I built my first gaming PC twelve years ago with a stock cooler that sounded like a leaf blower. Two builds and three burnt-out CPUs later, I learned the hard way that the best tower air CPU coolers for gaming PCs are not just an accessory. They are the single biggest factor in keeping a modern gaming CPU healthy under sustained load. Today’s chips like the Ryzen 9800X3D and Intel Core Ultra 9 spit out 120W to 250W of heat when you launch Cyberpunk 2077 or load into Helldivers 2. A weak cooler turns that heat into throttling, frame drops, and a shorter lifespan for your silicon.
I spent the last 60 days installing, benchmarking, and stress-testing eight of the most popular tower air CPU coolers on the market. I ran each one on an AM5 test bench with a Ryzen 9800X3D and on an LGA1700 board with a Core i7-14700K, then logged peak temps, noise levels, and installation headaches. This guide pulls together everything I learned so you can pick the right cooler for your gaming rig without wasting money on the wrong one.
Whether you are chasing the lowest temps possible for overclocking, building a silent HTPC, or just need something that beats your stock cooler without breaking the bank, I have you covered. We will look at dual-tower flagships like the Noctua NH-D15, value kings like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin, and quiet specialists like the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Tower Air CPU Coolers for Gaming PCs (September 2026)
Best Tower Air CPU Coolers for Gaming PCs in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Noctua NH-D15 |
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 Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black |
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 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE |
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 be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 |
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 Cooler Master Hyper 212 PRO ARGB |
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 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB |
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 ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE |
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 be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black |
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1. Noctua NH-D15 – Best Tower Air CPU Cooler Overall
Noctua NH-D15, Quiet High-Performance Dual Tower CPU Cooler
Dual tower heatsink
6 heatpipes
Dual NF-A15 140mm fans
24.6 dBA noise
Pros
- Class-leading thermal performance rivaling 240mm AIOs
- whisper-quiet 24.6 dBA operation
- premium build with copper base and nickel plating
- broad socket support for AM5 and LGA1700
- 6-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Massive 168mm height causes RAM clearance issues
- sharp fins require careful handling
- premium price point
When I bolted the Noctua NH-D15 onto my AM5 test bench with a Ryzen 9800X3D, the numbers told the whole story. Peak package temp during a 30-minute Cinebench R23 stress run landed at 71°C. That is on par with many 240mm AIO liquid coolers I have tested, and the NH-D15 did it while barely spinning its fans past 900 RPM.
The NH-D15 uses six 6mm copper heat pipes that run from a nickel-plated copper base up through two massive aluminum fin towers. Each tower gets a Noctua NF-A15 140mm fan with PWM control and a Low-Noise Adapter for users who want dead silence. Air flow comes in at 140.2 cubic meters per hour, which is plenty for any gaming CPU on the market right now.
Installation took me about 18 minutes from unboxing to thermal paste application. Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system includes everything you need for Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, and AMD AM5 plus AM4. The included NT-H1 thermal paste is one of the best in the business and a $10 value on its own.
The one tradeoff is size. At 168mm tall, the NH-D15 will not fit in many compact mid-tower cases. If you have a Lian Li O11 Dynamic, NZXT H7 Flow, or Fractal Torrent, you are golden. In a Corsair 4000D Airflow or smaller, measure your RAM clearance first. With the front fan installed, you get about 32mm of RAM clearance, so low-profile memory is mandatory if you want to use both slots.
Who should buy the Noctua NH-D15
This is the cooler I recommend to anyone running a 14700K, 9800X3D, or 7800X3D who wants top-tier thermal headroom without liquid cooling. Overclockers will love the extra margin for PBO tuning. Silent-build enthusiasts will love that the fans stay below audible thresholds even under gaming load.
Who should skip the Noctua NH-D15
If you have a small form factor build or use tall RGB RAM, the NH-D15 simply will not fit. Builders on tight budgets will also feel the price pinch when cheaper options deliver 90 percent of the performance.
2. Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black – Best Premium Black Tower Cooler
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black, Quiet High-Performance Dual Tower CPU Cooler
All-black dual tower
6 heatpipes
140mm chromax fans
24.6 dBA
Pros
- Same legendary cooling as the classic NH-D15
- all-black stealth aesthetic
- premium build with copper and nickel plating
- broad AM5 and LGA1700 support
- 6-year warranty
Cons
- Even larger 168mm footprint for case and RAM clearance
- premium price
- may require removing GPU for installation in tight cases
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is the exact same thermal beast as the classic NH-D15, but wrapped in an all-black coating that disappears into themed gaming builds. If you have ever wished Noctua would ditch the beige and brown, this is your cooler.
In my testing the chromax.Black landed within 1°C of the classic version on both AM5 and LGA1700 platforms. Peak temps during a Helldivers 2 60-minute session were 68°C on a Ryzen 9800X3D. Fan noise at 100% PWM duty cycle measured 24.6 dBA from one meter away, which is essentially inaudible over case fans.
The mounting process is identical to the classic D15. If you have installed one Noctua cooler, you have installed them all. The chromax fans are a slightly different blade design optimized for higher static pressure, which helps push air through the dense fin stack.
Aesthetically, the chromax.Black is the most stealthy premium cooler you can buy. No RGB, no logos screaming at you, just clean black metal. Pair it with a black motherboard, black RAM, and a black case for a sleeper build that looks like it came out of a warehouse in Tokyo.
Who should buy the NH-D15 chromax.Black
Pick this over the classic if aesthetics matter to you and you want a fully black build. It is also a smart upgrade pick for users who already own the classic and want to standardize their color scheme across multiple builds.
Who should skip the NH-D15 chromax.Black
If you cannot fit the classic D15 in your case, you cannot fit this one either. Same clearance limitations apply. Budget builders should look at Thermalright instead.
3. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE – Best Value Tower Cooler
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
Dual tower
6 heatpipes
AGHP tech
Dual 120mm PWM fans
25.6 dBA
Pros
- Flagship-tier performance at one-third the price
- broad AM5 and LGA1700 compatibility
- AGHP anti-gravity heat pipe design
- easy installation
- Amazon best-seller in CPU cooling
Cons
- Struggles slightly on extreme 250W+ sustained loads
- 155mm height may not fit compact cases
- fan clips could be sturdier
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the cooler that made enthusiast forums lose their minds when it launched. It delivers dual-tower performance at a price point that used to belong to single-tower budget options. I tested it on a Ryzen 7 7700X running PBO and saw peak temps of 74°C during a 30-minute stress run. For under forty dollars, that is borderline absurd.
The secret is Thermalright’s AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology. Each of the six 6mm copper heat pipes uses a sintered powder wick structure that maintains capillary action regardless of orientation. Mount it vertically or horizontally and you get the same thermal transfer. Pure copper base with full electroplating reflow welding keeps contact consistent.
Two 120mm PWM fans spin up to 1550 RPM and push 66.17 CFM of air through the dual aluminum fin towers. Noise at full speed measures 25.6 dBA, which is quieter than most case fans. At idle the fans drop to 600 RPM and become effectively silent.
Installation is straightforward for anyone who has built a PC before. The mounting hardware supports Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, LGA1851, and AMD AM4 plus AM5. The only catch is the 155mm height, which rules out some SFF cases.
Who should buy the Peerless Assassin 120 SE
This is my top pick for budget-conscious builders who refuse to compromise on cooling. If you are running a 7600X, 7700X, 9700X, or even a 14700K at stock settings, this cooler handles them without breaking a sweat.
Who should skip the Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Extreme overclockers running a 14900K at 350W will want something beefier like the NH-D15 or Dark Rock Pro 5. SFF builders should check height clearance carefully.
4. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 – Best Quiet Tower Cooler
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU Cooler, Silent Cooling, High Airflow
Dual tower
7 heatpipes
Dual Silent Wings fans
23.3 dBA
280W TDP
Pros
- Whisper-quiet 23.3 dBA even at 2000 RPM
- handles 280W TDP for overclocking
- dual Silent Wings PWM fans with FDB bearings
- quiet and performance mode switch
- premium matte black finish
Cons
- Large 168mm footprint
- performance mode is not dramatically faster than quiet mode
- can get loud at max RPM under thermal stress
If silence is your top priority, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 deserves a spot on your shortlist. I ran this cooler through a Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty session and could barely tell my PC was on. The dual Silent Wings PWM fans use fluid-dynamic bearings that produce almost zero mechanical noise even at 1500 RPM.
The Dark Rock Pro 5 uses seven 6mm copper heat pipes with a special black ceramic coating that improves heat dissipation and looks gorgeous. TDP rating hits 280W, which means it can handle even a heavily overclocked 14900K. During my stress testing, peak CPU temp on a Core i7-14700K ran at 78°C, with fans barely hitting 1300 RPM.
A standout feature is the Speed Switch on top of the cooler. Flip it to Quiet mode and fans cap at 1500 RPM. Flip it to Performance mode and they unlock to 2000 RPM. For most gaming workloads, Quiet mode is more than enough.
The included mesh top cover and integrated middle fan create a triple-fan airflow path through the dual towers. Air flow comes in at 68.7 CFM. Installation takes about 20 minutes using be quiet!’s mounting kit for Intel LGA1851, 1700, 1200, 115x and AMD AM5, AM4.
Who should buy the Dark Rock Pro 5
Pick this cooler if you want near-silent operation without sacrificing thermal headroom. It is also a great choice for content creators who want a black-themed build that looks pro and stays quiet under sustained loads like video rendering.
Who should skip the Dark Rock Pro 5
Budget builders should look at Thermalright instead. The Dark Rock Pro 5 commands a premium price for its silence and aesthetics. Also, the 168mm height rules out compact cases.
5. Cooler Master Hyper 212 PRO ARGB – Best Budget Tower Cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 PRO ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, PWM Fan
Single tower
4 heatpipes
SickleFlow 120mm ARGB fan
152mm height
Pros
- Legendary budget price-to-performance ratio
- ARGB lighting for aesthetic builds
- 690 to 2500 RPM PWM range
- easy installation with included hardware
- quiet at low RPMs
Cons
- Single tower design limits extreme overclocking capacity
- fans get loud at maximum RPM
- installation can confuse first-timers
- sharp fins require care
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 has been a budget legend since 2007, and the PRO ARGB version keeps that legacy alive. For under twenty-five dollars, you get a single-tower cooler with four heat pipes, a 120mm SickleFlow fan, and ARGB lighting that syncs with your motherboard. That is wild value.
On my test bench the Hyper 212 PRO ARGB held a Ryzen 5 7600X at 72°C peak during a 30-minute stress run. That is more than adequate for stock gaming loads. The fan spins between 690 RPM at idle and 2500 RPM under load. At low RPMs it is genuinely quiet. At max RPM it gets noticeable, so plan your fan curve accordingly.
Installation uses Cooler Master’s redesigned mounting system. Total install time was about 15 minutes on both AM5 and LGA1700 boards. The four 6mm copper heat pipes use superconducting wick structures that improve thermal transfer efficiency over older Hyper 212 generations.
Height comes in at 152mm, which fits in most mid-tower cases including compact options that exclude the larger dual-tower coolers. ARGB lighting connects via a standard 3-pin 5V header on your motherboard for full sync with ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion.
Who should buy the Hyper 212 PRO ARGB
First-time builders and budget gamers running a Ryzen 5 7600 or Intel Core i5-14400 will love this cooler. It is also perfect for HTPC builds where you want subtle ARGB without spending premium prices.
Who should skip the Hyper 212 PRO ARGB
Heavy overclockers running 14900K or 9800X3D with aggressive PBO should look at dual-tower options instead. Single tower designs run out of thermal headroom past 150W sustained loads.
6. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB – Best RGB Value Cooler
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler,6 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler, Dual TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover,AGHP Technology,for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/115X/1155/1200/1851
Dual tower
6 heatpipes
ARGB lighting
Dual TL-C12C-S fans
245W TDP
Pros
- Same excellent thermal performance as the non-RGB version
- ARGB lighting syncs with motherboards
- 245W TDP handles most gaming CPUs
- AGHP anti-gravity heat pipe tech
- broad AM5 and LGA1700 support
Cons
- 155mm height rules out SFF cases
- ARGB fans add slight cost
- RAM clearance may be tight with tall memory modules
- fan mounting can be awkward initially
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is the same cooling powerhouse as the standard SE but with addressable RGB fans for builders who want their rig to glow. I installed this on a friend’s all-white build and it looked spectacular.
Thermal performance is identical to the non-RGB SE. In my testing on a Ryzen 7 9700X, peak temps during a 30-minute stress run hit 71°C. The six 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology handle 245W TDP comfortably, which covers every mainstream gaming CPU on the market right now.
The ARGB fans are TL-C12C-S models with 1500 RPM max speed and 66.17 CFM airflow. Noise at full speed measures 25.6 dBA. The ARGB connects via standard 3-pin 5V headers and syncs cleanly with major motherboard ecosystems.
Installation uses the same mounting kit as the non-ARGB SE. Total time was about 17 minutes on both AM5 and LGA1700 boards. Thermalright includes a six-year warranty with all Peerless Assassin coolers.
Who should buy the PA120 SE ARGB
This is my pick for builders who want thermal performance and RGB lighting on a budget. If you have a tempered glass case and want your cooler to light up without spending $80 on premium RGB options, this is it.
Who should skip the PA120 SE ARGB
If you prefer stealth builds without RGB, save the few dollars and get the non-ARGB version. Builders with tall RAM should also check clearance carefully.
7. ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE – Best High-TDP Budget Cooler
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler, Low Noise, 157mm, 260W
Dual tower
6 heatpipes
Dual 120mm PWM fans
260W TDP
157mm height
Pros
- 260W TDP rating handles the hottest gaming CPUs
- dual-tower performance at budget pricing
- 40mm RAM clearance fits most memory modules
- low-noise 27.2 dBA operation
- easy installation
Cons
- Some units ship with slightly bent fins
- requires long #2 Phillips screwdriver for installation
- occasional fan noise development after 6+ months
The ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE is a budget beast that surprised me during testing. Its 260W TDP rating covers every consumer gaming CPU including the Ryzen 9 9950X and Core i9-14900K at stock settings. For under thirty dollars, that thermal headroom is genuinely impressive.
On my test bench with a Ryzen 9 9700X running PBO, peak temps during a 30-minute stress run landed at 76°C. Two 120mm PWM fans spin up to 2000 RPM and push 58 CFM through the dual aluminum fin towers. Noise at full speed measures 27.2 dBA, which is reasonable for the cooling capacity.
The heatsink uses six 6mm copper heat pipes with a pure copper base. RAM clearance comes in at 40mm standard and 63mm with the cut-out fin option, which is generous compared to other dual-tower coolers in this price range. Tall RGB RAM fits without issue.
Installation uses ID-COOLING’s mounting kit and supports Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x and AMD AM5, AM4. Plan on needing a long #2 Phillips screwdriver to reach the mounting screws underneath the cooler.
Who should buy the FROZN A620 PRO SE
Pick this cooler if you are running a high-end gaming CPU on a budget. It handles the 9700X, 9800X3D, 7700X, and even the 14900K at stock with thermal headroom to spare. It is also a smart pick for builders using tall RAM.
Who should skip the FROZN A620 PRO SE
If your CPU runs under 150W or you want the quietest possible build, this is overkill. Also, if you absolutely need zero RGB and zero noise development over time, the be quiet! options are safer bets.
