Liquid cooling the AMD Ryzen CPUs is considered the most effective way of keeping the thermals in check by many PC gamers. While these processors are getting more efficient but due to the new games being released today are more demanding than ever so things can get a bit toasty. No longer games require few cores but on the contrary, some games can even push the processor to the limit.
This has increased the demand for the best CPU liquid cooler because this type of cooling is superior when compared to air cooling and AIO liquid coolers also occupy less space. With the market now being flooded with CPU liquid coolers, it has become a grueling task to find the best Ryzen cooler so to assist you we have compiled a list of Ryzen CPU coolers which we consider worthy of occupying a space in your build. But before we dive into the list of the 8 best liquid cooler for Ryzen let us understand some of the aspects and features which can influence the purchase decision.
TL;DR – These are the Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen
Product Preview | Our Pick | Key Specs | Pricing |
 | Overall The Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen: NZXT Kraken Z63 |
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 | Best Liquid CPU Cooler Alternative: EVGA CLC 280 RGB |
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 | Best Value to Money AIO Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 |
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 | Best 120mm AIO Liquid Cooler: EK-AIO 120 D-RGB |
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 | Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 9: Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Mirror |
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 | Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 7: Corsair iCUE H100i |
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 | Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 5: Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB |
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 | Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 3: Deepcool Captain 240 RGB V2 |
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The Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen Buyer’s Guide
Strictly speaking, most liquid coolers are different from each other and offer something unique. This uniqueness of features or characteristics sets them apart and make them better or worse when compared to their competitor. Let’s explore some of these characteristics.
How to Choose the Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen?
Pump Assembly and General Build Quality
The most crucial aspect of a liquid AIO cooler is the pump assembly of the cooler. If the manufacturer has not put enough thought into the pump mechanism then there are chances of leakage. This leakage can result in damage to the cooler and well as other components inside the case due to the spillage of liquid.
To avoid this from occurring good liquid cooler have reinforced seals which prevent any leakage. The general build quality of the cooler is also important because if a part of the Aio is not well it results in the cooler not delivering its maximum performance. As a consumer, you should avoid products from unknown brands and buy something from a reputable manufacturer to ensure good quality control.
Different Sizes
Aio liquid coolers come in four main sizes that being 120mm, 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm. The size difference is mainly due to the radiator’s capacity of accommodating different size fans. The main fan size is 120mm and 140mm so judging by that one can determine the idea behind the naming scheme of Aio liquid coolers.
The 120mm liquid coolers support a single fan, the 240mm supports dual 120mm fans, the 280mm supports dual 140mm fans and the 360mm comes with a tripe 120mm fan configuration. When buying your liquid cooler you should check out the fan support of the case you are rocking and also narrow down your search based on how much cooling you need and how much noise you can tolerate.
Rgb lighting
This is subjective. Some people prefer Rgb lighting while others want a clean looking cooler for their build. So take your pick here but if you want to go down the Rgb route check the Rgb configuration of your cooler and your motherboard. Rgb liquid coolers with come either an ARGB 5V connection or 12V connection regardless of which you buying check if your motherboard has the same socket.
Some manufacturers also use their proprietary software while others use the Rgb Controller Hub. There is no right or wrong here just check which one is more convenient for you to use and offers the most features and customization.
The 8 Best Liquid Coolers for Ryzen
Top Picks & Recommendations
1. NZXT Kraken Z63
Overall The Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen
When it comes to liquid AIO coolers NZXT is one of the most renowned brands in the segment. This Z63 cooler is their top of the line cooler. Being the best CPU liquid cooler for Ryzen this provides the users with unique features.
The build quality of the cooler is very good. The pump and radiator are well machined and this cooler uses Asetek latest 7th generation platform which claims to provide an improvement over the previous generation in terms of efficiency and cooling. The failure chances are also minimal for this cooler and rest assured it has good longevity and won’t break down after a short while.
The most striking or you can also say the most unique feature of this cooler is the inclusion of an LCD screen on the pump. This screen is configurable through the NZXT software and can be made to display any metric of the system. You can also make the screen cycle through different information and integrate a different color for every different stat and information. This is not where the fun ends though and this screen is even also capable of displaying gifs or still images that can be uploaded through the software.
In terms of display and brightness, the screen is sharp and it has plenty of brightness for easy visibility. The font is also simple and clean. Besides this configurable screen, this color does not come with Rgb fans but has NZXT Rgb integrated so integrating NZXT Aer Rgb fans later down the line will not be a problem. Still for the price at which the cooler retails Rgb fans would have been a nice inclusion.
