What cooler do you need for Ryzen 5 7600?
Pick out the best cooler for a Ryzen 5 7600
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The Ryzen 5 7600 is a budget-friendly gaming processor released in January 2023. It’s currently the most affordable Zen 4 option and features specs optimized for gaming, making it the go-to for gamers worldwide. If you’re interested in getting one yourself, you may be wondering – what cooler do you need for Ryzen 5 7600?
What is the Ryzen 5 7600’s TDP?
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (Non-X)
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.3GHz
Cache
L3 32MB
Socket
AM5
TDP (Thermal Design Power) refers to a processor’s maximum heat dissipation when it is under full workload. As you know, CPUs consume power (in watts) while operating, and almost all of this electrical energy gets converted into heat energy.
This heat has to be dissipated to the surroundings effectively to prevent overheating damage to the processor.
The Ryzen 5 7600 has a very modest TDP rating of 65 watts. The processor can consume more power in short bursts (tests show us that the max momentary power consumption for the 7600 is closer to 90 watts) but the average under full load is indeed 65 watts.
A TDP rating of 65 watts means the Ryzen 5 7600 generates very little heat. To put that into perspective, the R5 7600X has a TDP rating of 105 watts, the R9 7950X has one of 170 watts, and the Intel Core i9-13900KS has a max TDP of 320 watts.
Our recommendation for a Ryzen 5 7600 CPU cooler
If you’re interested in equipping your R5 7600 with an aftermarket cooler, we recommend the Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler by Be Quiet!
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler
Air or liquid?
Air
Max RPM
1400 RPM
Max Noise
21.4 dB
Dimensions
H(159) x W(136) x D(96) mm
The Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 Air Cooler is a stylish air cooler with a maximum fan speed of 1400 RPM and a maximum noise level of 21.4 dB. It’s affordable, delivers great value for money, and makes an excellent pairing with the R5 7600.
The CPU cooler is designed to support a max TDP rating of 200 watts. The 65-watt R5 7600 won’t be a problem, even with extreme overclocking.
You can explore more options here in our best Ryzen 5 7600 CPU cooler buying guide.
Do you need liquid cooling for the Ryzen 5 7600?
Because the Ryzen 5 7600 has such a low TDP (and therefore doesn’t generate much heat), you don’t need liquid cooling. An air cooler will work just fine here.
CPU air coolers can effectively control temperatures for processors with TDPs of 150 to 200 watts at most. Beyond that point, it’s more cost-effective to go with AIO liquid coolers.
Does the Ryzen 5 7600 come with a stock cooler?
The Ryzen 5 7600 box includes an AMD Wraith Stealth cooler. This is a pretty effective stock cooler, although aftermarket air coolers are of course better.
The included Wraith Stealth cooler actually provides the R5 7600 with adequate cooling for temperatures to be kept low. It’s not a must for you to go with an aftermarket cooler.
Is there any reason to use an aftermarket cooler?
Given that the R5 7600 comes with a satisfactory cooling solution, is there any reason to go with an aftermarket cooler at all?
A stronger aftermarket cooler will help you lower temperatures even further. Not only that, but it will also make less noise, as the fan would need to run at a lower RPM to achieve the same level of provided cooling.
If you live in a hotter climate with a high ambient temperature, it’s worth considering an aftermarket cooler over the stock option. Otherwise, I wouldn’t sweat it.
Of course, you may also want to go with an aftermarket cooler simply for the RGB or aesthetics.
