Best Type of CPU Cooler Final Answer Linus Tech Tips

Linus Tech Tips tackles a classic question in CPU cooling by directly comparing three high performance cooling solutions: the Corsair H100i dual-radiator liquid cooler, the Corsair H80i thick single-radiator, and the Silver Arrow Extreme air cooler. The video begins with a clear setup: a standardized test bench centered around a Corsair C70 case, Noctua NF12 fans, and IC Diamond thermal compound to ensure consistent results across all coolers. Linus emphasizes testing in a closed case with realistic cable management, using idle and load temperatures from both CPU and GPU to simulate a real-world system under stress. He details measurement methodology, including ambient temperature correction to 20 C, and the use of RealTemp GT for core temperature readings, making sure to account for pump noise and fan RPM stability. Throughout the test, he uses a consistent fan configuration, swapping only the cooler units themselves, to isolate the performance differences between the cooling solutions. He also notes ancillary features like Corsair’s link software and the physical installation differences between air coolers and liquid cooling, framing the broader decision as not only about raw temps but also about noise, ease of installation, and future upgrade paths. In the results, the H100i dominates under load, with the dual-radiator design delivering the coolest CPU temperatures, while the Silver Arrow Extreme, a top-tier air cooler, performs strongly but cannot quite match the H100i under heavy load. The H80i with a push-pull configuration offers a middle ground, showing improvements over a single radiator but still trailing the dual-radiator liquid cooler. Linus concludes that for extreme performance in a real-world system, the H100i is the best option among those tested, while acknowledging that high-end air cooling like the Silver Arrow Extreme remains a compelling, quieter alternative in many scenarios. He closes with general guidance on choosing cooling solutions based on performance needs, noise tolerance, and case compatibility, and reinforces that the field has evolved to offer strong options beyond traditional stock coolers.

Topics · hardware · computer cooling · performance testing · noise · overclocking · temperature testing