CPU Cooler  

Browse CPU Coolers by Socket Type

AMD Athlon 64 (AM2/AM2+/AM3) Socket 940/938 CPU Cooler AMD Athlon 64 (K8) Socket 754/939/940 CPU Cooler AMD Athlon XP (K7) Socket A/462 CPU Cooler Intel Core i7 LGA1366 Socket B CPU Cooler Intel Core i5 LGA1156 Socket H CPU Cooler Intel Core 2 Duo LGA775 Socket T CPU Cooler Intel Xeon Socket 603, 604, 771, 1366 Server CPU Cooler Intel Pentium 4 Socket 478 CPU Cooler CPU Cooling Brackets and Accessories

Your CPU (central processing unit) is the core of your system. It is also usually the single most expensive part of your computer. Almost every single operation in your computer is handled by your CPU. As a result, the CPU produces a significant amount of heat. Excessive heat can cause instability and even damage to your CPU. A general rule of thumb is the faster your CPU, the more cooling it will require.

There are many reasons for upgrading or changing your current CPU cooler. OEM coolers usually only provide the minimum amount of cooling require to run the processor. CPU intensive applications such as gaming or graphics rendering can cause your CPU to run at high temperatures for extended periods of time causing instability and shortened lifespan. Many computer enthusiasts also like to overclock their CPU. Overclocking involves running the CPU at a high frequency than suggested by the manufacture. This yields increased performance, but also generates more heat than the OEM CPU cooler is designed to handle.

Some OEM coolers are also exceptionally loud. Replacing the CPU cooler with a quieter cooler will provide a more silent operation without necessarily sacrificing any cooling power. You can achieve the same cooling with a more efficient heatsink that requires less air flow to get the same amount of heat dissipation. You can view our recommended selection of Quiet CPU Coolers.

Copper CPU coolers provide the best heat transfer from the CPU, but are heavier and generally more expensive. Aluminum CPU coolers do not transfer as much heat, but provide the best metal-to-air heat dissipation, are lighter, and usually cheaper. The best CPU coolers usually have a hybrid construction of a copper base with aluminum fins to utilize the strengths of both materials.

You can browse our selection of CPU coolers and heatsink by socket / CPU type or by manufacturer. Please note that CPU heatsinks do not come with fans and will need to be purchased separately. Don't forget to check out our selection of Thermal Compounds to get the best contact between your CPU and your CPU cooler.