Time has seriously passed since our last CPU cooling buying guide. As a reminder, our last big report was in 2019! So, in 3 years, new heatsink references have arrived on the market, others have left. But what is left? We peel back all that and we offer you the references that caught our attention. Are you ready? Let’s go !
We won’t teach you anything, a processor, when it works, it heats up. Less in idle, but when it is used, you still need to have something to cool it down. Especially lately with the increase in the number of cores that Intel and AMD have delivered. In theory, the more cores there are, the hotter they get, so you’ll need to provide cooling accordingly… Especially if you’re going to overclock, for example.
In short, during this 2022 cooling guide, we will answer the classic question: “What references should I take into account according to my budget? The focus compared to our 2016 guide hasn’t changed.
Before continuing, it is important to know that if a reference is not part of the guide, it is not because it is bad, far from it. Think of this guide as a selection of good coolers based on their price category. Moreover, for the selection, we based ourselves on the offer of Amazon France and on the catalogs of the LDLC group stores (Top Achat, Matériel.net, etc.). In short, as for the previous guides, this one will also be divided into four categories:
- Entry level : from 0 € to 30 €
- Mid-range: 30 € to 50 €
- High end : 50 € to 100 €
- Very high end: > 100 €
Come on, let’s go Guingamp!
Buying guide cooling 2022 : entroduction to the range
We start this buying guide with the entry-level category which represents solutions between 0 € and 30 €. This section is intended to cover the cooling needs of small processors that consume and heat little. Users do not want to go into overclocking and the machine is intended for light use.
Aircooling
Entry level : the radbox
A few years ago, AMD updated its whole range of heatsinks that come with their processors. Well, you should know that these are still available when you buy a new processor… Be careful though, as the Wraith Spire seems to have disappeared from the boxes, while the radbox is totally absent from the packaging of the biggest Ryzen. Indeed, the Ryzen 7 and 9 series do not include a heatsink anymore. At the same time, with the increase in consumption of these processors, the situation was becoming difficult to maintain.
At Intel, the blue giant recently surprised hardware enthusiasts (or not) by unveiling a new design for their “committed” heatsink. This newcomer has a more worked visual. It can be used on all CPU ranges, from the Core i3 to the Core i9, as long as it is a non-overclockable model.
Finally, what to think of this solution? It may be interesting if you don’t have the budget to spend on an alternative cooler. Nevertheless, you should not be too demanding. Otherwise, we can only advise you to increase your budget by about 30 euros to go for something bigger and perhaps more suitable.
Entry level : Fox Spirit Cold Snap VT120 Black
For a budget of about thirty euros, we find a model that stands out from the rest: the Fox Spirit Cold Snap VT120 Black. With this model, we skip all the small references in 92 mm to go directly to 120 mm. So for 29.90 € at Top Achat, what do we have here?
Firstly, we find a heatsink with a surface of exchange (surface in contact with the air) higher than what we offer a radbox. Then, we have the right to copper heat pipes, four in number, in charge of transporting the heat to the aluminum fins. And finally, a fan, imposing, of 12 cm. However, its size is not necessarily synonymous with large noise pollution since its speed of 1650 rpm should ensure a low noise level.
Finally, the aesthetics is worked with black aluminum fins, a top cover hiding the unsightly bous of the heat pipes. In short, it is affordable and tasteful. And if you want a bright light, the RGB version is available for 10 € more. But it remains accessory for this price range, better to focus on efficiency!
OCC’s Entry Level Tips:
- Radbox
- Fox Spirit Cold Snap VT120 Black
2022 Cooling Buyer’s Guide: meld of range
Let’s now go up in range and attack the more advanced heatsinks, the mid-range fans. These have a larger exchange surface and therefore better cooling performance. The products that interest us are located in a price range between 31 € and 50 €. Overclocking can be considered, but sparingly. Let’s see which references can be included in this buying guide.
Aircooling
Mid-range: DeepCool AK400
In this mid-range segment, we found a reference that particularly seduced us: theAK400 from DeepCool. Indeed, during our test, it turned out that the heatsink was particularly convincing because of its temperature and its controlled noise level.
However, it also shines by its compact size since its 155 mm height will allow it to slip in almost anywhere. The same goes for its thickness, since this model is 97 mm thick, so there should not be any major concerns about compatibility with RAM. Finally, the last interesting point is that it is compatible with Intel‘s LGA-1700 socket.