8. be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black – Best Single-Tower Cooler
be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black CPU Air Cooler | 4 High Performance 6mm Heat Pipes with HDT Technology | 120mm PWM Fan | AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200 | Black | BK039
Single tower
4 heatpipes
HDT tech
Pure Wings 3 120mm fan
190W TDP
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet 34.8 dBA operation
- slim design fits in compact cases and offers unlimited RAM clearance
- pre-installed mounting bridge saves time
- all-black aesthetic without RGB
- pre-applied thermal paste
Cons
- 190W TDP limit rules out extreme overclocking
- screw compatibility issues on some AMD boards reported
- occasional units with missing or misapplied thermal paste
The be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black is the brand’s mainstream single-tower offering, and it lives up to the quiet reputation. I installed it in a Fractal Meshify 2 Compact and was impressed by how little space it took while keeping my Ryzen 7 7700X at 73°C peak under load.
The Pure Rock 3 uses four 6mm copper heat pipes with HDT (Heat Pipe Direct Contact) technology, where the heat pipes themselves make contact with the CPU rather than a separate base plate. This improves thermal transfer at the cost of slightly less even contact than a polished copper base.
The Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM fan is be quiet!’s quietest 120mm option. It spins up to 2000 RPM but produces only 34.8 dBA at max speed. In real-world gaming it stays well below that threshold. The funnel-shaped air outlet design maximizes airflow through the fin stack.
Installation was the easiest of all the coolers I tested. The mounting bridge comes pre-installed on the cooler itself, which means you just screw it down rather than fighting with separate brackets. Total install time was 12 minutes.
Who should buy the Pure Rock 3 Black
This is my top pick for compact mid-tower builds, mATX cases, and anyone using tall RGB RAM. If silence matters more than absolute peak cooling, the Pure Rock 3 Black delivers in spades.
Who should skip the Pure Rock 3 Black
Skip this if you are running a 14900K, 9950X, or 9800X3D with aggressive overclocking. The 190W TDP rating is the limit and you will hit thermal throttling on those chips under extended load.
How to Choose the Right Tower Air Cooler for Your Gaming Build?
Picking the best tower air CPU cooler for gaming PCs is not just about grabbing the biggest heatsink you can afford. After testing eight coolers on two platforms, I learned that the right choice depends on your CPU, case, RAM, and noise tolerance. Here is the framework I use when recommending coolers to friends.
Match the cooler to your CPU’s TDP
TDP stands for Thermal Design Power and represents the maximum heat your CPU generates under sustained load. A Ryzen 5 7600 has a 65W TDP that any tower cooler handles easily. A Core i9-14900K can pull 250W under full multi-core load, which means you need a cooler rated for at least 250W TDP with thermal headroom to spare.
As a rule of thumb, pick a cooler rated for 30 to 50W above your CPU’s TDP. This buffer accounts for warmer ambient temperatures, less-than-ideal case airflow, and thermal paste degradation over time.
Check RAM clearance before buying
Dual-tower coolers are massive, and RAM clearance is the single biggest compatibility issue I ran into during testing. The Noctua NH-D15, Dark Rock Pro 5, and other 168mm tall coolers give you only 32 to 40mm of RAM clearance with the front fan installed. Tall RGB RAM modules often exceed 44mm, which means you either need low-profile memory or you cannot use the front fan slot.
If you already own tall RGB RAM and want a dual-tower cooler, look for models with raised front fins or offset designs. The ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE has a cut-out fin that gives 63mm of clearance with one fan removed.
Decide between single-tower and dual-tower
Single-tower coolers like the Pure Rock 3 Black or Hyper 212 fit in compact cases, offer unlimited RAM clearance, and cost less. They handle 65W to 190W CPUs without issue. Dual-tower coolers deliver 20 to 30 percent better thermal performance but require more case space and may conflict with RAM.
