Best AM3+ & AM4 air cooler?
Best AM3+ & AM4 air cooler?
Hi,
I understand that water cooling offers advantages over air coolers, but I’m hesitant due to concerns about issues like pump failures and liquid evaporation. I’m thinking of using a cooler for my AM3+ CPU temporarily before moving to an AM4 model, hoping it won’t significantly reduce its lifespan.
In my local store, I found these choices:
- CM Hyper 212 LED Turbo
- CM MA410P & MA610P (few reviews online)
- Any cooler available on Amazon
I’m planning to overclock my CPU and need a reliable cooler with strong performance. While the Noctua NH D15 and CRYORIG H7 are highly regarded, they can’t support both sockets at once—either AM3+ or AM4, not both. My setup matches the CM Hyper 212 EVO, so it should work with any cooler I choose.
My budget is around $100 (maximum).
I've tried both the MA410P and MA610P (actually all the coolers listed below): For those on a tighter budget of $100, you can easily find better options. If you prefer staying with Cooler Master, consider the MA410M TUF and the MA620P TUF (I'm still finalizing these details). https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Mas...B07CPY316M https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Mas...B07CPY5LP1
I've tried both the MA410P and MA610P (actually every cooler listed below): For those on a tighter budget, $100 will get you something better than either of these. If you prefer Cooler Master products, consider the MA410M TUF and MA620P TUF (I'm finalizing these details now) https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Mas...B07CPY316M https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Mas...B07CPY5LP1 I also really like the Dark Rock 3 and 4, as well as the Pro models for each—some of the top build quality I've encountered in large air towers. For a more affordable option, the FSP Windale 4 and Windale 6 were solid choices.
I have directly tested both the MA410P and MA610P (see links below): For those on a tighter budget, $100 will get you something much better than either of these. If you prefer Cooler Master products, consider the MA410M TUF and the MA620P TUF (I’m finalizing these details now): https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Mas...B07CPY316M https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Mas...B07CPY5LP1 I’m also a big admirer of the Dark Rock 3 and 4, as well as the Pro models—some of the top build quality I’ve encountered in large air towers. For a more affordable option, the FSP Windale 4 and Windale 6 were solid choices. Are the TUF CM coolers superior to the Dark Rock Pro 4? How does the Dark Rock Pro 3 compare to the Pro 4 (based on your tests)? Isn’t the Pro 4 newer than the Pro 3? What does a 250W TDP indicate in this context? https://www.bequiet.com/en/cpucooler/1378 Is it about the power draw from my PSU or its ability to handle 250W processors?
The 250W TDP indicates the cooler can manage up to a processor with that power output, whether original or overclocked. It doesn't necessarily mean it draws 250W from your PSU, but rather it's designed to handle processors with thermal ratings around that value. Exceeding it would need a bigger cooling solution.
if the h7 is included with this plate, it will also work with am3 + and am4
It's worth mentioning that Noctua provides excellent free mounts for CPU coolers. If you're interested in the NH-D15, you can purchase the AM3+ model and submit proof of purchase through an online form (link provided). Noctua will then send the NM-AM4 mounting kit at no cost. Since it's based in Austria, delivery times may be longer. I recently upgraded my NH-D14 to a Ryzen 2700X about six weeks ago, and the NM-AM4 kit arrived roughly three and a half weeks later.
There is some minor difference in cooler performance on the test rig in that we're pushing 4.2 ghz on all 6 cores and really stressing coolers. I have re-tested the Dark Rock Pro 3 and it falls in-line with updated adjustments and CPU loads vs. that of the DR4Pro.
I wouldn't regard the TUF coolers better than the Dark Rock coolers...the be quiet! coolers fared better in thermal load testing than any of the CM products listed above while also turning in lower decibel readings.
For my Ryzen 7 1700 ([email protected]/140w, prime95 small FFTs), I tried both a Hyper 212 LED Turbo ($20, 28c/55c, 160w TDP) and Masterliquid 240 Lite ($38, 26c/48c, 210w TDP). Both were bought at newegg while checking slickdeals, and each came with AM3 and AM4 brackets. In terms of performance, the 212 matches a 120mm AIO, and the ML240L is similar to a D15/DRP4.