Are you looking for a GPU cooler for your gaming setup? If yes, then you’ve landed at the right place! In this article, we will be looking at the top 7 best GPU coolers in 2022. These are some of the most efficient and effective cooling systems on the market today. Whatever your needs may be, there is something for everyone here!
In the world of graphics, GPUs are king. They’re what make your games look good, and they put movies on your screen. The more powerful a GPU is, the better it performs at these tasks. But all that power comes with a price: heat! And while you can buy a lot of fans to cool down your PC case, there are other ways to keep those temperatures in check without breaking the bank or adding too much noise to your computing experience.
That’s where GPU coolers come into play! GPU coolers are necessary to keep your GPU’s temperature down, especially if you want it to last. They are easy to install and don’t even require any technical know-how. So let’s take a look at some of the best GPU coolers on the market right now!
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best GPU coolers in 2022!
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Does a GPU Need a Cooler?
When it comes to gaming, it’s no mystery that sufficient cooling is by far the most important feature. You may have the latest hardware available, but if the temperatures rise above a certain threshold, the system will underperform. GPU cooling was never more important than it is right now, as graphics processing units (GPUs) grow increasingly powerful with every new generation.
Airflow, on the other hand, will continue to be important. Since you’re still depending on air to cool the GPU(s), you’ll have to make sure you have a constant supply of cool air. This is because there is less access to airflow and that the top video card draws hot air from the bottom of the middle video card.
Does a GPU Perform Better With a Cooler?
It all depends on the software you use to monitor the statistics of your graphics card while you’re gaming. MSI Turbo boost is a fantastic free alternative. Keep a close eye on the GPU’s clock intensity and video memory (VRAM) performance. After reaching a certain temperature, it is well known that several cards begin to slow down and become less responsive.
Therefore, if you notice that the card is downclocking itself, then yes, more/different cooling would be beneficial to your system. However, to be completely honest, the money you invest on a water cooling loop would be better spent on an upgrade afterward in the year when you sell your current card.
Speaking of that, let’s proceed to review our picks for the top 7 best GPU coolers in 2022:
1. DEEPCOOL Castle 360EX, Addressable RGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler — Best Overall
When it comes to liquid cooling, the Deepcool Castle 360EX is a one-stop shop for every gamer’s needs. The pumps have been modified rather than using illuminated fans and pumps as in previous editions. Those looking for RGB lighting but don’t want to overdo it will find this pump more attractive because it uses simply LEDs for its centrifugal pumps instead of illuminating the LEDs as well.
The FPI (fins per inch) count of the Castel 360EX AIO liquid cooling system is 20. To ensure that this cooler doesn’t leak, it has 465 mm of tubing, which has been wrapped, and a pressure relief valve that prevents it from leaking. Swiveling connections and RGB LEDs ensure excellent cooling in either a vertical or a horizontal configuration.
Despite its high price, this cooler delivers decent performance. Considering how much it costs, the performance of this cooler is much better than other liquid coolers in the market.
Why Is This the Best GPU Cooler in 2022?
While the topmost layer of the cooler keeps the dimensions of the Castle line up, it is larger in size and has a circular shape; with the top sporting ARGB lighting, this cooler is more modern. This time, they’ve tweaked the design a little and the top lid is now detachable, allowing the position of the Deepcool logo to be altered so that the right-hand side of the emblem is always visible. In addition, they have provided a blank holder on which the user can print their brand to be displayed under the intense lighting of the block’s perimeter.
A dual-chamber technique has been used to change the quality of the pump, and they added 25 percent more lightly sanded fins to improve the high absorption area of the pump. Since the ARGB lighting is contained within a single block, there is much less cable tangle in the accessories when compared to the other ARGB coolers on the market.
2. Anidees Graphic Card Cooler — Runner Up
As the name implies, Anidees’ RGB VGA Cooler isn’t a substitute for your graphics card’s cooling system but rather an add-on. You put it in a slot beneath your graphics card, so it improves the airflow to the graphics card. You’ll need at least a PCIe x4 slot (for speed, not power) to fit the add-on into your case, which occupies two extra slots in your system.
