Buying Guide
The Best CPU Coolers for the Ryzen 7 9700X
Six air coolers for the Ryzen 7 9700X, compared on heat pipes, fans, RAM clearance and AM5 support.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Ryzen 7 9700X runs at 65W by default, and AMD lets you raise its power limit in the BIOS. Size the cooler for the setting you plan to use.
We compared six air coolers on heat pipes, fans, RAM clearance and AM5 support, using the makers' specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best for the Ryzen 7 9700X
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SESeven heat pipes at a budget price.
Best for: Headroom for power boost.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Quiet Single Tower
Noctua NH-U12ATwo NF-A12x25 fans.
Best for: Quiet builds.
Check price for Noctua NH-U12A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pick
ARCTIC Freezer 36Push-pull fans at a very low price.
Best for: Default settings.
Check price for ARCTIC Freezer 36 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best RAM Clearance
be quiet! Dark Rock 5An asymmetrical tower.
Best for: Tall memory.
Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock 5 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVOThe Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO adds a magnetic display panel that shows CPU temperature to the Phantom Spirit's seven-pipe design.
Best for: Buyers who want 7 heat pipes.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SEThe Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the budget dual tower most builders start with.
Best for: Buyers who want two fans included.
Check price for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for the Ryzen 7 9700X1 of 6
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE puts seven heat pipes into a dual-tower design at a budget price.
Best for
- Headroom for power boost.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Freezer 36 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 154mm height fits most mid-tower cases. Thermalright rates it for CPUs from 105W to 280W, and mounting kits cover AM4, AM5 and Intel up to LGA1851. On heat pipe count it ties with the NH-U12A and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO at 7.
Nothing else here matches its 154mm height; the NH-U12A comes closest at 158mm. Check that your case offers at least 154mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. Its price falls between the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed warranty should compare it with the NH-U12A, which offers 6-year.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 154mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Dual-tower heatsink
Cons
- Costs more than the Freezer 36 at the time of writing
Best Quiet Single Tower2 of 6
Noctua NH-U12A
The NH-U12A packs seven heat pipes and two NF-A12x25 fans into a 120mm single tower that clears RAM and PCIe slots.
Best for
- Quiet builds.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Freezer 36 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It includes NT-H1 paste and a six-year warranty, and Low-Noise Adaptors keep the fans near silent at idle. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO on heat pipe count (7). Its 158mm height ranks second of 3 here, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (154mm) and ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO (160mm).
It also comes with full RAM and PCIe clearance. Check that your case offers at least 158mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. Only the Dark Rock 5 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 158mm
- Warranty
- 6-year
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- 6-year warranty
- Two fans included
- Two NF-A12x25 fans on a single tower
Cons
- Costs more than the Freezer 36 at the time of writing
Best Budget Pick3 of 6
ARCTIC Freezer 36
The Freezer 36 is a single tower with a push-pull fan pair at a very low price.
Best for
- Default settings.
Skip if
- Skip it if heat pipe count matters most to you; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE offers 7.
Why we like it
It includes a contact frame for Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700. Its four offset heat pipes run in a single tower with two fans in push-pull. The click-in fan mounts make fan swaps easy, and it takes most 120mm fans.
Its side-flow heatsink lets the rear fan pull air through the fins and out of the case, and ARCTIC backs it with a six-year warranty. Its pressure-optimised fans push air through four offset heat pipes, which suits high-end CPUs in a single tower. Its 4 heat pipe count is the lowest in this group; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 7. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE was closest.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Warranty
- 6-year
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 6-year warranty
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Push-pull single tower
Cons
- Heat pipe count trails the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7)
- No published height
The catch
Heat pipe count is its weakest area, and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE covers it better at 7.
Best RAM Clearance4 of 6
be quiet! Dark Rock 5
The Dark Rock 5 is an asymmetrical single tower with six heat pipes that clears RAM and VRM heatsinks.
Best for
- Tall memory.
Skip if
- The maker gives no height, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
A pre-installed mounting bridge makes fitting it easier, and a magnetic mesh cover hides the heat pipe ends. Its Silent Wings 4 fan has a tight blade tip clearance for quiet airflow. On heat pipe count it ties with the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at 6.
It also offers a simplified mounting system. Its price falls between the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO and the NH-U12A, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed height should compare it with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, which comes in at 154mm.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Fans included
- 1
Pros
- Asymmetrical heatsink that clears RAM and VRM heatsinks
- Silent Wings 4 fan
- Simplified mounting system
- Heat pipe count of 6, ahead of the Freezer 36
Cons
- No published height
- Costs more than the Freezer 36 at the time of writing
Worth Considering5 of 6
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO
The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO adds a magnetic display panel that shows CPU temperature to the Phantom Spirit's seven-pipe design.
Best for
- Buyers who want 7 heat pipes.
Skip if
- Skip it if height matters most to you; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE offers 154mm.
