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AMD’s new Ryzen 9000 series CPUs are awe-inspiring for their lower thermals and greater efficiency while improving overall performance. Intel’s 15th-generation CPUs have done the same, but even so, the best gaming CPU title goes to AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 9800X3D. If upgrading to said processor, you must be looking for compatible components. Fear not, because I have compiled a list of the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D based on our in-depth reviews and benchmarks.
Here’s a summary of my top picks for the best CPU cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, all compared against one another:
More from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D:
Looking for another Ryzen 9000 series CPU? Read through our in-depth reviews:
Best CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
These are my top CPU cooler choices for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor:
- Best Overall: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
- Best Air: Corsair A115
- Best Performance: Valkyrie SYN360 A-RGB
- Best 240mm: ARCTIC Freezer III 240 A-RGB
- Best Value: Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB
EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 400 x 124 x 27mm | Fans: 3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm | Fan Speed: 550 — 2,300RPM | Noise Level: 36dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1851, 1700, 115X, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Outstanding cooling performance
- Removable & rotatable lid
- Five-year warranty
- EK OmniLink
- Easy installation process
- Unique radiator design
Cons
- The price could be better
- Slightly noisy fans at max RPM
Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB 360mm AIO Cooler Review
The Ryzen 9000 series processors are efficient when it comes to temperatures, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is no exception. However, if you’re building a PC without any bars, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB 360mm AIO cooler should be at the top of your purchase list. During our dedicated testing, the AIO cooler didn’t even cross 70°C in Cinebench R23, showcasing its outstanding thermal capabilities. I’ll credit the 3x 120mm fans running at 2,500RPM with a 72CFM for optimal airflow.
Its performance isn’t the only thing the EK Nucleus AIO is famous for. For example, I love its unique radiator design and rotatable and removable pump lid, making customization easier. The daisy-chained fans reduce cable clutter, making the installation easy for beginners. Additionally, the AIO cooler is clad in RGB lighting, so you shouldn’t have any problems with the aesthetics. The only two issues, for me, are the slightly loud fans at max RPM and its higher price.
Our hardware reviewer, Awais Khan, loved the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB’s customization properties and top-notch performance. Here’s how he responded in his in-depth review of the cooler:
EK Water Blocks is back in business with its new generation of liquid coolers in the AIO category. Meet the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB cooler, which is quite innovative from its design. It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler, albeit a bit high price tag.
What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO cooler has all sorts of valuable features necessary for a high-end CPU cooler. You get customization options, a beginner-friendly installation process, incredible thermal performance, robust build quality, and beautiful aesthetics. These attributes are enough to make it the best overall cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, in my opinion.
Personally, I’d build my Ryzen 7 9800X3D PC around the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO cooler. It’s not only because of its high-end performance but also because I’m getting decent customization options, a simpler installation process, and beautiful looks. Honestly, there’s not much else to ask from an AIO cooler. I’d love a lower price, but its value makes up for the tag.
– Hayyan Serwer
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Corsair A115
Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: Dual Tower Air Cooler | Dimensions: 155 × 153 × 164.8mm | Fans: 2x 140mm AF Elite PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 400 — 1,600RPM | Noise Level: 33.9dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: No
Pros
- Impressive thermal performance
- Stylish black color theme
- Competitive pricing
- 5-year warranty
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Slightly louder fans
- No RGB
- PC case & RAM compatibility issues
Read Our Corsair A115 Air Cooler Review
Using an AIO cooler can be pretty scary if you’re a first-time PC builder. However, if you still want to use the Ryzen 7 9800X3D without thermal throttling, the Corsair A115 air cooler should do the trick. Although it’s an air cooler, it performs as well as any AIO cooler on the market. During our performance testing, the Corsair A115 managed to cool up to 237W thanks to its 140mm fans with an astounding 84.5CFM, meaning it can handle any high-end AMD CPU without thermal throttling or bottlenecking it.
