5 BEST CPU Coolers for Ryzen 5 5600X [We Tested All]

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Hayyan Serwer

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is one of AMD’s top budget CPUs, utilizing 6 cores and 12 threads with a decent 4.6GHz boost clock. While it has a 65W TDP, you still need decent cooling to prevent higher temperatures. Therefore, after extensive research, we have compiled a list of the top CPU coolers for the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU.

Here is a comparison table for our top picks:

More For the Ryzen 5 5600X:

• Best RAM For Ryzen 5 5600X
• Best Motherboards For Ryzen 5 5600X

Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 5 5600X

Here are our top CPU cooler picks for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X:

1. Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X: Noctua NH-U12A
2. Best Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X: Noctua NH-U14S
3. Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
4. Best Budget Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X: Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
5. Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Noctua NH-U12A

Best Air Cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X

Specifications: Type: Single Tower Air Cooler | RGB: None | Noise: 22.6dB(A) | Dimensions: 158 x 125 x 112mm | Fan: 2x NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 450 — 2,000RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5

Cooling Performance: The Noctua NH-U12A CPU cooler utilizes 2x 120mm fans running at 2,000RPM in a push-pull configuration that helps improve the PC’s airflow. During my performance testing with the Ryzen 5 5600X, the cooler showcased low temperatures, allowing for outstanding overclocking headroom.

Build Quality: Outside of its performance, the CPU cooler houses impressive build quality. For example, it has 7 copper heat pipes that are in direct contact with the baseplate, which improves the cooler’s heat dissipation properties. Furthermore, I also loved the high 50 fin count heatsink with nickel plating.

I instantly fell in love with the CPU cooler’s build quality, and stated in my review:

“Because Noctua is now soldering its heat pipes to the fins, the cooler offers outstanding cooling capabilities.”

Aesthetics: I slightly disliked the cooler’s aesthetics because of the brown-colored fans and lack of RGB. However, if you want to try out an exotic PC build on a tighter budget, this CPU cooler will help you define the aesthetics you should go for.

Buy It If

We took a few images during our review:

✅ You want outstanding air cooling performance with better airflow: If you’re looking for an air cooler that not only has outstanding cooling performance but also helps improve the airflow of your PC case, then I recommend purchasing the Noctua NH-U12A CPU cooler because of its push-pull configuration.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You’re on a tighter budget: I don’t recommend buying this CPU cooler if you’re on a tighter budget, as you can easily purchase an AIO cooler at this price tag.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X?

The Noctua NH-U12A CPU cooler provides outstanding cooling performance that also helps improve the PC’s airflow due to its push-pull configuration fan installation layout. Moreover, the cooler allows for decent overclocking headroom and also offers low-noise fans. These points make it the best air cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU.

• Read Our Noctua NH-U12A CPU Cooler Review

Noctua NH-U14S

Best Cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X

Specifications: Type: Single Tower Air Cooler | RGB: None | Noise: 24.6dB(A) | Dimensions: 165 x 150 x 78mm | Fan: 1x Noctua NF-A15 PWM 140mm fan | Fan Speed: 300 — 1,500RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X AMD: AM4, AM5

Cooling Performance: The Noctua NH-U14S CPU cooler utilizes a single 140mm fan running at 1,500RPM for the bulk of its impressive cooling capabilities. During my performance testing, the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU averaged around 58°C in all games at 1080p resolution, showing no thermal throttling issues.

Build Quality: The CPU cooler offers decent build quality with an aluminum heatsink and copper heat pipes for better heat dissipation. I also loved that the 140mm fan has an anti-vibration pad that keeps the fan noise at a minimum. Moreover, the cooler’s body itself also has a premium finish to it.

Aesthetics: The Noctua NH-U14S has an exotic brown color that I didn’t necessarily like a lot. Also, the CPU cooler doesn’t offer any RGB, making it a decent option for gamers who are building a stealth PC. Other than that, the cooler doesn’t have much to look at because of its simple design.

Buy It If

✅ You want impressive air cooling without paying a lot: If you’re looking for an air cooler that has impressive cooling performance, allows decent thermal headroom, and doesn’t cost a lot, then I recommend buying the Noctua NH-U14S CPU cooler because of its performance and value.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You’re using a smaller PC case: I don’t recommend buying this CPU cooler if you’re using a smaller PC case because of its larger size. You may end up with compatibility issues.

What Makes It The Best Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X?

The Noctua NH-U14S CPU cooler provides impressive air-cooling performance without costing an arm and a leg. Additionally, the cooler has silent fans and decent thermal headroom, allowing for better overclocking opportunities. This makes it the best CPU cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU.

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm AIO Cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X

Specifications: Type: 240mm AIO Cooler | RGB: Yes | Noise: 10.64dB(A) | Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38mm | Fan: 2x ARCTIC P12 PWM RGB 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 200 — 1,800RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-v3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4

Cooling Performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO cooler houses 2x 120mm PWM fans running at 1,800RPM speeds, attached to an aluminum radiator, for the bulk of its impressive cooling performance. During my performance tests, the CPU averaged around 54°C at 1080p full load.

I was astounded by the cooler’s performance and couldn’t resist stating the following in my review:

“The AIO’s cooling capabilities are outstanding, especially when compared to similar AIO coolers in its pricing range.”

Build Quality: The AIO has outstanding build quality, showcasing an aluminum radiator and a copper baseplate that improves the cooler’s heat dissipation properties. Furthermore, I also loved that the cooler fans use anti-vibration pads that help lower fan noise.