Triple 80 mm fans suspended from the accessory’s shroud spin at speeds in excess of 1,600 RPM apiece, pushing air at a rate of 11.14 CFM and making 19.3 dBA of noise. The bundled RF remote control allows you to adjust the fan speed and brightness. Connecting the cooler to a 4-pin fan connector on your motherboard will allow you to control it via program as well (just for its PWM signal).
Your system may benefit from an additional splash of color. The VGA cooler might be the one for you if you’re searching for something with a lot of personality. In addition, the Anidees VGA cooler comes in three RGB rings which can be programmed using MSI Mystic Light, RGB Fusion, and Aura Sync, among other software options
3. ASIAHORSE Graphic Card Cooler — Budget Pick
If you want to save a little money while also perhaps overclocking an older GPU, the ASIAHORSE Graphic Card Cooler looks to be a good option. Despite the fact that the design is plain and appears to have been slapped together by someone with a surplus of red sellotape, the cooler performs as claimed.
This product is not a replacement for the GPU cooler that came with your computer. It’s essentially an add-on. Because you’re installing it in a PCIe slot, you’ll have to sacrifice some expansion capacity. Obviously, this is not the best option, but if you’re using customized fan curves, your temperatures should improve, and you should notice a reduction in noise as well.
Getting 1500 RPM on three more 80 mm fans is fantastic, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to use this unless your motherboard is an ATX or greater. The cooler’s fairly reasonable price means that if you need some additional cooling power but do not want to spend a fortune, this is an excellent option for you.
4. Corsair Hydro X Series XG7 RGB 20-Series GPU — Premium Pick
Corsair is well-known for producing some of the highest-quality computer products available. They have a vast range of items within the Corsair ecosystem, ranging from RAM to casings. The Hydro X Series is a water cooling block with RGB components that improves the aesthetics of your PC while maintaining extremely stable temperatures.
This device is simple to install, especially if you are experienced with liquid cooling systems. It’s intended for gamers that want to use a custom loop, and it’s built to function with high-end graphics cards, according to the developers. For those who intend to use an additional liquid cooler or an AIO cooler, this is not the best option for them.
Pre-applied thermal strips make installation easier because they are already there. Furthermore, the GPU cooler comes with an in-depth guide created by Corsair, so you won’t have to spend much time finding out how to configure it to work with your graphics card.
5. Wathai Pcl Slot Fan 90mm 92mm Fans Brushless Cooling Fan
Every now and then, you stumble upon a product that is simply too good to pass up. In this case, it’s the Wathai Pcl Slot Fan, a combination of excellent passive and active cooling which will allow your high-end GPU to shred throughout games while still being boosted to the maximum possible performance.
If you really want to achieve extremely stable and consistent temperatures but are hesitant to invest in water cooling, this is among the most viable options available. Thanks to its high surface area, the massive heatsink is able to cool the VRAM and processor extremely quickly.
As a whole, the Wathai Pcl Slot Fanis an excellent pick if you’re searching for a powerful cooler that is virtually silent. Despite the fact that it does not support a wide range of GPUs, it might be an excellent choice for some people.
6. NZXT Kraken G12 – GPU Mounting Kit
NZXT is a well-known name in the world of high-end gaming equipment. The company has been around for as long as the top gaming PCs. Apart from the jokes, the firm is well-regarded, and NZXT’s Kraken G12 is among the most efficient cooling units for keeping the GPU cool. If you’re searching for a performance-oriented AIO liquid cooler, the NZXT Kraken G12 should be on your radar.
The product comes with a 92mm fan that actively cools the VRM on the card. The fan turns softly with the assistance of the cartridge bearings at a speed of 1,500 RPM. As a result, the fan offers 40% more cooling than a standard cooling system.
This conditioning unit goes into your graphics card and allows you to modify an AIO cooler. The good news is that it is quite compatible since it can work with a wide range of standard and non-reference models to support practically all GPUs on the market.
