Best CPU Coolers October 2026
Compare top-rated CPU coolers to keep your processor running cool and quiet during gaming or intensive workloads. This independent overview lets you explore thermal performance, noise levels, and dimensions to find the ideal match for your PC build.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
PC Component Coolers: Top 5
1
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
from £29.006 stores
from £29.00
6 stores
2
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
from £33.955 stores
from £33.95
5 stores
3
Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black CPU Air Cooler
from £139.905 stores
from £139.90
5 stores
4
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
from £41.905 stores
from £41.90
5 stores
5
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB
from £30.005 stores
from £30.00
5 stores
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a dual-tower air cooler rated for up to 265 W TDP. It uses two 120 mm PWM fans and a copper-and-aluminum fin stack to maintain low temperatures under load. Its 155 mm height ensures wide clearance in standard desktop cases.
Pros
High 265 W TDP rating
Dual 120 mm PWM fans
Compact 155 mm height
Broad socket compatibility
Cons
Fans lack rubber dampeners
No lighting effects
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE offers strong thermal headroom with a 280 W TDP capacity. Its twin 120 mm fans support zero-RPM idle operation to keep your system silent during low workloads. The compact 154 mm height fits easily into many mid-tower chassis.
Pros
Strong 280 W TDP capacity
Low 154 mm profile height
Dual 120 mm PWM fans
0 RPM silent fan stop
Cons
No built-in lighting
Aluminum-only fin build
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black is a premium dual-tower cooler equipped with dual 140 mm fans for massive airflow. It operates quietly with noise levels reaching only 24.8 dB at full speed. The copper base and heat pipes ensure rapid thermal transfer away from the CPU.
Pros
Low noise rating under 25 dB
Large dual 140 mm fans
Copper and aluminum build
Cons
Limited socket compatibility
Taller size needs case space
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO delivers aggressive cooling using two high-speed 2,150 RPM fans and an all-copper heatsink design. It pushes up to 69 CFM of airflow to manage heat spikes effectively. Integrated LED accents add a clean visual touch to your build.
Pros
High 2,150 RPM max fan speed
Pure copper construction
Integrated LED lighting
High 69 CFM max airflow
Cons
Louder at 27 dB under load
Taller 157 mm design
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB pairs dual-tower cooling performance with addressable RGB fan lighting. It maintains quiet operation with a 25.6 dB maximum noise output across its 1,550 RPM speed range. The nickel-plated copper and aluminum construction provides consistent heat dissipation.
Pros
Vibrant ARGB LED lighting
Quiet 25.6 dB noise level
Broad socket compatibility
Nickel-plated copper base
Cons
Modest 120 W TDP rating
Requires ARGB header connection
Compare specifications
| Type | CPU Cooler | CPU Cooler | CPU Cooler | CPU Cooler | CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan size | 120 mm | 120 mm | 140 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Lighting effects | No | No | — | — | Yes |
| Active cooling (fan) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Socket | 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 2066, AM4, AM5 | 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, AM4, AM5 | 1155, 1700, AM5 | 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 2011, AM4, AM5 | 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 2011, 2066, AM4, AM5 |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
