Since the launch of the 12th generation Intel processor, AMD cut the price of its AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Amazon) CPU by a significant amount, making it the most popular process in terms of price/performance ratio. The power of this processor while gaming requires heat removal, thus requiring the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. It’s still the gaming king due to its six cores and 12 threads processor that gamers can overclock to 4.6GHz from its base frequency of 3.7GHz. However, it comes with a cooler capable of the essential operation of the processor. It is an “X” series processor, which means it’s designed for overclocking. However, the stock fan is not enough to support the overclocking head of this processor. Using a high TDP supporting CPU cooler is critical for your processor to function correctly. Gaming can take a massive toll on your hardware. Thus it would help if you chose all the peripherals of your rig with utmost care.
The CPU is the brain of your computer; thus, when gaming or computing, all the load causes it to throttle. Since Intel processors tend to work passionately, they suffer thermal throttling; even the best cooler for 12600k would require a 150W TDP CPU cooler. Similarly, you will need a cooler with a 241W TDP for the best cooler for 12900k, making both of these processors challenging to cool. If we look to cool them with an air-based cooler, the size will become huge. AMD, on the other hand, with its 7nm lithography, provides TDP just below the 100W mark, making them run cooler and requiring a low-cost cooler. The 5600x nearest processor is the 12700k, and the best cooler for 12700k takes away 190W of heat from the processor. Comparatively, for efficient heat removal, the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 7 3700x requires just 65W. However, it would help if you found the perfect cooler for your processor, and for that cause, we’re here to assist. Let’s start the quest!
Quick Shopping Tips:
After reading a few tips that will make your purchase worth the money you spend, let’s get down to the list. These factors will save some cost and time.
Socket Support: We mentioned socket support because the cooler must sit firmly on top of your processor. The socket is a representation of the physical dimensions of CPUs. You can buy any product from our list for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. If you plan to switch to Intel, make sure the socket is mentioned.
Liquid vs. Air Coolers: When choosing the suitable cooler for your computer, you need first to evaluate your PC chassis dimension and how much heat you are looking to remove. If your CPU has very high TDP or you are going to overclock beyond its designed frequency, you will require liquid or N2 cooling, but air coolers can quickly achieve moderate cooling.
Fans: It doesn’t matter what kind of cooler you are using; liquid and air-based coolers have fans. Liquid coolers have radiators that take away heat from the fluid circulated via a CPU pump. Air coolers have static heatsinks that exchange heat with the air. A higher number of fans means higher TDP and noise levels. So as a user, you will have to find the right balance.
Noise Level: All the fun is taken out of gaming when you hear roaring PCs fans trying to manage the heat removal from the processor. It’s essential that the design of fans not only focuses on the flow rate but also accounts for the noise produced. The noise of liquid coolers with large radiators is relatively low for the same processor as an air-based cooler.
Best CPU coolers for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X at a glance:
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU air cooler
- Noctua NH-U12A CPU cooler
- be quiet! Dark Rock Slim BK024 CPU cooler
- NZXT Kraken X73 liquid cooler
- Scythe Fuma 2 CPU air cooler
- Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Edition
- Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 liquid cooler
- be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
The Best CPU coolers for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X you can buy in 2022
Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU air cooler
Cooler Master has built their image of high-quality products at a feasible price for everyone. Due to its innovative and compact design, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Air Cooler is the top-slot item. We rank it as our favorite and the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. We started with an air-based cooler because we think that AMD Ryzen 5 5600X does not have a considerable TDP that cannot be cooled via a static-based design. Its 120mm fan takes away heat from the aluminum-based heat sink. The fans can run from 600-2000 rpm with a 24.9 - 82.9 CFM flow rate.
Cooler Master used their patented Continuous Direct Contact design (CDC) for this product, making sure there were no hot spots on the CPU. Older designs had direct contact heat pipes with the CPU, but due to the presence of aluminum between two copper heat pipes, a difference in heat transfer occurred, leading to hotspots. Four high-performance copper-based heat pipes directly take heat from the CPU, making it the best cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. They are held together with an aluminum-based slab. The product is maintenance-free, and in case of fan failure, a user would require only one fan replacement with minimal hassle.
Noctua NH-U12A CPU cooler
Noctua has the brand image of producing high-quality products with low noise. Noctua NH-U12A CPU cooler is a two-fan air-based cooler that ensures enough overclocking headspace for your AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. This item is well acclaimed among the masses since it gives a silent and smooth operation; thus, it is the best powerful CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. We mentioned this product due to its long-lasting warranty, which also represents the confidence of Noctua in the quality of their product. It is the 5th generation of the mighty NH-U12 series. It is a premium item with a 120mm fan design.