While the CPU cooler has its fair set of issues, I love its overall build quality, boasting 6x 6mm heat pipes, 90 nickel-plated fins, and a HoldFast 2.0 retention system, making the installation more manageable. Regarding its design, it’s perfect for black enthusiasts who don’t want any RGB in their PC builds. The only issue you can face is if you’re using a taller RAM kit. Otherwise, it has no problems. I love its pricing for an air cooler on par with many 240mm and 360mm AIO coolers.
One of our hardware reviewers, Nauman Siddique, while reviewing the Corsair A115 air cooler, couldn’t hold his excitement regarding its build quality and performance. Here’s what he commented in his review:
Compact in design, the A115, at 1.59kg, is slightly heavier than its competitor, the Noctua NH-D15, and comes with a 5-year warranty. It offers high performance and ease of use, and supports various Intel and AMD sockets, making it a strong contender in the high-end CPU air cooler market.
What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The Corsair A115 air cooler is admirable for its intense thermal performance, rivaling many 240mm and 360mm AIO coolers within the same and higher budget. Besides its performance, it houses vital features like a HoldFast 2.0 retention system, making the cooler less troublesome for newbie PC builders. Add all that to its price, and the Corsair A115 will become the best air cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. No matter how hard you push the processor, you don’t have to worry about thermal throttling.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 7/10 |
Valkyrie SYN360 A-RGB
Best Performance AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27mm | Fans: 3x X12E White fans | Fan Speed: 800 — 2,150RPM | Noise Level: 29dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011, 2011-3 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Excellent cooling capabilities
- 2.4″ LCD screen
- Sturdy build quality
- Gorgeous snow white aesthetics
- PWM regulated pump
- Easy installation process
- Subtle A-RGB lighting with control hub
Cons
- Plastic accents on the pump can pop out
- Stiff tubing
- Fans can get loud at max RPM
Read Our Valkyrie SYN360 White LCD A-RGB AIO Cooler Review
The Valkyrie SYN360 A-RGB AIO cooler is perfect for gamers upgrading their white PC build with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. While the Valkyrie SYN360 is famous for its looks, you can’t ignore its impressive cooling capabilities. For example, during our in-depth testing, the processor didn’t exceed 70°C even at max load. Although its fan RPM and CFM aren’t better than its competitors, the superior quality pump helps keep the temperatures low without causing any issues.
Moving to its design, it’s the perfect AIO cooler for anyone building a white PC. You’re getting a fully-white cooler with subtle A-RGB lighting on the fans. Moreover, the 2.4″ LCD on the pump improves how you can customize your cooler. I also love the PWM-regulated pump, which lets you play around with its RPM based on how noisy you want it to be. While I’d love to say the SYN360 is the best AIO cooler with no negative points, it does get loud at max RPM. Moreover, its radiator tubing can be stiff, making installation slightly difficult.
I loved the customization and looks of the beauty named Valkyrie SYN360 A-RGB. This is what I stated in my in-depth review:
The Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB White is a high-end liquid CPU cooler with a 2.4″ LCD screen, excellent cooling performance, and broad socket compatibility. It comes with pre-applied thermal paste, three white ARGB fans, and a control hub. While the software for the LCD screen is basic, and the fans use proprietary connectors, the cooler is backed by a 5-year warranty and offers top-tier performance for the price.