In short, for about 40 euros, we have a heatsink that is right in the middle of our 30€ to 50€ price range. The aesthetics are not to be outdone either. For us, this is clearly a reference to aim for in this price segment.
Mid-Range Alternative:Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo
If we were to suggest an alternative heatsink, it would be the Freezer 34 eSports Duo from Arctic. With this model, we’re moving on to a model that’s a bit bigger, thanks to its two 120mm fans… Because yes, it comes with two mills mounted in push/pull.
Once again, the performances are there, at least, they match with the DeepCool offer. And this Swiss model also offers a rather controlled noise. It is a reference that we advise you if you do not find the AK400 at the dealer you wish to visit… Or if you are looking for a very particular aesthetic. This model is available in several colors. Anyway, it’s not a bad choice either!
OCC Tip for Mid-Range:
- Mid-range:
- DeepCool AK400
- Mid-range alternative:
- Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo
2022 Cooling Buyer’s Guide: High End
We continue our buying guide and now arrive on the high-end sector, so we look at what is proposed to us on the 51 € to 100 € price range. In terms of use, we are looking to cool large processors while trying to get into overclocking.
Watercooling
High end: theArctic Liquid Freezer II 240
It is in this high-end sector that we are going to start talking about watercooling in the form of AIO. Indeed, before that, it was difficult to find anything except models with 120 mm radiators. And as they say: “better a good thing than a bad thing”. As you can see, we prefer to advise you to buy a good cooling unit rather than a bad AIO. 
For the time being, this segment, the range of kit that stands out the most, remains in our opinion the Liquid Freezer II series from Arctic and more particularly the 240mm model! So, for about 80 €, we find a well finished cooler with a sober design. This model also has a 38 mm thick radiator for better temperature control. At low speeds, it does particularly well.
Finally, the ventilation, provided by two P12 fans remains extremely quiet. In fact, you could run them at full speed and they would still be very quiet. In addition, the pump has a small fan to help cool the power stages of your motherboard. In short, a very complete solution at a reasonable price. It is also ready to use thanks to its pre-wired fans already mounted on the radiator. All that remains to be done is to attach the pump to obtain a functional unit.
According to this price range, this is THE watercooling kit to watch out for… At least, if your case can accommodate it since the thickness of the radiator + fan becomes consequent.
Aircooling
High end “-“: DeepCool AS500 Plus
If you are a strong supporter of the aircooling cause, there are several interesting solutions in this price segment. The first and cheapest one we have chosen is the AS500 Plus from DeepCool. 
Compared to the fans of the previous price segments, the rise in range is clearly felt. First of all, its dimensions are more imposing since it has a structure able to receive two 140 mm fans. This translates into a significant height of 164 mm. As you can see, the exchange surface is still important, especially since the five heat pipes allow a good heat distribution through the network of aluminum fins.
Moreover, if the noise pollution is going to scare you, don’t panic, during our tests, we found that there was no need to worry. This model offers an excellent temperature/noise ratio. With this, we will keep in mind its slim format facilitating the compatibility with the memory, the little touch of RGB on the top and its simple and efficient mounting system.
Again DeepCool stands out with a very good heatsink, but it will remain relatively expensive. For that, you can turn to the “non-plus”AS500 available for a few bucks less.
High end “+” : the Noctua NH-D15S
Now we’re going to see what there is to watch out for on the high end of the high-end sector. And there, we start to find real monster in aircooling. One model catches our attention: the NH-D15S from Noctua. 
With this reference, we have the right to a very large model with two cooling towers and many heat pipes. The copper base is eccentric in order to limit the impact on the connectivity around the socket, we think especially of the first PCIe port of the motherboard. Moreover, compared to the more classic NH-D15, this model offers a reduced height of 160 mm to fit more easily in your case.
On the other side, the ventilation is provided by a single fan of 14 cm x 15 cm, the NF-A15. This fan will be able to generate a powerful airflow with a controlled noise level. Not to mention the Noctua-like mounting system that is very efficient and quick to set up.
