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Looking for the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D?
While the 9900X3D is not the cheapest CPU, it makes up for that with a stacked 128MB L3 cache, 5.5GHz boost clocks, and a 12-core, 24-thread configuration. It also has a lower 120W TDP, which means that cooling it shouldn’t be a big problem. However, considering how sensitive that X3D V-Cache is to high temperatures, you’ll still need to choose a cooler that can keep thermals in check.
To save you the trouble of sifting through thousands of CPU coolers, I’ve done the research and testing to round up the best options for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D. These picks offer something for everyone, whether your priority is raw performance, aesthetics, or simply finding a cooler that checks all the boxes
Our Top Picks
- Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB – Best Premium Cooler For Ryzen 9 9900X3D
- ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB – Our Top Choice
Things To Consider When Buying a CPU Cooler for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D’s 12-core, 24-thread architecture, paired with AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, delivers excellent performance for gaming and productivity—but also requires consistent temperature control to maintain those boost clocks. Even with a relatively modest 120W TDP rating, poor cooling can quickly impact stability and performance. Selecting the right cooler means looking beyond raw specs and ensuring the cooler fits your build, noise preferences, and long-term needs.
Cooling Capacity and Thermal Headroom
While the 9900X3D doesn’t run as hot as the flagship X3D chips, workloads with sustained boosts can still push temperatures high.
- Recommended cooling capacity: Aim for coolers rated around 200W+ for comfortable headroom.
- A 280mm or 360mm AIO liquid cooler will easily handle peak loads, but a top-tier dual-tower air cooler can also perform well if space allows.
AM5 Socket Support
The 9900X3D uses the AM5 socket, so cooler compatibility is essential.
- Look for native AM5 mounting brackets included in the box.
- Avoid older coolers that require aftermarket kits unless the kit is included by the manufacturer.
Noise Levels Under Load
High-performance coolers can keep temperatures low, but some do it at the cost of noise.
- Seek coolers that maintain sub-38 dBA noise levels during moderate workloads.
- PWM control allows fans to ramp up only when needed, reducing unnecessary noise in light usage.
Cold Plate and Pump Design (for AIO Coolers)
For AIO setups, the quality of the pump and cold plate determines long-term performance and durability.
- Choose pumps with high-flow, low-vibration designs for efficiency and quieter operation.
- Copper cold plates with precision machining offer better thermal transfer for AMD’s chiplet layout.
Case and Clearance Considerations
Large coolers can create fitment challenges inside smaller cases.
- Check radiator mounting space for AIOs and CPU cooler height limits for air coolers.
- Verify RAM clearance, especially if using tall memory modules.
Build Aesthetics and Lighting
While cooling performance comes first, aesthetics can influence your choice if your case has a tempered glass panel.
- Decide between stealthy blacked-out designs or ARGB lighting for a more dynamic look.
- For RGB setups, ensure the cooler supports your motherboard’s lighting software.
| Feature | Ideal for Ryzen 9 9900X3D |
|---|---|
| Cooling Capacity | 200W+ for sustained performance |
| Socket Support | Native AM5 without extra adapters |
| Noise Levels | ≤38 dBA under load |
| Cooler Type | High-end air or 280–360mm AIO liquid cooler |
| Fitment | No RAM or case clearance issues |
Choosing the right cooler for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D is about balancing performance, noise, and compatibility. With a high-quality solution in place, the CPU can sustain higher boost clocks for longer, maximizing the benefits of its 3D V-Cache and delivering smooth, consistent performance across workloads.
Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 9900X3D Reviews
Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB – Best Premium Cooler For Ryzen 9 9900X3D
Corsair has been a big name in the PC industry and is often synonymous with premium CPU coolers. We’ve seen this with the company’s H150i Elite LCD XT AIO cooler, and a similar story follows with the iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB. From aesthetics to performance, this cooler offers everything in one package, and for a CPU like the 9900X3D, it delivers excellent cooling performance and should keep you covered for years to come.
The 360mm cooler features a 3-phase motor for high-flow coolant, combined with a precision-engineered cold plate that ensures maximum CPU die coverage and effective heat dissipation. You also get three RX120 fans pre-installed on the radiator, running at 2,100 RPM with 73.5 CFM. These bundled fans are non-PWM, and the entire setup relies on the iCUE Link Hub to function. So it’s not just a regular fan and RGB controller. In fact, it has higher power requirements and uses a 6-pin PCIe GPU power connection to power on.
Corsair has used rubber tubes with low permeation, and they’re covered with nylon-braided white mesh sleeves for added durability and aesthetics. One key difference between the Titan series and the LCD series is that the Titan doesn’t have a distribution box integrated into the radiator. This is a bit of a miss from Corsair, as the integrated box on the LCD series helps keep the block area of the cooler neat and clean.
Part of what makes this AIO a premium choice is the feature set it brings. For instance, the cooler’s CPU block has a top plate that can be removed to reveal a hot-swap connector. Corsair introduced swappable pump caps with the Titan series, including options like an LCD screen, a VRM fan, and the Pump Cap Groove module. The stock pump cap doesn’t include an LCD screen but features Corsair-themed styling on the top along with 360-degree RGB diffusion.
Installing the AIO cooler is fairly straightforward, but it’s recommended to check the manual to ensure everything is correctly assembled. I also suggest connecting all the cables first before installing the box, as the VRM covers of the motherboards may limit access. The copper base of the CPU block also comes with pre-applied thermal paste, though there is no additional thermal paste provided.
