As the processor speeds up, the heat produced by it increases too. Therefore, you would need the best CPU cooler for i5-10400F to attain optimal performance. You can either opt for an external fan for cooling or a built-in cooling system in the motherboard. In any case, the cooling system plays a crucial role in keeping the computer temperature under control.
At a Glance:
A powerful cooling system can help in keeping the system temperature low and provide more stable performance. The best CPU Coolers for Intel i5-10400F are made to cool the processor effectively and to keep it at safe operating temperatures.
To ensure that your CPU Cooler will perform optimally, it should be selected with the specific motherboard, processor, and cooler you have chosen. It is important to understand how the cooling system works, and what its cooling speed is before buying it.
I have reviewed the top 8 best CPU Coolers for Intel i5-10400F to ensure that you get the right product for your computer. So let’s get started.
- The 8 Best CPU Coolers for I5-10400F
- Noctua NH-D15
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black
- Vetroo V5 CPU Air Cooler
- be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
- Noctua NH-D15S Chromax Black
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition
- Noctua NH-L9x65 65mm
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB
- Tips To Find the Best CPU Cooler for I5-10400F
- Summary of Best CPU Coolers for I5-10400F
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
The 8 Best CPU Coolers for I5-10400F
Award | Design | CPU Coolers | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Air Cooler for Intel Core I5-10400F | Best Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | Staff Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Budget CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | Budget Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Mid-Range CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Affordable CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best CPU Cooler for I5-10400F With RGB | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best 64mm CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price |
Noctua NH-D15
Best PickBest Air Cooler for Intel Core I5-10400F

Item Dimensions | 5.91 x 6.34 x 6.5 inches |
Brand | Noctua |
Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
Cooling Method | Fan |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Noise Level | 19.2 dB |
Pros
- It has a high cooling performance.
- It is very quiet.
- It has a sleek and attractive design.
- It has a high-quality build.
- It has a long lifespan.
Cons
- It is not that easy to assemble.
If you’re an overclocker or a silent PC user, the Noctua NH-D15 is a great choice.
Noctua is one of the most well-known and well-respected brands when it comes to PC cooling, and their NH-D15 is no exception. It’s one of the best dual-tower coolers on the market, and it’s worth the premium price tag for what it offers.

The Noctua NH-D15 has a 6 heatpipe design that delivers the most efficient heat dissipation. It’s made of aluminum, which makes it both lightweight and durable.
There are a few reasons why Noctua is so popular.
Firstly, they offer exceptional value for money, and secondly, they always come with a 6-year warranty, which means you get to enjoy peace of mind.
It isn’t a small cooler either, and it’s massive enough to fit into most cases. It’s also pretty quiet, and it’s made of high-quality materials.

The aluminum heatsink has six heatpipes that ensure better heat dissipation, while the fan is a high-efficiency 140mm unit that should run at a whisper.

I’ve used plenty of other coolers in the past, and the Noctua NH-D15 has impressed me every time. It’s been a great cooler for my rig, and it makes me happy to use it.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, it is a great and budget-friendly cooler for the price. Furthermore, it’s worth investing in if you want to upgrade to a better cooler.
be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black
Staff PickBest CPU Cooler for I5-10400F

Brand | Be quiet! |
Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
Wattage | 150 watts |
Cooling Method | Fan |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Noise Level | 26.8 dB |
Material | Aluminum |
Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
Pros
- It is easy to install.
- It has a low noise level.
- It has a good cooling efficiency.
- It has a high airflow capacity.
- It has a compact design.
Cons
- It has comparatively small fan.
This is a very solid cooler, and it’s one of the better air coolers we’ve seen in recent memory.
The Pure Rock 2 Black features four high-performance 6mm heat pipes and uses HDT (heat pipe direct thermal) technology.

It is a very efficient way of transferring heat, because it uses convection instead of conduction to move heat.
While the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 is aimed at enthusiasts, I actually find that it’s a great cooling solution for my mid-range desktop PC.
I use it because it’s so quiet, and the high 150W TDP makes it ideal for overclocking. This is an important feature because my CPU is clocked at 4.6GHz, and I’m using a low-power Haswell-E processor.
HDT heat pipes are capable of transferring large amounts of heat with a minimal amount of power, and the Pure Rock 2 Black uses four of them to transfer heat from the processor to the radiator.

The radiator is also asymmetrical so that it won’t block memory slots and other vital components.
It is also useful for those building a system with multiple graphics cards, as it means you can still use those memory modules.
The Pure Wings 120mm PWM fans used in this cooler are capable of reaching speeds of up to 1800 RPM, which is fairly decent.

