Best Aluminum CPU Cooling Fans of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Aluminum CPU cooling fans are an essential component for any computer system. These fans are designed to regulate the temperature of the CPU by dissipating heat generated during operation. Made from high-quality aluminum materials, these fans are durable and long-lasting. They are also lightweight and easy to install, making them a popular choice for computer enthusiasts and professionals alike. With their efficient design, these fans ensure that your CPU runs smoothly and reliably, even during intensive tasks. Overall, aluminum CPU cooling fans are an excellent investment for anyone looking to optimize the performance and lifespan of their computer system.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Air Cooler Cover #TOP 1
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Air Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler Cover #TOP 2
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler Cover #TOP 3
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Aluminum CPU Cooling Fans

#TOP 1

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Air Cooler

RR-S4KK-25SN-R1
Black
4 Heat Pipes
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Air Cooler Cover
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Cooler, SickleFlow 120 Edge PWM Fan, Aluminum Top Cover, 4 Copper Heat Pipes, 152mm Tall, AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4, Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200 Brackets

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Air Cooler, also known as the Cooler Master Hyper 212, is a powerful cooling solution for your computer's CPU. With its exclusive direct contact technology, this cooler effectively dissipates heat, ensuring optimal performance. The stacked fin array design allows for precise airflow, reducing resistance and allowing cooler air to flow into the heatsink. The smart fan sensor provides jam protection, preventing cables from getting snagged and components from being damaged. Additionally, the intuitive fan bracket design makes upgrading and removing the fan a breeze. Compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel and AMD, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 offers reliable and efficient cooling for your system.

What We Like
Significant temperature reduction
Very quiet operation
Easy installation
Wide compatibility
Durable build quality
#TOP 2

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler

PA120 SE
PA120 SE
PA120 SE series
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler Cover
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is a Taiwan brand with over 20 years of experience dedicated to providing research and development of computer accessories. It has a double tower cooling system with 2 PWM fans. The CPU cooler comes with 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes with AGHP technology that delivers extreme CPU cooling performance. It is compatible with various CPU socket platforms.

What We Like
Excellent cooling performance
Very quiet operation
Easy installation process
Great value for price
ARGB lighting aesthetics
#TOP 3

Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler

AX120 Refined SE
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler Cover
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1200/1700/1851(AX120 R SE)

The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler features a 120mm PWM fan that provides efficient cooling and true quietness with a low noise level. It supports Intel 115X/1200 and AMD AM4 CPU sockets. The 4 x 6mm heat pipes and copper plate base ensure superior cooling performance for mainstream use. Additionally, the after-sales service is responsive and helpful.

What We Like
Excellent cooling performance
Very quiet operation
Easy installation
Affordable price
No RGB lighting option
#TOP 4

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Cooler

PS120SE BLACK
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Cooler Cover
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black CPU Cooler,Dual TL-C12B V2 PWM Fans and Double Towers, 7 Heat Pipes Heatsink Cooler,for AM4/AM5&Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200, Computer CPU Cooling,Black

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit Cooler offers excellent cooling performance thanks to its advanced design. It uses a special black coating and high-quality copper base to increase heat dissipation, keeping your CPU cooler during intense use. The cooler features seven heat pipes with upgraded technology that works efficiently in any orientation, ensuring long-lasting durability. You’ll also appreciate the dual PWM fans, which provide strong airflow while maintaining low noise levels, so your system stays cool and quiet. Overall, the Phantom Spirit Cooler combines effective cooling with reliable, quiet operation for your PC.

What We Like
Enhanced heat dissipation
Durable 7 heat pipes
Quiet dual PWM fans
Wide CPU compatibility
#TOP 5

Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler

PS120SE
PS120 SE
7 Heat Pipe
Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler Cover
Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler,Dual 120mm TL-C12B V2 PWM Fan, AGHP 4.0 Technology, S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851, PC Cooler

Introducing the Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler, a powerful and efficient cooling solution for your computer. With 7 heat pipes and AGHP 4.0 technology, this cooler can handle CPU TDPs ranging from 105W to 280W, ensuring optimal performance even under heavy loads. The S-FDB bearings provide a long service life for the cooler's radiators, while the UL class a safety insulation and high-quality materials offer durability and reliability. The compact dimensions of 125x110x154mm make it compatible with a wide range of chassis models. Combined with the TL-C12B V2 PWM fan, which offers high airflow and low noise levels, the Thermalright Air Cooler provides excellent cooling for your CPU. Compatible with Intel and AMD CPU slots, this cooler comes with the necessary mounting plates and fasteners for easy installation.

What We Like
Powerful cooling performance
Long service life
Compact and compatible design
#TOP 6

Thermalright ASF Black V2 AM5 CPU Holder

ASF BLACK V2
Thermalright ASF Black V2 AM5 CPU Holder Cover
Thermalright ASF Black V2 AM5 CPU Holder, AM5 Safety Fixed Frame, AM5 Secure Frame, Corrective Anti-Bending Fixing Frame, AM5 Anti-Bending Contact Frame,CPU Cooler Standard,Black

The Thermalright AM5 CPU Holder is designed to protect your AM5 CPU during cooler installation. Its all-aluminum build has a special oxidation finish that not only looks sleek but prevents scratches and supports the cooler's weight, keeping your CPU safe from bending. The holder fits the AM5 socket precisely and uses a unique design that applies even pressure without damaging the CPU cover, so you can install it multiple times without worry. It also includes insulated foot pads that help reduce electrical interference caused by thermal paste, ensuring better performance. Plus, the included L-shaped screwdriver and clear instructions make installation quick and easy for you.

