CPU Cooler Performance Tier List

[Dissitesuxba11s]

1 hour ago, 254732_1454182039 said:

Noctua NH D15S

At 165mm, that is the max limit that the H200 can handle with regards to CPU cooler support (up to 165mm) so you are good, and this build shows that it fits (the D15 is the older version of the D15S but they are the same height). Another option is the Dark Rock Pro 4 (163mm). It performs about the same as the NH D15S but it matches aesthetically with the Pure Wings fans that you already have in your case.

[254732_1454182039]

5 hours ago, Dissitesuxba11s said:

At 165mm, that is the max limit that the H200 can handle with regards to CPU cooler support (up to 165mm) so you are good, and this build shows that it fits (the D15 is the older version of the D15S but they are the same height). Another option is the Dark Rock Pro 4 (163mm). It performs about the same as the NH D15S but it matches aesthetically with the Pure Wings fans that you already have in your case.

Thanks for the reply. Would the Dark Rock 4 perform well also? As I'd be more inclined to that as the Pro is probably to gigantic and may pose a risk on fitting on ram slots. Would it also be possible to install it without removing the motherboard? Don't really feel like disassembling the entire build :x

[Dissitesuxba11s]

14 minutes ago, 254732_1454182039 said:

Would the Dark Rock 4 perform well also?

Yes, the performance is about the same as the NH-D15S.

 

14 minutes ago, 254732_1454182039 said:

As I'd be more inclined to that as the Pro is probably to gigantic and may pose a risk on fitting on ram slots.

What RAM do you have? There should be 40 mm of clearance for RAM.

 

14 minutes ago, 254732_1454182039 said:

Would it also be possible to install it without removing the motherboard?

I think you can. Note that you would need to change out the mounting hardware with either cooler. They include a long screwdriver with DRP4 so that you can install it easily.

[hello_there_123]

On 12/1/2018 at 11:08 PM, WoodenMarker said:

This is something that I've been thinking about for the past week and it seems that tests that aren't as heavy show the Le Grand Macho RT as a similar or better performer which makes sense since the heatsink design is more suitable for passive or low rpm cooling. The cooler is held back by the low rpm fan and catches up to the NH-D15 when a second fan is added. When loads are heavier, results often show the LGMRT perform similarly to or worse than the NH-D15S or similar coolers. 

 

Some examples:

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermalright/Le_Grand_Macho/6.html

The LGMRT performs better than or similar to the NH-D15 at stock but starts to fall behind as the cpu is oc'ed and temps rise.

http://pcfoster.pl/artykul/thermalright-macho-le-grand-rt-–-test-chlodzenia/1655-4.html

The LMGRT is just behind the NH-D15 at stock but falls behind the NH-D15S when the cpu is oc'ed. 

https://whatnext.pl/test-chlodzenia-thermalright-le-grand-macho-rt/

The LMGRT is falls further behind the Fuma and Ninja 4 as voltage is raised.

 

In general, the LMGRT performs similarly to or slightly worse than other T3 coolers like the NH-D15S or the Ninja 4:

https://www.nikktech.com/main/articles/pc-hardware/cpu-cooling/cpu-air-coolers/7107-thermalright-le-grand-macho-rt-cpu-cooler-review?showall=&start=5

http://hardwareoverclock.com/Thermalright-Le-Grand-Macho-RT-5.htm

https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.php/artikel/hardware/kuehlung/38997-thermalright-le-grand-macho-mit-ty-147-b-im-nachtest.html?start=4

https://overclockers.ru/lab/show/73449_4/obzor-i-testirovanie-passivnoj-sistemy-ohlazhdeniya-thermalright-le-grand-macho

 

Plenty of coolers in T3 perform similarly to or even better than coolers in T2 in some tests but that isn't the norm. Even the NH-D15S ends up beating out the NH-D15 in parts of the TechPowerUp review.

Warranty, compatibility, and acoustics aren't accounted for in the list. 

First source: shows a 1C lead of the D15 over the LGM RT, which can be explained for by the margin of error. Also if you look at the noise the LGM RT is far superior to the D15. 

 

Second source: again 1C margin of error makes the 0.8C difference mute. It's near impossible to control all the factors that come into the temperature. 

