Best CPU Coolers for AMD Ryzen 5 3600X in 2020

Buying Guides
By Rich Edmonds
last updated

Ryzen 5 3600X
Ryzen 5 3600X (Image credit: Windows Central)

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a powerful processor, rocking six cores and 12 threads, making it perfect for a mid-tier PC for work and 1440p gaming, when partnered with a capable GPU. To get the most out of this CPU, you'll need an adequate cooler. Here are some excellent examples.

NZXT Kraken Z63

<a href="http://shrsl.com/22wi4" data-link-merchant="shrsl.com""> NZXT Kraken Z63

Beastly Performance

This AIO comes with the latest Asetek pump with a new LCD display and a 280mm radiator, making this one exceptional cooler. Simply hook it up to your motherboard, and with NZXT CAM installed, you'll even be able to monitor and configure everything to your liking.

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Noctua NH-D15

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FNoctua-NH-D15-heatpipe-NF-A15-140mm%2Fdp%2FB00L7UZMAK%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Noctua NH-D15

Best Air Cooler

Noctua is a household name within the PC building community, and so many owners stand by the NH-D15. It's an excellent air cooler with a dual-fan configuration and large heatsink that can keep the temperatures of the Ryzen 5 3600X down.

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Corsair iCUE H100i

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FCORSAIR-Radiator-Software-Control-CW-9060043-WW%2Fdp%2FB0829RTMKY%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Corsair iCUE H100i

Liquid Cooling

If you want a high-performing AIO cooler, the Corsair H110i is a reliable option and can even allow for some overclocking on the Ryzen 5 3600X. The 280mm radiator is more than enough to keep it cool, and there's also a zero fan mode for when you're not doing much.

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be quiet! Shadow Rock 3

<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=44583&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2Fbe-quiet-shadow-rock-3-shadow-rock-2%2Fp%2F13C-001F-00037" data-link-merchant="newegg.com""> be quiet! Shadow Rock 3

Best Value

be quiet! makes some killer air coolers, and the Shadow Rock 3 is an impressive mid-range cooler. It's rated to handle more powerful processors than the Ryzen 5 3600X, so you know it'll be able to keep this thing cool.

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AMD packages a decent cooler with the Ryzen 5 3600X, so if you don't want to spend any more money, it's possible to use the bundled cooler, and you're good to go. But if you want something a little quieter or one that will work better when overclocking the CPU, you'll want to look at one of our suggestions.

To see what the Ryzen 5 3600X can really do, pair it with the NZXT Kraken Z63, which rocks a 280mm radiator, the latest Asetek pump, and LCD display for a unique-looking build. It's a little pricey, but well worth it if your budget can stretch.

The Shadow Rock 3 from be quiet! is a rock-solid air cooler with an even better price tag. Don't let this affordability fool you into thinking it's not up to the job of taking on the Ryzen 9 3900X, because it is.

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.