AMD stock coolers are designed for AMD processors.
AMD stock coolers are designed for AMD processors.
The cooler packages for these AMD models were not shipped with the system, and the RYZEN 5 5600X received a less effective cooler due to design changes in the previous generation.
AMD estimates buyers of the X series will invest in improved cooling solutions. It makes sense to allocate resources toward better fans rather than wasting them on outdated options. This seems reasonable since a basic upgrade here would likely attract most purchasers.
Those who purchase those CPUs are eager to invest in their own cooling solutions. Built-in coolers suffice for most users. When you have a high-performance CPU, robust cooling becomes essential. What do you mean by being thinner and worse?
The main explanation was that users would replace the coolers regardless. However, I think AMD won’t be able to include a small cooler with the 5800X and higher CPUs because they can’t properly cool those processors for stock boost speeds. There’s no point in adding a cooler that won’t actually help.
Yes, I agree the stock could improve. It looks better than the Intel alternative. You'd definitely prefer a different cooler for the premium models, since the current stock is barely keeping up with cooling needs. Other options are simpler to maintain compared to most stock coolers. Noctua offers solid features, though they come at a higher price, while some other decent choices are available.
AMD previously offered mid-range models with Wraith Spire and the Wraith Prism/Max paired with premium Ryzen 7 chips. The Stealth v1 featured a copper core and was initially shipped with Ryzen 3 processors. Zen+ introduced a change, reducing the Stealth to an aluminum core and moving users to Ryzen 5 non-x chips. Currently, the only available cooler is the Stealth v2, which performs poorly. I own a Wraith Prism cooler that works adequately. Reports suggest it handles 5800x/5900x reasonably well, matching the Stealth’s performance on 3600 or 5600x. At best, it matches a stock Intel cooler on an unlocked i7. It seems they aren’t releasing coolers mainly to save costs.
I wouldn't have preferred anything other than a Prism. I'd definitely used it myself. Large coolers are nice, but they can be tricky when you're constantly adjusting component setups and need to swap things quickly. I went with the spire that came with my 3600XT, and it performed adequately at stock. I wouldn't have ventured into overclocking anything outside the standard options. It did improve performance, though—it's worth noting I was testing it in a wind tunnel.
Absolutely, as @dkoudijs mentioned. For my setup I run a Ryzen 3600 desktop and switch to the Hyper 212 LED due to its large heat sink, which helps the Precision Boost Overdrive extend CPU performance. The main motivation behind AMD’s approach is sourcing the cooler externally—a factor that adds significant expense. Moreover, even the best coolers eventually face competition from higher-quality alternatives, especially for those targeting compact ITX builds where performance in tight spaces is crucial. Many opt for water cooling instead of sticking with the stock unit. Initially, I felt the same way, complaining about the lack of included cooling. Now I understand the reasoning. Stock coolers are technically considered e-waste, which is reassuring since they’re not included. For office PCs, stock coolers usually suffice, but for most builders with affordable CPU options and plenty of choices, upgrading to a better cooler is common.
They've embraced Intel's approach for their K CPUs as well. A smart move, though it leaves some wanting a built-in cooler. AMD once faced backlash for offering poor boxed coolers, like the FX 8350 cough, so they introduced the Wraith cooler, which helped customers avoid extra purchases.