 

Third source: Not a valid argument, D15 isn't even in there. You can't assume that the D15 will perform better than all the coolers there just because it did in other reviews. Different sites use different testing methologies. 

 

Fourth source: LGM RT has a 2 db lead over the D15 while being 3 degrees behind. Tweaktown says something else, and I doubt the reliability of that source anyway (it looks ancient). 

 

Fifth source: LGM RT has a 2.5db lead over the D15 while being 2 degrees behind. Chalk it up to the low rpm fan on the Thermalright. 

 

Sixth source: LGM RT and D15S have temps within margin of error while the LGM RT is significantly quieter. Besides you can't assume the D15 will perform much better than both in that test. 

 

Seventh source: LGM RT runs much quieter than D15S (5 db) while having temps within the margin of error. Again you can't assume the D15 will perform better than the D15S / LGM RT temp-wise in that test because you can't prove it. Different results from different testing metholodogies should not be mixed because of the amount of factors that impact temperature readings / noise levels besides the cooler itself. 

 

Besides, this source (https://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/7986/thermalright-le-grand-macho-rt-cpu-cooler-review/index6.html) says that LGM RT temps are better than D15 temps while also having better acoustics as well. Therefore I believe given all the sources that the LGM RT performs similarly enough in temps (within margin of error) to the D15 that 1. there's no way to truly find out which cooler is better for which setup (mounting mechanism, airflow, sensor readings, thermal paste application, ambient air, etc. all get in the way) and 2. even if the D15 was very slightly better than the LGM RT, it really wouldn't matter to anyone because there's about a 0% chance that the stability of an overclock will be decided by <1 degree.

 

Also the LGM RT produces less noise acoustically but I know you don't include that in your list, so. Just my thoughts.

[hello_there_123]

8 hours ago, 254732_1454182039 said:

Hi everyone,

 

I'm looking for a CPU Cooler for my Ryzen 2600x on an NZXT H200. I'm running the default Wraith Spire at the moment but unhappy with its performance in this case, it works well under load but it's incredibly noisy. I've replaced all case fans with 2x 120mm Pure Wings 2 and 2x 140mm Pure wings 2. I'm just looking to replace the heatsink now. What would be the absolute "best" one could get for this case? Noctua NH D15S? I'm not too worried about aesthetics but the D15S is definitely a bit on the expensive side.

Windale 4, even at max rpm the noise is like 30db or something

[WoodenMarker]

@hello_there_123

Margin of error varies depending on the test and is a valid comment only for TechPowerUp's results. It's something to keep in mind but doesn't render results mute unless it deviates greatly from the rest of the results.

This list covers performance only. You haven't mentioned anything other than 'margin of error' and acoustics. 

 

1 hour ago, 254732_1454182039 said:

Thanks for the reply. Would the Dark Rock 4 perform well also? As I'd be more inclined to that as the Pro is probably to gigantic and may pose a risk on fitting on ram slots. Would it also be possible to install it without removing the motherboard? Don't really feel like disassembling the entire build

You can install it inside of the case. Either would be excellent but likely a bit overkill. 

Where are you shopping / located? Any reason you're looking at these coolers in particular?

[hello_there_123]

6 minutes ago, WoodenMarker said:

@hello_there_123

Margin of error varies depending on the test and is a valid comment only for TechPowerUp's results. It's something to keep in mind but doesn't render results mute unless it deviates greatly from the rest of the results.

This list covers performance only. You haven't mentioned anything other than 'margin of error' and acoustics. 

Yes but as you saw in all the tests, the difference in temperatures deviated greatly. Some said 2 degree difference, another 3, most of them within 0-1, one 1-2 degrees better than the D15. Plus even if we took the greatest temperature result, 3 degrees, it won't make a difference in overclocking. Because of how the voltage curve works.

[WoodenMarker]

7 minutes ago, hello_there_123 said:

Yes but as you saw in all the tests, the difference in temperatures deviated greatly. Some said 2 degree difference, another 3, most of them within 0-1, one 1-2 degrees better than the D15. Plus even if we took the greatest temperature result, 3 degrees, it won't make a difference in overclocking. Because of how the voltage curve works.

The difference in temperature doesn't mean much deviation from the results unless they contradict. A contradiction meaning they disagree about which cooler is better. A bigger or smaller difference isn't a contradiction.

