Any computer, regardless of power and performance, requires a high-quality cooling system. For this, a cooler is often installed in the blocks, and the efficiency of the functioning and speed of the PC depends on its operation. With proper cooling, the device will work stably, overheating of the working units is excluded. The article presents the most popular models for cooling, and each person will be able to choose the best cooler for a computer in 2020 based on the parameters of technology.
Selection options
There are several important features to consider when choosing a cooler for cooling your PC:
- Dimensions. The optimal size of the apparatus is 12 cm, which is sufficient for productive heat exchange inside the unit. Smaller devices are suitable for the weakest PCs, and equipment from 14 cm may not fit into standard cases.
- Number of revolutions. The efficiency depends on the rotation speed, but the higher the indicators, the higher the volume.
- Noise level. It is best to buy devices that, in terms of volume, will not exceed 25 dB at maximum speed. The main part of the cooler, which is responsible for the operating volume, is the bearing. Quiet fans are equipped with sleeve bearings.
- Adjustments. Some devices can be self-adjusting, setting the optimal rotation speed for cooling the PC. This function can be automatic or manual.
- Connection type. There are models on the market with 3 connection variations. Among them are 3-pin, which allows you to connect directly to the motherboard, 4-pin is also included in the board, but gives full control over the work, molex - connection via a power supply unit with manual rotation settings.
- Bearing type. The most budgetary option is sliding, characterized by silence, but an average service life. Hydrodynamic - the best choice in terms of cost and resource, is a modernized version of the slide. The rolls are reliable, but higher in cost and louder. Highest quality ceramic plain bearing.
External parameters are not so important, but for some people this is an important point if you need a backlight and create a certain effect when looking at the system unit.
TOP rating of the best coolers
The review selected the best models in terms of efficiency, with additional functional features. The selection was carried out based on the opinions of users and experts.
ID-COOLING SF-12025-RGB
Device for medium-power PCs with a diameter of 120 mm. Works in the range of 700-1500 rpm. and the adjustment is carried out by PWM. It functions quite quietly in the range of 18-26 dB. A 4-pin input is intended for connection, rotates with a hydrodynamic bearing. In addition, the client receives RGB lighting. The manufacturer offers an excellent set of adapters, a cable, and a remote control that is used to change the rotation speed and adjust the backlight. The market value is about 600 rubles.
pros:
- Good equipment.
- Optimal performance.
- There is a backlight.
Minuses:
- At maximum speed, work is heard.
- There is no adapter for molex.
Gamemax GMX-AF12R
Quiet enclosure equipment with a maximum noise figure of 23 dB.Size 12 cm in diameter, plugs in with 3 or 4pin connector. Installed red backlight from 12 diodes. The work is carried out using a hydrodynamic bearing. The cooling performance is not the best, but sufficient for many PCs. There are no vibrations during operation, and if necessary, you can monitor the rotational speed using the BIOS. In the system, you just need to change the voltage within 7-13 volts, which will affect the number of revolutions. Customers report quality work, but strong light. The market value is about 400 rubles.
pros:
- Quiet work.
- Optimal performance.
- Low cost.
Minuses:
- Small resource.
- The appearance of low-frequency noise.
Be Quiet! Dark rock pro 3
A versatile and efficient cooler of large dimensions. It includes an aluminum heatsink and the device itself is made of copper. Gives excellent heat exchange between the chipset and the heatsink using 7 aluminum tubes. The fan works in the range of 850-1700 rpm. Cooler with a pair of fans, which allows you to blow more air and cool the system faster. Suitable for installation on AMD or Intel processors. Supplied with fasteners.
Pros:
- Relatively quiet operation in the range of 13-26 dB.
- Dimensions are small - 13.5x13.5x2.2 cm.
- Beautiful design.
- Effective cooling.
Minuses:
- Complex installation process.
- Overpriced within 7,000 rubles.
Noctua NH-D15
Powerful and efficient model for installation on a processor with an aluminum heat sink, which eliminates overheating of the working element. Copper base, which increases the strength of the product. Cooler with a pair of fans for high-quality cooling and even with an overclocked processor, high loads, the temperature does not rise more than 40 degrees. Complete with adapters, fasteners and a screwdriver.
Pros:
- High performance and efficient cooling.
- Tower structure.
- The optimal number of revolutions is 1500 per minute.
Minuses:
- Loud operation at high revs.
- The weight of all equipment is 1.36 kg.
- The high price is about 6,500 rubles.
Deepcool XFAN 80
Small cooler with a diameter of 80 mm, working on a hydrodynamic bearing. Recommended for small enclosures. The performance is rather low, but the rotation speed is 1800 rpm, and the noise is no more than 20 dB. The molex connector is used for connection. The device is well suited for medium and weak PCs that are used more often in offices.
pros:
- Small cost within 180 rubles.
- Classic appearance.
Minuses:
- If you install several coolers, a squeak appears during operation.
- Unable to adjust the rotation speed.
- Short connection cable.
