Is your Ryzen processor feeling a little hot under the collar? You’ve invested in a powerful AMD Ryzen AM4 CPU, and now you need to keep it cool. But when you start looking for a cooler, it’s like stepping into a maze! There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which one is best for your specific needs. Will it fit? Will it be quiet enough? Will it actually keep your CPU from overheating during intense gaming sessions?
Choosing the right AM4 CPU cooler can feel overwhelming. You want something that works well without breaking the bank, and you don’t want to accidentally buy something that doesn’t fit or is too loud. This guide is here to help you cut through all the confusion. We’ll break down what you need to know, so you can pick a cooler that keeps your Ryzen running smoothly and quietly.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the different types of coolers available, what features really matter, and how to find the perfect match for your AM4 build. Get ready to say goodbye to overheating worries and hello to a cooler, more powerful PC experience!
Our Top 5 Am4 Cpu Cooler Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Am4 Cpu Cooler Detailed Reviews
1. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler
Rating: 8.6/10
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler is a powerful cooling solution for your computer. It uses advanced technology to keep your CPU running at a good temperature. This cooler is designed to fit a wide range of Intel and AMD processors, making it a versatile choice for many PC builds.
What We Like:
- It has a strong cooling performance with 6 heat pipes and two fans.
- The AGHP technology helps it work well no matter how your computer is positioned.
- It’s designed to leave space for your RAM modules, so installation is easier.
- Thermalright is a well-known brand with lots of experience in computer parts.
- The dual PWM fans can adjust their speed for quiet operation or maximum cooling.
- Metal fasteners are included for secure installation on Intel and AMD platforms.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to check your computer case and motherboard to make sure it fits.
- For AMD installations, you need to use your motherboard’s original backplate, which isn’t included.
- The noise level, while generally low, could still be a concern for some users.
This cooler offers excellent performance and a good value for its price. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling.
2. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 9.4/10
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler is a solid choice for keeping your computer’s processor cool, especially for powerful chips like AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7. It features four copper heat pipes and a copper base that work together to move heat away from your CPU, preventing it from overheating. The included SickleFlow 120 Edge fan provides great airflow, and its speed can be adjusted to find the right balance between quiet operation and maximum cooling. Installation is made easier with its updated brackets, and its 152mm height means it will fit in many computer cases.
What We Like:
- Keeps R7 and i7 CPUs cool with its four heat pipes and copper base.
- The SickleFlow 120 Edge fan delivers excellent airflow.
- Fan speed is adjustable from 690 to 2,500 RPM for custom cooling.
- New brackets make installation on AM5 and LGA 1851/1700 platforms simpler.
- Fits in many PC cases due to its 152mm height.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fan can get a bit loud at its highest speeds.
- While installation is simplified, some users might still find it a little tricky.
Overall, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black offers reliable cooling and good value for gamers and power users.
3. darkFlash DE240 AIO CPU Cooler ARGB Liquid Cooler
Rating: 8.8/10
The darkFlash DE240 AIO CPU Cooler brings impressive cooling power and a touch of flair to your PC. This 240mm liquid cooler features a unique 2.88-inch IPS LCD screen that shows your CPU’s temperature and fan speed in real-time. It also boasts vibrant ARGB lighting that you can sync with your motherboard for a personalized look. Designed for both gamers and creators, this cooler keeps your system running smoothly and looking great.
What We Like:
- The 2.88-inch IPS LCD display is a cool feature. It lets you see your CPU temperature and fan speed instantly, which is very helpful.
- The 240mm liquid cooling design with dual 120mm PWM fans offers strong cooling. It can handle CPUs with up to 235W TDP, keeping them from overheating.
- The high-efficiency copper cold plate and powerful pump work together to cool your CPU quickly and effectively. This is great for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Full ARGB lighting sync support lets you customize the look of your PC. You can match the lights to your motherboard’s settings for a vibrant setup.
- It’s compatible with many Intel and AMD processors. Plus, the fans are quiet, with noise levels as low as 36 dBA, which is nice for a peaceful environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The LCD display, while neat, might be a bit of a distraction for some users who prefer a simpler aesthetic.