Cooler performance can be marked on a curve as load increases and the maximum load result is what matters the most. The ones where the LGMRT are ahead are generally not the heaviest load in the set of tests.

3c can be no practical difference or all of the difference when it comes to cooling / oc'ing. It doesn't matter how big the difference is as long as one is generally better since that's all it takes to separate a cooler than barely keeps temps in check and a cooler that plain fails. 

[254732_1454182039]

7 hours ago, WoodenMarker said:

@hello_there_123

You can install it inside of the case. Either would be excellent but likely a bit overkill. 

Where are you shopping / located? Any reason you're looking at these coolers in particular?

I'm in the UK. Reason being that the Wraith isn't particularly excellent in this case for my 2600x. And to maintsi the decent temps and xfr boost I needed to edit the fan curve in the bios to be quite aggressive and it's well, a bit too loud for me. That's why I'm seeking a better alternative. 

[WoodenMarker]

18 hours ago, 254732_1454182039 said:

I'm in the UK. Reason being that the Wraith isn't particularly excellent in this case for my 2600x. And to maintsi the decent temps and xfr boost I needed to edit the fan curve in the bios to be quite aggressive and it's well, a bit too loud for me. That's why I'm seeking a better alternative. 

SR Slim is good: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/Zr2kcf/be-quiet-cpu-cooler-bk010

Macho Rev. B is a bit better if you want to oc: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/4TCrxr/thermalright-cpu-cooler-machorevb

[Yuse]

I'm looking for a CPU Cooler for my Ryzen 2600x i'm using stock cooler. My case is Aerocool Quartz RGB (max 152mm height) so i was thinking something like hyper 212 black edition rgb or the arctic 33 esports one edition. My budget is 50-55€ max , would you recommend me other cooler or Am I choosing right?

[WoodenMarker]

3 minutes ago, Yuse said:

I'm looking for a CPU Cooler for my Ryzen 2600x i'm using stock cooler. My case is Aerocool Quartz RGB (max 152mm height) so i was thinking something like hyper 212 black edition rgb or the arctic 33 esports one edition. My budget is 50-55€ max , would you recommend me other cooler or Am I choosing right?

The Hyper 212 RGB BE is 158.8mm tall so it wouldn't fit. 

Where are you shopping / located? Why not stick with the stock cooler?

[Yuse]

1 minute ago, WoodenMarker said:

The Hyper 212 RGB BE is 158.8mm tall so it wouldn't fit. 

Where are you shopping / located? Why not stick with the stock cooler?

I'm from Spain , I really though that hyper 212 was shorter , sorry for that. I'm planning to oc at 4-4.1ghz that the main reason but also because my temps are hot while gaming even though we are 7-10 ºC , in summer we easily get 30-37 ºC...

[WoodenMarker]

6 minutes ago, Yuse said:

I'm from Spain , I really though that hyper 212 was shorter , sorry for that. I'm planning to oc at 4-4.1ghz that the main reason but also because my temps are hot while gaming even though we are 7-10 ºC , in summer we easily get 30-37 ºC...

It seems like the eSports ONE may be your best option. 

[Yuse]

6 hours ago, WoodenMarker said:

It seems like the eSports ONE may be your best option. 

What about scythe fuma? I found a new one for 50€ and also an used fuma Rev.b for 45€

[WoodenMarker]

12 minutes ago, Yuse said:

What about scythe fuma? I found a new one for 50€ and also an used fuma Rev.b for 45€

Yeah, that would be better. 

[PianoPlayer88Key]

Was wondering, in which category / tier might you find a cooler that would fit on a board like this, NOT overhang any DIMM slots or the other socket (unless a TR4 or LGA3647 plate could be modded ) with fans installed, be able to run passively & keep the system running if any pumps/fans fail (or are too loud), and priced around the Enermax N30HR or no higher than a Noctua U/D9?

 

 

Also where would the stock Intel heatsink fall? (The one that comes with modern non-K Intel CPUs.)

[WoodenMarker]

14 hours ago, PianoPlayer88Key said:

Was wondering, in which category / tier might you find a cooler that would fit on a board like this, NOT overhang any DIMM slots or the other socket (unless a TR4 or LGA3647 plate could be modded ) with fans installed, be able to run passively & keep the system running if any pumps/fans fail (or are too loud), and priced around the Enermax N30HR or no higher than a Noctua U/D9?

