Ultimately, if the CPU Cooler is compatible with your CPU and fits inside the case, then that’s all that really matters. However, there are special considerations that should be addressed before settling on a CPU Cooler. Here are some factors that may affect your decision.

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Passive cooling is an attractive solution for noise-sensitive environments, like shared bedrooms or offices, because there is no fan to generate sound with constant spinning. Passive cooling, however, will limit the choice of CPU since more powerful CPUs require high performance cooling. Builders using active cooling CPU Coolers should consider how many fans the cooler uses and whether or not those fans will be automatically or manually controlled. Automatic control allows the computer system to increase or decrease fan speed as necessary to cool the CPU, but won’t consider noise levels. Manual control allows the user to control fan speed via a fan controller.

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Even after narrowing down CPU Coolers to those that are compatible with specific CPUs, there is still a wide selection to choose from. CPU Coolers come in different colors and configurations and can mesh or clash with the style of a particular computer system. This is especially true for computer building enthusiasts who often color-coordinate their internal components. Builders who use computer cases with a see-through side panel should consider the visual aspect of the CPU Cooler since it is one of the most eye-catching internal pieces.

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Computer builders always want to maximize the power of their systems, which often times leads to overclocking. Doing so may exceed the performance of passive coolers and even many active air coolers. The solution is to use water cooling. If overclocking is a future plan for a current system, then having a CPU Cooler that will allow for that growth is definitely something to consider.

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