What We Like
Durable aluminum construction
Anti-bending CPU protection
Non-marking, even pressure fit
Insulated protective foot pads
Easy installation with included tool
#TOP 7

AMD Wraith Stealth Socket AM4 CPU Cooler

AMD
712-000052
Black
3.93 Inch
AMD Wraith Stealth Socket AM4 CPU Cooler Cover
AMD Wraith Stealth Socket AM4 4-Pin Connector CPU Cooler with Aluminum Heatsink & 3.93-Inch Fan (Slim)

The AMD Wraith Stealth Socket AM4 CPU Cooler is a powerful cooling fan that has a 3.5-inch 90mm fan and a direct screw mounting to socket AM4 motherboards. It also features an aluminum heatsink with pre-applied thermal paste and a 4-pin PWM power connector, making it an efficient and easy-to-use cooling solution for your CPU.

What We Like
Efficient cooling performance
Easy-to-install with direct screw mounting to socket AM4 motherboard
Pre-applied thermal paste on the aluminum heatsink
#TOP 8

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE CPU Cooler

PS120SE
PS120 SE
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE CPU Cooler Cover
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler,Dual 120mm TL-C12B V2 PWM Fans, AGHP 4.0 Technology,S-FDB Bearing, for AM4/AM5/Intel lga1851/1700/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooling

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit Cooler is designed to keep your CPU running cool and efficiently. It uses advanced 7 heat pipes built with AGHP 4.0 technology, which helps manage heat regardless of your PC’s orientation, ensuring long-lasting performance. The cooler features a sleek aluminum and copper design that maximizes heat dissipation, providing powerful cooling for your processor. Equipped with dual 120mm PWM fans, it delivers strong airflow while keeping noise levels low, so your system stays quiet even under heavy loads. This cooler is compatible with many Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile choice for different builds.

What We Like
Advanced 7 heat pipes
AGHP 4.0 heat management
High-quality aluminum and copper design
Dual quiet 120mm PWM fans
Wide CPU socket compatibility
#TOP 9

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler

PEERLESS ASSASSIN 120 SE V2
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler Cover
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler, TL-C12C 120mm Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, for AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin Cooler offers a compact design with dimensions that fit most setups, making installation easier for you. Its dual thickened PWM fans run quietly at up to 1850 RPM, providing strong airflow to keep your CPU cool without disturbing noise. The cooler uses advanced GEN 5.0 technology with six copper heat pipes, which effectively manage heat even when your PC is oriented in different positions, ensuring your processor stays cool under heavy loads. Plus, it supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, so you can confidently upgrade or build your system without compatibility worries.

What We Like
Compact dimensions
Quiet dual PWM fans
Advanced heat pipe technology
Wide CPU socket compatibility
#TOP 10

Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

PS120SE ARGB-D1
PS120 SE ARGB
7 Heatpipes
Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler Cover
Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler,Dual 120mm TL-C12B-S V2 PWM Fan, AGHP 4.0 Technology, S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooler

The Thermalright PS120SE Cooler offers powerful and reliable cooling for your CPU with its advanced 7-heatpipe design, ensuring efficient heat transfer and long-lasting performance thanks to its durable S-FDB bearings. You’ll appreciate the dual 120mm PWM fans that run quietly while delivering strong airflow to keep your system cool. Compatibility won’t be an issue, as this cooler supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making installation straightforward with included mounting hardware. Plus, its sturdy aluminum and copper construction maximizes heat dissipation, helping your CPU maintain optimal temperatures during heavy use.

What We Like
7 heat pipes with AGHP technology
Dual quiet PWM fans
Wide CPU socket compatibility
Durable S-FDB bearings
Aluminum and copper build
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best metal for a processor cooler?

Copper and aluminum, on the other hand, make excellent heatsink materials for our purposes: Copper is objectively the best material for gaming-grade PC heatsinks, but aluminum tends to be the most cost-friendly option and can still exhibit considerable cooling capacity given solid enough design.

2. What is the metal part of a CPU cooler called?

Base-Plate - The metal base of an air-cooler that attaches to the IHS of the CPU. This design allows the transfer of heat through convection to the fins of the heat sink, where it can then be redistributed with a fan.

3. Is it better to push or pull air through a CPU cooler?

Push is the preferred configuration for a single fan however, unless there are memory interference issues in which case moving it to the rear of the heatsink is fine too.

4. Are CPU cooling fans Universal?

Currently, a lot of CPU coolers are compatible with most of the popular socket types although there are some only support one socket type. Beside the socket type, the layout of the motherboard can also determine which cooler's will or won't fit.

Editor's Notes

During our aluminum cpu cooling fan research, we found 24 aluminum cpu cooling fan products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 121,235 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aluminum cpu cooling fans list. We found that most customers choose aluminum cpu cooling fans with an average price of $38.82.

The aluminum cpu cooling fans are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aluminum cpu cooling fans, including Cooler Master, Thermalright, AMD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.