So you have already purchased the beastly and scarcely found RTX 3080 or 3090, and installed it on a high-end motherboard to make your dream PC build. Next thing you have driven yourself into a world of high-octane gaming like FPS or MOBAs, or completely delved deep yourself into graphics-heavy and immersive open-world games. Now all of a sudden, your PC starts acting up. You notice your GPU is heating up quickly after intensive hours of gaming. The stock cooler is totally inept. Now you are clueless as to what to do and you fall into a nightmare after investing everything for your dream PC. Fret not my lost PC enthusiast comrade! For we have got your covered. All you really require is a small accessory in the form of a graphics card cooler option.
Best GPU Coolers: Our Recommendations
| SL # | GPU Cooler | Awards |
| 1 | ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler | Best Air GPU Cooler |
| 2 | Corsair Hydro X Series XG7 | Best High-End GPU Water Cooler |
| 3 | NZXT Kraken G12 | Best AIO Mount for GPU Cooler |
| 4 | EKWB EK-Classic GPU Water Block RTX 3080/3090 | Best GPU liquid cooler for Nvidia cards |
| 5 | EKWB EK-Quantum Vector Master RX 6800XT/6900XT | Best GPU liquid cooler for AMD cards |
| 6 | Anidees Graphic Card Cooler | Best for Budget |
| 7 | RAIJINTEK Morpheus II CORE Edition | Best Mid-Tier GPU Cooler |
The Best GPU Coolers of 2023: The Definitive Buyer’s Guide
These are fairly known as aftermarket GPU coolers. Essentially, they work like CPU coolers, that is, they cool down the hardware to a more workable temperature. Below, we have compiled a list of the best GPU coolers available in the market today.
1. ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler: Best Air GPU Cooler
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: ARCTIC
- Model: ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV
- Type: Air Cooler
- Fans: 3 (92 mm)
- Fan Speed: 2000 RPM
- Noise: 23.5 – 25 dBA
- Dimensions: 11.34 x 4.09 x 2.13 inches
- Compatibility: Nvidia GeForce, AMD Radeon
The first product in our review is the ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler. This company has delivered some of the greatest in the history of PC gaming for the past couple of years. If you are seeking the best air GPU cooler, this is the ideal choice. It can be used over a wide selection of graphics cards and it comes at a very affordable price. Note that the ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler is renowned for its highest thermal performance. It comes equipped with triple fans ensuring heat is kept in check. Moreover, irrespective of the amount of stress you are likely to put on as a gamer or one who mines daily 24/7, this product operates at near-silent levels. Coming with 3 92mm fans combined with an MX-4 compound, you are likely to think this product would be seriously considering the astounding cooling it provides. The cooling capability is fairly 300 watts which ensures your GPU exceeds threshold limits. Also thanks to its modern PWM control, a new fan controller, and low noise impellers, the ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler is one the most silent coolers ever to exist.
Worried about warranty and validity? Put that thought. ARCTIC provides you with 6 year warranty period. This serves as evidence of the long-lasting lifespan, durability, and sturdiness of the ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler. As aforementioned about the modestly priced and affordability of this excellent aftermarket GPU cooler, the 6 years warranty is a massive bonus in our opinion.
However, the downside here is that installation can be rather hectic as it is quite big in size. You need to be extremely cautious while setting up the ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler in order to avoid any future complications. Do not use it for any lower-end graphics card if you don’t want to cause any compatibility issues. Pair this with something like RX 480, RX 580, RTX2060, RTX 2070 Super, or RTX 2080 Ti. For additional info regarding compatibility, please visit this page.