What Makes It The Best Performance AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
I love the Valkyrie SYN360 White LCD AIO cooler for several reasons. First, it’s extremely beautiful, showcasing white aesthetics and subtle A-RGB lighting. Second, with its aesthetics, the AIO doesn’t crumble in terms of performance. Third, it has valuable features like a PWM-regulated pump, a 2.4″ LCD screen, and a control hub. Lastly, its decent pricing is the cherry on top, making it the best performance AIO cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB
Best 240mm AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler |Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38mm | Fans: 2x P12 PWM PST A-RGB 120mm Fans | Fan Speed: 200 — 2,000RPM | Noise Level: 39.4dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1851, 1200, 115X AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Pre-installed fans
- Integrated cable management
- A-RGB lighting on the pump cover
- 6-year warranty
- Superior cooling due to dense fin stacking
- Remarkable value
- Unique pump design
Cons
- Contact frame is a guesswork
- A thick NVMe heatsink obstructs the tube connection
- The pump head isn’t rotatable
- There is no separate RGB control on the pump and fans
Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB AIO Cooler Review
In case you’re running your PC in a smaller chassis but want to install the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in it without facing any thermal throttling issues, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB AIO cooler will help you sort things out. Please don’t mistake this little guy for being unable to cool high-end CPUs; it’ll blow your mind otherwise. For example, during our in-depth testing, the cooler efficiently managed to cool down the CPU with zero change in its boost clocks, showcasing its exceptional thermal capabilities.
The AIO cooler has a unique design choice for its looks. I love the unique pump design, but it’s not as good as the Liquid Freezer II’s design. In any case, the cooler comes with pre-installed fans with integrated cable management, making installation easier. You’ll face some issues with the pump, though, as the head isn’t rotatable, so you’ll have to make the tube end face the PCIe slot so that the ARCTIC logo remains upright. However, the biggest issue is that some motherboards require you to remove the ILM for installation, which will void their warranty.
I was truly impressed by the AIO cooler’s pricing, performance, and overall value. This is how Ipraised the cooler in my dedicated review:
I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.
What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB AIO cooler has many attributes that make it the best 240mm AIO for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. For example, its unique pump design, beautiful RGB lighting, outstanding performance-per-dollar value, and incredible airflow make it stand out amongst its competition. The AIO challenges many 360mm coolers regarding value and performance, holding up against all of them.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB
Best Value CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 400 x 120 x 38mm | Fans: 3x 120mm digital RGB fans | Fan Speed: 500 — 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 23.46dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1851, 1700, 115X, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, 1366 AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3+, FM2+, FM1 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Brilliant RGB lighting
- Easy daisy-chaining fans
- Embedded 60mm fan on the pump block
- 5-year warranty
- Remarkable value
- VRM cooling
Cons
- No control of the embedded fan
- Slightly noisy fans
- The thicker radiator may cause compatibility issues
Read Our Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO Cooler Review
Don’t have enough money left in your budget after buying the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to purchase a decent CPU cooler? Don’t worry—the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO cooler will address your issues with its remarkable value and low thermals. You don’t have to believe my words; our benchmarks say everything. The cooler has a 400W TDP with 3x fans at 1,800RPM speeds and 58.03CFM. During our dedicated testing, the LiqMaxFlo was next to the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2, claiming victory by a small margin.
Performance isn’t the only thing this AIO cooler is good for, though. The aesthetics are just as good. Moreover, you can easily daisy-chain fans, and the embedded fan on the pump helps cool the VRMs. You also get an impressive 5-year warranty from a budget AIO cooler. All of these are small features that increase the AIO’s value exponentially. There are a few cons to the cooler, such as slightly noisier fans, no control on the pump fan, and a thick radiator, which can pose compatibility issues.
When Nauman Siddique was testing the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO cooler on his test bench, he almost couldn’t believe the temperatures. This is how he described the product in his review:
The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO cooler offers incredible features like easy daisy-chaining fans, an embedded 60mm fan on the pump block that also provides VRM cooling, outstanding thermal performance, an impressive 5-year warranty, and a refill port on the radiator for better serviceability. The biggest surprise is that these features are provided for a low price, making it the best value CPU cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
These CPU Coolers Almost Made Our List
Many CPU coolers could have made our list for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. However, nitpicking them would have become useless if I added all of them. Here’s a short overview of the CPU coolers that almost made our list and what they were lacking:
- Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360: The AIO cooler’s value isn’t on par with its competition anymore. You can get fancier AIO coolers that provide better or similar performance.
- DeepCool Mystique 360: The DeepCool Mystique 360 AIO cooler is currently facing a supply shortage in a few areas, so I decided to exclude it from my listicle.
