The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is one of four CPUs in the Ryzen 9000 range, launched in August 2024. This CPU offers performance improvements compared to its Ryzen 7000 counterparts, with framerate gains in modern games and multi-core applications. The release of the Ryzen 9000 series brought a range of CPUs with improved efficiency as well. In comparison to its predecessor, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X has a lower power draw, reducing from 105W to 65W. However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t require strong cooling, as the Ryzen 5 9600X has proven to run quite hot, and even AMD recommends arranging a strong aftermarket cooler.
However, due to the vast number of CPU coolers available, determining the best CPU coolers to pair with the Ryzen 5 9600X is a challenging task. We’ve tested a range of excellent air and liquid coolers to assess their thermal performance in relation to this CPU.
In this buyer’s guide, we’ve compiled a solid selection of CPU coolers that we believe cater to a wide range of use cases and budgets. All coolers listed below have been thoroughly tested and benchmarked to assess their thermal performance.
Our Top Pick: Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360
The Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 stands out as one of the best CPU coolers for the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X. This highly affordable liquid AIO (all-in-one) cooler delivers impressive thermal performance, easily outperforming its two competitors in testing. It’s equipped with the right specs to keep your gaming PC running cool under pressure, and its streamlined cable setup makes installation refreshingly straightforward. Plus, the generous RGB lighting adds a vibrant touch to any build.
The Best CPU Coolers for the Ryzen 5 9600X
1. upHere UP1KC4 ARGB
For our first recommendation, the upHere UP1KC4 ARGB is a compact, single-fan air cooler that pairs exceptionally well with AMD’s Ryzen 5 9600X, offering solid thermal performance, broad socket compatibility, and a splash of ARGB flair. It’s a cooler that doesn’t try to overreach, but instead nails the essentials for mainstream builds.
With a height of just 155mm, it fits comfortably in most mid-tower and compact ATX cases, making it a great choice for space-conscious setups. That said, as with any cooler, it’s always worth double-checking your case’s CPU cooler clearance before purchasing – especially if you’re working with a tighter chassis.
| Key Specs | upHere UP1KC4 ARGB |
|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 155mm |
| Number of Fans | 1 |
| Bearing Type | Hydraulic Bearing |
| Fan Connector | CPU FAN+3-pin(+5V-D-G) DC voltage |
| Max Fan Speed | 1650 RPM |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 1150, 1121, 1155, 1156, 1366, 1356 AMD – AM5, AM4, AM3, AM2, AM3+, AM2+, FM2, FM1 |
The cooler features four direct-contact copper heatpipes, which efficiently draw heat away from the Ryzen 5 9600X’s IHS and into a dense aluminium fin stack. This design is particularly effective for CPUs with moderate thermal output, and the 9600X’s 65W TDP sits well within the UP1KC4’s capabilities. While it’s not designed for sustained heavy overclocking or high-core-count workloads, it handles stock and light tuning of the CPU.
Installation is straightforward, with support for a wide range of sockets making it a versatile option not just for Ryzen 5 9600X owners, but for anyone building or upgrading across multiple generations.
In short, the UP1KC4 ARGB is a no-nonsense cooler that delivers where it counts: compatibility, quiet operation, and dependable thermal performance. It’s not trying to dethrone flagship dual-tower monsters or premium AIOs, but for budget-conscious builders who want reliable cooling and clean aesthetics, it’s a standout pick.
Pros
- ARGB
- Full Compatibility
- Budget-Friendly
Cons
- Cable Management can be tricky
- Basic Fan Specs
2. Noctua NH-D15 (Chromax Black)
Noctua‘s NH-D15 is a fan favourite of ours at the GeekaWhat office and has consistently stood the test of time as one of the best CPU air coolers on the market. While coming in at a somewhat higher price point compared to other options, this is well warranted due to the performance metrics. The NH-D15 has been continually updated to accommodate all socket changes, which speaks to its popularity in the PC gaming space.
The NH-D15 can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. This air CPU-cooler can easily handle 4K gaming, and workstation applications shouldn’t pose much of a problem either. There are limitations when overclocking is involved, but for the most part, this cooler will be able to withstand the performance that the Ryzen 5 9600X has to offer.
| Key Specs | Noctua NH-D15 |
|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 165mm |
| Number of Fans | 2 |
| Bearing Type | self-stabilising oil-pressure bearing (SSO2) |
| Fan Connector | PWM |
| Max Fan Speed | 1500 RPM |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA1851, 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 AMD – AMD AM5, AM4 |
This cooler is incredibly easy to install, looks super sleek, and is extremely silent, too. This tower cooler will be the go-to option for many consumers seeking a reliable air cooling solution for enthusiast-level builds.
One of the drawbacks of the Noctua NH-D15 is that it is very popular, and prices fluctuate significantly. Consumers can expect to spend over $100 most of the time for this air cooler. There are better coolers available that cost less, just like our following recommendation. We appreciate that not every system can accommodate an AIO cooler, which is why the Noctua NH-D15 is included in our recommendations.
