Sarfraz
With more cores, comes more heat generation and this is true with most CPU generations.
With the launch of Ryzen 7000 series, this is now even more obvious but instead of having only the higher-end CPUs running at a high temperature, every Ryzen 7000 CPU now runs hotter.
Here we are talking about the Ryzen 9 7900X in particular which needs more attention than the 7600X or 7700X. The reason is the higher core/thread count and more TDP.
In order to cool this beast, we will need a top-notch cooling solution that won’t be cheap and will most probably cost above $100. Considering all the factors and requirements in mind, I am listing the top 6 CPU coolers you should use with the 7900X if you don’t want it to throttle.
Our Top Picks
BEST BUDGET | BEST VALUE |
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 A-RGB | EK AIO Basic 360mm |
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Ryzen 9 7900X Overview
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is based on the Zen 4 architecture and uses TSMC’s latest 5nm process node which is currently the smallest node used for desktop processors. The 7900X features 12 cores and 24 threads at a clock speed of 4.7/5.6GHz which is the highest we have ever seen on the Ryzen 9 CPUs.
With a refresh die design, the processor brings a double L2 cache and a good 64MB L3 cache memory that makes it superior in gaming and productivity over the 5000 series. Priced at $549, the processor is at a very competitive price point and goes head-to-head with the top processors available right now.
With a default TDP of 170W, this processor is power-hungrier than its predecessors but at the same time brings an average of 13% IPC gains over the 5900X. This also makes it run hotter than the slower Ryzen CPUs and needs a beefier cooling solution.
Ryzen 7900X Runs Hot
While more cores require a better cooling solution, older generation Ryzen CPUs didn’t use to run so hot as the 7000 series. The 5900X runs pretty fine and maintains a good temperature with a decent aftermarket cooler.
This is not the case with the 7900X unfortunately. Almost every user sees its temperatures hovering around 90C which is alarming yet AMD calls it completely normal.
The weird thing is that it does not reaches this high temperature with any budget or stock cooler but with an AIO cooler or dual tower cooler. So, you cannot put it with any fancy-looking CPU cooler thinking that your 7900X will now run below 80C.
How Much To Spend On A CPU Cooler?
Ryzen 9 7900X was launched at an MSRP of $549 and realistically most users would spend at least $100 on a CPU cooler. Some users may prefer even going higher as the 7900X is not any other processor that will run just fine with a single tower cooler.
So, we are looking at a price range of $100-$150 which is going to be the most popular price range for buying a CPU cooler. Anything less than $100 is a big no-no unless you are doing some casual light work which most of the users won’t be doing.
7900X is made for enthusiasts and can quickly render, compress, and do any other task quicker than its predecessors. Therefore, it will get hot in CPU-intensive titles. Therefore, I advise spending at least $100 on a cooler and while there is no limit to how much you can spend, you can get the job done under $150.
Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 7 7700X
Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black
- Proven premium heatsink (more than 300 awards and...
- Extra-wide 140mm dual-tower design with 6...
- Dual-fan design with renowned, award-winning...
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and...
Noctua NH-D15 is a multiple award-winning CPU cooler that doesn’t need any introduction. This cooler has been in the market for around 8 years and still, no air cooler has come close to its performance.
It’s heavy and beefy but gets the job done for almost any high-end CPU. With the heavy dual aluminum heatsinks, it weighs around 1.2KG and can support up to 3x 140mm fans. Don’t worry, the cooler already comes with 2x pre-installed Noctua NF-A15 fans that are designed to work silently while throwing a massive airflow.
The NH-D15 is simply the best air cooler you can get right now irrespective of the price and has the potential to cool the 7900X in overclock mode. Its 6 copper heat pipes will make sure that the heat is transferred continuously from the chip to the fins and the fans will quickly dissipate the heat from the heatsink.
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 A-RGB
- QUALITY CONTROL APPROVED: We have increased the...
- LGA1700 COMPATIBILITY: The Liquid Freezer II 280...
- COOLER THAN OTHER AIO WATER COOLERS: The ARCTIC...
- 15°C LOWER VOLTAGE REGULATOR TEMPERATURE: An...
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 has won the praises of many reviewers and according to most of them, there is no better 280 AIO out there that can outperform it.
It comes with a 280mm radiator and dual 140mm Arctic P14 PWM fans that are controllable via BIOS or software. As this cooler has two editions: non-RGB and ARGB, I recommend going with the ARGB if you don’t have any problem with the budget.
