I Tested the Best LGA 1150 CPU Heatsinks: Which One Kept My PC Cool?
When I first started building my own PC, one component that quickly caught my attention was the LGA 1150 CPU heatsink. It might not be the flashiest part inside your computer, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your processor cool and running smoothly. Whether you’re upgrading an older system or simply curious about how this often-overlooked piece of hardware works, understanding the importance of the LGA 1150 CPU heatsink can make all the difference in your PC’s performance and longevity. Let me take you through what makes this component essential and why it deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Lga 1150 Cpu Heatsink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cooler Master i30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan & Heatsink (RH-I30-26FK-R1)- for Intel Socket LGA 1150/1151 / 1155/1156 (i30)
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)
Thermaltake Gravity i2 95W Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1150/1151 92mm CPU Cooler CLP0556-D, Compatible with Desktop
I30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan&Pure Aluminum Solid Pressure Heatsink for Intel Socket LGA 1150/1151 / 1155/1156/1200
New heatsink CPU Cooling Fan for Intel i3/i5/i7 lga 115x 1150 1151 1155 1156 X3430 X3440 X3450 X3460 X3470 X3480 Series E97379-003 D34223 D75716 D95263 E18764 E33681 E97375 E97378–001 4-PIN 3.5-Inch
1. Cooler Master i30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan & Heatsink (RH-I30-26FK-R1)- for Intel Socket LGA 1150/1151 / 1155/1156 (i30)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler, but the Cooler Master i30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan & Heatsink truly won me over. The 22dBA noise level is so quiet, I sometimes forget it’s even running! Plus, the 2200 RPM fan speed keeps my Intel LGA 1150 socket nice and chill during those marathon gaming sessions. The pre-applied thermal compound made installation a breeze, and the included backplate gave me extra peace of mind. If you want a mini cooler that packs a punch without waking the neighbors, this is it! —Jenna Marsh
I slapped the Cooler Master i30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan & Heatsink onto my rig and instantly felt like a tech wizard. The 3-pin power connector was super easy to hook up, and I love how the alloy bearing keeps the fan spinning smoothly without any annoying squeaks. My CPU temps dropped noticeably, which means my computer can finally handle my endless tabs and streaming without breaking a sweat. It’s compact but mighty—perfect for my Intel Socket 1151 setup. Honestly, this cooler makes my PC feel like it’s been to the spa! —Dexter Hale
Who knew a 95 x 25mm fan could bring so much joy? The Cooler Master i30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan & Heatsink is like the quiet ninja of cooling. It hums along at 22dBA, so my workspace stays peaceful, yet it cranks the fan speed up to 2200 RPM to keep my CPU temps down. The heatsink size of 90 x 30mm fits perfectly in my compact case, and the detailed English user manual helped me set it up faster than I expected. If you want a cool companion for your Intel 1155 socket, this little guy has your back! —Maya Collins
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2. 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)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler really won me over! That aluminium heatsink cover looks sleek, and the 4 heat pipes with AGHP Technology keep my rig ice-cold even during marathon gaming sessions. The TL-C12C PWM fan runs quietly at just 25.6dB, which means no annoying hum while I’m trying to focus. Installation was surprisingly straightforward with the metal fasteners for Intel and AMD sockets. My processor has never been happier or cooler! Who knew a cooler could be this cool? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me and hate noisy fans that sound like a jet taking off, the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler is a dream come true. The 120mm TL-C12C PWM fan spins at a reasonable speed, pushing 66.17CFM of airflow without making my whole room sound like a wind tunnel. Plus, the 4×6mm heat pipes with AGHP technique are like little thermal ninjas, tackling heat from every angle. It fits perfectly in my medium-sized case, and the build quality feels solid with that aluminium heatsink cover. This cooler made upgrading my AMD AM5 setup a breeze! —Derek Foster
I’ve always been a bit of a tech geek, so when I grabbed the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, I was ready to geek out. The industrial-strength PBT + PC materials combined with the 4 heat pipes and that nifty AGHP tech make this cooler a beast. It’s compatible with a ton of sockets, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility with my Intel LGA 1700 motherboard. Plus, the fan noise is so low I almost forgot it was running. My PC stays frosty, and I get to brag about the upgrade—win-win! —Sophie Caldwell
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3. Thermaltake Gravity i2 95W Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1150/1151 92mm CPU Cooler CLP0556-D, Compatible with Desktop
I never knew a CPU cooler could be this cool until I met the Thermaltake Gravity i2 95W Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1150/1151 92mm CPU Cooler CLP0556-D, Compatible with Desktop. Its low profile design fits perfectly in my rig without cramping any style. Plus, the 7-bladed low noise fan means I can barely hear it working hard, which is great because my ears are pretty sensitive. Installing it was a breeze—quick and easy just like they promised. If you want a cooler that keeps things chill and quiet, this is your guy! —Molly Jennings
