For shoppers seeking the best cpu cooler for fx 8350, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm CPU Liquid Cooler is the top pick for most buyers because its 360mm radiator provides more cooling headroom than smaller all-in-one designs. Its large radiator suits users who want lower temperatures during long gaming sessions or heavy workloads, provided their case has enough room.
This guide is for FX-8350 owners building, upgrading, or troubleshooting a cooling setup. For these liquid and air coolers, the key checks are AM3+ socket support, radiator or heatsink clearance, and noise from the fan and pump. The five picks below are ranked with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm CPU Liquid Cooler | High-heat overclocked gaming CPUs | ~$60 | View → |
| 2 | Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Air Cooler | Budget mainstream desktop upgrades | ~$40 | View → |
| 3 | AMD FX-8350 Processor | Legacy AM3+ desktop upgrades | ~$248 | View → |
| 4 | AMD FX-8350 CPU | Budget FX-series replacement builds | ~$258 | View → |
| 5 | be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 CPU Air Cooler | Quiet midrange air-cooled PCs | ~$40 | View → |
5 Top CPU Coolers for FX-8350
This ranked list counts down from practical budget options to the top cooler for keeping your FX-8350 under control.
5. be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 CPU Air Cooler
Best for: Mainstream AM5 and LGA1700 builds
The be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Silver is a dual-tower CPU air cooler priced around $40. It uses six nickel-plated 6mm copper heat pipes and a nickel-plated base with HDT technology. A 120mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fan pushes air through the fin stacks. PWM control lets the motherboard adjust fan speed as temperatures change, which suits everyday systems, gaming PCs, and demanding workstation tasks.
Its offset layout gives the cooler more room around RAM and VRM components than a fully centered design. You can also adjust the front fan height when memory modules need extra clearance. AMD AM5 users get an offset mounting option that places the base over the processor’s hotter areas. The mounting kit supports AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, and LGA 1200. The silver finish looks restrained, but the dual-tower shape still takes up considerable space. Check your case clearance and motherboard layout before ordering.
Pros
- Six 6mm heat pipes provide a substantial heat-transfer path.
- Adjustable front fan improves compatibility with taller RAM modules.
- Supports current AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets, plus older platforms.
Cons
- The dual-tower design may not fit smaller PC cases.
- Only one included 120mm fan leaves less airflow headroom than dual-fan coolers.
4. AMD FX-8350 CPU
Best for: Budget AM3+ gaming and desktop builds
The AMD FX-8350 is an eight-core desktop processor for AM3+ motherboards. It runs at 4.0GHz, with Turbo speeds reaching 4.2GHz when supported by the system. The chip carries a listed 16MB cache and has a 125W thermal design, so buyers should pair it with a suitable motherboard and power supply. This retail package includes an AMD Wraith cooler, which saves the cost of buying a separate heatsink.
Its main strength is the combination of eight cores and an unlocked Black Edition design. That setup suits older multitasking systems, basic content work, and games that can use several threads. The included cooler makes installation simpler, but it does not change the processor’s age or platform limits. Around $258, this chip can be difficult to justify unless you already own a compatible AM3+ system. New builds should compare newer processors that offer better performance and lower power use for similar money.
Pros
- Eight cores help with multitasking and threaded desktop workloads.
- 4.0GHz standard speed and up to 4.2GHz Turbo provide strong clock speeds for its platform.
- Included Wraith cooler reduces the need for a separate CPU heatsink.
Cons
- The 125W thermal design can increase heat, power use, and cooling demands.
- AM3+ compatibility limits upgrade options, and the older platform lacks newer motherboard features.
3. AMD FX-8350 Processor
Best for: AM3+ desktop upgrades
The AMD FX-8350 is an older desktop processor built for AM3+ motherboards. It uses eight unlocked cores, runs at 4.0 GHz, and can reach 4.2 GHz with Turbo Core. The chip includes 8 MB of L2 cache and another 8 MB of L3 cache. A Wraith air cooler comes in the box, so a compatible cooling solution is included for basic installation. Around $248, it is a costly purchase for a processor from this platform generation.
Its main appeal is straightforward: buyers with an existing AM3+ system can replace an aging chip without changing the motherboard and memory platform. The unlocked design gives experienced users room to adjust clock speeds, provided the board, power delivery, and cooling support it. Eight cores can help with older multithreaded software and demanding desktop workloads. However, newer processors offer stronger single-core performance and upgrade paths. This model also needs a separate graphics card because it has no integrated graphics.
Pros
- Eight unlocked cores support multitasking and older threaded applications.
- 4.0 GHz base speed and 4.2 GHz Turbo offer useful stock clocks.
- Included Wraith cooler reduces the need to buy a separate heatsink.
Cons
- AM3+ compatibility limits upgrades to an aging motherboard platform.
- No integrated graphics means a dedicated video card is required.
2. Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Air Cooler
Best for: Midrange gaming PC upgrades
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black is a compact tower-style CPU air cooler for AMD and Intel systems. Its 152mm height fits many standard ATX and micro-ATX cases, while four heat pipes move heat from the processor into the aluminum fin stack. A copper base makes direct contact with the CPU area. It is positioned for chips such as AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7, though actual cooling depends on the processor, case airflow, and workload.
