LGA 1151 CPU Cooler: Recommended Coolers for Intel’s Mainstream Socket

Intel’s LGA 1151 socket has enjoyed immense popularity among mainstream desktop PC builders thanks to supporting a wide range of Core processor generations spanning from Skylake to Comet Lake.日本藤素
However, keeping these powerful chips operating smoothly requires proper thermal dissipation using a compatible aftermarket CPU cooler. While the stock Intel heatsink gets the job done, third-party air or all-in-one liquid coolers can truly unlock your CPU’s performance.

What to Consider in an 1151 Cooler

With four generations of chips being inserted into the versatile LGA 1151 CPU socket, cooler compatibility gets a bit messy. Generally, 100 and 200-series chipsets match up mechanically with the socket shape, but updates for newer CPU stepped brackets means having the latest mounting kit helps. Beyond the socket and bracket fit, key aspects that make up a great 1151 cooler include high cooling capacity, quiet acoustics, and easy installation.

Premium air coolers from brands like Noctua, be quiet!, and Scythe feature large heatsinks to soak up heat, then pass that thermal load into airflow produced by one or two quiet fans. The best balance low noise levels with high airflow for cooling efficiency. Their installation is also friendly, with mounting brackets that snap into place without requiring you take out the motherboard.

High-end all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers sandwich the CPU between a cold plate pump and 240mm or 280mm radiator plus fans. This provides chilling liquid cooling with the convenience of a pre-filled and sealed loop. Widely known names like NZXT, Corsair, Cooler Master, and several more compete in this category.

Top CPU Air Cooler Picks for LGA 1151

Noctua NH-D15

Noctua’s legendary flagship air cooler has one of the best thermal capacities available, able to tame even the hottest Intel Core i9 CPUs. It packs six heat pipes into an expansive dual-tower aluminum heatsink and includes a pair of excellent NF-A15 PWM fans. The dual-fan setup stays remarkably quiet even under load. Check Price>>

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4

Living up to its name in both cooling performance and low noise, the Dark Rock Pro 4 delivers nearly silent operation with its dual 135mm fans tucked under thick aluminum fin stacks connected to seven beefy copper heat pipes. Aesthetics are also sleek for a cooler able to handle 250W TDP processors with ease. Check Price>>

Scythe Fuma 2

Scythe’s Fuma 2 dual-tower design splits its weight more evenly across the CPU socket thanks to asymmetrical layout. This improves both cooling and acoustics compared to standing square coolers. With two quality 120mm fans and six heatpipes, it rates for processors drawing up to 150W. Scythe’s design talent delivers top-tier performance at a mid-range price point. Check Price>>

Leading Liquid AIO Models

NZXT Kraken X63 RGB

A liquid cooler focused on aesthetics, NZXT’s Kraken X63 RGB pairs excellent cooling for CPUs up to 200W with dazzling and customizable RGB lighting. Its 277mm radiator and pair of 120mm fans keep noise down while the illuminated pump head adds style. Compatible with all modern CPU sockets, it’s an excellent all-around liquid cooler. Check Price>>

Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT

Another great 240mm AIO cooler prioritizing flashy lighting accents, the H100i RGB Pro XT from Corsair cools processors up to 260W using a 27mm thick copper cold plate, 16 RGB LEDs in the pump head, and 16.8 million color customization via Corsair’s iCUE software. Quiet performance meets personalized style. Check Price>>

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280

If raw cooling muscle is the top priority, skip the RGB lights and grab ARCTIC’s Liquid Freezer II 280. Its thicker 38mm radiator paired with high-static pressure 140mm PWM PST fans gives superior thermal capacity. Paired with a huge heatsink-equipped pump for coolant temperature regulation, it achieves excellence through engineering. Fans can hit 2000 RPM if needed. Check Price>>

Whichever route you pick for your LGA 1151 CPU’s ideal cooling companion, focusing on validated socket fitment, noise level preferences, and your processor’s thermal demand allow you to narrow down your best option. And with a beefy air cooler or sealed AIO liquid kit keeping temperatures in check, your Intel chip can sustain higher boost clocks for improved gaming and productivity. Just don’t forget to enable XMP to boost those DDR4 RAM speeds as well!