Buying Guide
The Best Workstation CPU Coolers
Five air coolers compared, from the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black to the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A workstation cooler has to run at full load for hours without pump wear to worry about. Every pick is an air cooler with seven or more heat pipes or Noctua's NH-D15 design.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: heat pipes, fan size and fans included come from each maker's published specs; a missing fan size is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Premium Pick
Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.blackThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15.
Best for: Buyers who want an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 and can spend more than the NH-D15 G2 costs.
Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Noctua NH-D15 G2An offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot.
Best for: Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot.
Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6A 300W TDP rating.
Best for: Buyers who want 300W TDP rating.
Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5A Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes.
Best for: Buyers who want Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes.
Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE BlackThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting black-coated dual-tower heatsink for the least money.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15. | Buyers who want an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 and can spend more than the NH-D15 G2 costs. | Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot. | Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot. | Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 300W TDP rating. | Buyers who want 300W TDP rating. | Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes. | Buyers who want Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes. | Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting black-coated dual-tower heatsink for the least money. | Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black
The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black is Noctua's second-generation flagship in black, with eight heat pipes and two NF-A14x25r G2 fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 and can spend more than the NH-D15 G2 costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its offset design clears the top PCIe slot and leaves 59mm for RAM. It matches the NH-D15 G2 on heat pipe count (8). It matches the NH-D15 G2 on fan size (140mm).
Worth noting: 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow. You also get this: mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. The nearest alternative on fan size is the Dark Rock Pro 6 at 135mm, against 140mm here.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the NH-D15 G2 the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 8
- Fan size
- 140mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 8 heat pipes
- 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
Cons
- Costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Noctua NH-D15 G2
The NH-D15 G2 is Noctua's flagship: eight heat pipes, two 140mm fans and a six-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its offset design keeps the top PCIe slot clear, but it is a large cooler, so check your case first. Its fans have a speed offset for acoustic fine-tuning, and there is 20% more fin area than the original NH-D15. On heat pipe count it ties with the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black at 8.
You also get 59mm RAM clearance with one fan fitted and NT-H2 paste in the box. Another plus: 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow. Its price falls between the Dark Rock Pro 6 and the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 8
- Fan size
- 140mm
- Warranty
- 6-year
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 8 heat pipes
- 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow
- 6-year warranty
- Two fans included
Cons
- Costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6
The Dark Rock Pro 6 is be quiet!'s newest dual tower, rated at 300W, with a switch between maximum cooling and quiet modes.
Best for
- Buyers who want 300W TDP rating.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its mode switch picks maximum cooling or a semi-passive mode that stops the fans below 40% PWM. Seven copper heat pipes carry the heat. A pre-installed mounting bridge and rail-mounted front fan make installation easier, and the fan height adjusts for tall RAM.
It comes with liquid metal thermal grease in the box. It matches the Dark Rock Pro 5 and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on heat pipe count (7). Its 135mm fan size ranks third of 4 here, behind the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black (140mm) and ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black (120mm). It was priced above the Dark Rock Pro 5 and below the NH-D15 G2 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 135mm
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- 300W TDP rating
- Active mode switch for maximum cooling or quiet operation
Cons
- Costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5
The Dark Rock Pro 5 is be quiet!'s quiet-first dual tower, with seven heat pipes, Silent Wings fans and a switch that trades speed for silence.
Best for
- Buyers who want Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes.
Skip if
- The maker gives no fan size, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
Check its height on be quiet!'s site against your case. Seven copper heat pipes and a ceramic-particle black coating aid cooling, and two Silent Wings PWM fans use fluid-dynamic bearings. It is built to stay quiet under load.
On heat pipe count it ties with the Dark Rock Pro 6 and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at 7. Its price falls between the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black and the Dark Rock Pro 6, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed fan size should compare it with the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black, which comes in at 140mm.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes
- Silent Wings PWM fans
Cons
- No published fan size
- Costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black is a seven-heat-pipe dual tower with two PWM fans at a budget price.
Best for
- Getting black-coated dual-tower heatsink for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if heat pipe count matters most to you; the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black offers 8.
Why we like it
The black coating covers the heatsink and heat pipes for a consistent dark look. At 154mm tall it fits most mid-tower cases, and the black coating extends to the heat pipes rather than just the fin tops. Its S-FDB fans are rated for long service, and the heatsink has cut corners to clear tall RAM.
