This article showcases our top picks for the Best Silent CPU Cooler. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below).
We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article This list is in no particular order.
This product was recommended by Nora Salama from Appareify
If you need a near-silent CPU cooler, then the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. C is a good choice. Thanks to its fan frame that comes with anti-vibration rubber pads and sealed precision fluid dynamic bearing, this cooling fan does well to reduce noise operation even when running heavy tasks. In fact, the machine can typically top out at 1038 RPM under stress and will only produce about 27 dB of noise. Given that it is also inside a closed chassis, chances are that you will be very hard-pressed to hear much. On top of that, it is also extremely easy to install and at its low price point, it is one of the best cooling fans that can offer you an excellent performance-to-price ratio.
This product was recommended by Chris Johnson from SOfilmar
This CPU cooler won the European Hardware Awards CPU coolers category in 2022. It has two 140mm fans that can spin at between 200 and 1700 RPM. The Arctic Liquid Freezer also has an additional 40mm VRM fan to cool the base and voltage transformer of the fan itself. Its cool plate, radiator, and pump set it apart from other CPU coolers due to their efficiency. Also, it has been subjected to multiple quality-control tests and comes with a QC sticker.
The Noctua NH-D15 is a top-notch silent CPU cooler that combines excellent cooling performance with whisper-quiet operation. With its dual-tower design and six heat pipes, it effectively dissipates heat from the CPU while maintaining low noise levels. The NH-D15 comes with two premium-quality NF-A15 fans that provide exceptional airflow while operating silently. The cooler’s construction ensures optimal compatibility with various motherboard layouts and memory configurations. With its outstanding cooling capabilities and near-silent operation, the Noctua NH-D15 is a highly recommended choice for users seeking a silent and efficient CPU cooling solution.
This product was recommended by Hannah Sanderson from Clever Canadian
Keep quiet! is a well-known manufacturer of PC cooling devices, and their Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU Cooler is a notable model. This huge CPU cooler produces roughly 24dB of noise and is compatible with AMD4, AM5, and Intel 1150 to 2011 models, including the 1700. It has a 4-pin power connection and runs on 12 volts. Copper is used for the heat pipes, whereas aluminum is used for the heat sinks. The fan has a maximum rotating speed of 2500 RPM and improved fins that improve performance and RAM compatibility. The ergonomic design and black ceramic coating of the fan maximize heat transfer, while the top cover has an appealing brushed metal touch.
This product was recommended by Hannah Sanderson from Clever Canadian
Corsair is a major name in PC components for gamers and expert users, and the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix CPU cooler is one of their products. This liquid cooling technique cooler produces 36dB of noise and is compatible with Intel 1150 to 2066, AMD to AMD4, FM1, FM2, sTR4 and sTRX. It has a 3-pin power connection and runs on 12 volts. The radiator is composed of aluminum, whereas the cold plate is made of copper. The cooler includes a 400 to 2400 RPM rotating speed range and a high-quality pump with ultra-bright RGB LEDs. A fan speed controller is included, as well as Corsair iCue software for adjusting settings and monitoring CPU and coolant temperature. At low temperatures, the RPM may be adjusted to zero to eliminate fan noise.
This product was recommended by Sally Johnson from Greenlightbooking
In terms of PC cooling systems, Cooler Master leads the globe. Its liquid CPU cooler is the most popular. With a noise level of just 15 dB, it is the quietest CPU cooler. It employs a liquid cooling system, which accounts for the low noise level. It supports Intel LGA 1150 through 2066, including the most recent LGA 1700. It works with AMD2 to AM4 and FM1 to FM2 Plus processors for AMD users. The cooler’s power supply features a 3-pin socket and can run on 12 volts. 1800 RPM is the highest possible rotational speed. A dual-chamber pump is a characteristic of the cooler that improves cooling performance. For improved heat dissipation, the radiator surface has been slightly increased.