Aesthetics: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO has beautiful aesthetics with an exotic pump design and lots of RGB all over the cooler. If you’re trying to build an exotic PC, you will love the spaceship-like effect the AIO’s pump gives. Additionally, the tubing helps complement that effect.

Buy It If

We took a few pictures while reviewing the product:

✅ You want good AIO cooling at a lower budget with incredible aesthetics: If you’re looking for a smaller AIO cooler that offers outstanding cooling performance, a lower price tag, and also has beautiful aesthetics, then I recommend purchasing the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You’re new to AIO coolers: I don’t recommend buying this cooler if you’re new to AIOs because of its difficult installation and lack of a physical manual.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO cooler offers impressive thermal performance, loads of overclocking headroom, low fan noise, and beautiful aesthetics at a lower price point. These points make it the best 240mm AIO cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU.

• Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO Cooler Review
• Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

Best Budget Cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X

Specifications: Type: Single Tower Air Cooler | RGB: No | Noise: 26.8dB(A) | Dimensions: 87 x 121 x 155mm | Fan: 1x Pure Wings 2 120mm PWM fan | Fan Speed: 1,500RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-v3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4

Cooling Performance: The Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 CPU cooler provides great thermal performance with its single 120mm PWM fan running at 1,500RPM speeds. Additionally, the cooler’s thermal dissipation is better because of its 4 direct-contact copper heat pipes. During my testing, the CPU did not bottleneck at all.

Build Quality: The CPU cooler has an impressive build quality, even though it’s a budget option. To explain, the copper heat pipes are joined by an aluminum mounting block. Furthermore, the fans have decent anti-vibration material that allows for lower noise levels. I also loved the cooler’s size, causing no clearance issues.

Aesthetics: Having a darker aesthetic, the CPU cooler uses an all-black approach but has brown heat pipes that diversify the cooler’s aesthetics. I disliked that it has no RGB, but considering its price, one can’t be too picky. So, if you’re going for a stealth build, the simple yet elegant design will cater to your tastes.

Buy It If

✅ You want slight overclocking headroom while staying on a tighter budget: If you’re looking for a budget CPU cooler that provides slight overclocking headroom for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, I recommend purchasing the Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 because of its incredible value.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You want more airflow: I don’t recommend buying this air cooler if you want more airflow to pass through your PC case. The Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 only allows a single fan with a lower RPM and CFM value, lowering its airflow capabilities.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X?

The Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 is a well-designed, low-noise product that offers good performance. This makes it an ideal cooler for those who want something more upscale than the standard tower cooler while also avoiding RGB lighting. To sum up, it is the best budget cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU.

• Best Budget CPU Coolers

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Best 360mm AIO Cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X

Specifications: Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | RGB: Yes | Noise: 10.64dB(A) | Dimensions: 398 x 120 x 38mm | Fan: 3x ARCTIC P12 PWM 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 200 — 1,800RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011-3 AMD: AM5, AM4

Cooling Performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO cooler utilizes its 3x 120mm fans running at 1,800RPM speeds for the bulk of its airflow and cooling. During our dedicated performance testing with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, the cooler showed super low temperatures that even allowed extreme overclocking.

Build Quality: We loved the cooler’s impressive build quality, consisting of a 38mm thick aluminum radiator. Furthermore, the 450mm long fiber-enforced EPDC rubber tubes promote the cooler’s longevity and also allow multiple installation methods.

Aesthetics: Similar to its 240mm variant, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO houses an exotic pump design that looks like a spaceship. Also, the tubing complements the overall aesthetic, which is further enhanced by the cooler’s dark colors and RGB elements.

Buy It If

Here are a few images from our review:

✅ You want the lowest possible temperatures with an exotic design: If you’re looking for an AIO cooler that provides the best cooling for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU while maintaining an exotic design and doesn’t have an outrageous price tag, then we recommend purchasing the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You’re new to AIO coolers: We don’t recommend purchasing this cooler if you’re new to AIOs because of its difficult installation method.

What Makes It The Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600X?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO cooler provides outrageous cooling performance, low fan noise, decent airflow capabilities, and an exotic design element without costing a lot. These points make it the best 360mm AIO cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU.

Editor`s Note

I loved the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO cooler the most out of all the others because of its outstanding thermal performance, superb value, low-noise fans, and exotic design. We have also awarded it as the best 360mm AIO cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU. So, if you’re fine with owning an AIO cooler and want to overclock your processor, you won’t regret making this purchase.

– Hayyan Serwer

• Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO Cooler Review
• Best 360mm AIO Coolers

Thermal Benchmarks

Below you will find all the benchmarks of our top picks for the Ryzen 5 5600X from our tested reviews:

How We Picked & Tested

Choosing a CPU cooler isn’t an easy task, as there are many factors you must consider before making a purchase. Therefore, to make things easier, I have explained a few factors I took into account when choosing the best CPU coolers for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU.

• TDP: The cooler should always provide sufficient cooling that should be greater or equal to the TDP of the processor and ensure the cooling of CPU components even at maximum load. Therefore, I only selected CPU coolers that have a higher TDP than the Ryzen 5 5600X.
• Noise Levels: Another critical factor is the cooler’s noise. Vendors are improving noise reduction day by day with low-speed spinning air exhaust techniques. It is always appreciated to choose quiet noise coolers for peaceful performance and user engagement.
• Performance: The most important thing you must consider is the CPU cooler’s performance to determine if it can properly cool your desired processor at stock or overclocked settings.
• Value: A CPU cooler’s value is defined through its price-to-performance ratio. Budget-friendly CPU coolers that provide incredible cooling performance are always welcomed more than premium-priced products. 

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Hayyan Serwer

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com