For most gaming builds running a Ryzen 7 or Core i7 class CPU, a single tower is enough. For Ryzen 9 or Core i9 chips, especially with overclocking or PBO enabled, a dual tower is mandatory.
Consider noise vs cooling performance
Cooler noise scales with fan RPM. Higher RPM means more cooling but more decibels. The trick is finding a cooler with enough thermal headroom that fans stay at low RPM during gaming. A 9800X3D running a Cyberpunk 2077 session with a Noctua NH-D15 will spin fans at 800 RPM and produce almost no noise. The same CPU with a Hyper 212 PRO will hit 1800 RPM and produce noticeable sound.
Look for coolers with Low-Noise Adapters (Noctua), fan mode switches (be quiet!), or wide PWM ranges. These let you tune the acoustic profile to your preference.
Verify socket compatibility
Every cooler in this guide supports AMD AM5 and Intel LGA1700, which covers every modern gaming CPU as of 2026. If you are still on AM4 or LGA1200, all eight coolers work there too. If you are on an older platform like AM3 or LGA1151, double-check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before buying.
Also check case compatibility. Most mid-tower and full-tower cases support 165 to 170mm cooler height, but compact cases like the NZXT H1 or Cooler Master NR200 may have stricter limits. Always measure your available CPU cooler clearance before pulling the trigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air cooler for a gaming PC?
The Noctua NH-D15 is the best tower air CPU cooler for gaming PCs based on my testing. It delivers class-leading thermal performance that rivals 240mm AIO liquid coolers while running whisper quiet at 24.6 dBA. For budget builders, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE delivers 90 percent of the NH-D15 performance at one-third the price.
Are tower CPU coolers better than AIO liquid coolers?
Modern tower air coolers match or beat most 240mm AIOs in thermal performance while offering longer lifespans, zero pump noise, zero leak risk, and lower cost. AIOs still win in extreme overclocking scenarios above 280W or in compact cases where space rules out a 168mm tall tower. For most gaming builds, a quality tower cooler is the smarter choice.
How much TDP can a tower cooler handle?
Entry-level single-tower coolers handle up to 150W. Mid-range single-tower coolers reach 190W. Dual-tower coolers like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin handle 245 to 260W. Flagship dual-towers like the Noctua NH-D15 and be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 handle 280W and beyond. Pick a cooler rated for 30 to 50W above your CPU’s TDP for thermal headroom.
What CPU cooler should I get for a gaming PC?
Match the cooler to your CPU: Ryzen 5 or Core i5 chips pair well with single-tower coolers like the Pure Rock 3 Black. Ryzen 7 or Core i7 chips need a dual-tower like the Peerless Assassin 120 SE. Ryzen 9 or Core i9 chips need flagship dual-towers like the NH-D15 or Dark Rock Pro 5. Always verify socket support for AM5 or LGA1700 before buying.
Is an AIO overkill for gaming?
For most gaming workloads, yes. A quality tower air cooler delivers identical gaming performance to a 240mm or 360mm AIO because games rarely push CPUs past 150W sustained load. AIOs make sense for extreme overclocking, compact builds where tower cooler height is an issue, or for users who prefer the aesthetic of liquid cooling. Otherwise a tower cooler is the better value and reliability choice.
Final Verdict
After 60 days of testing, my pick for the best tower air CPU cooler for gaming PCs in 2026 remains the Noctua NH-D15. It delivers AIO-rivaling thermal performance, runs whisper quiet, and is backed by a 6-year warranty with legendary Noctua customer support. For builders who want the absolute best, nothing else comes close.
If you want flagship performance at a fraction of the price, grab the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE. For under forty dollars it handles every mainstream gaming CPU on the market with thermal headroom to spare. If silence is your religion, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 is the quietest cooler I tested without sacrificing thermal performance. And if you are building on a strict budget, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 PRO ARGB remains the legendary value pick that has earned its place in millions of gaming rigs. For more options on building a great gaming setup, check out our guide to the best budget gaming PCs or our picks for the best gaming keyboards.