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Selecting the best CPU cooler for LGA 1155 socket can be a daunting task due to a couple of reasons. The first thing is that there are so many cooling systems out there that will leave you confused when picking the right one for your needs.
Second, these technological products are evolving too quickly due to which some people worry their setups will get outdated soon. However, if you pick the right cooling device for your PC CPU then chances are you won’t regret it for a year or two.
With that said, we’ve got your back therefore, you shouldn’t worry about anything at all. We did some research while looking for the best CPU cooler for LGA 1155 socket out there. During our study, we analyzed a bunch of CPU coolers and checked their pros and cons.
After careful analysis, we were able to not only shortlist a few best ones, but we were able to find the best overall, best air and liquid cooling systems for you.
Let’s check them out below.
Contents
Best CPU Cooler For LGA 1155 – A Comparison Table
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo |
| Check Latest Price |
Premium Choice | NZXT Kraken Z53 240mm |
| Check Latest Price |
Budget Choice | PCCOOLER E91M 90mm |
| Check Latest Price |
Best Liquid Cooling System | Corsair Hydro Series H60 |
| Check Latest Price |
Best Low Noise Cooler | Be Quiet! BK008 Pure Rock Slim |
| Check Latest Price |
Smoothest Cooler For LGA 1155 | ARCTIC Alpine 12 CO |
| Check Latest Price |
Best RGB Cooling System | Thermaltake TH120 ARGB |
| Check Latest Price |
The Most Versatile Cooler | Cooler Master i71C RGB |
| Check Latest Price |
The Minimalistic Cooler | Thermaltake Gravity i2 |
| Check Latest Price |
Best Bang For The Buck | Antec CPU Cooler |
| Check Latest Price |
10 best Processor coolers for LGA 1155 socket Reviews
#1 Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler
- Power connector: 4 pin
- Wattage: 2.64 watts
- Cooling method: Air Cooling
- Noise: 36 dB
- Air Flow: 82.9 CFM
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is one of the most popular CPU coolers on the market right now. It comes from a reliable brand and it’s compatible with pretty much every existing socket out there.
- Affordable price.
- Compatible with existing sockets
- Extremely easy to install and set up.
- Silent operation.
- It might be a bit too small for some people’s taste.
Brand | Cooler Master |
Power Connector | 4 pin |
Wattage | 2.64 watts |
Cooling Method | Air Cooling |
Noise Level | 36 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 82.9 CFM |
Our top choice also has a unique design and an exceptional performance as well. Additionally, this cooling system comes at a very affordable price, which is another great thing about it.
In addition to this, the 212 EVO features a 4th generation smart design with a high-quality copper heat-sink. It’s also equipped with two 120 mm fans, which will provide exceptional airflow and cooling performance.
In case you prefer silent operation of your cooler, then you should know that the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is also equipped with PWM fans, to achieve this it comes with a 4th generation bearing and an adjustable fan speed.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO will help you keep your PC temperature down to an absolute minimum while being completely silent at the same time.
By far we found it the best overall CPU cooler for LGA 1155 sockets due to its easy installation, best cooling performance, and prolonged lifespan.
#2 NZXT Kraken Z53 240mm
- Power Connector: 4 pin
- Wattage: 3.1 watt
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noisel:36 dB
- Air Flow: 27.27 CFM
NZXT Kraken Z53 is one of those rare cooling systems that features a 120mm radiator, which helps it achieve exceptional cooling and airflow performance.
Additionally, this CPU cooler will help you reduce the temperature of your PC while at the same time keeping it completely silent.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Excellent performance and airflow.
- Affordable price
- Suitable for smaller form factors
- Intelligent LED screen
- A bit noisy but this won’t be a problem if you’re using it in a case that has good ventilation.
Brand | NZXT |
Power Connector | 4 pin |
Wattage | 3.1 watt |
Cooling Method | liquid |
Noise Level | 36 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 27.27 CFM |
Because of its compact design, NZXT Kraken Z53 is a great cooling system for small form factor cases. This means that you can install it in gaming systems with low space, HTPCs and mini-ITX builds which are becoming popular by the day.
Due to its easy installation in even smaller form factor mobos, we’ve marked it as the best compact CPU cooler for LGA 1155 sockets on our list.
