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AMD just launched the best gaming and productivity CPU: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, and it has already hit the market with a storm. Featuring 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 128MB L3 cache, this CPU hasn’t left any crumbs on the table. The 170W TDP puts it on the slightly hotter end, so after thoroughly testing over a dozen, we have the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Our testing focused on the cooler’s performance, aesthetics, value, and extra features it provides (such as an easier installation method, removable lids, and more).
Here’s a chart comparing all the products with their general specifications:
If you’re considering the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, I recommend going over our motherboard round-up as well:
Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 9950X3D
After thorough testing, these are the CPU coolers that stood out the most for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU:
- Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB
- Best Performance: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
- Best 420mm: be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm
- Best Value: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
- Best Looking: Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB
Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 398 x 120 x 38mm | Fans: 3x P12 PWM A-RGB | Fan Speed: 200 — 2,000RPM | Noise Level: 39.7dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1851, 1700 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Outstanding thermal performance
- Integrated cable management
- Refined pump and cold plate
- Beautiful aesthetics
- 60mm VRM fan on the pump cover
Cons
- Thick NVMe heatsink obstructs the tube connection
- Thicker radiator
Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB AIO Cooler Review
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB is an excellent AIO cooler, featuring an improved pump design and an upgraded VRM fan from the previous-gen cooler. While the fans haven’t changed, we’re happy with the 2,000RPM speeds with 48.82CFM, ensuring better airflow. The 60mm VRM fan on the pump cover also does its job remarkably well, being a core reason why the cooler performs so well. Our testing showed that you have enough overclocking leeway with this cooler.
Going towards its aesthetics, there is no doubt that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III has some of the best customization capabilities. For example, you can completely remove the pump head and install another of your choosing. We also see integrated cable management, improving the cooler’s looks. However, the pump and fans don’t have separate lighting controls, but it is not that big of a deal.
Here’s how I summarized the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB’s performance and aesthetics in my review:
With its excellent cooling efficiency and compatibility with RGB sync technologies, the AIO stands out for gamers who prioritize both performance and aesthetics.
What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D?
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB AIO cooler provides impressive performance thanks to its P12 PWM 120mm fans running at 2,000RPM speeds with a 48.82CFM and a 60mm VRM fan to help keep the CPU as cool as possible. It also doesn’t cost much, has beautiful aesthetics, and allows decent customization options, making it the best overall CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
Best Performance CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 394 x 119 x 27.2mm | Fans: 3x Sickleflow Edge 120 A-RGB Fans | Fan Speed: 690 — 2,500RPM | Noise Level: 27.2dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Excellent thermal performance
- Decent noise levels
- 3D printed designs for water block
- 5-year warranty
- Easy installation
- Good pricing
Cons
- Cable clutter
Read Our Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO Cooler Review
Are you looking for the best-performing AIO cooler to pair with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D? The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS showed some of the lowest temperatures during our testing. The performance can be attributed to the cooler’s 3x fans running at 2,500RPM speeds with a 70.7CFM for better airflow. Moreover, the radiator has 12 channels for coolant flow and has a 20 FPI (Fins Per Inch), ensuring the hot air is cooled down. Also, the noise levels never exceeded 40.8dB(A) with an ambient sound level of 35dB(A).
The performance isn’t the only thing this AIO cooler provides, though. For example, you’re getting a decent 5-year warranty period. You can play around with the RGB through Cooler Master’s software, which also provides leakage warnings. You can remove the top pump cover and install a custom 3D-printed one to suit your tastes better. Lastly, this is an excellent product for environmentally-conscious customers, as the default cover is made of recycled materials. The only thing we disliked about the cooler is that the PWM fans cannot be daisy-chained, making cable management more difficult.
After spending multiple hours testing the AIO cooler, this is what we had to say about it:
Overall, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is a great option for users who are looking for a top-performing AIO cooler with a unique design.
What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D?
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO cooler showcased outstanding thermals during our tests thanks to its higher-density FPI radiator, faster fans, and greater 70.7CFM, which improved the overall airflow within the chassis. The AIO also provides decent customization options, has a more straightforward software UI, and promotes eco-friendliness, making it the best performance CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8.5/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm
Best 420mm CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 457 x 140 x 27mm | Fans: 3x Silent Wings 4 PWM 140mm Fans | Fan Speed: 1,900RPM | Noise Level: 34.3dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1851 AMD: AM5, AM4, TR5, sTRX4, TR4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Thermal performance
- Silent Wings 4 fans
- Stylish block design
- Impressive socket support
- Low noise output
- Refill port and coolant bottle
Cons
- Higher price
- 3-year warranty
- Limited block orientation
Read Our be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm AIO Cooler Review
Upgrading from its Silent Loop 2 AIO series, be quiet! has gone the extra mile with the Silent Loop 3, featuring a new and improved three-chamber pump design, keeping the temperatures on high-end CPUs lower and improving overclocking potential. Besides the pump, we attribute the greater performance to the high-speed Silent Wings 4 fans with seven blades, providing sustained air pressure for higher airflow. Besides that, the radiator has a refill port on the side for easier servicing, and you get a 100ml coolant with the purchase.