Pros:
- Silent Operation
- Affordable
- No thermal glue is needed for your GPU
- Robust air cooler
- 3 fans of 92 mm offer excellent cooling
- 6 years of warranty
Cons:
- The size is very big
- Hectic installation can be bothersome for some people
2. Corsair Hydro X Series XG7: Best High-End GPU Water Cooler
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Corsair
- Model: Corsair Hydro X Series XG7
- Type: Water Block
- Fans: 0
- Fan Speed: Dependent on installed GPU fan
- Noise: None
- Dimensions: 10.55 x 4.76 x 0.79 inches
- Compatibility: Nvidia RTX 20/30 Series GPUs
Looking for a state-of-the-art GPU cooler for your new RTX 3080? Look no further than the Corsair Hydro X Series XG7 30 Series Strix GPU water block cooling system. You may very well know that Corsair is famous for manufacturing some of the greatest PC products out there. The new Hydro X Series G7 is looking to make its mark as one of the best GPU coolers to ever exist. It is a solid-liquid cooling block that aims to improve your PC’s aesthetics while providing low temperatures you cannot fathom during fierce, intensive gaming sessions.
If you are familiar with liquid cooling, you will find this GPU cooler easy to install. Totally aimed at enthusiasts who want a custom loop, it is strictly designed to work with RTX 20 and RTX 30 Series graphics cards only. The block is designed to completely wrap around the PCB all the while protecting any sensitive components. If you own anything lesser, this product shall be of no use to you.
Explore the world of ray tracing and crank out every bit of performance by overclocking your GPU with the help of the Corsair Hydro X Series XG7 water block. Made up of nickel-plated copper, the backplate is aluminum-made and engulfed in mesmerizing RGB lighting for outstanding looks and aesthetics. The unique thing about this cooler is that it provides additional 16 RGB LEDs installed directly into the GPU block. Thus, it is providing you complete liberty for RGB effects and customization using Corsair’s very own iCUE application. Needless to mention, you don’t need to worry about syncing the lighting patterns for your PC to give it your own unique look. However, it only works with Corsair’s ecosystem. All these are not even the best part. Not only does it make certain that your GPU is kept cool, but also graphics cards RAM and VRM also remain under ideal temperatures. Furthermore, the whole system consists of 50 reliable fins which will obviously dispel heat should you put them right over your GPU for the most effective cooling solution.
As mentioned earlier, it solely works with RTX cards. Considering the era we live in where GPU prices are not only inflated but skyrocket by the minute, this cooler may not be ideal for everyone. If you are planning to buy an RTX card at a scalper/inflated price, bear in mind to go for the Corsair Hydro X Series XG7 30 Series Strix GPU water block.
Pros:
- Very effective at dissolving heat
- 16 color RGB can be synchronized across other Corsair products
- RBG is also customizable
- Also ensures RAM and VRM temperature remains ideal
- Effortlessly works with RTX 20 and 30 series cards
- Great cooling solution
Cons:
- Does not work for AMD cards anything below NVIDIA RTX 20 series cards for that matter
- Quite expensive when compared to other GPU coolers
- Limited choice Hydro X GPU blocks
- RBG only works with Corsair iCUE software
3. NZXT Kraken G12: Best AIO Mount for GPU Cooler
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: NZXT
- Model: NZXT Kraken G12
- Type: Mounting kit + cooler
- Fans: 1 (92 mm)
- Fan Speed: 1500 RPM
- Noise: 0.38 dB
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 1.26 x 4.45 inches
- Compatibility: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 Series, GTX 10 Series, GTX 900, GTX 700; AMD Radeon RX 500, RX 400, R9 300, R9 200, HD 7000, HD 6000, HD 5000
NZXT is, needless to mention, one of the world’s most renowned PC accessories manufacturers right now. You may already be aware that they have made many of the best high-end PC products such as their exquisite PC cases. Now, NXT has invested in cooling solutions which is why we bring the NZXT Kraken G12 as our top pick when it comes to aftermarket GPU coolers.