Pros
- Extremely quiet even when under load.
- Black aesthetic blends in well with other components.
- Pretty well priced versus alternative options.
Cons
- Cannot handle more intense multi-core workloads.
- Liquid cooled options are stronger.
- Price and stocking is quite volatile.
3. Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360
The Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 is a CPU cooler that blew us away during our initial review. The primary reason is that this is a sub-$100 liquid cooler (at the time of writing) that offers thermal performance surpassing some of the most expensive liquid coolers on the market. Across four-thread and eight-thread benchmarks, the Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 performs exceptionally well, holding its own against its competitors.
The HyperFlow ARGB 360 is available in black and white, but in our opinion, the white version offers a better value proposition, as it is simply gorgeous. It provides plenty of RGB on both the fans and the CPU blockhead, which can be synced with various software. It was a shame that the CPU blockhead isn’t removable or rotatable, but this is a relatively small caveat.
| Key Specs | Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 |
|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 360mm |
| Radiator Dimensions (L x W x H) | 397mm x 120mm x 27mm |
| Number of Fans | 3 |
| Max Fan Speed | 2200RPM |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic |
| Pump Connector | PWM |
| Max Pump Speed | 3300 RPM |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 20XX AMD – AM5, AM4, AM3 |
This liquid cooler is very easy to assemble. The mounting hardware uses the posts on the motherboard instead of the eyelet design. All cables are also streamlined and plug in through one 4-pin PWM fan header, so there’s no confusing proprietary cable mess to deal with.
Another worthy mention is the recently released Montech Hyperflow Digital 360. This CPU cooler offers virtually the same cooling performance and even comes with a digital screen, if you want that extra touch of personalisation. We recommend pairing either of the Montech Hyperflow AIOs with the Ryzen 5 9600X in a budget to mid-range system for maximum aesthetic impact and cooling potential.
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Excellent thermals
- Streamlined cables
Cons
- No LGA 1851 support
- Fixed CPU blockhead
Performance
Every CPU cooler we review is thoroughly tested within builds and a series of synthetic benchmarks. This provides performance data for each cooler, showing how it copes with gaming and multi-core workloads. Our benchmarking system has an Intel Core i7-14700K at its core, with four 140mm fans to maximise airflow. Each cooler is set to the default fan curve mode in the BIOS, or we use an equivalent fan curve with the cooler’s software to ensure fair testing. All the data we collect is gathered from benchmarks in Cinebench and CPU-Z, with HWMonitor running in the background to record temperature information.
While we’re comparing a high-performance AIO cooler against two air coolers, it’s important to note that these solutions operate on fundamentally different thermal and spatial principles. Not every build can accommodate an AIO, and that’s okay! Our testing is designed to highlight performance extremes using a notably thermally demanding CPU, offering a worst-case scenario snapshot for each cooler’s capabilities.
Cinebench 4-Thread
For our first test, we ran a customised 4-Thread stress test on the cooler for 10 minutes. The Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 delivered the strongest results, maintaining an average temperature of 58°C and peaking at just 63°C. The Noctua NH-D15 followed with a respectable average of 67°C and a maximum of 72°C, showcasing solid air cooling efficiency. Meanwhile, the upHere up1KC4 struggled to keep pace, recording the highest temperatures of the group with an average of 77°C and a peak of 81°C. These figures reflect each cooler’s ability to manage sustained heat output in a controlled, thread-limited scenario.
Cinebench 8-Thread
During our customised Cinebench 8-Thread test, thermal demands increased significantly, revealing sharper distinctions between the coolers. The Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 continued to lead, holding an average temperature of 67°C and peaking at 76°C, which is a strong result under heavier multi-core load. The Noctua NH-D15 followed with an average of 78°C and a maximum of 82°C, demonstrating competent air cooling performance despite the increased thread count. In contrast, the upHere up1KC4 reached critical thermal territory, averaging 97°C and maxing out at 99°C, underscoring its limitations in managing sustained multi-threaded workloads, especially with power-hungry CPUs. This test reinforces the performance gap between high-end AIO and entry-level air cooling solutions.
CPU-Z 8-Thread
Lastly, we ran a 10-minute, 8-thread stress test using CPU-Z, which is our most demanding thermal benchmark. The Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 once again delivered standout performance, averaging 69°C and peaking at just 72°C. The Noctua NH-D15 held its ground with an average of 78°C and a maximum of 82°C, consistent with its earlier results. Meanwhile, the upHere up1KC4 continued to show thermal strain, reaching an average of 93°C and topping out at 94°C.
This benchmark underscores the cooling headroom offered by high-performance AIOs, especially under sustained, high-thread workloads. At the same time, it highlights that premium air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 remain viable even when paired with demanding CPUs, delivering consistent thermal control without the complexity or footprint of liquid cooling. While the gap in peak temperatures is notable, air coolers still offer sufficient performance for users who prioritise simplicity, reliability, or case compatibility.
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