7. Raijintek Morpheus II CORE Edition Universal GPU Air Cooler
It is no surprise that the RAINJINTEK MORPHEUS is by far the most stable and reliable of all the VGA coolers available. In order to provide better and more constant performance during intensive gaming, the cooler is equipped with two Noctua NF-F12 fans of the highest quality and two heat pipes.
Together with aluminum and copper heat spreaders, the cooler provides excellent performance. The cooling capability of the system is up to 360 watts thanks to the ten heat pipes with a diameter of 6mm. The RAINJINTEK MORPHEUS cooler, such as the ID-Cooling cooler, is just a non-RGB model that does not have a strong interest in using color lighting.
If, on the other hand, cooling is your first priority, this is the model to choose because it is incredibly effective at cooling. Even when subjected to high loads, the heatsinks perform flawlessly and without making any noise. In terms of compatibility, the card is compatible with a wide range of graphics cards, such as the 1080Ti, 980, as well as R9 Fury.
How to Choose the Best GPU Cooler?
Choosing the best GPU cooler is just as challenging as it is to choose the right case fans or RAM. Ultimately, it all boils down to individual preferences. Nevertheless, here are some important factors to consider before purchasing a GPU cooler:
Performance
When shopping for a GPU cooler, one of the most important factors to consider is the efficiency and cooling it provides. A GPU cooler offers you a high-end gameplay experience because when you use GPU coolers, your gaming computer will stay cool and continue to work even when playing games that require intensive graphics.
Moreover, the best GPU cooler for gaming is equipped with several fans and low-noise impellers, which allows the cooling process to be completely silent and non-disruptive to gameplay. The additional cooling provided by the GPU cooler will allow you to enjoy the gameplay experience for extended periods without experiencing any pauses.
Functions
GPU coolers are available in a wide range of configurations. You can get a GPU cooler that has RGB elements in it. Furthermore, if you intend to purchase GPU coolers for gaming that include RGB parts, you must ensure that the lights on the cooler can be controlled either by an RGB connection or through the motherboard software. Otherwise, you would be jabbed with some pre-programmed cycles if you do not comply. Such cycles may continue for the duration of your sync’s build-out.
Compatibility
Although you have familiarised your computer with all of the other major components, including the fan controllers, you could still encounter some compatibility concerns. You’ll also need to make space for the cooler; the size of the cooler should be a primary consideration when purchasing one. Some coolers are fitted with a design, but others do not have one. The coolers and their brands have different levels of compatibility.
Passive Or Liquid
If you choose a liquid GPU cooler, keep in mind that with liquid cooling and a full cover water block, the GPU can quickly be overheated. It also helps in the maintenance of a high core frequency, as well as performance dips and thermal throttling. You’ll receive the same benefits from a liquid GPU cooler as you would from using water on a GPU.
If you want to go with a passive GPU cooler, your aim should be to reduce the noise and preserve full silence. This will operate all the time invisibly, but if it gets hot, it will turn off or throttle. It can be a concern because it can disrupt your game’s motion and unity.
How Will It Help You
If you frequently need to overclock your GPU in order to experience a more engaging experience, a strong GPU cooler is a must-have. This is especially critical if you have a high-end graphics card installed. In order to improve overclocking, you should invest in a high-quality system that includes a liquid cooling block as well as a heatsink.
AIO or Hybrid
The fact that all these GPU coolers don’t really require any maintenance since they have a closed cover will be a relief if you choose the best AIO GPU Cooler. AIO coolers cannot be refilled like all other coolers, however, the good news is that they significantly enhance GPU cooling when compared to other coolers because they have significantly more cooling capability than other coolers.
A hybrid GPU cooler, on the other side, transfers the heat generated by your GPU to radiators before dissipating it into the surrounding air. A hybrid cooler is a useful choice since it reduces heat radiation while maintaining low temperatures in the environment.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a variety of different GPU coolers on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It can be tough to decide which one is right for you, but our guide should give you a good idea of what to look for.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference; some people may prefer liquid coolers while others might prefer passive ones. No matter what your choice, make sure that you get a GPU cooler if you want to keep your gaming computer running smoothly and quietly. Thanks for reading!