Moreover, the system features 2.36 inches led which is capable of displaying the temperature of your CPU. Furthermore, you can change the color and brightness of it as well thanks to the NZXT CAM software that comes with it.
This cooling system is compatible with all current Intel LGA 1155 socket CPUs including i3, i5, i7, and other devices. In fact, it can reduce the temperature of any CPU by up to 20%.
#3 PCCOOLER E91M
- Power Connector: 4 Pin
- Wattage: 125
- Cooling Method: Air
- Noise: 26.5 dB
- Air Flow: 45.6CFM
If you are specifically in search of a CPU cooler that will offer great performance but won’t cost you a lot then the PCCOOLER E91M is your best bet.
It comes as an excellent value for money option which adds minimal noise to your system along with solid cooling performance. It consists of an aluminum structure that allows it to provide efficient cooling without producing too much unnecessary noise.
- Great value for money.
- Comes with a powerful fan.
- The best option for budget-oriented gamers and content creators.
- The overall design could’ve been better as it looks a bit old school.
Brand | PCCOOLER |
Power Connector | 4 Pin |
Wattage | 125 |
Cooling Method | Air |
Noise Level | 26.5 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 45.6CFM |
Although sometimes it starts producing noise especially if you overclock your CPU. It takes away some of the heatsink pressure from the processor while providing well cooling performance to keep the temperature in check.
Moreover, the system features a decent balance of airflow and static pressure to make things easier for you. We don’t recommend it for heavy-duty situations like overclocking etc. but for regular gaming and streaming purposes, this device has no flaws.
#4 Corsair Hydro Series H60
- Power Connector: 4 pin
- Wattage: 3.1 watt
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise: 28.3 dB
- Air Flow: 57.2 CFM
Corsair is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to gaming accessories. They have introduced some excellent products over the years which are loved by many gamers around the world.
During our research, we stumbled upon the H60 AIO CPU cooler which upon a little bit of digging found out to be the best CPU cooler for LGA 1155 socket, in the Corsair lineup.
- It comes with a powerful fan to provide efficient cooling.
- It is easy to install.
- Liquid cooling system
- Reliable for long term usage
- Lacks RGB lighting
Brand | Corsair |
Power Connector | 4 pin |
Wattage | 3.1 watt |
Cooling Method | liquid |
Noise Level | 28.3 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 57.2 CFM |
Corsair have introduced this product as an entry-level version of liquid cooling systems, and you know what? It does a great job at it! To be honest, we weren’t expecting much from this cooling system, especially for LGA 1155 sockets.
However, after quite a bit of digging about this particular device, we were shocked to see the results. We found it to be the best liquid cooling system for CPUs that are housed in LGA 1155 sockets due to a couple of reasons.
The first thing that we enjoyed the most about this device is the fact that it comes with two 120mm fans. These fans provide outstandingly powerful performance which results in efficient heat dissipation.
It even comes with a black aluminum radiator that offers a greater surface area for heat dissipation and better performance overall.
The Corsair H60 AIO CPU cooler has a low-profile design, which allows you to easily install this device without causing any major complications. Moreover, it features a sleek black finish to make it look clean in your gaming setup.
#5 Be Quiet! BK008 Pure Rock Slim
- Power Connector: 4 pin
- Wattage: 120 Watt
- Cooling Method: Air Cooling
- Noise: 25.4 dB
- Air Flow: 35.14 CFM
Speaking of noise, we know most gamers want their rooms to be as quiet as possible to enjoy their gaming sessions. Under such conditions, if any component of their system is producing sound then this can be a bit annoying.
If you are a noise-conscious gamer then you must take a look at the be quiet! BK008 Pure Rock.
- Excellent performance.
- Suitable for low RPM fans and high power ones as well.
- Very quiet when operating idle or even under load
- Affordable price.
- Great performance and airflow
- A bit time taking to install for some people
- The design of the unit could be a bit better
Brand | Be Quiet! |
Power Connector | 4 pin |
Wattage | 120 Watt |
Cooling Method | Air Cooling |
Noise Level | 25.4 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 35.14 CFM |
This compact fan makes it one of the best CPU coolers for LGA 1155 socket builds. You should know that it meets all the requirements needed to achieve this goal.