They also use the same fan design as the company’s previous generation of coolers, and this means that the noise levels remain relatively low.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a high-performance cooler, the Pure Rock 2 Black is worth considering. It’s easy to install and looks good, too.
Vetroo V5 CPU Air Cooler
Budget PickBest Budget CPU Cooler for I5-10400F

Brand | Vetroo |
Power Connector Type | 3-Pin |
Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
Wattage | 150 watts |
Cooling Method | Air |
Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Desktop |
Noise Level | 30.8 dB |
Material | Aluminum |
Maximum Rotational Speed | 1700 RPM |
Pros
- This is the most effective way to cool down the CPU
- It is an ideal choice for gamers
- It is easy to install
- The cooling performance is excellent.
Cons
- The fan is a bit noisy.
- The design is too simple.
The Vetroo V5 CPU cooler is one of the best air coolers for Intel Core i5-10400F that we’ve reviewed in recent memory.
It supports all modern CPUs with a single 120mm fan, which is a nice touch, but it should be noted that the cooling performance is somewhat limited to the stock cooler, so this won’t work well with high-end CPUs that are overclocked or with low-profile CPUs.

It’s not a particularly powerful cooler, so if you’re looking for a great, quiet, and high-performance cooler, then you’ll want to look elsewhere.
That said, the V5 is extremely quiet, and it’s able to keep the CPU cool and comfortable, so if you’re looking for a good CPU cooler at a reasonable price, then it’s worth checking out.
The V5 is easy to install, and you can do it yourself if you like, although we do recommend that you use a screwdriver to loosen the screws. The included manual is fairly detailed, and it walks you through the entire installation process step by step.

The only issue is that you need to be careful when installing the cooler because the plastic clips that hold the heatsink to the motherboard are pretty fragile.
Once you have the heatsink in place, you’ll need to screw the heat sink into the socket and tighten the screws.

It’s important to note that the heat sink doesn’t come with a fan, and that’s probably a good thing because the fan is rather loud. It’s not a huge fan, so you should be fine if you leave the fan on the motherboard, but you may want to remove it for quieter operation.
This is a pretty compact cooler, so it’s going to take up a fair amount of space, but it’s not overly bulky.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, this cooler is one of the best air coolers for gaming PCs that we’ve tested, and it’s a solid choice for those who are looking for a good, reliable, and reasonably priced option.
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Best Mid-Range CPU Cooler for I5-10400F

Brand | Be quiet! |
Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
Wattage | 125 |
Cooling Method | Air |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Noise Level | 24.3 dB |
Material | Copper |
Pros
- The fans are virtually inaudible.
- It has high airflow performance.
- It is easy to install.
- It has a great price.
Cons
- It takes up a lot of space.
We’ve been using our PC for many years, and we’ve had to upgrade it several times. The latest upgrade is the be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 4, a 4-slot cooler that offers quiet cooling.
We’ve used a few different coolers over the years, and the Dark Rock Pro 4 is the best so far.
It’s very quiet when in operation, but it still has enough airflow to cool the CPU without overheating.
There are two fans on this cooler, and the front fan is funnel-shaped, which makes for higher air pressure.
That helps prevent the noise from being amplified by the case, and the sound doesn’t reach that high decibel level.

be Quiet also made sure that the fan blades were large, and the cooling fins are angled to maximize airflow.
While the Dark Rock Pro 4 is a good cooler, it is not the quietest. For that, you should look at the Corsair H100i.
This cooler is the first cooler we’ve tested that has a thermal paste that sticks to the CPU, and it’s really effective.

It’s a little difficult to install, and we found that it’s a bit loud when it’s first installed, but it gets quieter as the CPU heats up.
It’s also worth mentioning that this is a 240mm cooler, so it won’t fit in all cases.
You should also look at the Cooler Master Hyper 212, another 240mm cooler. This one is a little more expensive, but it’s also quieter than the Dark Rock Pro 4.
Final Verdict
The Dark Rock Pro 4 is great for the price, and it’s the best cooler we’ve tried.
Noctua NH-D15S Chromax Black
Best Affordable CPU Cooler for I5-10400F

Brand | Noctua |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Noise Level | 24.6 dB |
Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
Pros
- It is designed with premium components.
- It has a wide range of compatibility.
- It is easy to install.
- It is effective in terms of cooling performance.
- It can keep your system stable.
- It is quiet.
Cons
- It is not budget-friendly
- It is difficult to install for newbies
The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax Black is a very attractive CPU cooler that is designed to work with Intel’s latest CPUs.
It features a single 120mm fan that is asymmetrical and dual-towers for maximum compatibility with motherboards that use a Dual-slot cooler.