Regarding aesthetics, the pump housing has a bold, stylish outlook, complementing the subtle A-RGB lighting on the top. There isn’t much RGB lighting, making this cooler perfect for sleepers and minimalistic builds. We disliked that the be quiet! branding text on the top of the pump is fixed, which limits the block orientation. Also, for a moderately expensive AIO cooler, seeing a 3-year warranty period is kind of a letdown.
After taking the AIO cooler for a spin, here’s what we had to say about its performance, value, and looks:
Silent Loop 3 420 is one heck of a cooling product. With its classy look, premium cooling performance, and better noise output it is capable of giving a run to other 420mm coolers for their money.
What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D?
The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm AIO cooler possesses impressive thermal capabilities thanks to its 3x Silent Wings 4 140mm fans running at 1,900RPM and 78.4CFM. The cooler showed minimal noise output during our testing, maximizing at 42.5dB(A). Furthermore, the refill port and 100ml coolant provide greater value with the purchase, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 8/10 |
EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best Value CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 400 x 124 x 27mm | Fans: 3x EK Loop FPT 120mm Fans | 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
- Removable & rotatable lid
- Outstanding cooling performance
- Five-year warranty
- EK OmniLink
- Unique radiator design
- Solid build quality
- Easy installation process
Cons
- Higher noise output
Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO Cooler Review
Don’t want to spend a premium amount on a decent AIO cooler? Don’t worry—the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB is an impressive value-added CPU cooler. With a 27mm thick radiator having a 20 FPI count, the cooler easily keeps high-end CPUs cool with zero chances of thermal throttling. The Full Pressure Technology fans running at 2,300RPM and 72CFM provide better static pressure for optimal airflow. Although the temperatures are decent, the noise levels aren’t, averaging ~51dB(A) in our testing.
For its aesthetics, the AIO cooler includes a rotatable and removable pump cap to allow for the correct orientation of the EK logo. It looks great with D-RGB lighting clad on the pump and fans. Additionally, the brushed aluminum side frame and diamond-cut edges on the radiator add to the cooler’s distinct look. We also loved the daisy-chained fans thanks to EK’s OmniLink, which reduces cable clutter and makes the installation process easier.
Our hardware reviewer, Awais Khan, tested the cooler’s performance and value. Here’s what he concluded from his in-depth review:
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 Value CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D?
The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO cooler provides fantastic value because of its low price and high performance, attributed to the thicker 20 FPI radiator and Full Pressure Technology fans running at 2,300RPM and 72CFM. Accompanied by beautiful looks and features like a longer warranty period and daisy-chained fans, it’s the best value CPU cooler for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
I loved the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO cooler the most, not only because of its higher value but also because of its performance and aesthetics. The cooler provides high-quality 120mm fans, a thick FPI radiator, more customization opportunities, and a longer warranty period. It’s a remarkable option for consumers on any budget.
– Hayyan Serwer
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8.5/10 | Design: 8.5/10 |
Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB
Best Looking CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Specifications: Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 396 × 120 × 27mm | Fans: 3x RX120 non-PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 300 — 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 36dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1851, 1700 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Magnetic faceplate
- Digital connectivity
- Pre-applied XMT-70 thermal paste
- Six-year warranty
- Excellent thermal performance
- Beautiful design and RGB
- Replaceable pump caps
Cons
- No PWM control
- High price
Read Our Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB AIO Cooler Review
If you’re looking for an AIO cooler to improve your PC’s aesthetics while keeping your CPU cool, the Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB is the way to go. This cooler’s immersive RGB lighting and customization are awe-worthy. The 24 A-RGB LEDs on the pump cover allow amazing lighting control. Moreover, you can also replace the pump caps based on your tastes. However, the looks come at a steep price.
Moving towards its thermal performance, this AIO cooler has 3x 120mm fans running at 2,100RPM speeds with a 73.5CFM, which helps keep the temperatures low. Regarding the fans, we disliked that they don’t have any PWM control, meaning you need to use Corsair’s iCUE software to control them. The sturdy build quality with a copper base plate and aluminum radiator are perfect for the six-year warranty the AIO cooler provides.