Noctua claims this product to be equivalent to other companies' 140mm designs which are remarkable. It means that you will have enough room for PCIe and RAM while being capable of easily fitting inside a small chassis. You don’t need to use this cooler on a light gaming load. Noctua provides a noise reduction adapter that will take 22.6dBA noise levels to 18.8 dBA, making it the best cooler for 5600x. This product uses a high-quality copper base and heat pipes for maximum heat transfer. The soldered fans with the heat pipes make them conduct heat better and provide efficiency.
be quiet! Dark Rock Slim BK024 CPU cooler
Be quiet! is a manufacturer known for efficiency. PC users go gaga over this company’s products because of their high-end mechanical designs. be quiet! Dark Rock Slim BK024 CPU Cooler comes in black that easily blends with any color scheme. It comes with a Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM fan that produces only 23.6dBA at a max fan speed of 1450 rpm, making it the best quiet CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. Its static pressure of 1.79 mmH2o is high enough to ensure that the air flows through the fins and components of the PC chassis and exits the case. The fan is a 6-pole 85.8m3/hr flow rate capable fan.
It remains silent for gamers to focus on their game rather than the noise. The cooler can support up to 180W TDP, which is high enough to remove heat from the 65W processor, thus leaving enough space for overclocking. The cooler’s size is enormous and allows 40mm RAM clearance. So be sure that your RAM will fit underneath the cooler heatsinks before making the purchase. Four heat pipes run through the heatsinks for maximum heat transfer, thus earning it the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x fame and trust. It comes with three years of warranty with a Fluid Dynamic Bearing based fan. Its slim design allows exceptional PCIe clearance with the proper mounting; RAM clearance won’t be an issue.
NZXT Kraken X73 liquid cooler
One of the top-tier liquid coolers on our list is the NZXT Kraken X73 liquid cooler. It has stunning aesthetics, which are also minimalist. It is the best premium CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x due to its extremely high overhead for overclocking and high-end liquid pump design. There are three premium quality Aer P 120mm Fans mounted on the Aluminum-based radiator. Be sure to have 400mm of space available for fitting the radiator onto your chassis. The whole system is controlled via the CAM app that connects to the NZXT ecosystem.
The water block consists of RGB lighting that the user can control via the CAM app. In terms of aesthetics, its glass top cover and black matt finish aluminum frame will make your PC case stand out. A circular copper plate underneath the water block sits on top of a wide range of processors for maximum compatibility. The item is hands down the most effective and the best cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. The advantage of an air-based cooler is that there is no need to worry about the RAM and PCIe slot clearances. The pump housing is rotatable with 30° increments. Overall it’s an aesthetically pleasing premium quality product that can never go wrong.
Scythe Fuma 2 CPU air cooler
If you have a large chassis and an ATX motherboard that allows space for a gigantic air cooler, then the Scythe Fuma 2 CPU Air Cooler might be the item that changes your game. The cooler takes 5.39in of space from the top of the processor to the side panel of your PC case. It is compatible across a wide range of sockets, so it is the best popular CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. It comes with two pre-installed fans that support a 200W TDP. The two fans are Kaze Flex 120 Slim PWM designed for maximum flow rate and minimum noise levels. Rubber pads are fitted on the edge of fans to reduce any contact noise.
Unreal Engine 5 has been released, and even the latest and the toughest processors are overheating due to the processing technology required for smooth results. This Scythe cooler is the best cooler for 5600x due to its reasonable pricing. It is excellent for high-profile 55mm RAMs. They have cut out a portion of the heat sink to allow better space for RAM. The asymmetric design allows unlimited space for RAM on one side and decent space on the other side. Two fans rotate in opposite directions for higher static pressure and stable flow. Users can enhance the performance by adding a third fan to the mix. It is undoubtedly cooler for gamers, professionals and enthusiasts.
Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Edition
Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Edition is a push and pull-based design that considers aesthetics. The black and white combination is ideal for high-end chassis like NZXT. Monochromatic colors are in demand, and this cooler makes sure that they provide you with the color at a reasonable price. Being the best cheap CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x, it is the most reliable one too. They offer an incredible ten years of warranty for their product. Its compact design allows no issues for RAM clearances, making it ideal for high-end gaming PCs. Thermal throttling on the Ryzen 5 5600X would not be an issue, and you can play your Call of Duty Warzone with no stuttering.
As per official statistics, a 95W CPU will run at 65.8°C, which is competitive in price compared to other coolers. The BioniX P-fans look incredible with large fan spans and compatible rubber padding to reduce vibration-induced noise. It is the best cooler for 5600x, which only requires a 65W heat removal. The thermal coating on the heat fins ensures that the flow remains turbulent, thus enhancing heat transfer capability. MX-4 thermal paste is included in the package so that users don’t have to buy extra accessories to make it operational. So long story short, this CPU cooler is an excellent choice for most PC users out there.