This product was recommended by Martín Reyes from Gamble USA
When it comes to CPU coolers that offer excellent performance while maintaining a quiet operation, Noctua’s NH-U12S is certainly one of the best options you can find out there. It features a single tower design with a slim profile, making it compatible with a wide range of motherboards and computer cases, including those with limited space. But most importantly, it utilizes a combination of advanced technologies to provide effective heat dissipation without compromising on noise levels, which makes it a favorite among gamers, professional, and overall PC enthusiasts who value both performance and silent operation. All in all, the NH-U12S is a CPU cooler that offers a winning combination of cooling efficiency, compact design, and extremely low noise levels, which is why I highly recommend it.
This product was recommended by Anna Koval from Tarotoo
I’ve been searching for the best silent CPU cooler and I think the Thermalright Assassin X 120 R SE CPU Air Cooler is the perfect choice. It has a large, high-performance heatsink helps keep your CPU cool while reducing noise levels. The fan features a wide range of speed settings to customize it to match your specific cooling needs. The fan also uses a patented fluid dynamic bearing system that helps reduce vibrations and increase the fan’s lifespan. The low profile design allows for efficient cooling in tight spaces while reducing noise and increasing air pressure. The mounting system is user-friendly and easily adjustable, allowing you to install the cooler quickly without using any tools.
This product was recommended by Robert Thorpe from HiStylePicks
I can confidently recommend the Scythe Fuma 2 as the best silent CPU cooler available in the market. With its twin tower cooler, dual heatsinks, and fans, this cooler is designed to accelerate and enhance heat dissipation for top-tier high performance. The Scythe Fuma 2 boasts six 6mm heatpipes and a copper plate base that ensures heat from the CPU is dropped, resulting in lower temperatures. This makes it an ideal choice for mainstream computing, gaming PCs, and even overclocking with high TDP processors. One of the notable features of the Fuma 2 is its asymmetrical design, which allows unrestricted use of any front high RAM slot, and its cut-out fin design provides a highly clearance(55mm) of rear RAM slot (LGA2011/2066. Using a Kaze Flex II 120mm quiet fan (Fluid Dynamic Bearing), the FUMA2 Rev.B uses two different thickness to ensure optimum performance with minimal noise.
This product was recommended by Henffrey M. Muthama from HardwareHow
When it comes to choosing a silent CPU cooler that delivers top-notch performance, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition is one of the best products available in the market. This cooler is highly recommended for those who prioritize silent cooling solutions without compromising on performance. One of the most notable features of the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition is its Direct Contact Technology. This technology utilizes four heat pipes that are in direct contact with the CPU. This ensures that heat is dissipated more effectively, thereby delivering superior cooling performance. Additionally, the cooler’s airflow stands at an impressive 42 CFM while its noise level is as low as 26.0 decibels. The stacked fin array of the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition is another feature that sets it apart from its competitors. This design enables the cooler to maintain the least airflow resistance possible, ensuring maximum air flow into the heatsink. As a result, the cooler is able to keep your CPU temperatures low without creating a ton of noise.
The Thermaltake Contac Silent 12 is a powerful and reliable CPU cooling solution for anyone looking for the best combination of performance and silence. This PWM-controlled fan runs at up to 2,000 RPMs and features an optimized fin design, which improves its heat dissipation capabilities while keeping noise levels below 25 dBA. It also has compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets, so you can easily install it on your system. With its quiet operation and powerful cooling capacity, the Thermaltake Contac Silent 12 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their CPU running cool and quiet.
This product was recommended by David Krauter from Websitesthatsell
Thermaltake’s more expensive TH120 ARGB 120mm water cooler fits a lot of style into a very tiny cooling system. It is generally quiet, with a noise output rating of 28.2 dBA. The programmable lighting on the fan and block, which you can coordinate with the rest of a unique build, is the main attraction. 59 cubic feet of air may be moved each minute by a single fan. For those who love to show off their components, the system combines a fan with extra ARGB lights over the water block to illuminate the interior of your case.