It comes with a unique fin design and increased surface area, along with PWM support and a super-fast fan. So, this cooling system can deliver exceptional performance with virtually no noise at all.
Moreover, this cooling system is not only limited to low noise, but also has some of the best performance stats during load conditions. During our research, we found that most people were actually happy with the cooling it provides.
#6 ARCTIC Alpine 12 CO
- Power Connector: 4 pin
- Wattage: 95 W
- Cooling Method: Air Cooling
- Noise: 0.5 Sones
- Air Flow: 55.28 CFM
The ARCTIC Alpine 12 CO is a rather unique CPU cooler as it has the distinctive ability to let you choose between two different fans, depending on what your need is.
This means that it will either feature two 120mm PWM compatible fans or one single 140mm fan. In both cases, these EBR series of fans are some of the most efficient and quietest ones on the market.
- Comes with two fans.
- Affordable price.
- Comes with a fan speed controller.
- Comes with thermal paste and mounting hardware.
- Not that great for overclocking purposes as the heat sink is not tall enough.
Brand | ARCTIC |
Power Connector | 4 pin |
Wattage | 95 W |
Cooling Method | Air Cooling |
Noise Level | 0.5 Sones |
Air Flow Capacity | 55.28 CFM |
ARCTIC Alpine 12 CO CPU cooler also comes with a fan speed controller that will allow you to adjust the speed of these fans depending on your need, which is another feature that we like about it.
Additionally, this CPU cooler supports all LGA 1155 socket CPUs including i5, i7, and other CPUs. Apart from that, the dual bearings system makes the fan run smoothly like butter without any issue whatsoever.
This cooler is easy to install which makes it an excellent choice for most people. Besides that, the system offers extremely efficient performance and that too with a very pocket-friendly budget.
If you want a cooler that will be cheap but still works well, then you should consider this one.
#7 Thermaltake TH120 ARGB - Best RGB Cooling System
- Power Connector: 4 pin
- Wattage: 1.60 Watt
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise: 28.2 dB
- Air Flow: 59.28 CFM
We have taken a look at many CPU coolers in this list, but Thermaltake TH120 is by far the most stylish cooling system we’ve come across.
This high-performance device comes with an eye-catching ARGB lighting effect that will surely set it apart from all other CPU coolers on the market.
- Stylish design and lighting.
- Efficient performance.
- It comes with a pump speed switch function and silent mode.
- User-friendly installation process makes it perfect for any build.
- A bit expensive compared to other CPU coolers on the list
Brand | Thermaltake |
Power Connector | 4 pin |
Wattage | 1.60 Watt |
Cooling Method | Liquid |
Noise Level | 28.2 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 59.28 CFM |
It also comes with a silent mode and pump-speed switching functions that you can use to make it suitable for your build. If you want a CPU cooler that will work perfectly with Intel LGA 1151 socket CPUs, then this one is perfect for you.
Being a liquid cooling system, it provides maximum performance than air cooling systems can. Also, there is no sound produced so you can play games or do whatever you want to do without any noise.
Last but not least, this device does not require refilling, which makes it a perfect choice for a nonstop gaming experience.
#8 Cooler Master i71C RGB - The Most Versatile Cooler
- Power Connector: 4 pin
- Wattage: 2.4
- Cooling Method: Air
- Noise: 25.0 decibels
- Air Flow: 37 CFM
Cooler Master i71C RGB is a cooling system that offers exceptional performance with the support of a 120mm PMW fan. The device is compatible with a wide range of systems including both Intel and AMD CPUs.
Moreover, it has cool RGB Lights that make it stand out from the crowd. The anodized black aluminum fins along with the copper insert come together to effectively offer optimal cooling and heat dissipation.
- It is compatible with a wide range of systems and CPUs.
- RGB Lighting offers great customization options.
- The 4 port RGB header lets you connect other lighting devices to the system.
- Very stylish design
- Great value for money
- The fan is a bit loud.
Brand | Cooler Master |
Power Connector | 4 pin |
Wattage | 2.4 |
Cooling Method | Air |
Noise Level | 25.0 decibels |
Air Flow Capacity | 37 CFM |
The product comes with a 4 port RGB header which allows you to connect other lighting devices to the system giving you more customization options. Apart from that, the 60 millimeters super thin design ensures that it will not take up a lot of space.
