling solutions.

While it may not conduct heat as efficiently, it offers a good balance of performance and cost for casual users or entry-level builds.

Typical price i
85.– to 340.–

Nickel is known for its corrosion resistance and can be used in water cooling systems to enhance durability.

Although not as conductive as copper, nickel's protective properties make it a good option for systems where longevity is prioritized over maximum cooling performance.

Recognized for stylish designs and user-friendly installation.

Offers effective cooling solutions with intuitive software for monitoring performance.

Known for its cost-effective cooling solutions without compromising quality.

Provides excellent thermal performance, making it ideal for budget-conscious users seeking efficient cooling.

Famous for high-performance products with robust build quality.

Features advanced RGB lighting options, enhancing aesthetic appeal while delivering superior cooling.

Specializes in silent operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments.

Combines effective cooling performance with low noise levels, ensuring a peaceful computing experience.

Offers innovative cooling solutions integrated with their motherboards for optimal performance.

Enables seamless software control, enhancing efficiency and thermal management for gamers and builders.