Jump to content

Top air coolers?

TPCEA
By TPCEA
in Cooling
 Share
Posted

Which coolers would you add to this list? Please note the manufacturer and model, plus P)erformance (MAX dT+6?), Q)uiet (MAX 30 dBA/~1.1 sone or P&N.

Please also note what class it's in:

  • B)udget
  • L)ow profile
  • S)ingle tower
  • D)ual tower
  • Pa)ssive
  • O)ther (specify if you know)

If I misclassified something, please let me know. 

 

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 P&N, D

DeepCool AK620 P, D

DeepCool AG620 P, D

DeepCool Assassin III/IV, P&Q, D

Noctua U12A, P&N, S

Noctua NH-D15 P&N, D

Noctua NH-P1 Q, P

Scythe Ninja 5B, P, D

Scythe Fuma 2, P, D

Scythe Fuma 3, P, D

Thermalright Frost Commander 140 P, D

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120/SE, P, BD

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120/SE, P, D

Zalman CNPS10x 120, P, D

Zalman CNPS10x Performa Black 120, P, BS

 

What about other brands' models that meet the criteria?

 

Alpenfohn

Alseye

Cooler Master

Cooljag

Corsair ( 🤣 )

Cougar

Gigabyte

Ice Giant

ID-Cooling

Jonsbo

Lian Li

Raijintek

Sama

Thermaltake

 

And all the rest....

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

For budget definitely almost the complet new Thermalright lineup... but they have so many names and versions that are the same product in the end so its hard to list them 

 

There is also the Assassin X

Assassin King

BA120

FS140

 

 

They make great cooler but are quite shit in naming them 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16148652
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
5 minutes ago, _Omega_ said:

For budget definitely almost the complet new Thermalright lineup... but they have so many names and versions that are the same product in the end so its hard to list them 

 

There is also the Assassin X

Assassin King

BA120

FS140

 

 

They make great cooler but are quite shit in naming them 

Keeping in mind the limits (MAX) I suggested on performance and noise, how do you classify them?

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16148662
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Does a DRP4 deserve a place on this list? Doesn’t seem to be doing too well these days..

AMD R9 9900X | Thermalright FW Pro Black, 3x TL-B12E | Asus Strix X670E -F | 64GB G.Skill 6000C26
Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC | WD SN850, SN850X, 2x SN770 | Seasonic Vertex GX-1000 | ProArt PA602
Adcom GFP-345, Adcom GFA-555, S.M.S.L D1+PS100, Cerwin-Vega! CLSC-15, Monster HDP-1800
Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16148792
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
Just now, freeagent said:

Does a DRP4 deserve a place on this list? Doesn’t seem to be doing too well these days..

What is its delta temp? Max noise?

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16148795
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
1 hour ago, RevGAM said:

What is its delta temp? Max noise?

Couldn’t tell you, I have never used one 👎🏻

AMD R9 9900X | Thermalright FW Pro Black, 3x TL-B12E | Asus Strix X670E -F | 64GB G.Skill 6000C26
Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC | WD SN850, SN850X, 2x SN770 | Seasonic Vertex GX-1000 | ProArt PA602
Adcom GFP-345, Adcom GFA-555, S.M.S.L D1+PS100, Cerwin-Vega! CLSC-15, Monster HDP-1800
Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16148877
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

obligatory:

 

 

"As good as Noctua! " but he hates on it anyway  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

 

i mean i do like the looks tbh... 

 

 

(idk the stats sorry, (D) i guess?)

 

The direction tells you... the direction. 

-Scott Manley, 2021

 

 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16150522
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
11 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

obligatory:

 

 

"As good as Noctua! " but he hates on it anyway  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

 

i mean i do like the looks tbh... 

 

 

(idk the stats sorry, (D) i guess?)

 

He hated the history, the complex installation and the marketing, not the product...

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16150947
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Zalman was ok in the early 2000s, I wouldn't buy them now.

AMD R9 9900X | Thermalright FW Pro Black, 3x TL-B12E | Asus Strix X670E -F | 64GB G.Skill 6000C26
Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC | WD SN850, SN850X, 2x SN770 | Seasonic Vertex GX-1000 | ProArt PA602
Adcom GFP-345, Adcom GFA-555, S.M.S.L D1+PS100, Cerwin-Vega! CLSC-15, Monster HDP-1800
Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16150956
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
4 minutes ago, freeagent said:

Zalman was ok in the early 2000s, I wouldn't buy them now.

Despite the positive reviews of two CNPS10X models by multiple reviewers?

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16150961
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

CNPS20X is giant. I believe even the radiator, not the fans blocked one of the RAM slots on a standard Z270 motherboard, not to mention the PSU cables/outputs if the case has top mounted PSU.

But the performance was very good, perhaps few degrees warmer than the Noctua that costs twice as much (at least in my region). I have not tested any cooler side by side, just parroting some review sites.

Pax vobiscum

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16150966
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
23 minutes ago, Tan3l6 said:

CNPS20X is giant. I believe even the radiator, not the fans blocked one of the RAM slots on a standard Z270 motherboard, not to mention the PSU if the case has top mounted PSU.

But the performance was very good, perhaps few degrees warmer than the Noctua that costs twice as much (at least in my region). I have not tested any cooler side by side, just parroting some review sites.

 

43 minutes ago, RevGAM said:

He hated the history, the complex installation and the marketing, not the product...

i mean yeah, practicality i get is a valid criticism,  but "history and marketing" just felt a bit to hateful to me, i mean that could have been done more tasteful with less emphasize. 

 

i mean it felt personal,  its just not a good look for a "reviewer".