Performance-wise, the Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB is one of the strongest coolers on the market and shows a commendable performance improvement over the iCUE Link H150i LCD. The overall noise levels have also improved noticeably. That said, there are more affordable AIO kits out there that go toe-to-toe with the Titan 360 RX RGB in terms of cooling, but they lack the premium build, hot-swap caps, pre-installed fans, minimal cabling, and other refinements Corsair offers.
All in all, if you have the budget and want a powerful cooler to keep your 9950X3D, and even future CPUs, under control during heavy workloads while also looking aesthetically pleasing, the Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB is well worth considering. Obviously, there are a few caveats, the main one being that the only way to control the fans is through Corsair’s iCUE ecosystem, but it’s nothing that breaks the deal.
To sum up, what I like is that…
- Solid performance increase over the iCUE Link H150i LCD.
- Comes with a bunch of premium features
- Replaceable pump caps
- Focuses on digital connectivity and fewer cables
On the downside…
- There is no PWM control
- High PCIe power requirement
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB – Our Top Choice
Whether it’s CPU coolers, GPU coolers, fans, or even thermal pastes, Arctic has been producing outstanding PC components for the past two decades. The brand’s Arctic Liquid Freezer III made waves among DIY PC enthusiasts, but despite being an already impressive AIO, Arctic decided to further refine the series with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB. The Pro variant shares many of the same features as its predecessors, including the same pump and VRM fan, but comes with upgraded radiator fans, a wider RPM range, and ARGB lighting.
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB boasts a radiator that feels more premium than most, possibly due to its increased thickness (38mm) compared to the more standard 27mm. The pump has been moved to make space for a larger VRM fan, which enhances airflow to nearby components and slides into position effortlessly. Arctic has opted for swivel fittings on the pump and has also modified the bundled contact frame to better cover CPU hotspots.
The fans for the radiator aren’t the same blowers as before and are instead from Arctic’s P12 Pro A-RGB lineup, featuring seven blades instead of five. These have an RPM range of 600–3000, increasing the 360mm model’s airflow from 56.3 CFM to 77.0 CFM and static pressure from 2.2 mmH₂O to 6.9 mmH₂O, triple that of its predecessor. While the ability of the radiator fans to spin up to 3000 RPM does mean high noise output, you’d only be using this noise profile in extreme situations.
In terms of installation, the process is pretty much identical to its predecessor and as simple as it gets. The fans come pre-installed and ready to go with the RGB cable, and with AMD CPUs, there are no issues to worry about.
Now, talking about the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB’s performance, I had high expectations considering its predecessor’s reputation, and fortunately, it did not disappoint. It delivers solid performance, handling up to 259W of max heat load. It even outperforms premium offerings like the Corsair H150i Elite LCD XT by over 9 watts and comes on par with the more expensive be quiet! Light Loop 360 AIO cooler. Considering the 9950X3D’s 170W TDP, Arctic’s AIO is perfect for the job, even if you plan on overclocking the chip down the road.
As for aesthetics, the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 comes in both black and white variants, with the black one offering a more neutral look that should fit well in most builds, especially if you’re not big on ARGB lighting. However, if you’re here specifically for the ARGB experience, which is the whole point of this model’s appeal, it delivers on that front too. The overall lighting is solid, with good color uniformity, smooth transitions, and little to no flickering or other visual issues.
That said, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 checks all the right boxes and proves that there’s always room for improvement. There are hardly any drawbacks with this AIO, aside from the radiator fan noise beyond 50% PWM. However, considering how well the cooler performs even at low RPM settings, a custom fan profile should easily keep excessive RPM and noise under control.
To sum up, what I like is that:
- Offers excellent performance on AMD CPUs
- Visually pleasing design with ARGB lighting
- No software is required for the cooler to perform at its best
- The installation process is pretty straightforward
On the downside:
- Fans can get loud at max RPM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Ryzen 9 9900X3D come with a stock cooler?
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D does not include a stock cooler, so you’ll need to buy a compatible aftermarket cooler with AM5 support.
2. What TDP rating should I look for in a CPU cooler for the 9900X3D?
Look for a cooler rated for at least 200W TDP to ensure stable boost performance and thermal headroom for demanding workloads.
3. Is an air cooler enough for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D?
Yes, a high-end dual-tower air cooler can handle the 9900X3D well, provided it has sufficient heat dissipation capacity and fits inside your case.
4. Should I choose an AIO liquid cooler for the 9900X3D?
An AIO liquid cooler is ideal if you want lower peak temperatures, quieter operation under heavy loads, and a cleaner look in your build, especially with 280mm or 360mm radiator sizes.
5. How important is AM5 socket compatibility for coolers?
It’s critical—always ensure the cooler lists native AM5 compatibility or includes the correct mounting kit. Without it, installation will not be possible.
6. How loud should a cooler be for comfortable use?
For a quiet setup, aim for coolers that stay under 38 dBA during normal use. PWM fans and adjustable fan curves help maintain low noise without sacrificing performance.
7. Will a large air cooler fit in any case?
No, case size matters. Check your case’s CPU cooler height limit and RAM clearance before buying large tower coolers, as some may block tall memory modules.
8. Does the Ryzen 9 9900X3D benefit from liquid cooling for overclocking?
Yes, liquid cooling can help sustain boost clocks longer and manage heat better during overclocking, though the 9900X3D has limited manual OC headroom.
9. Can I reuse my old AM4 cooler with the Ryzen 9 9900X3D?
Many AM4 coolers can be reused if the manufacturer provides an AM5 mounting kit. Check the manufacturer’s website to confirm compatibility.
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