After Nauman Siddique, our hardware reviewer, put the AIO cooler on his test bench, this is how he described it:
The Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB is a flagship liquid cooler, available in 240mm and 360mm sizes. It offers excellent cooling performance with a 3-phase motor, a precision cold plate, and powerful RGB fans, making it a top contender for high-end PC builds.
What Makes It The Best Looking CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 9950X3D?
Along with multiple customization possibilities thanks to the replaceable pump cap and a ton of RGB lighting, the Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB comes in black and white colors, allowing users a loose hand if they’re going with a white PC build. The excellent thermal performance, pre-applied thermal paste, and six-year warranty add to its value, making it the best looking CPU cooler for Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 10/10 |
Specifications Comparison
To make comparing these AIO coolers easier, I have created a chart with some basic on-paper specifications. You can play around with it according to your requirements:
| CPU Cooler | Radiator Size (mm) | Number Of Fans | Fan Speed (RPM) | Noise Levels (dBA) | CFM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB | 360 | 3 | 2000 | 39.7 | 48.82 |
| Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS | 360 | 3 | 2500 | 27.2 | 70.7 |
| Be Quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm | 420 | 3 | 1900 | 34.3 | 78.4 |
| EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB | 360 | 3 | 2300 | 36 | 72 |
| Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB | 360 | 3 | 2100 | 36 | 73.5 |
Thermal Benchmarks Of Our Recommended Coolers
When choosing the best CPU coolers, taking note of their thermal benchmarks is the most important factor to consider. Hence, we stress-tested the CPU on our test bench and checked how low the cooler could take the temperatures. These are our findings to back up our claims:
Important CPU Cooler Key Terms To Know
Some jargon can throw you off when hunting for a new CPU cooler. Here are some key jargon terms you should know:
- TDP: Short for Thermal Design Power, the term is used differently for CPUs and CPU coolers. For the former, the TDP indicates the amount of heat the CPU will produce. Meanwhile, the CPU cooler’s TDP dictates the amount of heat it can cool down. Hence, your cooler’s TDP should always be higher than your CPU’s.
- Radiator: A part of AIO coolers, radiators come in various sizes, and the fans are installed in the intake or exhaust to control the airflow. Radiators remove heat from the coolant, making them a crucial part of the AIO cooler.
- FPI: An abbreviation of Fins Per Inch, the FPI measures how many fins are stacked into one inch of a radiator. While more fins stacked together can help cool the air effectively, you’ll need stronger fans to push air through them.
- CFM: The Cubic Feet per Minute metric in fans determines how much air a fan can move within a minute. A higher CFM generally means the fan can move more air, cooling the system more effectively.
- Static Pressure: In PC hardware, static pressure refers to how much air a fan can move through a tight space. Measured in mmH2O, CPU coolers require high static pressure fans to move air through the radiators and heatsinks effectively.
- Heatsink: These are metal devices with fins on the sides that help cool and move air from the CPU outside the PC. Heatsinks are made from highly conductive metals, usually aluminum.
How We Tested And Picked The Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 9950X3D
For better transparency, we’ll share our testing methodology and how we decided on the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. While there are more factors, the key aspects include performance, noise levels, value, and aesthetics.
- Performance: The most important aspect to consider is the performance of a CPU cooler, which defines whether it can cool the CPU effectively. The most effective method of testing a cooler’s performance is stress testing the CPU and monitoring temperatures over a certain period of time. Lower temperatures are obviously better.
- Value: The value is vital because why would you buy a CPU cooler that costs more but provides the same performance as a low-budget option? Hence, I only chose coolers that provide the most value through pricing or extra features such as a longer warranty, pre-applied thermal paste, daisy-chained fans, and more.
- Noise levels: The noise levels of a CPU cooler can be a critical factor for many customers looking for a quiet solution. Therefore, I took special care in choosing CPU coolers with a relatively lower noise output. Coolers with PWM fans and customizable fan curves are better in this regard.
- Aesthetics: Although not the most important, aesthetics can go a long way when it comes to CPU coolers. Aside from the GPU, your CPU cooler is the second-most prominent component in your build. Hence, I chose coolers that provide greater customization options through RGB lighting, customizable pump caps, less cable clutter, or a greater variety of color options.
FAQs
While a high-quality air cooler can dissipate a lot of heat, we recommend choosing an AIO cooler to pair with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU.
Yes. It is possible to overclock all Ryzen 9000 X3D series CPUs. However, you will need an adequate AIO cooler to keep the overclocks stable.
The CPU has a 170W TDP, so it’s not the most power-hungry processor we have seen.
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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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