- While the cooling is good, extreme overclockers might want even more robust options.
Overall, the darkFlash DE240 is a solid choice for anyone wanting great cooling with a customizable, modern look. It balances performance and aesthetics well.
4. AMD Wraith Stealth Socket AM4 4-Pin Connector CPU Cooler with Aluminum Heatsink & 3.93-Inch Fan (Slim)
Rating: 9.5/10
The AMD Wraith Stealth is a simple and effective cooler for your AM4 processor. It’s designed to keep your CPU running at a good temperature without making a lot of noise. This cooler is a great option if you need a basic cooling solution for your computer.
What We Like:
- Easy to install: It screws directly onto your AM4 motherboard, making setup straightforward.
- Pre-applied thermal paste: You don’t need to buy or apply thermal paste separately.
- Quiet operation: The 90mm fan is designed to be quiet, so your computer won’t be too loud.
- Slim design: Its compact size means it fits easily into most computer cases.
- Affordable: It’s a budget-friendly choice for essential cooling.
What Could Be Improved:
- Basic cooling: It’s best for everyday tasks, not for heavy gaming or overclocking.
- Limited airflow: The fan is not the most powerful, so it might struggle with very hot CPUs.
For basic computer needs, the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler does a good job. It’s a solid, no-fuss choice for keeping your AM4 CPU cool.
5. Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 9.5/10
Keep your computer running cool and quiet with the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler. This cooler is designed to handle the heat from your CPU, ensuring smooth performance for gaming or everyday tasks. Its sleek aluminum heatsink cover looks great in any build.
What We Like:
- Excellent Cooling Performance: Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology help move heat away from your CPU, even when your computer is oriented differently.
- Quiet Operation: The TL-C12C PWM fan spins efficiently but stays quiet, with a noise level of 25.6dB(A) or less.
- Wide Compatibility: It fits most Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest ones, making it easy to install in many different computers.
- Durable Build: Made with industrial-grade materials and S-FDB bearings, this cooler is built to last.
- Compact Size: At 148mm tall, it fits well in medium-sized computer cases.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation May Require Care: While it comes with metal fasteners, users might need to be careful during installation to ensure it’s seated correctly.
The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE offers a fantastic blend of cooling power and quiet operation. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooler without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Best AM4 CPU Cooler: Keep Your Ryzen Cool and Happy
Your AMD Ryzen processor is a powerful engine for your computer. To keep it running at its best and prevent overheating, you need a good CPU cooler. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your AM4 motherboard.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an AM4 CPU cooler, several important things stand out.
- Cooling Performance: This is the most crucial feature. Good coolers lower your CPU’s temperature significantly. Look for coolers that are rated for higher TDP (Thermal Design Power). TDP tells you how much heat your CPU can produce. A cooler with a higher TDP rating can handle hotter CPUs.
- Noise Level: No one likes a loud computer. Check the decibel (dB) rating of the cooler. Lower dB numbers mean quieter operation. Some coolers have special fan designs or modes that make them quieter.
- Size and Clearance: CPU coolers come in different sizes. Some are very tall and might hit your computer case’s side panel. Others are wide and could block RAM slots. Always check the cooler’s dimensions and compare them to your case and motherboard.
- Mounting System: AM4 motherboards have a specific mounting system. Most good coolers come with brackets that fit AM4. Make sure the cooler you choose explicitly states it supports AM4.
- Fan Type and Speed: Fans move air. Look for fans that are efficient and can spin at different speeds. Some fans can even stop spinning when the CPU is cool, making your PC silent.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a CPU cooler greatly affect how well it works.
- Base Plate: This is the part that touches your CPU. Copper is the best material for the base plate. It transfers heat very efficiently. Aluminum is also used, and it’s lighter and cheaper, but it doesn’t transfer heat as well as copper.
- Heatpipes: These are metal tubes inside the cooler. They carry heat from the base plate to the fins. Copper heatpipes are the most common and work very well. The number of heatpipes also matters. More heatpipes usually mean better heat transfer.