This is a mounting kit with a price tag which can be considered very low. However, turning it into an AIO cooler can be a bit expensive. This is essentially an installation bracket which will allow the user to mount almost any NZXT Kraken AIO liquid cooling solutions such as mounting the widely popular Kraken Z73, Kraken Z63, or Kraken X63 AIOs directly onto your GPU. This greatly improves cooling and superbly reduces noise levels. The Kraken G12 is compatible with over 30 liquid coolers and 40 different GPUs, including NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series and GeForce GTX 10 series GPUs, as well as AMD Radeon RX 500, RX 400, R9 300, R9 200, and HD 7000 series graphics cards. Featuring a 92mm fan which can provide active cooling of VRM on the GPU, the Kraken G12 boasts a fan speed up to 1500 RPM which is actually 40% more efficient than a regular cooling unit. The design is also simple and there is no RGB for those who are not crazy about it.
You will notice big drops in temperature. The only caveat here is that the fan only covers the right side of the GPU. If your VRAM is split in two, you may encounter some issues when it comes to the delivery of power. It also has compatibility issues with non-reference graphics cards.
Pros:
- Great at cooling
- Very compatible with popular cards
- The mounting kit is cheap
- Can turn into a high-end cooler when completed with AIO
- Wide list of support for AIO coolers
- Optimized for VRM cooling
- Sleek and clean design
Cons:
- Requires Kraken series AIO coolers
- Can be expensive when completed
- Fan only covers the right side of the GPU
- Large dimensions
- Does not support non-reference cards
4. EKWB EK-Classic GPU Water Block RTX 3080/3090: Best GPU liquid cooler for Nvidia cards
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: EKWB
- Model: EKWB EK-Classic GPU Water Block RTX 3080/3090
- Type: Water Block
- Fans: 0
- Fan Speed: Dependent on installed GPU fan
- Noise: None
- Dimensions: 11.65 x 6.97 x 2.05 inches
- Compatibility: Nvidia RTX 3080/3090
Are you looking to overclock your new RTX 3080/3090 that you have purchased by selling your kidney? (pun intended). Look no further than EKWB EK-Classic GPU Water Block RTX 3080/3090. It is a classic water block that is mainly compatible with these two graphics cards. Almost all references to the design of 3080 and 3090 graphics cards will work. It is able to effortlessly cool not only the GPU but the VRM and VRAM too because the cooling liquid is directly projected over these specific areas. This water block is actually bigger than most water block coolers out there due to its enormous size. The material type used here is brass. A thick 11.2 mm copper base is put into use to make this particular with those large 3080 and 3090 GPUs. This is not really a downside but buyers need to take into consideration the space they are getting inside the case in order to accommodate the oversized block. On the contrary, the massive size design does come with certain perks. The Water Block helps to keep the card quiet during intense operations by means of direct contact with the MOSFETs. As a result, this helps reduce coil whine. Moreover, its 3-pin RGB LED strip can be adjusted accordingly with a cooling kit controller. Not to mention, it is compatible with the most popular RGB sync technologies across most motherboard manufacturers. At the long last, the buyer has the luxury to take advantage of the EK cooling configurator to ensure their GPU is compatible (or not) with the EK cooling system.
Pros:
- Directly cools the GPU, VRAM, and the VRM
- Compatible across most RTX 3080 and 3090 GPUs
- Keeps silent across intense gaming sessions for longer hours
- Three-pin RGB LED strip can be customized
- RGB LED is also compatible with many RGB sync technologies
- EK cooling configurator allows compatibility check
Cons:
- Solely works for large RTX cards such as 3080 and 3090
- It will not work for any other non-referenced cards
- Massive size could pose a problem to accommodate oversized block
- Can be expensive when completed
5. EKWB EK-Quantum Vector Master RX 6800XT/6900XT GPU Water Block: Best GPU liquid cooler for AMD cards
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: EKWB
- Model: EKWB EK-Quantum Vector Master RX 6800XT/6900XT
- Type: Water Block
- Fans: 0
- Fan Speed: Dependent on installed GPU fan
- Noise: None
- Dimensions: 12.56 x 8.23 x 2.36 inches
- Compatibility: AMD RX 6800/6900
Perhaps you have resorted to buying RX 6800 or 6900 as opposed to the RTX 3080/3090. Fret not? EKWB has got you covered here as well. Just like for Nvidia users, EKWB has released an exquisitely designed water block model named EKWB EK-Quantum Vector Master RX 6800XT/6900XT GPU Water Block. Composed of electrolytic nickel-plated copper, it is compatible with all major manufacturers of motherboards. Much like its Nvidia alternative, it also efficiently cools down the GPU, VRM, and VRAM as a cooling liquid is channeled right over these critical areas. It has an open split-flow design with a lower hydraulic flow restriction. This helps to keep all boards very cool. Not only that but ensures weaker water pumps are made compatible.