This product was recommended by Ricky Allen from Everwallpaper
I suggest the Cryorig H7 Quad Lumi Ventirad – RGB CPU Cooler. This silent cooler is incredibly efficient and has an RGB fan that looks great. It also includes vibration-absorbing rubber pads, which reduce noise pollution, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet cooling solution. This product has excellent specs, and its price point makes it accessible to anyone looking to upgrade their setup without spending too much. I also enjoy how it looks – with its sleek and modern design; it will fit into any rig without hassle.
This product was recommended by Graham McCormack from Graham SEO
An acclaimed air cooler with outstanding cooling capabilities, quiet operation, and a reasonable price is the Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO. To effectively dissipate heat from the CPU, it has a dual-tower heatsink design with four direct-touch heat pipes. Two BioniX P-series fans, which are intended for high static pressure and low noise levels, are included with the cooler. These fans produce a powerful airflow while running quietly, efficiently cooling the CPU. The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO features a stylish appearance with interchangeable top covers that come in various colors, and it also boasts a wide range of compatibility with multiple CPU sockets. The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO is exceptional in terms of cooling power, affordability, and quiet operation. It maintains a decent balance between functionality, style, and price, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a silent CPU cooler without going overboard with the spending.
An affordable air cooler that balances cooling performance, compatibility, and quiet operation is the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B. It has six copper heat pipes in a single-tower heatsink that effectively dissipates heat from the CPU. A Kaze Flex 120mm PWM fan that is designed to deliver a high airflow-to-noise ratio is included with the cooler. Even at higher RPMs, the fan keeps silent, ensuring effective cooling without sacrificing quietness. Due to its small size, the Mugen 5 Rev.B is compatible with a wide range of motherboard and RAM setups.
This product was recommended by Damein Jaywalter from DirectUnlocks
Efficient Cooling: It provides exceptional cooling performance, efficiently keeping the CPU cool even under heavy loads. This has been critical in maintaining the performance and longevity of my CPU, especially when I’m running intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. Quiet Operation: It operates quietly due to its high-quality fans and optimized design. Even under heavier loads, the fan noise remains relatively low.. The cooler’s pump adjusts its speed based on the CPU temperature, ensuring optimal performance with minimal noise. Easy Installation: The installation process was pretty straightforward, which saved you a lot of time and reduced potential frustration. This is a significant plus, especially if you’re relatively new to building computers. Great Performance: Having a reliable and high-performing CPU cooler ensures that our CPU operates at optimal temperatures, boosting the overall performance of my system. Durability: It’s not just about the here and now, though. This CPU cooler is very durable and reliable, working great over an extended period of time. This durability means you won’t have to think about replacing it anytime soon, saving you money in the long run.
This product was recommended by Nathan Clark from Gate2Ai
The Noctua NH-U12S CPU Cooler is a highly efficient and silent cooling solution, known for its compact design and exceptional performance. Equipped with a NF-F12 PWM fan and six heat pipes, it efficiently cools your CPU while operating silently. The SecuFirm2 mounting system ensures easy installation and compatibility with various CPU sockets. The brown and beige color scheme is a signature of Noctua’s renowned build quality and attention to detail.
I highly recommend the Noctua NH-D15 as the best silent CPU cooler currently available in the market. This premium heatsink has earned more than 300 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites, attesting to its quality and reliability. One of the standout features of the Noctua NH-D15 is its extra-wide 140mm dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes and dual fans. This configuration provides maximum quiet cooling efficiency, ensuring that your system stays cool while maintaining a peaceful environment. The dual-fan design features the renowned, award-winning NF-A15 140mm fans with Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM for precise control over system cooling. Additionally, the Noctua NH-D15 includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and the SecuFirm2 mounting system, which makes installation a breeze. With its sleek all-black design, this CPU cooler will seamlessly fit into any system build, no matter the colour schemes or RGB LEDs used.