Best Cooling Systems for Gaming
The cooling systems you use are an often overlooked part of building a gaming computer. A good cooling system for gaming is one that allows you to push your processor and graphics card to the max. However, your cooling system can vary widely depending on if you’re using water, all-in-one, or air. These coolers depend on how much you’re looking to push your PC, as sometimes it can be overkill when compared to the default option. Here is a comprehensive rundown of the best CPU cooling for gaming.
Cooling for a Gaming Laptop
A laptop is a special case since it is very difficult to find a great cooling solution. The best cooling system for a gaming laptop is almost always going to be a cooling mat. This is a device you put under the laptop, and it has multiple fans to dissipate the heat. Water cooling on a laptop is almost nonexistent, and even if it did exist, you wouldn’t want it in the first place. The havit HV-F2056 15.6″-17″ Laptop Cooler Cooling Pad is the most common choice for people looking for the best cooling system for a gaming laptop. It has three powerful fans and will get the job done in almost all situations. A laptop will never have the performance and cooling of a desktop PC, so you have to weigh the pros and cons of gaming on one. It is best to buy or build your own custom gaming PC if you are looking to game and do nothing else. It also retails for about $33, so you never have to worry about the price.
All In One Coolers
1. NZXT Kraken X53
Featuring a re-designed cap and larger infinity mirror ring LED, the Kraken X allows the pump head to be adjusted without affecting the logo’s orientation
The infinitty mirror cap is 10% bigger, allowing for more vibrant RGB, and the rotating cap allows the logo to be oriented differently based on where the cooler is installed.
2. EVGA CLC 280mm
It’s here! The EVGA CLC 280 liquid CPU cooler! With this new liquid cooler from EVGA, you’ll enjoy incredible performance, low noise, and powerful software controls. Full copper water blocks pull heat from your CPU to a radiator, where Teflon Nano bearing fans effortlessly disperse it. A sleek look is provided by the CLC 280’s premium sleeved tubing and RGB LEDs.
3. Corsair Hydro Series H100i Pro
The Corsair iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler with a 240mm radiator and two Corsair ML120 PWM fans that can be controlled between 400 and 2400 RPM. It features 16 individually addressable RGB LEDs on the pump head. Through Corsair iCUE software, you can create vivid lighting effects, adjust fan speeds, and enable Zero RPM mode for low-noise operation.
4. CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML360R RGB
Master Liquid’s ML360R RGB all-in-one liquid CPU cooler is completely custom. Compared to single chamber pumps, our low profile dual chamber pump transfers heat more efficiently. Combined with our sturdy build quality, the MasterFan Air Balance fans keep this thing as quiet as a library. The supplied controller allows full color customization of the pump and fans through addressable RGB LEDs.
5. Enermax Liqtech 360 OC TR4
The LIQTECH II series is engineered to deliver high efficiency performance, support 500W+ TDP, and be compatible with Intel and AMD CPU sockets. With patented Shunt Channel Technology (SCT), high-pressure PWM fans, dual chamber design, and a high-efficiency ceramic nano PI bearing (EF1) pump for superior cooling performance. Furthermore, users can easily customize the lighting speed, effect, and brightness of the Aurabelt RGB water block box.
6. Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 240 CPU Digital RGB
Addressable RGB LED lighting is the most striking feature of the Eisbaer Aurora. In this case, we are focusing on the Eisbaer pump and the Aurora LUX Pro fans. It is possible to adjust colour and effects individually using a compatible mainboard or controller.
The Best Air Cooling
Your PC will often run cooler if it is cooled with air. Air cooling for gaming PCs often performs as well as water cooling. It depends on your technical skills and budget whether you choose an all-in-one or an air cooler. You can push your system to its limits with either cooling system, but there are other factors to consider. You can upgrade your processor’s cooler with air cooling. Usually, it is bigger, and it is made from high-quality materials. Those who care about aesthetics might find this size and shape ugly. Pricing-wise, it is often more economical than water cooling.
Air Coolers
1. Noctua NH-D15 Cooler
This dual tower cooler is based on the legendary NH-D14 and continues Noctua’s quest for quiet cooling performance. The NH-D14’s award-winning efficiency is further enhanced by its expanded heatpipe layout and two NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM control.
2. Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO Cooler
A household name in computing has been reborn by Cooler Master, an industry-leading chassis, thermal solution, peripheral, and accessory manufacturer. Featuring an improved tower fin design, heat pipe layout, and upgraded fans and fan brackets, it offers end users an even greater value.
3. Noctua NH-L12S
With excellent compatibility, surprising efficiency and remarkable flexibility, the NH-L12S is the successor to the popular NH-L12. The NH-L12S has a 120mm slim fan that uses PWM, providing even better quiet cooling than the previous 92mm fan model.
4. GamerStorm Deep Cool Assassin III
Cold, quiet, efficient, and stylish. With a TDP of 280W, the ASSASSIN III is the fiercest heat killer. ASSASSIN III features seven high-tech heat pipes and two powerful fans, as well as a novel thermal module layout. The impressive performance of this air cooler puts it at par with all top-tier air coolers.
Article Sources:
- https://www.pcgamer.com/best-cpu-coolers/
- https://www.ekwb.com/solutions/custom-loop/
- https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-cpu-coolers,4181-2.html
- https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-closed-loop-liquid-coolers-for-your-gaming-pc
- https://www.amazon.com/HV-F2056-15-6-17-Laptop-Cooler-Cooling/dp/B00NNMB3KS/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=laptop+cooling+mat&qid=1599442668&sr=8-3