Unlike the EK-Classic, the EK-Quantum Vector is equipped with a black coat that gives off a sleek design. As mentioned before, the base of the block is made up of high-end nickel-plated copper. The top is glass-like cast Acrylic. There are 7 individual RGB LED strips that illuminate the card’s Radeon logo. In addition, it is compatible with popular RGB sync technologies from all major motherboard manufacturers. EKWB highly recommends pairing the EK-Quantum with the EK-Classic Kit S360 D-RGB – Black Nickel Edition. However, buyers have the option to connect this particular water block to any type of custom loop
Pros:
- Directly cools the GPU, VRAM, and the VRM
- Compatible across most RX 6800/6900 cards
- Silent operation during intense gaming sessions
- Customizable RGB LED strips.
Cons:
- Solely works for RX 6800, RX 6900
- It will not work for other non-referenced cards
- Dimensions are large
- Massive could be a problem
- Rather expensive
6. Anidees Graphic Card Cooler: Best for Budget
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: A ANIDEES
- Model: Anidees Graphic Card Cooler
- Type: Air Cooler
- Fans: 3 (80 mm)
- Fan Speed: 1600 RPM
- Noise: 19.3 dB
- Dimensions: 11.22 x 1.02 x 3.7 inches
- Compatibility: GeForce GTX 1660 series, Radeon RX 5500 series
From a budget perspective, the Anidees Graphic Card Cooler is your ideal bet. It works on graphics cards such as the 1660 Super or Ti as well as RX 5500 series. Unlike other air GPU coolers, this unit is not mounted directly on top of a graphics card. Instead, this is inserted into a PCI slot below the graphics card which you may want to keep cool. This cooler is proficient at increasing the overall airflow to your PC case, hence feeding your GPU’s stock cooler more air in order to improve cooling.
The three fans operate at 80 mm and can spin to 1600 RPM. In our opinion, this is adequate to keep GPUs nice and functional even when gaming for a long time. Furthermore, the three fabs have RGB LEDs to support static as well as rainbow colors. You can select from 12 independent RGB LEDs in every fan, split between two separate light loops and is very much customizable through software such as MSI Mystic Light, RGB Fusion, Aura Sync, etc
Pros:
- Great for budget
- Ideal for mid and lower range GPUs
- Inserted into a PCI slot rather than mounting over GPU
- Greatly maximizes the overall airflow
- 3 fans spin up to 1600 RPM
- RGB programmable for up to 12 different colors
Cons:
- Only works for lower-end or mid-tier GPUs
7. Raijintek Morpheus II: Best Mid-Tier GPU Cooler
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: RAIJINTEK
- Model: RAIJINTEK Morpheus II CORE Edition
- Type: Air Cooler
- Fans: 2 (120 mm)
- Fan Speed: 2000 RPM
- Noise: none but depended on installed fans
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.91 x 3.94 inches
- Compatibility: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 (Ti), GTX 900, GTX 700, GTX 600; AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, R9 390X, R9 290X, R9 270X, HD 7850 (XT)
The Raijintek Morpheus II CORE Edition is not a cooler per-se but is a heatsink only. This is one of the weirdest and unique products observed from this type of category of hardware related to PC gaming. This product aims to be added to your GPU manually by altering it. The caveat here is that this product will require some sort of tampering with your GPU, which in turn, will cause you to run into warranty issues. Personally, we never recommend such products but user reports and experiences, as well as the success of this unique product, compelled us to review it.