The cooler features its own unique proprietary pump for silent operation and consumes less power than the standard pumps. With ARGB fans not only you will see bright colors illuminating your rig from the inside but you can configure them to work between 200-1900RPM.
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
- QUALITY CONTROL APPROVED: We have increased the...
- LGA1700 COMPATIBILITY: The Liquid Freezer II 360...
- PERFORMANCE KING: With a more efficient cold...
- ELEGANT ILLUMINATION: 36 digital A-RGB LEDs placed...
The 360 ARGB is the big brother of the 280 ARGB and is basically the same cooler with the exception of its radiator. The Freezer II 360 provides a bigger surface area in its radiator that allows more heat dissipation.
Moreover, there are now 3x 120mm fans instead of 2x 140mm that will provide noticeably better cooling. It has been evident from tests done by third-party sites that the 7900X runs better with a 360 AIO and there could not be any better option than the 360 ARGB for less than $130 where you get both performance and aesthetics.
Corsair iCUE H150i RGB Pro XT
- Magnetic Levitation Fans: Three 120mm CORSAIR ML...
- Dynamic Multi-Zone RGB Pump Head: 16 Individually...
- Extreme CPU Cooling: Experience incredible cooling...
- Zero RPM Mode: Zero RPM cooling profiles in...
Corsair is very popular in the PC industry due to having a wide range of PC products comprising PC components as well as peripherals. One of its most successful product catalogs includes AIO cooling solution that offers different-sized AIO coolers.
The AIO series from Corsair has seen many transformations and one of the best AIO coolers you can get from it is the iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT. It features a standard 360mm radiator and triple Corsair ML120 fans.
These fan offer fan speeds ranging from 400RPM up to 2400RPM which is insanely high and will throw an insane amount of air. As these fans are designed to be better in static air pressure, the radiator will cool down faster.
Although the fans don’t feature any RGB lighting, the CPU block does, and with 16 individual ARGB LEDs, you can customize the colors and effects according to your wish from the iCUE software.
EK AIO Basic 360mm
- PERFORMANCE COOLING, ZERO MAINTENANCE - The EK...
- INTEL 10th GEN, AMD RYZEN 3000 CPU COMPATIBILITY -...
- NON-RGB - EK-AIO Basic is an affordable all-black,...
- POWERFUL PUMP - The robust and upgraded for higher...
EK AIO Basic 360mm is hands down the best value 360 AIO cooler in the market. EK is famous for its custom water loop cooling solutions and doesn’t disappoint in its AIO coolers as well. This cooler has been praised by many including GamersNexus1)https://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3596-ek-aio-drgb-360-240-review-liquid-coolers and Techpowerup2)https://www.techpowerup.com/review/ek-aio-360-d-rgb-water-cooler/8.html.
The EK AIO Basic 360 beats even the best of 360mm AIO coolers including the Liquid Freezer II, EVGA CLC 360, and others while being fairly priced. There are no fancy RGB LEDs on the standard edition but by paying some more money, you can get the D-RGB edition that offers both RGB fans and RGB CPU block.
The fans used on the radiator are one of the best air-pressure fans you will ever use. These are the EK Vardar S120 Dark Edition and are incredibly fast with up to 2200RPM and incredibly silent with a max noise level of up to 33.5dBA.
For around $130, the AIO Basic 360 is the best cooling solution you will ever get without breaking the bank.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Illusion
- Translucent Dome: Stunning lighting visuals with...
- MasterFan MF120 Halo: Dual loop Gen 2 Addressable...
- 3rd Gen Dual Chamber Pump: Next level cooling...
- Industrial Grade Seal: High Industrial Grade EPDM...
Lastly, those who are looking at a more premium cooling solution that doesn’t compromise on looks or performance, can opt for the ML360 Illusion.
Even though Cooler Master is not at the top of the charts with its AIOs, the ML series is still doing fine for several years. Being a user of one of the initial ML AIO series coolers, I trust Cooler Master with the M360.
And not only me but if you check its reviews particularly the review by Tomshardware3)https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nzxt-kraken-z73/2, you will be impressed by its performance and functionality.
It beats the more expensive NZXT Kraken X72 and even the newer Kraken Z73. Surprisingly, it is also more silent than these two coolers which are known for their quality.
Final Words
Cooling the 7900X won’t be easy with any budget cooler. You have to go with any of the premium cooling solutions and it is recommended that you buy an AIO cooler if you don’t want to overheat.
Let me know what CPU cooler you are going to buy for the 7900X in the comments below.
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