- Fins: These are thin metal sheets that spread out the heat. Aluminum is the most common material for fins because it’s light and good at dissipating heat into the air.
- Fan Blades: Most fan blades are made of plastic. Some higher-quality fans use durable plastics that are designed to reduce noise and improve airflow.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a cooler better or worse.
- Good Design: A well-designed cooler has heatpipes that make good contact with the base and fins. The fins should be spaced correctly to let air pass through easily.
- High-Quality Fans: Fans with good bearings (like fluid dynamic bearings) last longer and are quieter. Fans that can be controlled by your motherboard (PWM fans) let you adjust their speed for the best balance of cooling and noise.
- Thermal Paste: This is a special paste applied between the CPU and the cooler. It fills tiny gaps to help heat transfer. Good thermal paste is essential. Many coolers include a small tube.
- Cheap Materials: Using low-quality aluminum or poorly made heatpipes will reduce the cooler’s effectiveness.
- Poor Fan Design: Fans that are unbalanced or made with cheap plastic can be noisy and not move enough air.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your computer affects the type of cooler you need.
- Gaming: Gamers push their CPUs hard. A powerful cooler is a must to keep frame rates smooth and prevent slowdowns. Airflow in your case is also important.
- Everyday Use (Browsing, Office Work): For lighter tasks, a basic cooler might be enough. Many CPUs come with a stock cooler that works for these tasks. However, an aftermarket cooler will still be quieter and cooler.
- Content Creation (Video Editing, Streaming): These tasks can put a heavy load on your CPU for long periods. A robust cooler will ensure your CPU doesn’t overheat and slow down your work.
- Overclocking: If you plan to push your CPU beyond its normal speeds, you absolutely need a high-performance cooler. Overclocking generates a lot of extra heat.
FAQ: Your AM4 Cooler Questions Answered
Q: What is TDP and why is it important for CPU coolers?
A: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power. It tells you how much heat your CPU makes. You need a cooler that can handle at least the same TDP as your CPU, or even higher, to keep it cool.
Q: Do I need to buy thermal paste if my cooler comes with it?
A: Most coolers include thermal paste. Usually, the included paste is good enough. If you want the absolute best performance, you can buy a high-quality aftermarket thermal paste.
Q: How do I know if a CPU cooler will fit in my computer case?
A: You need to check the cooler’s height and width. Then, look at your computer case’s specifications for the maximum cooler height it can hold. Make sure the cooler is smaller than the case’s limit.
Q: What’s the difference between an air cooler and a liquid cooler?
A: Air coolers use a fan to blow air over heatsinks. Liquid coolers use a pump, radiator, and fans to circulate liquid, which takes heat away from the CPU and dissipates it through the radiator.
Q: Are liquid coolers better than air coolers?
A: High-end liquid coolers can often offer better cooling performance than air coolers. However, good air coolers can also be very effective and are generally simpler and more reliable.
Q: My CPU is running hot, even with a new cooler. What could be wrong?
A: Make sure the cooler is mounted correctly and the thermal paste is applied evenly. Also, check that the fan is spinning and plugged in. Ensure your computer case has good airflow.
Q: Can I reuse thermal paste from an old cooler?
A: It’s best to always use fresh thermal paste with a new cooler installation. Old paste can dry out and lose its effectiveness.
Q: What does “PWM” mean for CPU fans?
A: PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. PWM fans can have their speed adjusted by your motherboard. This lets the computer speed up the fan when the CPU is hot and slow it down when it’s cool, saving energy and reducing noise.
Q: How often should I clean my CPU cooler?
A: You should clean your CPU cooler at least every 6-12 months. Dust buildup on the fins and fan blades can reduce cooling performance.
Q: Will a better CPU cooler make my computer faster?
A: A better CPU cooler won’t directly make your computer faster, but it will allow your CPU to run at its full speed for longer. If your CPU was overheating and slowing down, a good cooler will prevent that and keep performance consistent.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.