This CPU cooler has been around for quite some time, and it’s still going strong, and still being recommended. It’s very popular, and the reason why is the fact that it’s reliable, and works flawlessly.
When it comes to heatsinks, I have a rule of thumb: the bigger the fan, the better it is. This is because big fans are more effective at moving air, and that’s what we need to remove heat.
I like how this CPU cooler is asymmetrical, and it doesn’t block the PCIe slot on most motherboards. That’s good, as it means that you can install the Noctua cooler on both the primary and secondary slots.

It has a low profile, so it won’t interfere with anything, and it’s really easy to install.
The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax Black uses a high-quality, thick TIM. It’s also secured with a thermal pad, and the Noctua Cooler comes with a good 6-year warranty.
Final Verdict
I was very impressed by the performance, and I think it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a good CPU cooler.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition
Best CPU Cooler for I5-10400F With RGB

Brand | Cooler Master |
Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
Cooling Method | Air |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Noise Level | 26 dB |
Material | Copper,Nickel |
Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
Air Flow Capacity | 42 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
Pros
- It offers a better heat dissipation performance than a traditional heatsink.
- The heatsink comes with an LED light that lets you know when it’s working.
- The fan is quiet.
- It has a sleek and stylish appearance.
- It is easy to install and uninstall.
Cons
- It does not have a modular heatsink
We’ve reviewed a few different coolers in the past, but Cooler Master has a reputation for building quality products and this cooler is no exception.
The Hyper 212 Black Edition is a high-performance tower case with an integrated 2.5″ 120mm radiator, and it has all the features you’d expect from such a high-end product.
It is a bit expensive model, but it does have a couple of features that set it apart from the competition.
First of all, it’s a direct-contact cooler, which means that the heatsink is placed directly on the processor’s thermal pad.

The heatsink itself is made of copper, which has a lower thermal resistance than aluminum.
Smart sensor
Another big feature is the smart fan sensor, which is capable of detecting whether or not there are any cables or power cords tangled around the fan.
If that happens, the fan stops spinning, which helps prevent damage to the hardware.

Design
The Hyper 212 also has a smart fan bracket design, which makes it easy to remove and replace the fan. This is especially helpful if you want to upgrade to a larger fan.
Final Verdict
All in all, this cooler is one of the best in its class. It’s sturdy, quiet, and efficient. It doesn’t skimp on the cooling performance either, so it won’t cause your CPU to overheat.
Noctua NH-L9x65 65mm
Best 64mm CPU Cooler for I5-10400F

Brand | Noctua |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
Cooling Method | Fan |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Noise Level | 23.6 dB |
Material | Copper, Aluminum |
Maximum Rotational Speed | 2500 RPM |
Pros
- It’s very compact, so it is easy to install in most cases.
- It cools the computer quickly and efficiently.
- It’s quiet.
- It has a sleek design.
- It is easy to install.
Cons
- It’s a little pricey.
If you’re building a PC, you probably already know about Noctua. Their fans are among the best on the market, and they’re used in many of the world’s most powerful PCs.
Their latest fan is an excellent example of their quality and innovation, the NH-L9x65.

Most other 65mm fans have a tall profile of around 80mm, but this one is only 65mm tall. This means that you won’t have to sacrifice valuable space on your motherboard to fit it in, and it’ll look great next to your RAM and PCIe slots.
As for the design of the fan itself, it’s an extremely compact unit with only 65mm tall. This makes it compatible with most small form factor builds, and it’s also ideal for HTPCs and ITX builds.
The NF-A9x14 is an excellent fan for use in small form factor builds, and the NT-H1 thermal compound makes it easy to install. The NT-H1 is designed for low-profile coolers, and it’s perfect for Noctua fans.
The NT-H1 features a special low-temperature phase-change material (PCM) that helps to increase the thermal conductivity of the thermal compound, allowing it to reach the lowest temperatures with the least amount of thermal compound.