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 liquid cooler
There are a lot of liquid cooling manufacturers that aim to cool the CPU, but none has thought about cooling the VRMs. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 liquid cooler is a compact design liquid-based cooler with a unique specification. The pump inside the water block is PWM-based; thus, it doesn’t run at full RPM even under no load. Its remarkable features make it the best mid-level CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. It slows down to reduce noise levels when there is no load. Liquid coolers, in many aspects, are far better than their counterparts, the air coolers. This cooler has a 40 mm fan on the water block used for VRM cooling.
The copper base of the cooling block allows better heat transfer capability, and its size fits the AM4 socket firmly. Its loop is wholly sealed and pre-filled, thus making it maintenance-free. As the best cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x, it comes with a 240mm radiator which is topped with two 120mm radiators that, along with the CPU, make just 0.3 Sone of noise. Its superior RAM clearance and compatibility work perfectly with any high-profile gaming RAM. The tubes that carry liquid are covered with braided sheaths. Wires run under the sheath for cable management. The complete setup looks clean and minimalist.
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is the ultimate solution to gaming PC CPU cooling. There hasn’t been any other manufacturer capable enough to beat this. Be quiet! Product within this price bracket. It is the best air CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x, and we recommend this product for both Intel and AMD. The incredible 250W TDP is way beyond the stock requirement of the AMD Ryzen processor. It works quietly with two Silent Wings PWM fans that collectively produce 24.3dBA of noise. The noise level reduction is due to the high-end design incorporating seven copper-based heat pipes.
Like any other air cooler, this also requires careful handling during installation. Any haste may cause the fins to bend and thus reduce airflow. You can fit a 40mm RAM underneath the fan mounted on the heatsink. It has a copper base and aluminum-based fins that contribute to the efficient design, making it the best cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. The cooler uses a fluid dynamic bearing and a six-pole fan motor for long-lasting performance. Due to its massive TDP, the cooler does not require running at 100% load, and it performs extravagantly with the baseload of the Ryzen 5 5600x.
Conclusion
Gaming is a complex activity, and the CPU has to perform calculations to provide you with the proper real-life-like physics. The tremendous and complex computer coding leads to games like Grand Theft Auto V. Everything from cars weight, dimension, the center of gravity, resistance, and even its interaction with in-game surroundings are calculated and turned into a physical representation that can be seen on the screen. When we increase the load, the CPU heat production starts to rise. Our list targets the users planning to buy the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600x. Liquid cooling and air-based cooling are the two types that a user will come across for cooling. Liquid cooling has a big radiator, while air-based coolers have a large heat sink above the processor. Which one should be chosen by the user. The answer depends on the PC case and overclocking headspace required by the user.
We have listed premium liquid-based coolers with RGB lighting to make them attractive and high-end materials for maximum efficiency. The inclusion of a low price slim version is for PC users targeting a Micro-ATX motherboard where everything is cramped up to fit inside the chassis. As a user, if you want a quieter setup, then going for a liquid-based cooling kit would provide much relief but won’t guarantee the cooling of components on the motherboard. However, air-based coolers carry air over the motherboard components making RAM and VRMs cool down. People prefer air-based coolers due to their low maintenance cost, as replacing a fan is more manageable than repairing a pump with a sealed liquid loop. We intend to provide genuinely good product reviews for our readers. We hope you find the right product that suits your attire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cooler is best for Ryzen 5 5600X?
Noctua NH-U12A CPU cooler is the best cooling solution for Ryzen 5 5600X due to its well-designed components producing minimal noise. The product also comes with a low noise adapter so that when you are not playing, your PC maintains the pin-drop silence. It comes with premium-grade fans and high-quality thermal paste.
Do you need to buy a CPU cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X?
Ryzen 5 5600x is an overclocking capable processor. It requires heat removal greater than its stock TDP. The Wraith Stealth Cooler is enough for basic use, but users would need a cooler like the NZXT Kraken X73 liquid cooler for overclocking. It is to make sure there is no thermal throttling while gaming.
Do I need a water cooler for Ryzen 5 5600X?
Ryzen 5 5600x is a processor with ample overclocking headspace. A water cooler like the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 liquid cooler would be essential to ensure that your processor doesn’t burn out at high frequencies. It comes with a VRM cooler and copper base plate for high heat removal.
Does the Ryzen 5 5600X come with thermal paste?
No, the Ryzen 5 5600X does not come with a thermal paste. Most processors require an additional purchase of high-quality thermal paste, but CPU cooler manufacturers provide paste within the package like the Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Edition. The addition of thermal paste with these high-end CPU coolers makes it easy to set up.