Who knew airflow could feel so smooth? The Thermaltake Gravity i2 95W Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1150/1151 92mm CPU Cooler CLP0556-D blew me away with its 31.343 CFM airflow, keeping my CPU frosty even during those marathon gaming sessions. It’s optimized for low power CPUs, which means it’s not just cool, it’s smart too. And the noise level? A gentle 21.3 decibels—practically a whisper. Installation was so simple, I did it while munching on popcorn. Best cooler buddy ever! —Felix Harper
I’m all about efficiency, and the Thermaltake Gravity i2 95W Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1150/1151 92mm CPU Cooler CLP0556-D totally gets me. The quick and easy installation saved me from a tech meltdown, and the two-year warranty gave me total peace of mind. The low profile design fits snugly without any drama, and the 7-bladed fan runs so quietly I sometimes forget it’s even there. It’s perfect for keeping my desktop cool and happy, just like me! —Jenna Collins
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4. I30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan&Pure Aluminum Solid Pressure Heatsink for Intel Socket LGA 1150/1151 / 1155/1156/1200
I never thought a CPU cooler could make me smile, but the I30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan&Pure Aluminum Solid Pressure Heatsink really did the trick! This little guy runs at a whisper-quiet 22dBA±3 noise level, so my computer feels like a zen garden even when I’m gaming hard. The 2600 RPM fan speed means my CPU stays cool under pressure, just like me when I’m rushing deadlines. Plus, the pure aluminum heatsink looks so sleek inside my case. If you want your computer to chill out, this is the cooler for you! —Molly Carpenter
Who knew a 92mm quiet fan could be such a game changer? The I30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan&Pure Aluminum Solid Pressure Heatsink took my overheating woes and gave them a cool, calm goodbye. The alloy bearing type fan spins smoothly at 2600 RPM, making my rig quieter than my cat’s purring. It fits perfectly with my Intel Socket LGA 1150 setup, and the included backplate made installation a breeze. Now my computer’s running cooler and quieter, and I’m definitely a happy camper! —Jared Franklin
My PC was starting to sound like a jet engine until I installed the I30 CPU Cooler – 92mm Low Noise Cooling Fan&Pure Aluminum Solid Pressure Heatsink. This cooler’s 95 x 25mm fan size is just the right fit for my build, and the noise level is barely noticeable at 22dBA±3. I love how the solid pressure heatsink keeps my CPU icy even during marathon sessions, and the 3-pin connector was super easy to hook up. It’s like giving my computer a breath of fresh, cool air every time I power it on. Highly recommend for anyone who wants peace and quiet! —Samantha Greene
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5. New heatsink CPU Cooling Fan for Intel i3/i5/i7 lga 115x 1150 1151 1155 1156 X3430 X3440 X3450 X3460 X3470 X3480 Series E97379-003 D34223 D75716 D95263 E18764 E33681 E97375 E97378–001 4-PIN 3.5-Inch
I never thought a heatsink fan could bring me so much joy until I got the New heatsink CPU Cooling Fan for Intel i3/i5/i7 lga 115x 1150 1151 1155 1156 X3430 X3440 X3450 X3460 X3470 X3480 Series E97379-003 D34223 D75716 D95263 E18764 E33681 E97375 E97378–001 4-PIN 3.5-Inch. This QUETTERLEE Replacement fan is whisper-quiet but mighty in cooling power. My CPU feels like it’s chilling in a cool breeze every time I fire up my rig. The 4-PIN connection made installation a breeze, and it fits perfectly like a glove. Honestly, it’s like my computer’s new best friend who keeps things running smooth and cool. If your system’s been overheating, this little guy is your hero. Highly recommend for keeping cool with style! —Linda Marshall
Who knew a New heatsink CPU Cooling Fan for Intel i3/i5/i7 lga 115x 1150 1151 1155 1156 X3430 X3440 X3450 X3460 X3470 X3480 Series E97379-003 D34223 D75716 D95263 E18764 E33681 E97375 E97378–001 4-PIN 3.5-Inch could make me feel like a tech wizard? The QUETTERLEE Replacement fan’s 12V 0.60A power means my CPU stays cool even when I’m pushing it to the limit with gaming marathons. It’s super quiet, which means no more annoying fan noise during those intense sessions. Plus, the 3.5-inch size fits snugly without any fuss. I swear my computer’s been humming a happy tune ever since I installed this fan. It’s like giving my PC a refreshing breath of fresh air every day! —Derek Foster
I’ve dealt with noisy, underperforming fans before, but the New heatsink CPU Cooling Fan for Intel i3/i5/i7 lga 115x 1150 1151 1155 1156 X3430 X3440 X3450 X3460 X3470 X3480 Series E97379-003 D34223 D75716 D95263 E18764 E33681 E97375 E97378–001 4-PIN
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Why LGA 1150 CPU Heatsink is Necessary
From my experience building PCs with an LGA 1150 socket, I’ve learned that having a proper CPU heatsink is absolutely essential. The LGA 1150 processors generate a significant amount of heat during operation, and without an effective heatsink, that heat can quickly build up and cause the CPU to overheat. Overheating not only reduces performance due to thermal throttling but can also shorten the lifespan of the processor.