Think of it as a heatsink and thereby replacing the previous one from the GPU. Do note that the heatsink is incredibly heavy. It also takes up quite a bit of space. But as a result, this makes it extremely effective in its cooling. The heatsink is very silent as well. One issue that buyers surely have to encounter is it is very difficult to install. Although there is uncertainty about what graphics card this cooler will officially support. However, from what we can gather, most graphics can use it. If you wish to obtain reliable temperatures but are wary of investing in liquid or AIO coolers, then rest assured this is one of the best alternatives. The huge heatsink aids to cool down VRAM and processor swiftly due to its very large surface area. Moreover, it can occupy up to two or 5 slots in a PC case. Therefore, you are advised to bear it should you make the purchase.
It is designed to meet a cooling capacity of 300 TDP. It comes equipped with 12 copper heat pipes and 129 fins. The base is made of copper. You have the option of adding two fans of 120 mm in size on top of the heatsink to forge what is arguably one of the best GPU air coolers in terms of mid-tier.
Pros:
- Great price
- Effective and great cooling
- High-quality build
- Very quiet
Cons:
- Very complex mounting procedure
- Ultra-thick
- Takes lots of space
More on The Best GPU Coolers
Most graphics cards do come equipped with highly sophisticated cooling solutions. But they do arrive with certain drawbacks as well. For instance, they can be rather loud or not efficient enough to drop down the temperature, that is, cool down the GPU at default settings. Suppose, you are a PC enthusiast who wishes to overclock your GPU in order to squeeze out the maximum performance, or you are a cryptocurrency miner whose GPU is in use all the time for mining Ethereum and you wish to extend its lifetime as much as possible. Considering all these scenarios, there is no better way other than purchasing aftermarket GPU coolers.
Things You Should Know
It is important to be aware of the different types of GPU coolers available today. In addition, you should be familiar with the features they have to offer, their compatibility, price to performance ratio, noise levels, thermals, etc. Continue reading below to find out.
Features
An array of features do come with the best GPU coolers available in the market today. For instance — RGB lighting. If you are planning to purchase an RBG-based GPU cooler, make certain that it can be tweaked to your liking. Otherwise, be satisfied with the pre-programmed lighting repetitions which could very well be out of sync with other components and hence putting the look of your PC built-in utter dismay. Also, ensure getting one that can ascend on the PCB of your GPU. The best GPU coolers are, without any doubt, the ideal way to get the best and desired temperature. You are bound to observe massive improvements if the VGA cooler blows air directly on the fans of your GPU.
Pricing
Do buy a GPU cooler only if you are running a high-end GPU for gaming and wish to overclock it. Buying a GPU cooler for GPUs such as R 3060Ti/3070 is TX 2060/2070 or RTXnot essential even though they are high-end GPUs. This is because their built-in cooling system is more satisfactory. But do buy a GPU cooler when you are actually overclocking them to the moon. Using a GPU cooler for the GTX 1650 Super or GTX 1660 Ti would be nothing but a complete waste of money.
All the GPU Coolers that we have mentioned have been handpicked and thoroughly tested as well as benchmarked. No need to fret about overpricing as these are the best GPU coolers and selected according to users across all ranges.
Compatibility
You may encounter some compatibility. You will be requiring room for the GPU cooler. Therefore, put some thought into the size of the cooler. Admittedly, some coolers are equipped with a design while some aren’t. As compatibility is heavily reliant on coolers along with their brand listings, you should browse the manufacturer’s website when buying an aftermarket GPU cooler.
Types of GPU Coolers:
If you have read our product guide for the best GPU coolers, you may have noticed some are air coolers and others are water/liquid coolers. This is because GPU coolers come in three different types – air coolers, AIO (all-in-one), and blowers.