Mounting hardware covers AM4, AM5 and Intel sockets up to LGA1851. Its two TL-C12B V2 PWM fans run up to 1500rpm and are rated at up to 66.17CFM and 25.6dB(A) or less. On heat pipe count it ties with the Dark Rock Pro 6 and the Dark Rock Pro 5 at 7.
On fan size it trails the group at 120mm, while the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black comes in at 140mm. It undercut the Dark Rock Pro 5 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Black-coated dual-tower heatsink
- Two TL-C12B V2 PWM fans
Cons
- Heat pipe count trails the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black (8)
- Fan size trails the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black (140mm)
The catch
The trade-off is heat pipe count; for more, the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black offers 8.
How We Chose These Workstation CPU Coolers
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.
- What we compared
- We compared five coolers on heat pipe count, fan size, fans included and sockets named as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while fan size and sockets named have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black to the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black, state heat pipe count and fans included.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Dark Rock Pro 5 gives no fan size; the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Pro 5 and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black give no sockets named.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black (under $50) to the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Workstation CPU Cooler
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Heat pipe count across these picks
The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black tops heat pipe count at 8 and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black sits lowest at 7; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the NH-D15 G2 is the runner-up at 8.
Fan size
Across these 4 picks fan size spans 120mm (the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black) to 140mm (the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black). The NH-D15 G2 comes second at 140mm, in the same price tier as the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black. The Dark Rock Pro 5 gives no fan size figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans Features beyond the spec table
The Dark Rock Pro 6: an active mode switch for maximum cooling or quiet operation. The Dark Rock Pro 5: Silent Wings PWM fans. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black: two TL-C12B V2 PWM fans.
Budget
Under $50 buys the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black; $50 to $100 buys the Dark Rock Pro 5; $100 to $150 buys the Dark Rock Pro 6; $150 to $250 buys the NH-D15 G2 and the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black at our last check.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 and can spend more than the NH-D15 G2 costs: the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black. Getting black-coated dual-tower heatsink for the least money: the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black.
How to Choose a Workstation CPU Cooler
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 and can spend more than the NH-D15 G2 costs | NH-D15 G2 chromax.black | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 |
| Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot | NH-D15 G2 | An offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot |
| Buyers who want 300W TDP rating | Dark Rock Pro 6 | A 300W TDP rating |
| Buyers who want Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes | Dark Rock Pro 5 | A Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes |
| Getting black-coated dual-tower heatsink for the least money | Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black leads on heat pipe count at 8, ahead of the NH-D15 G2 at 8. "Not listed" marks fan size where the Dark Rock Pro 5 leaves the figure out.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Fans included | Sockets named |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH-D15 G2 chromax.black | 8 | 140mm | 2 | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| NH-D15 G2 | 8 | 140mm | 2 | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| Dark Rock Pro 6 | 7 | 135mm | 2 | Not listed |
| Dark Rock Pro 5 | 7 | Not listed | 2 | Not listed |
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black | 7 | 120mm | 2 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black, sat in the under $50 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black |
| About $50 to $100 | Dark Rock Pro 5 |
| About $100 to $150 | Dark Rock Pro 6 |
| About $150 to $250 | NH-D15 G2, NH-D15 G2 chromax.black |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black worth paying more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black?
On paper it adds heat pipe count (8 against 7) and fan size (140mm against 120mm). The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black sat in the under $50 tier and the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if heat pipe count and fan size decide your purchase.
What makes the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black the Premium Pick?
The label rests on the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who wants an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 and can spend more than the NH-D15 G2 costs.
Beyond the specs, what sets the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black and the NH-D15 G2 apart?
The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black: an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15. The NH-D15 G2: an offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot. The Dark Rock Pro 6: a 300W TDP rating.
Who should choose the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black carries our Lowest Price Here label for the lowest price of the group at our last check. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits getting black-coated dual-tower heatsink for the least money.
Should I pick the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black or the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black?
The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black suits buyers who want an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 and can spend more than the NH-D15 G2 costs; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black suits getting black-coated dual-tower heatsink for the least money.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black, chosen for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15. Look at the NH-D15 G2 for an offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot, the Dark Rock Pro 6 for a 300W TDP rating and the Dark Rock Pro 5 for a Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes if those matter more to you.
Air coolers avoid pump failure, which matters for a machine that renders overnight.
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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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