In addition to this, the device features a high-quality design that looks amazing with modern computer setups and will surely add beauty to your inventory.
#9 Thermaltake Gravity i2 95W
- Power Connector: 3-pin
- Wattage: 95 watts
- Cooling Method: Air
- Noise: 21.3 dB
- Air Flow: 31.34 CFM
If you are fond of minimal style components and want your system to look clean, elegant, and simple then we have something perfect for you.
During our research, we found the Gravity i2 95W CPU cooling system for LGA 1155 socket. We found it a very interesting device due to a couple of reasons.
- Compact and sleek design.
- Does not require any special maintenance.
- Low noise fan and lightweight design make it a perfect choice for low-profile systems.
- Not suitable for overclocking purposes.
Brand | Thermaltake |
Power Connector | 3-pin |
Wattage | 95 watts |
Cooling Method | Air |
Noise Level | 21.3 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 31.34 CFM |
The first thing that we like the most is its metallic silver color that goes well with any system build. Apart from that, it comes in a very small package which makes it a perfect choice for mini-ITX builds where space is a premium.
The compact design also makes sure that you don’t spend too much on the cooling device as this one will give you the same performance as other more expensive CPU coolers.
It features a 7-blade low noise fan with the support of an aluminum fin design that will make sure that heat is quickly dissipated away from the system.
#10 Antec CPU Cooler
- Power Connector: 3 pin
- Wattage: 65 watt
- Cooling Method: Air
- Noise: 35 dB
- Air Flow: 36 CFM
If you are looking for an option in your budget range but don’t want to compromise on quality then consider the Antec CPU cooler. It proves to be one of the 10 best CPU cooler for LGA 1155 socket due to its efficient performance.
The thing that makes it stand out from the whole crowd is the durable construction of this CPU cooling system.
- The quality is top-notch.
- It features a large fan for better airflow.
- Silent yet powerful fans.
- RGB lighting offers great customization options.
- The installation process may be tricky for beginners.
Brand | Antec |
Power Connector | 3 pin |
Wattage | 65 watt |
Cooling Method | Air |
Noise Level | 35 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 36 CFM |
This bestselling CPU cooler consists of premium quality parts that make it a long-lasting device without compromising on its quality.
Another thing that is superb about the Antec CPU cooler is the large fan of this system which works surprisingly well when it comes to heat dissipation.
It features a fin scale shape which allows it to provide efficient performance while staying silent at the same time.
Besides that, the manufacturer has done a splendid job by adding cool RGB lights to it which makes it suitable for modern gaming setups.
It provides a great balance between airflow and noise when you combine low RPM fans with high static pressure.
Buyer’s Guide on the Best CPU Coolers for LGA 1155 Sockets
There are hundreds of manufacturers from all around the world who offer a variety of options when it comes to cooling systems, but not every single one is great.
To make things easier for you guys, we have decided to create this buyer’s guide to help you understand what to look for in a CPU cooler.
To find the best CPU cooler for your build, there are a few things that you should know including:
1. Volume and Power Supply
One of the most critical things to look for when buying a CPU cooler is how much noise it produces while working.
What I mean by this is that some fans produce low amounts of noise, while others can even be loud enough to distract your gameplay.
One of the main reasons behind this inconvenience is due to the fact that different fans might be compatible with your motherboard, and while selecting a CPU cooler, you should look at the manufacturer’s manual for compatibility.
There is more than one way in which you can find out if a particular product is compatible with your computer. I would recommend checking directly on the manufacturer’s website for more information.
If you are buying a CPU cooler for overclocking purposes, the most important thing that you should look at is how much power it can provide to your system.
To be honest, there is no fun in building a gaming PC if you don’t plan on overclocking it and squeezing out that extra bit of performance.
2. Air Cooling Vs Liquid Cooling
When it comes to the lifespan of your CPU, I would recommend using either a liquid cooling system or an air cooler, as both of these provide excellent performance while reducing the noise levels.
However, If you are on a budget and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a CPU cooler, then I would recommend using an air cooling system.
There are a few things that I would like to mention when it comes to air cooling, and one of these is the fact that you will need a large case if you want all those extra fans.