OCC’s advice for the high end (watercooling)
- Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240
OCC tips for the top of the range ( aircooling)
- High End “-“:
- DeepCool AS500 Plus
- High-end “-” alternative:
- DeepCool AS500
- High-end “+”:
- Noctua NH-D15S
2022 Cooling Buyer’s Guide: tvery high end
Aircooling
Let’s tackle the very high-end sector, i.e. cooling systems with a price tag of more than 101 €. And if you thought that aircooling had no place anymore, think again, because we find excellent references, especially at Noctua. In short, who will be in our buying guide?
High end: the Noctua NH-D15 / chromax.black
Unfortunately, lately, the price of dual-turn heatsinks has gone up a bit. If in the past we could find an NH-D15 for less than a hundred euros, this is no longer the case. Currently, the brown version is traded around 100 € to 110 € when the chromax.black model, therefore black, is between 110 € and 130 € depending on the store. 
However, behind this elitist price hides in reality the Rolls of the aircooling dissipators. Nevertheless, this is not done by magic since we find a really imposing model with its 164 mm height. The depth is not to be outdone with its 161 mm and the width is just as important: 150 mm. In short, in addition to a case capable of integrating it, you will have to watch the height of your RAM modules since this model does not have an off-center base. Apart from that, the thermal performance is good and the noise is under control, not to mention the SecuFirm2 mounting system, which is pleasant to use.
Alternative top of the range the Noctua NH-U12A / chromax.black
Now, if you have a large budget, want to stay in theaircooling world, but have limited space, we can only recommend the NH-U12A. It’s basically the performance of an AS500 Plus in an even smaller form factor… While ensuring maximum memory compatibility since it won’t block the slots on your motherboard.
With this, we have all the benefits associated with the brand, namely support for compatibility with the new sockets to come. The same goes for the six-year warranty or the possibility to customize your heatsink via Chromax accessories. For those who want to combine efficiency with aesthetics, this can count.
In short, this model is a nugget in terms of performance/size ratio. In return, you will have to be ready to pay the price!
Watercooling
Very high end alternative:Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
Let’s move on to the all-in-one watercooling offers where two models catch our attention. First of all, we’ll go back to Switzerland to take a look at theArctic catalog. As you know, the brand has some excellent references at very aggressive prices. And that’s where we find the Liquid Freezer II 420, a huge model with a radiator that accepts three 140 mm fans. The only counterpart, and not the least, to have a case able to accommodate it! That’s why we position it as an alternative choice and not as the main choice.
If you have the right housing, you will find a rather affordable model with all the advantages of the 240mm version already recommended in this guide. They come as a pre-assembled kit with fans already installed. The same goes for the pump and its small fan helping to cool the VRMs on the motherboard, or the silence in operation. In short, a model offering a very aggressive temperature/noise ratio thanks to its very quiet P14 fans.
Very high end: DeepCool LS720
Last model in our buying guide and we find the latest watercooling kit from DeepCool, namely the LS720. If you have read our recent review, you should already know what to expect.
Here we are dealing with a very powerful model from the Asian brand. Our readings easily positioned it against other 360mm performance oriented kits like the NZXT Kraken Z73 for example. However, with this kind of AIO, you have to be careful with the speed of the fans and don’t hesitate to limit it a bit.
Otherwise, for a price of about 150 €, we have an interesting reference with a great design. The finish is not to be outdone and we can even facilitate the wiring thanks to the fans that can be connected in series. Compatibility-wise, nothing to complain about, this model fits all motherboards on the market, so you can go for it!
OCC’s advice for the very high end aircooling
- Very high end :
- NH-D15 / chromax.black
- Very High End Alternative:
- Noctua NH-U12A / chromax.black
OCC’s advice for high end watercooling
- Very High End:
- DeepCool LS720
- Very High End Alternative:
- Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
Conclusion:
Now it’s time to conclude our 2022 CPU cooler buying guide. As we have seen, there are many models on the market and it is easy to get lost. By the way, as we said, if a heatsink does not appear in our file, it is not because it is necessarily bad. We try to advise you references that offer you the most for less without breaking your ears… Or that you will have to adjust for hours before having an optimal profile.
This is why many models from Arctic, DeepCool or Noctua are included in this file. These manufacturers offer references with an excellent temperature/noise ratio. Of course, we could have told you about the MSI or NZXT kits with their screens, but we are forced to admit that the bill soars, making them less interesting in view of their price.
Moreover, we have tried to present you as much as possible models already tested by us in order to advise you in full knowledge of the facts. In short, we hope that this buying guide has helped you to see a little more clearly in this field!
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