NZXT Z63 is not all about the looks though. This cooler has solid performance to back up its flair. Z63 can handle any CPU you throw at it with ease. It has enough cooling capacity to even keep the most demanding ryzen CPUs at bay. Furthermore, the operation of this cooler is also silent and almost inaudible during normal use. Things can get loud when the Fans are running at their max speed but to negate this users can set custom fan profiles in the NZXT software.
Conclusion
NZXT Z63 continues the companies tradition of providing the best-in-class AMD Ryzen CPU coolers with unique features. The configurable LCD screen on this cooler is a great addition that sets it apart from its competitors and is unlike any other cooler available in the market. This cooler also has the performance to back up its aesthetics and features. Overall, the best CPU cooler for Ryzen and one worthy of consideration if you can swallow the pill of the expensive price tag.
2. EVGA CLC 280 RGB
Best Liquid CPU Cooler Alternative
EVGA CLC is a simple barebones cooler that emphasizes on performance rather than aesthetics. It has everything catered towards optimizing performance with just a few flashy touches to make it less boring and plain.
This cooler features an Asetek pump design so leakage should not be a concern because asetek generally makes solid pumps. The build quality of the rest of the cooler is good. The block is well machines and is uniform and the radiator has good fin distribution. Besides the build, the installation of this cooler is also relatively simple when compared to other coolers in the segment. The process is not jarring and even a novice builder can make it through the process with ease.
The only Rgb implementation this cooler has is on its pump. The Evga logo engraved lights up and the Rgb is configurable through the EVGA flow control software. In the software, you get full control over the lighting and can set up different effects like a color cycling mode. The software also allows the user to set up fan profiles and also monitor the stats of the Aio.
Since this AIO is built for performance it stacks very well in this segment. Compared to the other 280mm competitors it has better performance at the same fan Rpm. This cooler is also relatively quieter. This cooler is excellent for most Ryzen CPUs and provides sufficient cooling so they don’t get too hot and thermal throttle. You can also overclock CPU on this cooler but you will have to use a more aggressive fan curve which will result in more noise. The cooler does a good job of limiting the noise and even during full load, the noise is bearable.
Conclusion
EVGA CLC 280 is a simple cooler that sticks to its purpose of providing good performance. While it does very well in the performance segment but it leaves you stranded with its basic design. Some extra flair and more features would have completed an otherwise great cooler. Having said that the performance this cooler offers cannot be denied and some people prefer the design RGB implementation and if you are in that person this is a great buy.
3. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240
Best Value to Money AIO Cooler
When it comes to simple liquid coolers it does get more hardcore than this Arctic Liquid Freezer cooler. Taking a glance at the cooler and you realize how toned down this cooler is.
Coming straight to the VRM cooler housed inside the pump. This may seem gimmicky or unnecessary but it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Happy to report that this feature does provides cooling to a region where otherwise airflow would be scarce. This benefits the overall cooling capacity of the cooler and is a well thought out addition.
Since this is a bland cooler and does not have any sort of Rgb one can realize where the main attention has gone when designing the cooler. A good performing cooler is not complete without the solid construction. Here the build quality is excellent. The pump is well put together and the whole package oozes of quality.
This is built to last the test to time. Before we dive into the performance of the cooler one should know that this is a bulky and a chunky cooler. It is a larger footprint than your typical 240mm cooler so keep that mind and check if your setup can accommodate this cooler.
Coming now to the performance and this is where this cooler truly shines. Though it can be a bit inconvenient to install this cooler because the process is tedious at best but it is well worth it. The performance of Arctic Freezer is truly exceptional. For the price, this cooler obliterates the competition in terms of cooling capability and also gives the more expensive coolers a run for their money.
This cooler has plenty of cooling to be sufficient for Ryzen 5 and also provides a good thermal headroom so if you want to overclock the CPU it is possible. The fans are also rather quiet and during normal use they are inaudible. When things get serious and the fans get cranked up to their max they still manage to remain relatively silent and do not get as loud as the competitors in this price segment.
Conclusion
Arctic freezer delivers on the performance front without sacrificing aesthetics or design. This is a simple yet excellent product, so the recommendation for this is simple as well. If you want the best AIO cooler which can provide you the best possible performance for the least amount of money then this should be right up your alley.