If you do decide to go with an air cooling system and you are on a budget look for CPU coolers that come with multiple fans, as this will provide better performance while allowing you to reduce the noise levels.
3. Socket Compatibility
The first and most important thing you need to check when you are buying a CPU cooler for LGA 1155 sockets is socket compatibility. If your motherboard does not support a particular CPU cooler then that’s it.
You cannot use such a CPU cooler on your system, no matter how good it is or isn’t.
So, if you’ve just bought a new motherboard then the first thing you need to do is check whether your motherboard has LGA 1155 sockets or not.
If it doesn’t have LGA 1155 sockets, then you should either go with another motherboard or choose another CPU cooler that is compatible with LGA 1155 sockets.
You also might want to check my article on the best CPU coolers for LGA 775 socket.
4. Air CPU Cooling vs Liquid CPU Cooling
The next important thing you need to consider is whether you want to go with an air cooling system or a liquid cooling system for your CPU.
While an air cooling system is cheaper and easy to install, it cannot perform well as a liquid cooling system.
However, a liquid cooling system is more expensive and hard to install, but it can perform better than any air cooling system.
So, if you want to get the best performance, then you should probably go with a liquid CPU cooler for LGA 1155 sockets.
5. Fan Size
When it comes to selecting a CPU cooler for LGA 1155 sockets, you need to check the size of its fan. Fan sizes come in various forms such as 92mm, 120mm, 140mm, and 200mm, etc.
You should choose the right fan size depending on your needs because the fan size determines the amount of airflow in your system.
The larger the fan size, the more airflow there will be inside your system, and by increasing the airflow, you’ll be able to keep all of your components cool.
So, if you have a large case or many expansion cards, then you should probably go with a CPU cooler that has a larger fan size.
6. Insulation
Now, this is another important thing you need to check while selecting a CPU cooler for LGA 1155 sockets. If your computer gets too hot regularly, then you might want to consider going with a CPU cooler that is made of good thermal conductive material.
If your computer gets too hot regularly then you might want to check out CPU coolers that are completely copper-based.
Such types of CPU coolers can do a pretty good job in keeping your system cool and you’ll be able to use such a CPU cooler for years without any trouble at all.
7. Fan Speed Control
You also need to check the fan speed control system of your CPU cooler because it can play a pretty big role in keeping your computer cool even when there’s no airflow inside your PC case.
So, if you are using an air cooling system then I would recommend a CPU cooler that has a PWM fan speed control system.
This type of fan is pretty good at maintaining the temperature inside your computer and it reduces power consumption by a great amount.
8. AirFlow Restrictor
You also need to make sure that your CPU cooler has some type of airflow restriction. Most of the entry-level LGA 1155 coolers don’t have any kind of airflow restrictors, and they allow too much airflow inside your system.
If you are thinking about getting a CPU cooler for LGA 1155 sockets then you should make sure that it has at least a 2-inch long airflow restrictor.
8. Noise Level
Another important thing you need to consider is the noise level of your CPU cooler. If your cooler makes too much noise then you might not be able to use such a product in an office setting without causing any trouble for other people.
So, if you are looking for a quiet CPU cooler then I would advise you to go with Noctua’s D14 product because it is the quietest CPU cooler that can also perform pretty well at keeping your system cool.
9. Direct Contact Heatpipes
There are mainly 2 types of CPU cooler heat sink designs out there, the ones that have direct contact heat pipes and the ones that don’t.
And if you want to select the best CPU cooling solution for your system and increase its lifespan, then you should definitely go for one that has direct contact heat pipes. It is because they provide much better performance than the ones that don’t have direct contact heat pipes.
And don’t forget to also check out our popular guide on the best budget CPUs under $200 this year.
Final Words
If you have made it this far, we hope you will have made your choice by now. However, if you are still struggling to make the right choice then we can help you with that.
After doing a lot of research on this topic and checking multiple platforms, we found that the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler proves to be the best CPU cooler for LGA 1155 socket.
Apart from that, if you are looking for a liquid CPU cooling system then we highly recommend going for the Corsair Hydro Series H60 AIO.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide. Please feel free to let us know if you have something on your mind and want to share it with us.