 

you could say its a minor thing,  but for me it was major,  "Steve" showed his true colors here and i also stopped watching the show since then.

 

i watch DDTS now, much more wholesome and may i say genuine? 

 

And sorry for offtopic, but i definitely think this is a legit good cooler (with some drawbacks) 

The direction tells you... the direction. 

-Scott Manley, 2021

 

 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16150985
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
29 minutes ago, Mark Kaine said:

i mean yeah, practicality i get is a valid criticism,  but "history and marketing" just felt a bit to hateful to me, i mean that could have been done more tasteful with less emphasize. 

 

i mean it felt personal,  its just not a good look for a "reviewer".

32 minutes ago, Mark Kaine said:

you could say its a minor thing,  but for me it was major,  "Steve" showed his true colors here and i also stopped watching the show since then.

White hat reviewers call out bribery and corruption, and they should. Did he go on too much about it? Absolutely - he usually does. Then again, they and S. Korea had problems with Zalman. Marketing lies need to be pointed out because a lot of people aren't able to analyze our even recognize marketing BS. I do it, too.

 

What is DDTS?

 

No worries. 

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151014
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
4 hours ago, RevGAM said:

Despite the positive reviews of two CNPS10X models by multiple reviewers?

Yup. I take reviews with a grain of salt these days, as I typically get better results. 
 

Besides, I am a Thermalright fanboy.. can’t have that monstrosity trying to cool my CPU.

AMD R9 9900X | Thermalright FW Pro Black, 3x TL-B12E | Asus Strix X670E -F | 64GB G.Skill 6000C26
Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC | WD SN850, SN850X, 2x SN770 | Seasonic Vertex GX-1000 | ProArt PA602
Adcom GFP-345, Adcom GFA-555, S.M.S.L D1+PS100, Cerwin-Vega! CLSC-15, Monster HDP-1800
Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151196
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
40 minutes ago, freeagent said:

Yup. I take reviews with a grain of salt these days, as I typically get better results. 
 

Besides, I am a Thermalright fanboy.. can’t have that monstrosity trying to cool my CPU.

Ok, how would you test coolers?

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151260
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
3 hours ago, RevGAM said:

Ok, how would you test coolers?

The same way they do I guess.. I consider myself to be a fairly proficient operator 🙂

AMD R9 9900X | Thermalright FW Pro Black, 3x TL-B12E | Asus Strix X670E -F | 64GB G.Skill 6000C26
Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC | WD SN850, SN850X, 2x SN770 | Seasonic Vertex GX-1000 | ProArt PA602
Adcom GFP-345, Adcom GFA-555, S.M.S.L D1+PS100, Cerwin-Vega! CLSC-15, Monster HDP-1800
Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151506
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
44 minutes ago, freeagent said:

The same way they do I guess.. I consider myself to be a fairly proficient operator 🙂

Which they? How many CPUs/PCs? Which brands? Case or open-bench? Horizontal or vertical (i.e. the case/bench is lying down or standing up)? Etc.

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151556
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
42 minutes ago, RevGAM said:

Which they? How many CPUs/PCs? Which brands? Case or open-bench? Horizontal or vertical (i.e. the case/bench is lying down or standing up)? Etc.

Dude..

 

I just overclock CPUs. I enjoy pushing limits. I try to share a little of what I know, but everyone already knows everything so I end up looking like an ass 😄

AMD R9 9900X | Thermalright FW Pro Black, 3x TL-B12E | Asus Strix X670E -F | 64GB G.Skill 6000C26
Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC | WD SN850, SN850X, 2x SN770 | Seasonic Vertex GX-1000 | ProArt PA602
Adcom GFP-345, Adcom GFA-555, S.M.S.L D1+PS100, Cerwin-Vega! CLSC-15, Monster HDP-1800
Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151596
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
27 minutes ago, freeagent said:

Dude..

 

I just overclock CPUs. I enjoy pushing limits. I try to share a little of what I know, but everyone already knows everything so I end up looking like an ass 😄

Most of us end up looking like asses at least some of the time, and I'm pretty sure I do that more than you! 😉 :old-laugh:😆🤣

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151612
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
23 minutes ago, RevGAM said:

Most of us end up looking like asses at least some of the time, and I'm pretty sure I do that more than you! 😉 :old-laugh:😆🤣

Nah you are fine. Just playing catch-up after sometime away from the scene.. I get it 🫡

AMD R9 9900X | Thermalright FW Pro Black, 3x TL-B12E | Asus Strix X670E -F | 64GB G.Skill 6000C26
Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC | WD SN850, SN850X, 2x SN770 | Seasonic Vertex GX-1000 | ProArt PA602
Adcom GFP-345, Adcom GFA-555, S.M.S.L D1+PS100, Cerwin-Vega! CLSC-15, Monster HDP-1800
Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151639
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
4 minutes ago, freeagent said:

Nah you are fine. Just playing catch-up after sometime away from the scene.. I get it 🫡

You're too kind, and I'm too old. 😉

I've been using computers since around 1978, started learning programming in 1980 on Apple IIs, started learning about hardware in 1990, ran a BBS from 1990-95, built my first Windows PC around 2000, taught myself malware removal starting in 2005 (also learned on Bleeping Computer), learned web dev starting in 2017, and I think I can fill a thimble with all that knowledge. 😉 I'm not an expert, which is why I keep investigating the answers that others give to try and improve my knowledge, so feel free to double-check the advice I give.

My phone's auto-correct is named Otto Rong.🤪😂

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/1533082-top-air-coolers/#findComment-16151643
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing Cooling

×