Specifications Comparison
I have created a specification comparison table to make browsing through all the offerings I discussed above easier. It’s reasonable that everyone has different use case scenarios, so the table should be more accessible to you based on your requirements.
| CPU Cooler | Number Of Fans | Fan Speed (RPM) | Noise Levels (dBA) | CFM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB | 3 | 2300 | 36 | 72 |
| Corsair A115 | 2 | 1600 | 33.9 | 84.5 |
| Valkyrie SYN360 A-RGB | 3 | 2150 | 29 | 80 |
| ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB | 2 | 2000 | 39.4 | 48.82 |
| Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB | 3 | 1800 | 23.46 | 58.03 |
Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Cooler For The Ryzen 7 9800X3D
What better way to figure out which CPU cooler is best for your needs than to check its performance in real-time? I have added our benchmarking results below, so have fun going through all the CPU coolers and how they performend in our tests.
Key CPU Cooler Terms To Stay On The Lookout For
- FPI: Short for Fins Per Inch, FPI refers to the density of the fins in a heatsink. A higher density FPI of a radiator means better cooling capabilities, but it can also lead to the radiator becoming too thick, causing clearance and compatibility issues.
- CFM: The Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) of a fan measures how much air a fan can move in a minute. Higher CFM but lower RPM can sometimes mean better fan cooling performance.
- RPM: Abbreviated as Revolutions Per Minute, the RPM of a CPU cooler fan tells you how fast it can spin in a minute. Higher RPM can mean more airflow, but it also leads to greater noise, so you’ll need to find the perfect combination between both.
- TDP: Thermal Design Power (TDP) can have different meanings for PC components. For example, for a CPU, TDP means the amount of heat the CPU produces. Meanwhile, for a CPU cooler, TDP implies the amount of heat the CPU cooler can dissipate. Generally, you want a CPU cooler with a higher TDP than the processor.
- Radiator: It’s a part of an AIO cooler that removes heat collected from the coolant through the fans. The most common radiator placement is at the top of the chassis, with the fans installed for exhaust to move the hot air out of the PC case.
- Heatsink: These are devices in air coolers that disperse heat from the CPU and push it out of the PC case.
How I Tested The Best CPU Cooler For The Ryzen 7 9800X3D
There are many factors to consider before you choose the perfect CPU cooler for your needs. Here’s how I made my choices for this listicle:
- Cooling Performance: The most important thing to consider is how well the CPU cooler can cool the processor you want to purchase. What’s the point of buying a cooler if it bottlenecks your PC build? Therefore, I prioritized the cooling performance of all the CPU coolers I chose.
- Noise Levels: Another essential factor is to notice the noise levels of the fans. Some CPU coolers are extremely quiet but provide impressive performance, while others are ultra loud and only have mediocre performance. I only tried selecting coolers that didn’t produce too much noise but provided better performance.
- Build Quality: A good CPU cooler has a sturdy build quality and a more extended warranty. You usually want CPU coolers with a copper baseplate for better heat dissipation. Similarly, pre-applied thermal paste is a good feature in many coolers. I also took notice of the radiator and fan material to ensure none of the components would break anytime soon.
- Value For Money: Perhaps one of the most vital factors is that you should always calculate the value for money a CPU cooler provides. There are many expensive options on the market; therefore, I tried to choose the ones that offer multiple features at a lower price while maintaining flagship thermals.
FAQs
The CPU has a 120W TDP, so it’s not too power-hungry. Besides, the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs are more efficient than their predecessors, so you won’t have anything to worry about.
Yes. Decent air coolers like the Corsair A115 can easily keep the Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor’s temperatures under control, even under max load.
The CPU comes at an MSRP of $479, almost $30 higher than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Want CPU coolers for a specific Ryzen 9000 series processor? Don’t worry, you’re covered:
- Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 9950X
- Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 9900X
- Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 7 9700X
- Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 5 9600X
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[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]
Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.
Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com
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