Why we like it
At 160mm tall it fits mainstream ATX cases, and its fans spin to 2,150 RPM. It ships with mounting kits for AM4/AM5 and Intel sockets from LGA1150 to LGA1851. Thin ARGB lines frame the fans.
The magnetic ARGB top panel displays CPU temperature and load, and the fan runs up to 2150RPM. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the NH-U12A on heat pipe count (7). Its 160mm height is the tallest in this group; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 154mm.
It also comes with TRCC control software. Check that your case offers at least 160mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. It was priced above the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and below the Dark Rock 5 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 160mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature
Cons
- Height trails the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (154mm)
- Costs more than the Freezer 36 at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on height, where the Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes in at 154mm.
Well-Rounded Choice6 of 6
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the budget dual tower most builders start with.
Best for
- Buyers who want two fans included.
Skip if
- Its height is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It has six heat pipes and two 120mm fans. At 155mm tall it fits most mid-towers, and its six heat pipes and two PWM fans handle mainstream CPUs. It is one of the best-known budget dual towers.
On heat pipe count it ties with the Dark Rock 5 at 6. It also comes with a 25.6dB(A) noise rating. The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra.
On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Freezer 36 and the pricier Phantom Spirit 120 SE, at the time of writing. The trade-off is fan size; for more, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes in at 120mm.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Two fans included
- Dual-tower heatsink
- 25.6dB(A) noise rating
- Heat pipe count of 6, ahead of the Freezer 36
Cons
- No published height
- Costs more than the Freezer 36 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Coolers for 9700X
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared six coolers on heat pipe count, fan size, height and warranty, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 6 picks leave out height.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Phantom Spirit 120 SE to the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, state heat pipe count, fan size and fans included.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Freezer 36, the Dark Rock 5 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE give no height; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Dark Rock 5, the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Freezer 36 (under $50) to the NH-U12A ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Cooler for 9700X
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much heat pipe count you need
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE tops heat pipe count at 7 and the Freezer 36 sits lowest at 4; 3 picks share the top figure. Start with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE if heat pipe count decides it.
Height across these picks
Across these 3 picks height spans 160mm (the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO) to 154mm (the Phantom Spirit 120 SE). The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the pick for height. The Freezer 36, the Dark Rock 5 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE give no height figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.
A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans Features beyond the spec table
The Dark Rock 5: a Silent Wings 4 fan. The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO: TRCC control software. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE: a 25.6dB(A) noise rating.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Freezer 36, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE; $50 to $100 buys the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO and the Dark Rock 5; $100 to $150 buys the NH-U12A at our last check.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card Match the pick to your priority
Headroom for power boost: the Phantom Spirit 120 SE. Quiet builds: the NH-U12A. Default settings: the Freezer 36.
How to Choose a Cooler for 9700X
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom for power boost | Phantom Spirit 120 SE | Seven heat pipes at a budget price |
| Quiet builds | NH-U12A | Two NF-A12x25 fans |
| Default settings | Freezer 36 | Push-pull fans at a very low price |
| Tall memory | Dark Rock 5 | An asymmetrical tower |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads on heat pipe count at 7, ahead of the NH-U12A at 7. "Not listed" marks height where the Freezer 36, the Dark Rock 5 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE leave the figure out.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Height | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE | 7 | 120mm | 154mm | Not listed |
| NH-U12A | 7 | 120mm | 158mm | 6-year |
| Freezer 36 | 4 | 120mm | Not listed | 6-year |
| Dark Rock 5 | 6 | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed |
| Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO | 7 | 120mm | 160mm | Not listed |
| Peerless Assassin 120 SE | 6 | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Freezer 36, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the NH-U12A at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Freezer 36, Peerless Assassin 120 SE, Phantom Spirit 120 SE |
| About $50 to $100 | Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO, Dark Rock 5 |
| About $100 to $150 | NH-U12A |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the NH-U12A compare with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE on height?
Between the top two, it is 154mm on the Phantom Spirit 120 SE against 158mm on the NH-U12A, a 3% difference. The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO closes the ranking at 160mm. The Freezer 36, the Dark Rock 5 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE don't state a height figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 6 picks are ranked.
Is the NH-U12A worth paying more than the Freezer 36?
On paper it adds heat pipe count (7 against 4). The Freezer 36 sat in the under $50 tier and the NH-U12A in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if heat pipe count decides your purchase.
What makes the NH-U12A the Best Quiet Single Tower?
It earns the label for two NF-A12x25 fans. The Freezer 36, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for quiet builds.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the NH-U12A apart?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE: a dual-tower heatsink. The NH-U12A: two NF-A12x25 fans on a single tower. The Freezer 36: a push-pull single tower.
Who should choose the Dark Rock 5?
The Dark Rock 5 carries our Best RAM Clearance label for an asymmetrical tower. It ranks fourth of 6 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits tall memory.
Bottom Line
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE covers a 9700X at any setting. The NH-U12A is quietest, the Freezer 36 suits the default 65W, and the Dark Rock 5 clears tall RAM.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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