Best CPU Coolers to Buy for the Ryzen 7 9700X

1. Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

Our first cooler is for those of you who cannot accommodate an all-in-one cooling unit or its radiator, or maybe you’re looking for an easy installation process without all the hassle. Enter the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE, an air cooler with a dual-tower design.

Having two towers is a bit of a double-edged sword: whilst it theoretically doubles the cooling potential, it also reduces the clearance inside your case, particularly around RAM. With the additional footprint of dual-tower coolers often extending above the RAM DIMMs, even low-profile RAM kits can pose issues. If these are a concern for you, we can also recommend the Thermalright Assassin X 120 R SE, which is a widely popular air cooler with a smaller footprint.

With a maximum fan speed of 1500 RPM, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leans toward quieter operation. While air coolers are often criticised for their noise, this model stays restrained, producing around 30dB(A) even under load. This is comparable to soft whispering! Beyond acoustics, the Phantom Spirit also offers broad socket compatibility, supporting Intel’s LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115X platforms, as well as AMD’s AM4 and AM5. That versatility makes it a safe choice for builders who want reliable cooling today with the flexibility to carry it forward into future CPU generations.

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE stands out as a powerful yet budget-friendly air cooler, often matching or even surpassing the performance of specific AIO units from bigger brands. While it lacks aesthetic features, such as RGB or flashy design elements, its focus is firmly on function and keeping your CPU temperatures under control. It is consistently priced among the most affordable dual-tower coolers, and it delivers exceptional value, with cooling performance that far exceeds expectations for its class.

2. Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360

The Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 CPU cooler blew us away during our initial review. The primary reason is that this is a budget-oriented cooler that delivers performance that rivals some of the most expensive liquid coolers on the market. Across four-thread and eight-thread benchmarks, the Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 easily holds its own.

The HyperFlow ARGB 360 is available in both black and white, with the white version standing out for its clean aesthetic. It provides plenty of ARGB lighting across the fans and CPU block, all of which can be synced with motherboard software for unified control. While the pump block is fixed in orientation, this is a minor limitation compared to its overall design strengths. Assembly is straightforward thanks to clear mounting hardware, and the daisy-chained fan cabling helps keep builds tidy.

One previous caveat of the HyperFlow ARGB 360 was its lack of support for Intel’s upcoming 15th‑Gen socket. That limitation has now been resolved, and broad compatibility has become one of its strongest features. In addition to Intel’s LGA 1700, 1200, and 115X, the cooler now supports the new LGA 1851 socket, ensuring readiness for next‑generation CPUs. On the AMD side, the HyperFlow ARGB 360 is compatible with AM5 and AM4, making it a versatile option for builders who want reliable performance today with the flexibility to upgrade in the future.

So, the Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360 already impresses with its spec and value, but Montech has gone a step further with the HyperFlow Digital 360. This updated model retains the same strong cooling capabilities while refining fan speeds and bearings for improved efficiency. The standout addition is its integrated digital display, which provides real‑time system information directly on the CPU block. It’s a small but meaningful upgrade that enhances usability and aesthetics, giving builders both the thermal performance they expect and a touch of modern flair. It’s another cooler that we can recommend.

Suggested article: Montech Hyperflow Digital 360 Cooler Review

3. Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 Pro

For our third CPU cooler, we are recommending the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 Pro. We found that this cooler performs incredibly well under heavy workloads; this is likely thanks to its thicker 38 mm radiator, in comparison to the more conventional 27 mm radiators. With the radiator on the thicker side, it can hold more liquid, reducing heat build-up and ensuring more efficient handling of temperature spikes. The downside of a 38 mm radiator is reduced clearance, so you’ll need to be mindful of case compatibility. Larger radiators can crowd the top or front of a chassis, especially in mid‑tower builds, so checking dimensions before installation is essential!

That said, the Liquid Freezer III 360 Pro makes up for its size with excellent thermal headroom, keeping even high‑end CPUs cool under sustained loads. Arctic also integrates a small VRM fan into the pump housing, which helps regulate motherboard temperatures and adds another layer of stability for overclocked systems. Combined with streamlined cabling and a clean aesthetic, the cooler offers a balance of brute cooling power and thoughtful design, making it one of the most compelling 360 mm AIOs in its price bracket.

There are a couple of drawbacks to consider with the Liquid Freezer III 360 Pro. If you have an Intel CPU, you may want to assess your confidence in PC building; installing this cooler on an Intel processor is somewhat technical and can be an understandable turn‑off. We wouldn’t suggest this cooler to a first‑time builder, as the process requires removing the CPU socket cover, which can feel fiddly and worry‑inducing. To help with this, Arctic has produced a clear step‑by‑step installation video that walks you through the process, making it far less intimidating for those willing to follow along.

This cooler is also unfortunately incompatible with certain motherboards due to oversized SSD coolers in the M.2_1 slot. For affected motherboards, Arctic provides a compatible M.2 cooler at no cost if the current cooler is found to be incompatible.

4. Valkyrie V360 LCD

The Valkyrie V360 LCD CPU cooler earns our final recommendation, and we have good news for readers and viewers who follow our content closely. This cooler quite literally blew us away. We didn’t expect it to deliver the level of performance it achieved, and given its price point and features, the V360 LCD surprisingly positions itself as an enthusiast‑level solution rather than a mid‑range option. At the heart of the unit sits a 3.5‑inch customisable IPS LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate, mounted magnetically for easy adjustment. It also features a 360mm radiator paired with three Valkyrie S12 fans optimised for static pressure and airflow, driven by a patented high‑speed pump designed for extreme thermal efficiency.

One of our earlier criticisms of this unit centred on its software. At launch, the control suite posed challenges for English speakers: specific menus and options displayed Chinese characters, making navigation cumbersome. Compounding this issue, the lighting system was limited to a handful of preset themes, offering little flexibility for those who wanted to fine‑tune their RGB experience.

The good news is that Valkyrie has since addressed these shortcomings. The software now features complete English localisation, making it far more accessible to a global audience. Lighting controls have also been expanded, with more versatile modes and customisation options that allow users to tailor effects to their builds rather than being locked into rigid presets. These improvements elevate the overall user experience and remove what was once a significant barrier to recommending the cooler. The software even benefits from a slightly more professional name change: “MythCool“.

When paired with its strong thermal performance, competitive pricing, and the striking LCD, the Valkyrie V360 LCD stands out as a compelling choice for enthusiasts who want both function and flair. It’s a product that not only met but exceeded our expectations, and with the software refinements, it now feels complete.

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