4. EK-AIO 120 D-RGB
Best 120mm AIO Liquid Cooler
This AIO cooler from EK aims to combine performance, features, and design in an all-in-one package. A small size AIO is needed by many people due to space constraints when making mini builds. Unfortunately in the market, there are no good 120mm AIO but this product changes the whole game and perception of small liquid coolers.
Like its big brothers that being 360mm and 240mm versions this cooler has a striking appearance. The Rgb lighting on the pump head is done uniquely. The head has an acrylic diffuser mounted on top of the lights. This dissipates the lights evenly and creates a smooth and blended lighting profile. The fan also has Rgb lighting and all the Rgb on this cooler can be controlled via the motherboard software of different vendors.
The build quality is also good and the finishing on the product screams quality. The CPU block has a smooth finish which provides good contact with the chip beneath. The installation process is also intuitive and getting the cooler ready and mounted takes little time and effort. The performance is also good for a 120mm liquid cooler. It can easily handle most processors you throw at it with ease.
The noise generated by the pump is also minimal. During normal use, the pump remains silent, and even during intense tasks, the pump remains barely audible. The fan on this cooler sing another tale though and this vader fan can get loud. So it is recommended to cap the fan speed to allow for silent operation but if you want maximum performance and noise is not your concern then you can leave it as it is.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a compact liquid cooler and want something in a 120mm form factor then this is the best CPU liquid cooler that can fulfill your requirements. EK AIO 120mm has excellent performance for a compact cooler and also makes for an aesthetically pleasing piece in the setup. If the price is not your concern then you should check this out.
5. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Mirror
Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 9
Cooler Master is no stranger when it comes to CPU cooling products. The cooler featured on this in from their top of the line series. MasterLiquid ML360 Mirror packs a lot of features with great performance for a fair price.
Starting with the build quality and the overall construction of the cooler. This cooler has a robust build quality and the company claims to have an industrial grade seal for the pump. Looking at the pump it is indeed well put together and the chance of any leakage is minimal to the point where you do not have to worry about it even in the long run. The radiator is also solid and the finishing on it is decent.
The most striking element of this cooler is the 3D RGB pump. Shying away from the competition the Cooler Master logo on the pump is illuminated in a 3D pattern. Looking at the logo it gives of the impression of light being reflected from a mirror. This gives the cooler a unique design element and separates it from the crowd. The RGB lighting on the pump is customizable and the cooler is compatible with various motherboard’s software. In the box, there is also an RGB controller hub. The inclusion of this is greatly welcomed and for people with non-ARGB boards this can come in handy.
Coming to the performance now and this cooler also fares well in that regard. It comes in 3 sizes but we recommend the 360mm size for Ryzen 9. It has 3 Sickleflow fans and these fans do a fine job at providing sufficient airflow without compromising much on the noise control. Still, there is some fan noise and during normal use, this cooler provides sufficient cooling for the CPU without the fans being loud. During full load, things can get a little toasty but this cooler still manages to maintain the CPU temperatures below the maximum threshold. During this scenario, the fans do get loud.
Conclusion
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Mirror comes with a unique set of features that differentiate it from the rest of the cooler. Today where most of the generic liquid AIO coolers look similar this is a good alternative that breaks away from the mold and integrates a unique design. On top of that, the performance is also good coupled that with the good build quality and the company’s claim of industrial-grade seal it is a recipe for longevity and will be able to accommodate a CPU upgrade down the line. With all this to back it up, this cooler is an easy recommendation.
6. Corsair iCUE H100i
Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 7
When it comes to the best AIO coolers corsair is a household name in the segment. This cooler from corsair has a rich history of being a very potent piece of hardware at a good price.
Corsair iCUE H100i is a 240mm AIO cooler. This compact size makes the cooler practical and can also fit into my build. The cooler comes in different variants. The main difference in the variants being the RGB lighting and design of the cooler.
The base variant of this cooler also referred as H100i pro XT has Rgb only on the pump head and while the version next up in the chart known as Elite Capillax adds Rgb fans as well for good measure. Both these variants have True Rgb which can be controlled and customized through the corsair iCue software. Then there is the top of the line platinum version which adds a few extra neat touches. For the software to work it is required to use the included RGB Controller Hub.
Since this a 240mm radiator it has two 120mm fans which help to draw the air. The block of the cooler is also well made and the pipes incorporated into the pump are also of good quality. The cooler is well made and the build quality is good overall.
Coming onto the performance of Corsair H100i. This cooler performs fantastically for a 240mm cooler. It keeps the temperature well under control and pairing it up with a Ryzen 7 is a fine choice. The cooler keeps the CPU under the thermal limit and the CPU never throttles. The increased cooling performance also allows the CPU to maintain higher booster clocks.