Also where would the stock Intel heatsink fall? (The one that comes with modern non-K Intel CPUs.)

A Freezer 12 / CO would work. 

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/9BNypg/arctic-freezer-12-cpu-cooler-acfre00027a

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/7d38TW/arctic-freezer-12-co-cpu-cooler-acfre00030a

Here's an example with the Freezer 11: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/BxD8TW

 

The standard 115x Intel stock cooler would either be at the bottom in either Tier 9 or a not-yet-existent Tier 10.

[Mike1989]

Where does Deepcool Fryzen fit in this grand scheme of things?

[WoodenMarker]

On 3/26/2019 at 9:06 AM, Mike1989 said:

Where does Deepcool Fryzen fit in this grand scheme of things?

I'm not sure. There aren't many benchmarks that agree enough to pin down how it performs. There's also a big difference between how coolers perform on TR4 compared to other sockets so I think TR4 would need its own list. 

[Mike1989]

And what about Deepcool Gammaxx L240 AIO? I have the option to get a L240 AIO or a Cryorig R1 Universal at a similar price. Which would give me more performance?

 

I am also getting Cooler Master MA620P at half the price. How does it compare to those coolers?

[WoodenMarker]

18 hours ago, Mike1989 said:

And what about Deepcool Gammaxx L240 AIO? I have the option to get a L240 AIO or a Cryorig R1 Universal at a similar price. Which would give me more performance?

I am also getting Cooler Master MA620P at half the price. How does it compare to those coolers?

Added the Gammaxx L240 to the list. It seems to perform similarly or slightly better than the R1 Universal which is a bit better than the MA620P. 

https://www.profesionalreview.com/2019/01/15/deepcool-gammaxx-l240-review/

https://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/deepcool_gammaxxx_l240_aio_review,11.html

https://www.eteknix.com/deepcool-gammaxx-l240-aio-cpu-cooler-review/5/

https://www.pakgamers.com/reviews/

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?296747-Deepcool-Gammaxx-L240

https://ru.gecid.com/cooler/deepcool_gammaxx_l240/?s=1

https://www.modding.fr/test-aio-deepcool-gammaxx-l240/6/

https://www.cowcotland.com/articles/2607-4/watercooling-aio-deepcool-gammaxx-l240.html

 

Between the two and at the same price, I'd recommend the R1 Universal if it fits in your case since it should be a bit quieter due to the lower rpm fans. 

What cpu are you cooling and why are you looking at these coolers in particular?

[Mike1989]

3 hours ago, WoodenMarker said:

Between the two and at the same price, I'd recommend the R1 Universal if it fits in your case since it should be a bit quieter due to the lower rpm fans. 

What cpu are you cooling and why are you looking at these coolers in particular?

I'm looking for brute cooling performance at a reasonable rate. The only coolers available at reasonable rates are the R1 Universal and the Deepcool L240. MA620P is also a bit cheaper, but frankly, I am not too fond of its build quality. My processor is Ryzen 1700 and I plan to upgrade to 2700 in near future. I need to compile humongous amounts of codes in C, and it really stresses the CPU for extended periods of time. My ambient temp hovers around 28-35 degrees C. Noise is not a concern for me, as the fans in my room would probably mask the noise of my PC. My case is Fractal Design Meshify C.

[WoodenMarker]

1 minute ago, Mike1989 said:

I'm looking for brute cooling performance at a reasonable rate. The only coolers available at reasonable rates are the R1 Universal and the Deepcool L240. MA620P is also a bit cheaper, but frankly, I am not too fond of its build quality. My processor is Ryzen 1700 and I plan to upgrade to 2700 in near future. I need to compile humongous amounts of codes in C, and it really stresses the CPU for extended periods of time. My ambient temp hovers around 28-35 degrees C. Noise is not a concern for me, as the fans in my room would probably mask the noise of my PC. My case is Fractal Design Meshify C.

Are you oc'ing? If not, the stock cooler should be plenty already.

[Mike1989]

2 minutes ago, WoodenMarker said:

Are you oc'ing? If not, the stock cooler should be plenty already.

I am currently undervolting, actually. I will OC when I get a proper cooler. If I OC with the stock cooler, the temps creep up to the 80's. Prolonged temps in 80's is uncomfortable for me.