Best CPU cooler for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in 2025: You only need to spend about $35 for a perfect match

AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X debuted with increased performance in every category compared to its predecessor, and the high-end CPU's 170W power draw deserves the right cooler to keep it running optimally.

The good news is that you won't spend anywhere near as much on a suitable cooler. Thermalright's Peerless Assassin is my top air cooler pick, and it only costs about $35 at Amazon.

If you'd rather go with liquid cooling in the form of an AiO, I recommend NZXT's Kraken X63 with RGB lighting for about $190 at Newegg.

With Amazon's Prime Day set to run from July 8 until July 11, and with major competing retailers offering their own sales, I expect to see some serious discounts on these coolers.

Recent updates

July 3, 2025: Amazon Prime Day, Newegg FantasTech Sale, and Best Buy's Black Friday in Summer events kick off next week, and I've noted any early deal prices spotted so far. — Cale Hunt

Cale Hunt, Windows Central
Cale Hunt

I've been building PCs for decades, and I understand how to pick a CPU cooler to maximize value and performance. These options are all the best for the Ryzen 9 7950X in 2025.

The best CPU cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X

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NZXT Kraken X63 (Image credit: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central)

Breaking down the thermal performances in our combined AMD Ryzen 9 7900X and 7950X review shows that you get exactly the performance you pay for with this beefy processor, but the temperatures can be concerning. There's plenty of room for overclocking, and anyone building a PC gaming rig around this CPU will likely push it for every bit of effort possible.

I've chosen the NZXT Kraken X63 with a 280mm size as the top AiO liquid cooler choice for the Ryzen 9 7950X. In our NZXT Kraken X63 review, former Windows Central Senior Editor Rich Edmonds said:

"The 280mm radiator is more than capable of handling even the more power-hungry processors, though you will likely need to step it up a notch if you plan on going all-out with AMD Threadripper or gunning for extreme overclocking."

If you're not interested in liquid cooling, Thermalright's Peerless Assassin 120 SE is practically impossible to beat (unless you lack space in your PC case) at the $35 price tag.

If you need more features including RGB lighting, something like HYTE's THICC Q60 is a high-end AIO radiator we reviewed favorably, receiving a Windows Central Best Award in the process.

All-in-one coolers aren't your only option for the Ryzen chip, and Noctua still offers fantastic performance with its NH-D15, though it needs plenty of clearance over other components on your motherboard and in the case. If you prefer to stick to conventional cooling methods, it's a long-serving champion, available in the classic brown or a simplistic black variant.

Should you buy an air cooler or a liquid cooler?

While liquid cooling used to be much more geared to enthusiast PC builds, the rising popularity of all-in-one radiators makes it easy for practically anyone to drop in a system without much effort. All you need to worry about is getting the head set firmly on your CPU and the fans in place where they can pump air through the radiator.

PC users expecting to overclock their CPU or who want to ensure maximum thermal performance on a stock setup should consider liquid cooling. An AIO might also fit better into your build if there's limited space around your CPU, and many systems come with the added bonus of extra RGB lighting and a customizable display.

If, instead, you want to save some money and have enough space to fit a chunky piece of hardware over your CPU, an air cooler can still do a great job. It's less prone to failure due to its simplicity, but there's a chance it will run louder than an AIO liquid cooler.

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Ben Wilson
Senior Editor

Ben is a Senior Editor at Windows Central, covering everything related to technology hardware and software. He regularly goes hands-on with the latest Windows laptops, components inside custom gaming desktops, and any accessory compatible with PC and Xbox. His lifelong obsession with dismantling gadgets to see how they work led him to pursue a career in tech-centric journalism after a decade of experience in electronics retail and tech support.