Coolers

After testing the full lineup, TF7 stands out as the best value—affordable, easy to apply, and reliable for mid-range systems. TF4 is also a solid pick for budget builds. On the higher end, TF8-EX and TFX deliver strong performance but fall short in durability and user-friendliness, especially with their thick, hard-to-apply texture. TF9, unfortunately, underwhelms across the board. Overall, Thermalright’s thermal paste lineup is a bit hit or miss, but TF7 hits the sweet spot for most users

The Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE is a compact air cooler that punches way above its weight, especially considering the $17 price tag. With 4 direct-contact copper heat pipes and a quiet 92mm ARGB fan, it easily handles 65W TDP CPUs and even manages bursts of 130W heat in stress tests. It's ideal for replacing stock coolers on mid-range builds and fits well in small cases. While it’s not made for high-end CPUs or heavy overclocking, the Assassin X 90 SE delivers excellent value and solid cooling for budget-conscious users.

After testing and comparing dozens of AIOs, we have finally rounded up the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.

ID-Cooling’s new X45 thermal paste is an upgrade over their previous versions, offering better thermal performance with easier application thanks to its lower thickness. It’s ideal for overclockers or anyone wanting top cooling without spending much—priced at $6.99 for 2g. It performs slightly better than the older X25 and beats top brands in temperature tests.

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. But this is where this cooler is also in trouble. It is also expensive making the likes of ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III a better overall value in this category.

The be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 is an affordable dual-tower air cooler built for mid-range and high-performance CPUs. With a 250W TDP, it handles heavy workloads well and keeps an Intel Core i7-13700K from throttling, though temperatures can reach 96°C. Its sleek design, quiet operation, and solid cooling performance make it a great option for gamers and everyday users looking for reliable cooling without breaking the bank.

The be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black is a budget-friendly air cooler that delivers solid performance for mid-range CPUs like Intel’s Core i5 and AMD’s Ryzen 5/7. With a 190W TDP, it can handle moderate workloads well but struggles with high-end processors under full load. The all-black design, quiet operation, and easy installation make it a great value choice. If you need an affordable, good-looking cooler for a mainstream build, this is a solid pick.

Thermal Grizzly Duronaut is a high-performance thermal paste designed for durability and efficient heat transfer. It’s easy to apply, works well for overclocking, and offers great value while maintaining long-term performance.

The Corsair iCUE Link RX120 Max RGB fans offer a premium cooling solution with a thicker 30mm design for better airflow and high static pressure, making them ideal for radiators. They feature magnetic dome bearings, reinforced blades, and a sleek RGB aesthetic, all controlled through the iCUE Link system. While they deliver solid performance and an easy installation process with Quick Turn Screws, they come at a high price and require full software integration, limiting manual control.

The Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM is a high-performance, ultra-quiet 140mm fan designed with meticulous engineering and premium materials like Sterrox LCP. It combines impressive thermal efficiency, low noise output, and exceptional durability with features like advanced anti-vibration components and a six-year warranty.

The Ocypus Iota A62 is a dual-tower, 120mm air cooler offering competitive performance at an affordable price of $64.99. It has a clean white design, solid thermal capabilities, and a basic digital display that shows live CPU or GPU temperatures. Despite its limited orientation due to the display and the need for a spare USB 2.0 header, it delivers excellent value with its simple installation, support for modern sockets, and quiet operation.

The Ocypus Iota L36 White is a well-rounded 360mm AIO cooler that combines solid performance with eye-catching design. The cooler stands out with its sleek white design, digital display showing CPU or GPU temperature, and subtle A-RGB lighting. The fans are quiet and the installation is straightforward, though it does require a USB 2.0 header for the digital display functionality. At an MSRP of $99.99, it offers good value for money.