DeepCool Gammaxx 400
A versatile and beautiful device with transparent side covers. During operation, the product is highlighted in blue, which adds beauty to the entire block. Installation on processors from AMD and Intel manufacturers.
The device includes 4 pipes for better heat dissipation from the copper base to the aluminum radiator. The fan itself is 12 cm, works with a hydrodynamic bearing and can automatically determine the speed, the maximum speed is 1500 rpm. The manufacturer offers a rich package, which includes the entire set for connecting and mounting on the processor, as well as proprietary thermal paste.
Pros:
- Small dimensions in width allow setting high strips in the unit for expanding the RAM.
- High-quality cooling of the system.
- The optimal price is about 1400 rubles.
Among the disadvantages are loud functioning.
Deepcool WIND BLADE 120 B
12 cm cooling device from one of the best manufacturers. The connection is carried out using a 3pin or molex connector, which is provided with a combined connector. The fan speed cannot be changed, it is 1300 rpm, but this gives optimal performance, and the noise is no more than 27 dB.
There is a blue backlight, the body itself with transparent plastic sides. The manufacturer does not indicate the type of bearing.Supplied with screws for mounting only. The cost of the device is low and affordable for any user - 340 rubles.
pros:
- Low cost.
- Optimum quality.
Minuses:
- Loud functioning.
- Only one color available.
- Inability to control the rotation speed.
Noctua NH-U9DX i4
New generation model with excellent compatibility. Installed on processors of different types and production. The device belongs to the premium class and is recommended for powerful PCs. It is characterized by a small size of the cooler, but this does not affect the cooling and efficiency of the whole work. The product is 7.1 cm long and 12.5 cm high. This allows the unit to be installed in a 4U server box. It is completed with a pair of 92 mm fans of the NF-B9 type, an adapter that allows you to reduce the rotation speed and noise.
Pros:
- An efficient cooling apparatus.
- Silent operation.
Among the shortcomings, one can single out the cost of 4000 rubles, but for technical characteristics this is the optimal payment.
AeroCool Silent Master Green
An interesting device with the most quiet operation - 18 dB, which is caused by the dimensions in the diameter of 20 cm and the speed of 800 rpm. Works with a sleeve bearing. The device is very efficient, a fan with 11 blades of an unusual shape. Connection to the motherboard or block. There is a backlight, a choice of green, red, white or blue. Average market value is about 1000 rubles.
pros:
- Very quiet operation.
- Record performance.
- Thickness 20 mm.
Minuses:
- Suitable for a small number of PCs due to its size. Changes to the case may be required after purchase.
- The backlight cannot be changed.
Deepcool RF 120 3 in 1
A whole complex for cooling a PC, which includes 3 fans of 12 cm each. The speed can be adjusted in the range of 500-1500 per minute, the performance is above average, the work is carried out using a hydrodynamic bearing, despite this fact, the noise level is up to 27 dB. The connection is made using a 4-pin connector, and the light control element is connected to the SATA input. This is a positive thing for owners of low-cost PCs, which often have few additional ports.
The light in the cooler is of several shades and can be adjusted in 3 modes. To do this, the user has access to a constant glow, a smooth change of one shade or several at once. The device is well balanced in quality, performance and cost. The market price will be about 3000 rubles.
pros:
- Quite quiet operation of 3 coolers.
- Good build quality.
- Good equipment.
Minuses:
- Difficult to find in affordable sales.
- Relatively high cost.
- Cannot be connected directly to the unit.
Deepcool MF120
This device can be called one of the most productive and efficient. Includes 3 coolers of 12 cm each with a rotation frequency of 500-2200 rpm. As an auxiliary cooling of the system, an aluminum radiator is realized, which is installed on the outside. The case is frameless, and a radiator acts as a base.
Connection is made using a 4-pin connector to the motherboard. There is RGB backlighting with multiple zones that can be adjusted. All settings and control are carried out through the controller, which is made in the form of a small box. The device is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, so settings can be made using a smartphone. Users emphasize the quiet operation due to the shape of the blades.
pros:
- High quality workmanship.
- Unusual appearance.
- Excellent performance.
- Quiet work.
- Easy assembly into the block.
Minuses:
- Weak backlight brightness.
- High cost - about 5300 rubles.
Corsair CO-9050074-WW
An interesting design option, it is completed with a pair of 14 cm coolers. The fan speed is within 600-1300 rpm. It is done with high-quality backlighting, which includes several paths in a circle, which helps to make effective transitions. Complete with high quality cables, control unit. Powered by a fluid dynamic bearing with optimum noise levels. The market price for this set will be 6,700 rubles.
pros:
- Effective work.
- Optimal noise level, which is no higher than 25 dB during overclocking.
Among the disadvantages is system performance, since the company has focused on external data and overpriced.
It is difficult to find a cooler that is silent, small and as efficient as possible. One of the qualities described will always be worse, but with the help of such a device, you can achieve effective cooling of the case and the main elements in it. The rating will allow you to choose the best option based on the features, pros and cons of each model.
