AMD ramped up every performance category with the Ryzen 9 7950X. The top-end processor (CPU) has gigantic performance, but it's offset by a 170W power draw and raised temperatures. The best CPU cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950X depends on your PC case and clearance over other components, such as RAM modules, but it ultimately needs to prevent the chip from getting too hot under load. Our favorite pick is the NZXT Kraken X63, but we've rounded up a bunch of proven alternatives to better fit your budget and custom build needs.
Best overall
If you have space for two 140mm fans in your PC case, the Kraken X63 offers an all-in-one closed-loop radiator with a gorgeous infinity mirror pump head compatible with the AM5 socket. Our X63 RGB review shows the variant with colored fans but the same pump, which does an outstanding job of keeping the Ryzen 9 cool.
Value AIO
If RGB aesthetics are essential, the PL240 FLUX offers similar performance but ramps up the multicolored lighting to satisfy any gamer. It's a low-profile radiator, taking up two 120mm fan spots ideal for more compact PC cases, but it's capable of handling the 7950X under heavy load. At about $105, it's great for value-conscious builds.
Ultimate AIO
The HYTE THICC Q60 we reviewed is a high-end AIO cooler with a five-inch IPS display sporting its own ARM CPU, as well as a capable dual-fan 280mm radiator. It's big, and it's expensive, but it will keep your Ryzen 9 7950X cool with utmost style. Just be sure it fits your case before buying.
For white builds
Corsair's H150i Elite we reviewed has three 120mm RGB fans, white hoses, and a white head with a fetching 2.1-inch LCD screen that can be customized. The fans are relatively quiet even when you're pushing them to their max, and you should have no problems keeping your 7950X CPU cool.
Subtle AIO
If you'd rather keep your case modest, the Silent Loop 2 does away with RGB lighting and focuses on quiet operation instead. be quiet! offers variants from 120mm up to 360mm, with our 280mm pick seated comfortably in the middle with a balance of whispered AM5 socket performance and cost.
Best air cooler
It would take outrageous thermal output to put the Noctua coolers to shame, and even the 7950X can operate comfortably under stress with the NH-D15. The heatsink is 150mm wide, and 2x 140mm fans are attachable on both sides, so make sure you have enough clearance for this monster.
Air-cooled alternative
One of my longest-standing recommendations for CPU air cooling, the Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB variant looks sleek and performs admirably. Featuring adjustable lighting via a motherboard header or the dedicated controller, it's another chunky option that demands clearance.
Hushed cooling
We love the Dark Rock Pro 4 in our review, and the updated Pro 5 remains a top option for those who need strong cooling in a mid- to high-end build. It's a chunky air cooler without RGB, but its dual PWM fans are whisper-quiet and it has a gorgeous aesthetic. Be sure it will fit in your case before buying for your Ryzen 9 7950X.
The best CPU cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X
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Breaking down the thermal performances in our combined AMD Ryzen 9 7900X and 7950X review shows that you get exactly the performance you pay for with this beefy processor, but the temperatures can be concerning. There's plenty of room for overclocking, and anyone building a PC gaming rig around this CPU will likely push it for every bit of effort possible.
I've chosen the NZXT Kraken X63 with a 280mm size as the best overall choice for the Ryzen 9 7950X, but the Kraken X73 RGB offers a 360mm radiator and extra lighting if you have the case space and budget.
In our NZXT Kraken X63 review, former Windows Central Senior Editor Rich Edmonds said, "The 280mm radiator is more than capable of handling even the more power-hungry processors, though you will likely need to step it up a notch if you plan on going all-out with AMD Threadripper or gunning for extreme overclocking."
If you need more features including RGB lighting, something like Cooler Master's MasterLiquid PL240 FLUX will do a great job on the cheap. HYTE's THICC Q60 and Corsair's H150i Elite are both high-end AIO radiators we've reviewed favorably, each receiving a Windows Central Best Award in the process.
All-in-one coolers aren't your only option for the Ryzen chip, and Noctua still offers fantastic performance with its NH-D15, though it needs plenty of clearance over other components on your motherboard and in the case. If you prefer to stick to conventional cooling methods, it's a long-serving champion, available in the classic brown or a simplistic black variant.
Still, if you're looking for subtlety, the Dark Rock Pro 5 from be quiet! offers near-silent running until it's time to put the 7950X through its paces with intense gaming, and it'll keep up.
Should you buy an air cooler or a liquid cooler?
While liquid cooling used to be much more geared to enthusiast PC builds, the rising popularity of all-in-one radiators makes it easy for practically anyone to drop in a system without much effort. All you need to worry about is getting the head set firmly on your CPU and the fans in place where they can pump air through the radiator.
PC users expecting to overclock their CPU or who want to ensure maximum thermal performance on a stock setup should consider liquid cooling. An AIO might also fit better into your build if there's limited space around your CPU, and many systems come with the added bonus of extra RGB lighting and a customizable display.
If, instead, you want to save some money and have enough space to fit a chunky piece of hardware over your CPU, an air cooler can still do a great job. It's less prone to failure due to its simplicity, but there's a chance it will run louder than an AIO liquid cooler.