This is great for low-profile coolers like the Noctua NH-L9x65, as you won’t need as much thermal compound to keep the cooler cool.
Final Verdict
The Noctua NH-L9x65 is rated at 5V and 3.3A, so it’s suitable for use with the majority of modern CPUs. If you’re planning to use the NH-L9x65 with an AMD processor, be sure to check the compatibility list.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for I5-10400F

Brand | Cooler Master |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
Cooling Method | Water |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Noise Level | 30 dB |
Material | Rubber |
Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
Pros
- It provides a nice cooling effect and removes heat quickly.
- It is quiet when you are using it.
- It is suitable for both gaming and office work.
- It is easy to use.
Cons
- It doesn’t provide enough cooling effect for high-end gaming
- It is a bit expensive.
If you want a great silent cooling fan, then the MasterLiquid ML240L RGB should be your first choice.
I’ve always been skeptical of the whole “silent” branding, but the ML240L is the real deal.
The first thing that struck me was the incredible airflow. The fan spins at a very slow speed, yet it still pushes a lot of air through your computer. This is a big improvement over previous models, as the previous generation of silent cooling fans didn’t perform well due to the lack of airflow.

The ML240L is a dual-chamber fan, which means that there are two chambers for the air to pass through, and the air is pushed through them in opposite directions.
This means that the air is pushed out in a wider area, and it disperses better than previous generation fans.
It’s also a high-flow fan, so it won’t be noisy even when your PC is running at full capacity.

The included controller is also fairly user-friendly, and the color options are a nice touch.
The only downside is that the RGB LED light doesn’t show the actual colors that are on the fan. Instead, it shows a rainbow effect, which isn’t very useful.
Final Verdict
Overall, the ML240L is a great fan for PC enthusiasts and high-end gamers.
Tips To Find the Best CPU Cooler for I5-10400F
Choosing the best CPU cooler for you can be a daunting task. You have to consider your budget, space, power consumption, and compatibility with the rest of your PC build.
CPU coolers are a necessary part of any computer system. They help keep the processor temperature in check so your system can run properly and at its maximum speed. Without proper cooling, the processor may overheat and shut off, causing crashes or system freezes.
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for the best deal, and oftentimes, you’ll find some really good deals on CPUs at big box stores.
But there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a CPU cooler, and sometimes, you just have to trust your gut.
For example, if you’re looking for a new CPU, you might be tempted to look at the price tag, or check out reviews, or see what people are saying on various sites. But you should also consider your own personal needs and wants.
What is it that you want out of your CPU cooler? Is size more important to you than price, or do you care about the fan?
The First Step
Before you even open the box, you should know a few things about your system to help you select the correct CPU cooler for you. Here are some of the most important details to consider.
Memory Size
The next thing you need to know is the size of your RAM. The number of sticks you have is critical to determining the size of the cooler you need. You’ll want to consider how many sticks you have and whether or not you need more RAM.
Motherboard Size
The motherboard is the base of your computer and it determines how much heat your CPU produces. You’ll need to consider the size of the motherboard to find the appropriate CPU cooler.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Once you know the size of your motherboard, you’ll need to find out how much room you have to install the cooler. Look for a cooler that’s compatible with the space you have available.
Power Supply Size
The power supply is the component that supplies the electricity to your motherboard. It’s also the source of heat for the computer, so you’ll need to consider its size as well.
Summary of Best CPU Coolers for I5-10400F
Award | Design | CPU Coolers | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Air Cooler for Intel Core I5-10400F | Best Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | Staff Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Budget CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | Budget Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Mid-Range CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Affordable CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best CPU Cooler for I5-10400F With RGB | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best 64mm CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for I5-10400F | ![]() | Check Price |
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you have a good cooling system, it will allow you to use the maximum potential of your processor and avoid overheating, which in turn improves the performance of your PC. When it comes to finding the right cooling solution, we found that the Noctua NH-D15 is the best CPU cooler for i5-10400F among all the others. It allows for excellent cooling at a very affordable price. The cooling system uses high-performance fans that blow cold air directly onto the CPU’s heat sink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there so much controversy about choosing a CPU cooler?
There’s a lot of controversy about choosing a CPU cooler because everyone has their own opinions and preferences. Some people like the look of certain coolers, while others prefer another type.
Which is better, a tower cooler or an mATX cooler?
That really depends on what you want. Tower coolers are usually better for those who want to build a PC around the cooler. With a tower cooler, you have more space for airflow, but you have to remove the motherboard to put it in.
Which is better, a passive or an active CPU cooler?
Passive coolers are usually quieter, but they tend to be less efficient than active coolers.
Which is better, a water-cooled or air-cooled CPU cooler?
Water-cooled coolers are more expensive and more difficult to install, but they are more efficient and quiet.
Which is better, a 120mm or 140mm fan?
There is no right answer here. It really depends on what you want and how much money you have.
Which is better, plastic or a metal CPU cooler?
Metal coolers are better for performance, but they are more expensive.
Which is better, a single fan or dual fans?
A single fan will move more air than two fans, but if you only have one fan, it will be louder.