Choosing a good cooling system, whether it is an air cooler or an AIO (All In One) water cooling system, is a crucial point to get the most out of your CPU. These devices are even more essential when you run your gaming PC under high temperatures, especially during heat waves. Most processors have consumption peaks that are significantly higher than their TDP, the theoretical maximum power consumption of the chip. This is particularly noticeable on the highest-end chips. Therefore, you should not neglect their cooling to achieve optimal performance. The Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 is recommended for mid-range processors like Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. It has 4 heat pipes capable of dissipating 150 W. However, this value will only be achievable with the fans at maximum, which can result in noticeable noise levels. For a CPU around 100 W, it performs its job in a remarkable silence. The mounting system is simple to use and there are no compatibility issues with the RAM or the motherboard heat sinks. Considering its price, it is one of the best price/performance ratios on the market. A black version is available for a few euros more. The Arctic Freezer 36 is a new entry-level air cooler that is compatible with Intel 1851 and 1700 sockets, as well as AMD AM5 and AM4 sockets. It is also effective on AMD CPUs. It has 4 heat pipes and compatibility with 120 mm fans. The installation is done via a simple click on your PC. The manufacturing quality is good and the air cooler is among the best possible investments. The Cooler Master MA612 Stealth is suitable for cooling the most powerful processors, both Intel and AMD. It can support a TDP up to 180 W. Its two fans can rotate up to 1800 revolutions per minute and provide the necessary cooling, even for i9 processors. It has 6 heat pipes, and the installation is particularly easy, especially to not interfere with the RAM. It is compatible with a large number of sockets, including Intel and AMD. It also has LEDs and can be matched with the rest of your RGB installation, though there is also a non-RGB version. The Noctua NH-D15 is recommended for high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D or a Core i7-13700K. It is considered the best air cooler on the market. It weighs 1.3 kg and has a flawless finish. The mounting system is practical, and the fans are very quiet. However, its height may cause compatibility issues with certain cases and motherboards. It can cool the most power-hungry consumer processors in silence as long as you stay within the TDP limits. A chromax.black version exists for those who prefer black. The NZXT Kraken is a reference in terms of AIO water cooling systems. It has an LCD screen on the pump, which ensures a perfect aesthetic. The latest high-end model, the Kraken Elite, can display a large range of colors and personalized images, GIFs, and information such as the processor temperature. The pump operation is particularly quiet, and the fans are RGB. The model is available in three different sizes: 240 mm, 280 mm, and 360 mm. It is considered one of the best AIO water cooling systems on the market in terms of performance, style, and price. The Corsair iCUE H100i is an AIO water cooling system with RGB features. It includes two 120 mm fans that can reach up to 2100 rpm. It is available in 240 mm for less than 160 euros. When choosing between an air cooler and an AIO water cooling system, consider that AIO systems have a limited lifespan of around 5 to 7 years, while a good air cooler is practically indestructible and can be reused on a new machine. AIO systems are recommended for high-end processors, but air coolers are often more suitable for the majority of users due to their simplicity and lower cost. Water cooling systems typically use a mixture based on distilled water, added with corrosion inhibitors and antifreeze. Thermal paste is an important consideration, with the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut being a recommended option for its performance and ease of use. Regular maintenance of air coolers includes vacuuming the fins to remove dust, cleaning the rest of the PC, and changing the thermal paste every 3 years. When installing fans, ensure they are positioned correctly to respect the general airflow created by the case's fans. Most fans have an arrow indicating the direction of the airflow on the edge. If in doubt, the logo or brand name is always placed on the front of the fan. For AIO water cooling systems, a 240 mm AIO is suitable for processors up to 150-180 W real TDP, while a 360 mm is required for power-hungry chips such as a Core Ultra 9 or a Ryzen 9 exceeding 200 W under sustained load. A 280 mm is a good compromise but should be checked for case compatibility. Current air coolers and AIO water coolers are compatible with AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1851 sockets, with most recent models supporting them natively or via a mounting kit.