1. Air Coolers
If you are a PC fanatic, you are bound to notice that these types of coolers are more common. Air coolers are structurally very identical to ordinary CPU coolers. These coolers typically consist of a heatsink with heat pipes and fans. A cooler with single, double, or triple fans intake cold air from outside and blows it on the heat sink in order to make your GPU cool and perform more efficiently. These coolers have radiators and they contain fins which consist of running heat pipes through them. When the cold air has become hot, it is dissipated across all directions and also inside the case. This indicates your system must prioritize airflow or otherwise, the heat depleted inside the casing can make all other components heat up as well. An open airflow built is very crucial to ensure everything stays at an ideal temperature and this is doubly true for mini PC builds.
2. AIO Coolers
AIO coolers, on the other hand, have a liquid cooling loop and a radiator. The big advantage AIO has over air coolers is exhaust control. Moreover, these types of coolers are the most efficient as well as most silent. The only caveat here is they are also very expensive. The external radiator provides the performance of open-air cards and exhaust outside the case benefit of the blower coolers. This makes the AIO coolers easy to use with limited airflow and users can benefit greatly when overclocking the graphics card. Hybrid coolers also fall under the category of AIO coolers as AIO provides the benefits of both worlds. Hybrid coolers consist of a radiator, fans, and a water block. This is easier to deal with than the liquid cooling loop. Needless to mention, AIO coolers are exceptional, high-end hardware which must be used cautiously and only in extreme cases.
3. Blowers
Blower coolers are designed to suck out the hot air and push it out. They are very basic and fairly efficient. However, they are rather extremely loud. Featuring only a single fan design, it works by inhaling air from the front fan and exhaling out from the back of the fan.
Although exhaustion of air from the back of the single does assist in cases where there is poor flow, no hot air can be inhaled from that case. The volume of air is so timid that fans need to spin at full force continuously in order to cool down the graphics card. This results in blowers functioning in high temperatures and in high levels of noise. The blower coolers are mostly used in multi GPU setups or mini-ITX cases, where insufficient case airflow is present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why Buy Aftermarket GPU Coolers?
A decade ago, we observed a rise in popularity of the aftermarket GPU coolers. This was mainly due to the fact that graphics card manufacturers shipped GPUs with inefficient cooling systems. Nowadays, that isn’t a major concern with cards such as the Ampere series (RTX 20 series GPUs) or Turing series (RTX 30 series GPUs). They come equipped with more than viable cooling systems. That being said, when it comes to overclocking, an aftermarket GPU cooler, at any given time, will simply outperform any GPU stock coolers. And that is not all. The best GPU coolers will guarantee an extended lifetime when you put your GPU to mine cryptocurrencies such as Ergo or Ethereum. It is very stressful work and your GPU is in use 24/7. Needless to mention, your GPU will perish in such a state of continuous operation and heat emission.
For these very reasons and considering you are going to overclock or stress that GPU for mining, buying an aftermarket GPU cooler is a wise man’s choice and especially if you wish to extend the lifespan of your mining equipment. Our reviewed guide for the best GPU coolers will certainly get the task done and ensure your GPU stays cool, calm & quiet and for as long as possible.
2. Is my PC supported?
There is absolutely no reason to fret over this thought. This is because manufacturers thoroughly provide a list of compatible graphics cards as well as motherboards and PCB sizes. You can also check the PCB size of your GPU by simply checking the specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Furthermore, if you are only seeking to know GPU compatibility, you may have noticed we have already mentioned the supported GPUs for the products in our best GPU coolers buying guide.
3. Can I tolerate the noise?
Again, there is use in worrying about noise levels. Almost all the mentioned products from our best GPU coolers buying guide will ensure silent operation and at ideal temperatures. Thanks to noise impellers, these coolers remain silent which makes certain that you don’t need to fret over noise during intensive gaming hours.