With all this performance you might be drawn to the conclusion of this cooler being very loud under full load. But we are happy to report that the fans stay relatively quiet during normal use but things can get a little turned up when under full load. During intensive tasks, the fan can get a little loud but they never get too uncomfortable or annoying. To finish it off this cooler supports the Corsair software. In the software, you can configure and customize all the aspects of the cooler to your liking.
Conclusion
Corsair iCUE H100i is a fantastic all-around cooler that combines a bit of everything to provide the consumer with a complete package. It is not the best in each of the different categories but its respected fairing in performance, aesthetics, noise, and features make it an excellent choice and one that should be on your list.
7. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB
Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 5
Cooler Master makes some great liquid coolers at a fair price and this cooler is no exception. MasterLiquid ML240L V2 comes at the budget spectrum of the cooler line but has a good amount of features and integrated true RGB lighting which is hard to find on a cooler in this price segment.
The build quality is what you would expect from a budget-oriented cooler. It is nothing special but gets the job done. Giving them credit the pump assembly seems to be good so leakage is not a problem here, unlike many budget low-end coolers. The CPU block is also well machined and the finish is decent.
The installation process for this cooler is not the best though. Credit to cooler master again though because they have included a thermal paste in the box which is a nice touch. This cooler comes with 2 Rgb fans. These included fans are compatible with the motherboard software of different manufacturers and for the people who do not have access to the Rgb header Coolermaster has also included an Rgb controller hub. Fans can be plugged into this hub and be used this way.
Coming onto the performance and here the cooler is acceptable. While it is not the best performing cooler but it is adequate for CPUs which demand less cooling like the Ryzen 3. For these processors, this cooler is a good upgrade over the stock AMD CPU cooler and provides much better thermal. There is also an overclock headroom so if you want to fiddle with the clocks and voltage of the CPU it is possible. The noise level is also acceptable. The fans and the pump can get loud during full load but otherwise, during normal use it is silent
Conclusion
If you looking to get into liquid coolers and want to upgrade from the stock cooler then this a great choice. It has a healthy performance boost over the stock cooler and also has integrated RGB lighting in the fans. Overall, an appealing package for how much it is priced.
8. Deepcool Captain 240 RGB V2
Best Liquid Cooler for Ryzen 3
Deepcool is a company that offers exceptional products for fraction of the price compared to its competitors and this cooler is no different.
Deepcool Captain V2 cannot be categorized as a cheap cooler regardless of its price tag because the company has gone above and beyond to provide this cooler with design, performance, and build quality.
The most common issue with most coolers in the same segment as Captain V2 is the leakage problem. Deepcool has rectified that by adopting an anti-leak tech which prevents the pump from leaking. The build quality is also good but for the AMD Ryzen socket, the coupling for the lower hose sits a little tight. This can affect the long-term usability of the product but needless to say, if the cooler is installed with the care it won’t be a major problem. The installation is pretty straightforward but you should be mindful of the screws to not cross-thread them.
The pump design for this cooler is also not conventional. It has a glass tube protruding from the pump. This tube shows the circulation of the water something which nothing else offers. This cooler is also loaded with RGB goodness. The fans and the pump head both have RGB integration and this RGB lighting can be customized via motherboard software. This cooler is supported by all motherboards so integrating it into a build is convenient.
Coming to performance and you except the Aio to fall flat here but surprisingly it packs good performance. The block is made from copper and has pre-applied thermal paste. This cooler can easily handle Ryzen 3 with a great amount of cooling headroom to spare. You can use this to overclock the processor and squeeze extra performance out of it if you so like. The fans also do a good job but this cooler can get loud when the CPU is pushed to the max.
Conclusion
If you want to buy an entry-level best liquid CPU Cooler that has decent performance from a reliable manufacturer then look no further than this cooler. Though this cooler is not perfect and has a fair share of issues but for a whole package, it is terrific value for the money.
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Ending Thoughts
To wrap up everything mentioned in the article we would like to emphasize the importance of choosing the cooler which fits your needs the best. You as an individual will have different requirements which the cooler has to fulfill so find something which suits you and your build the best.
Different coolers are there in the market to fill a void and cater to different purposes. As an end-user, you should match your requirements with what the cooler offers to find something which works for you. We have listed the best liquid CPU Cooler for each Ryzen processor for your ease.