The included SickleFlow 120 Edge fan uses PWM control across a 690 to 2,500 RPM range. That lets the motherboard adjust fan speed based on temperature instead of running at one fixed level. The updated mounting brackets support AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 sockets, and the box includes thermal paste. Around $40, it offers a practical alternative to basic stock coolers, but buyers should confirm case clearance before ordering.
Pros
- Four heat pipes and a copper base provide a stronger cooling layout than many basic stock heatsinks.
- PWM fan control supports speeds from 690 to 2,500 RPM for adjustable noise and cooling.
- Mounting hardware supports current AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 platforms.
Cons
- The 152mm height may not fit slim cases or compact prebuilt systems.
- A single-tower air cooler is less suitable for sustained heavy loads or aggressive CPU overclocking than larger dual-tower or liquid designs.
1. be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm CPU Liquid Cooler
Best for: RGB gaming PCs with large cases
The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler for compatible Intel and AMD processors. It supports Intel sockets 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151, 1155, and 2011(-3), plus AMD’s AM4 and AM5 platforms. Its 360mm radiator uses three 120mm Light Wings PWM fans, making this a better fit for powerful Core i7, Core i9, and Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 systems than compact builds. At around $60, it also costs less than many similarly sized RGB coolers.
The standout feature is the mix of cooling hardware and lighting control. Each fan provides high airflow pressure and ARGB lighting, while the doubly decoupled pump helps limit vibration during operation. The included ARGB-PWM hub connects up to six ARGB devices and PWM fans, which can reduce cable clutter in a multi-device setup. Still, buyers should check their case before ordering. A 360mm radiator needs a compatible mounting position and enough clearance for three fans. The listed socket support also does not include Intel’s LGA1851 platform.
Pros
- Three 120mm PWM fans provide strong airflow for high-wattage CPUs.
- Decoupled pump design helps reduce vibration and operating noise.
- Hub supports up to six ARGB components and PWM fans.
Cons
- A 360mm radiator will not fit many compact or mid-size cases.
- Socket support is broad, but Intel LGA1851 is not listed.
Buying Guide
Cooling capacity is the most important factor for an FX-8350. Its 125-watt thermal design power can push weak stock-style heatsinks toward high temperatures during gaming or rendering.
- Socket support: Choose a model that explicitly lists AM3 or AM3+ compatibility. A cooler made only for AM4, LGA1700, or newer sockets will not fit without the correct mounting hardware.
- Thermal rating: Look for a cooler rated at 125 watts or higher. A tower heatsink with four or more heat pipes, or a 120mm liquid cooler, gives more headroom for sustained workloads and mild overclocking.
- Case clearance: Measure the case before ordering. Many tower coolers need 155 to 165mm of CPU clearance, while a 120mm radiator needs an available 120mm fan mount and enough room for its thickness.
- Noise level: For a quieter desktop, target a fan rated below 30dBA at typical speed. PWM control is useful because it slows the fan during light tasks and increases cooling during heavy loads.
- Installation and price: Expect to spend about $25 to $60 for a capable air cooler. Confirm that the package includes AM3+ brackets, thermal paste, and a backplate or mounting clips.
If you must compromise, prioritize cooling capacity and confirmed AM3+ mounting support over lighting or appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cooling capacity does an FX-8350 need?
Choose a cooler rated for at least 125 watts, with a large tower heatsink preferred for sustained loads. The FX-8350 has a 125-watt thermal design power, and overclocking adds heat. A model with a 120 mm fan, copper heat pipes, and AM3+ mounting support is a practical target.
What size CPU cooler fits an FX-8350?
A 120 mm tower cooler with AM3+ mounting support usually fits, but case width and RAM clearance decide the final choice. Check the case’s CPU clearance, often listed in millimeters, before buying. Many mid-tower cases allow about 155 to 165 mm, while compact cases may require a shorter heatsink.
Can a stock cooler handle an FX-8350?
A stock AMD cooler can run an FX-8350 at factory settings, but it may become loud and less comfortable during long gaming or rendering sessions. The processor’s 125-watt rating leaves little thermal headroom. Replacing it with a tower cooler using a 120 mm fan can reduce noise, if the case and socket fit.
Are liquid coolers worth buying for an FX-8350?
A liquid cooler is worthwhile mainly for overclocking or a cramped socket area, not for ordinary stock operation. A 120 mm or 240 mm all-in-one can handle the processor, but it requires radiator space and adds pump failure risk. Air coolers usually cost less and simplify maintenance.
Conclusion
The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm CPU Liquid Cooler is the top pick for FX-8350 owners who want strong heat control, lower fan noise, and enough radiator capacity for sustained loads. If your priority is simpler installation, lower cost, or fewer pump components, choose a capable 120mm or 240mm air cooler instead, especially for a standard, non-overclocked build. Before buying, double-check your case’s radiator size and mounting space, AM3+ compatibility, package quantity, and current price. Remember that the FX-8350 runs hot and draws substantial power, so case airflow matters as much as the cooler itself. A front intake, rear exhaust, and clean dust filters can help maintain steadier temperatures over time.