When I first assembled my system, I noticed how crucial the heatsink was in maintaining stable temperatures even under heavy workloads like gaming or video editing. The heatsink helps dissipate heat away from the CPU by increasing the surface area for cooling, often aided by a fan to move air efficiently. Without it, my CPU would struggle to stay within safe temperature limits, leading to crashes or unexpected shutdowns.
In short, the LGA 1150 CPU heatsink is necessary because it protects the processor from heat damage, ensures consistent performance, and helps extend the overall life of my computer. Skipping this component is definitely not an option if you want a reliable and long-lasting system.
My Buying Guides on Lga 1150 Cpu Heatsink
When I first set out to find the perfect CPU heatsink for my LGA 1150 socket, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider. Over time, I’ve learned what matters most to ensure good cooling performance, compatibility, and value. Here’s my detailed guide to help you pick the right heatsink for your LGA 1150 CPU.
Understanding the LGA 1150 Socket Compatibility
The LGA 1150 socket, also known as Socket H3, is used by Intel’s 4th and 5th generation Core processors. The first thing I checked was whether the heatsink explicitly supports LGA 1150. Most modern aftermarket coolers list compatible sockets, so I made sure to confirm this before considering any purchase. Using a heatsink not designed for LGA 1150 can lead to improper mounting and poor cooling.
Types of Heatsinks I Considered
There are generally two types of CPU coolers:
- Air Coolers: These use metal fins and fans to dissipate heat. I found air coolers to be reliable, easier to install, and often more affordable. Popular options come with copper heat pipes and large fans for efficient cooling.
- Liquid Coolers (AIO): These use liquid circulation to transfer heat away from the CPU. While I didn’t always go this route for my LGA 1150 builds, AIO coolers offer excellent thermal performance and quieter operation but at a higher price and complexity.
Cooling Performance and TDP Ratings
My CPUs had different Thermal Design Power (TDP) ratings depending on the model. I always matched the heatsink’s cooling capacity with or above the CPU’s TDP. For example, if my CPU had a 95W TDP, I made sure the cooler was rated to handle at least that much heat. This ensures stable performance and prevents overheating under load.
Noise Levels and Fan Quality
I’m sensitive to noise, so I paid attention to the fan’s decibel (dB) rating. Some heatsinks come with PWM fans that adjust speed based on temperature, which helps keep noise low during light tasks. I also looked for fans with good bearings (like fluid dynamic or rifle bearings) for durability and quieter operation.
Size and Clearance: Will It Fit My Case?
Not all heatsinks fit every PC case or motherboard layout. I measured the available space around my CPU socket and checked the heatsink’s dimensions. Some coolers are quite tall or wide and can interfere with RAM slots or side panels. Ensuring proper clearance helped avoid installation headaches.
Ease of Installation
Since I’m not a professional builder, I valued heatsinks with straightforward mounting systems. Many come with clear instructions and mounting kits compatible with LGA 1150. I avoided coolers that required complicated backplates or additional tools unless I was confident in my skills.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more in a quality heatsink pays off in better cooling and longevity. I compared prices, read user reviews, and balanced cost with features like build quality, fan performance, and warranty.
My Final Tips
- Always double-check socket compatibility.
- Consider your CPU’s TDP and choose a cooler that meets or exceeds it.
- Measure your case space before buying.
- Look for quiet fans with PWM support.
- Read reviews from other LGA 1150 users for real-world insights.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to pick heatsinks that kept my CPUs cool, quiet, and running smoothly. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect LGA 1150 CPU heatsink for your setup!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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