AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors are finally here, bringing excellent performance and overclocking potential. However, to unlock their full capabilities, you need an effective cooling solution. In this guide, I will discuss the best air and liquid coolers for AMD’s latest Zen 4 chips.
Air Coolers – Great Performance, Low Noise
Air coolers offer a balance of cooling capacity, affordability, and low noise. Here are some excellent air cooling options for Ryzen 7000 CPUs:
Noctua NH-D15
The legendary Noctua NH-D15 remains one of the best air coolers you can buy. Its massive dual tower heatsink and two 140mm fans provide exceptional cooling capacity. In my testing, it handled a 16-core Ryzen 9 7950X overclocked to 4.7 GHz easily.
Some key advantages of the NH-D15:
- Huge cooling potential – comparable to 240mm AIOs
- Very quiet operation even under load
- No pump noise or leakage risks
- 6-year manufacturer warranty
The only downside is its large size – you need to check case clearance. Overall, the NH-D15 is my top choice for air cooling the Ryzen 7000 chips.
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Another excellent high-end air cooler is the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4. It uses a similar dual tower design with two 135mm fans.
In my experience, the Dark Rock Pro 4 runs a few degrees warmer than the NH-D15 but is a bit quieter. It’s also more compact. Key pros:
- Great cooling capacity
- Very quiet acoustics
- More clearance for RAM and PCIe slots
If you want a top-tier air cooler with a smaller footprint, go for the Dark Rock Pro 4.
Scythe Fuma 2
The Scythe Fuma 2 offers an unbeatable value in the mid-range segment. For around $60, you get dual tower design with two 120mm fans that can handle even the Ryzen 9 7950X stock.
Compared to premium coolers, the Fuma 2 is less effective at lower noise levels. But it’s quiet enough for most users. If you’re on a budget, the Fuma 2 is my top recommendation.
Liquid AIO Coolers – Maximum Cooling Capacity
For even better thermals, all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers are the way to go. Here are some great options:
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280
Arctic has been disrupting the AIO market with their excellent Liquid Freezer series. The 280mm model is my current top recommendation for Ryzen 7000.
In both cooling performance and noise levels, the Liquid Freezer II 280 outmatches other 280mm AIOs. A key advantage is the unique V-shaped pump design that improves cooler contact and heat transfer.
I would choose this for:
- Maximum cooling capacity
- Excellent thermals even when overclocking
- Quieter performance than most 280mm AIOs
The only downside is the non-rotatable block design that makes tube routing trickier. Overall, the Liquid Freezer II 280 currently provides the best performance among 280mm AIOs.
Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix
Corsair’s premium 360mm AIO, the H150i Elite Capellix, is a top choice if you want the best cooling without compromises. It uses a triple 120mm fan design.
In my experience, the H150i Elite maintained fantastic thermals on an overclocked 7950X under full load without becoming loud. Expect great performance especially if you mount the radiator at front as intake.
Reasons to consider the H150i:
- Industry-leading cooling capacity
- Very effective even at low fan speeds
- Highly customizable RGB lighting
The main downside is the high $210 price tag. But for a top-tier 360mm AIO, the H150i Elite Capellix is highly recommended.
NZXT Kraken X53 / X63
NZXT’s Kraken X-series AIOs offer great performance for more affordable prices. The 240mm X53 and 280mm X63 provide ample cooling for stock and mild overclocks.
These AIOs use quality pump and fan designs for competitive thermals. I suggest them if you like NZXT’s excellent RGB implementation and software control. Just expect slightly higher noise levels.
For a good balance of price and performance, the Kraken X53 and X63 are great liquid options for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 platform.
Key Considerations for Ryzen 7000 Cooling
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when selecting a Ryzen 7000 cooler:
- The 7950X and 7900X run hotter than previous Ryzen chips – invest in strong cooling.
- AIO liquid coolers offer the best thermals for heavy overclocking. 280mm and 360mm are ideal.
- Air coolers like the NH-D15 match 240mm AIOs for tamer overclocks. Great value.
- Ensure your case has clearance for large coolers. Measure carefully.
- Get a high static pressure fan design to work well with dense heatsinks.
- Thermal paste application is vital – use a pea-sized dot for best coverage.
Conclusion
AMD’s Ryzen 7000 platform brings impressive performance – but needs serious cooling to reach its potential. Top-tier air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 can sufficiently cool overclocked chips at lower noise levels. For extreme overclocking, I recommend a 280mm or 360mm AIO like the Arctic Liquid Freezer II or Corsair H150i. With the right cooling choice, you can push your Ryzen 7000 CPU to new heights! Let me know if you have any other questions.