4. Is RGB available in GPU coolers?
Duh! If you are hell-bent on using RGB elements, just make sure the RGB lights can be manually configured using the motherboard or the RGB header. Sometimes, they can also be controlled using the manufacturer’s software or by using a third-party application Otherwise, be stuck with the same repetition of colors that may very well jeopardize your build-out of sync.
5. Should I go with AIO or hybrid?
All-in-one (AIO) coolers are a huge relief actually. Why do you ask? Because they require no maintenance as they are equipped with a closed lid. Unlike other liquid coolers, you simply cannot refill AIO coolers because there is no need for this. The best part is they are drastically efficient in cooling down your GPU to temperatures you cannot fathom even when you may have overclocked your GPU. Their cooling potential remains unparalleled to this day.
On the other hand, a hybrid cooler (while also good at cooling down), will transfer the heat from your GPU to a radiator and later transfer it to the air. It’s not a bad choice either as it does minimize radiation of heat and is able to keep the temperatures low.
6. How do I install a GPU cooler?
Looking to install a GPU cooler for overclocking your RTX 3080 to push the boundaries of performance in 4k resolution? We are here to tell you how. It is pretty simple. Begin at the installation and then make sure to secure the baseplate. Once done, move towards the installing fans at the radiator. Install the fans in the correct order to ensure they are functional without any lagging. Next, install and secure the radiator and arrange the wire and cables accordingly. Afterward, perform necessary adjustments to the pump and fasten the clips. Finally, turn on the GPU cooler. Voila! You have successfully installed your GPU cooler.
7. How to maintain a GPU cooler?
GPU coolers do require a bit of maintenance. Only the fans and radiators need thorough checking in an AIO GPU cooler. Also, look for any dust as they get stuck inside. Removing dust should be easy to deal with an air blower. No need to open the pump as the lid is sealed shut and cannot be opened.
8. Is Liquid Cooling or Air Cooling more efficient?
Without any shred of doubt, liquid cooling is considered to be more effective. This is because water dissipates heat way better than air. Then there is the case with noise. Liquid coolers and AIOs generally come with noise impellers. This causes them to work under silent operation. You won’t even get to hear the sound of fans spinning. What a bliss!
9. What needs more cooling? Processor or Graphics Card?
Graphics cards do tend to overheat. But modern graphics cards do have state-of-the-art built-in coolers inside them. Strictly, speaking, you only require a GPU cooler when overclocking your graphics card. If you don’t require a GPU cooler, consider investing in an air cooler or AIO cooler for your processor for overclocking your processors in order to enhance your multitasking options.
10. What is the best GPU cooler?
After our intensive research, benchmarks and also taking user reports into consideration, we have come to the conclusion that the ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler or Corsair Hydro X Series XG7 (our number 1 pick and suitable for the new series of GPUs), is the best modern-day cooler. It comes equipped with 3 big fans combined with an MX-4 compound. Moreover, the cooling capacity is 300 watts. Not only does it ensure your graphics do not overheat but remains stable and effortlessly cools down the GPU by 30 degrees. Furthermore, it is extremely quiet and contains a noise impeller and a new fan controller.
Top Picks
Conclusion
There is not much sense in owning a GPU cooler if you own a modern GPU such as an RTX 2080 Ti or RTX 3080. If you own even a GTX 1060/1080, there is actually no need for a GPU cooler unless the brand you have purchased has a bad reputation for thermal management. If you own a lower-end GPU, consider saving up that money aside for a new GPU. The best GPU coolers that we have mentioned are solely aimed at enthusiasts who need that custom cooling control to ramp up the performance to the moon, plan to run GPU for mining, or if they want to squeeze every bit of performance in intensive gaming sessions.
Thus we wrap our review for the best GPU coolers available today. We greatly appreciate it if you took the time to read our review. We plan to update this article annually. Hope this article came of some use to you. If it did, maybe share this article with your friends or family.
Read Also