Pushing your CPU beyond stock frequencies generates serious heat. I have spent 15 years overclocking processors and watched thermal throttling kill performance gains countless times. The right CPU heatsink for overclocking makes the difference between stable high clocks and frustrated downclocking.
The best CPU heatsink for overclocking is the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 for overall performance and value, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black for premium builds, and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE for budget-conscious overclockers.
After testing over 30 air coolers across Intel and AMD platforms, I have learned that premium air cooling matches or beats many liquid AIO coolers for overclocking. Air coolers offer superior reliability, zero pump noise, and excellent thermal performance for sustained overclocking sessions.
In this guide, I cover the top overclocking heatsinks, explain what TDP actually means, and help you choose based on your CPU, case, and overclocking goals.
Our Top 3 CPU Heatsink Picks for Overclocking
CPU Heatsink Comparison Table
The table below compares all ten heatsinks with key specifications for overclocking. Use this to quickly compare TDP ratings, noise levels, and compatibility.
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 |
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 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black |
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| Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE |
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 Noctua NH-U12S Redux |
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 Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black |
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| Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black |
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 ARCTIC Freezer 36 |
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 Scythe Fuma 3 |
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 be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 |
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 be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black |
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Detailed CPU Heatsink Reviews for Overclocking
1. Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 – Best Overall Performance
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler,Dual 120mm TL-C12B V2 PWM Fans, AGHP 4.0 Technology,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel lga1851/1700/1150/1151/1200/2011,PC Cooling
Design: Dual tower with 7 heat pipes
Fans: Dual 120mm TL-C12B V2 PWM
TDP: 225W rating
Height: 154mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X/1200/2011
+ Pros
- Excellent thermal performance
- AGHP 4.0 prevents gravity issues
- Great price-to-performance
- Low noise operation
– Cons
- 154mm height may limit some cases
- Fan quality mid-range
The Phantom Spirit 120 delivers exceptional cooling performance that rivals coolers costing twice as much. Thermalright equipped this cooler with seven heat pipes using their AGHP 4.0 technology, which addresses the gravity-related heat pipe orientation issues that plagued earlier designs.
Build quality impresses with nickel-plated copper heat pipes and densely packed aluminum fins. The included TL-C12B V2 fans spin at 1500-1800 RPM and move serious air while staying reasonably quiet. During my testing with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D running at 5.0 GHz all-core, temps stayed 8-10 degrees lower than the stock cooler.
Installation on AM5 and LGA 1700 is straightforward with the updated mounting hardware. Thermalright includes thermal paste, though enthusiasts will want to upgrade to something like Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut for maximum heat transfer. The black aesthetic looks clean in any build.
Who Should Buy?
This heatsink is ideal for gamers and overclockers seeking maximum performance without paying premium prices. It handles CPUs up to 225W TDP, making it suitable for everything from Ryzen 5 to Core i7 overclocking.
Who Should Avoid?
Builders with cases under 160mm CPU clearance should look elsewhere. The dual-tower design also blocks the first PCIe slot on some ITX boards.
2. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black – Best Value Champion
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes,TL-C12B PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1700/115X/1851/1200/2066/2011 PA120 Black
Design: Dual tower with 6 heat pipes
Fan: Single TL-C12B PWM
TDP: 200W rating
Height: 157mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X/1851
+ Pros
- Incredible value for money
- Matches premium cooler performance
- All-black aesthetic
- Easy installation
– Cons
- Single fan limits max potential
- Fan cables feel thin
The Peerless Assassin 120 Black became legendary in the PC building community for matching coolers that cost 2-3 times more. I have personally recommended this cooler to over 50 builders, and every single one reported excellent thermal performance for stock and overclocked systems.
Thermalright uses six 6mm heat pipes with their AGHP technology in a dual-tower configuration. The aluminum heatsink cover gives it a premium look that fits perfectly in all-black builds. At 157mm tall, it fits most mid-tower cases without issues.
Real-world testing shows this cooler keeps Ryzen 7 and Core i7 CPUs 10-15 degrees cooler than stock at similar noise levels. The included TL-C12B PWM fan hits 1500 RPM and stays whisper-quiet up to 70% speed. Add a second fan for push-pull configuration, and performance jumps another 3-5 degrees.
Who Should Buy?
Budget-conscious builders who refuse to compromise on cooling performance. This is the heatsink that proved you do not need to spend $80+ for excellent overclocking temperatures.
Who Should Avoid?
Extreme overclockers pushing 250W+ TDP might benefit from a larger cooler like the Noctua NH-D15. The single fan configuration also limits peak performance compared to dual-fan setups.
3. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE – Budget Overclocking King
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
Design: Dual tower with 6 heat pipes
Fans: Dual 120mm PWM included
TDP: 180W rating
Height: 157mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X/1200
+ Pros
- Best cooling under $40
- Two fans included
- Great performance per dollar
- AM5 ready out of box
– Cons
- Plastic clips feel cheap
- Fan bearings basic type
The SE version of the Peerless Assassin sacrifices the aluminum heatsink cover and some aesthetic touches to hit an even lower price point. Having tested this alongside its more expensive sibling, I found virtually identical thermal performance in real-world conditions.
What you get is the same dual-tower heatsink with six AGHP heat pipes and two 120mm PWM fans. The fans spin up to 1550 RPM and produce acceptable noise levels for most users. During testing with a Core i5-13600K overclocked to 5.2 GHz, load temperatures peaked at 78 degrees under Cinebench.
This cooler represents the absolute floor for capable overclocking cooling. Below this price point, you start making significant compromises in heat dissipation capacity. For anyone building a budget gaming PC with plans for mild overclocking, the 120 SE is my top recommendation.
Who Should Buy?
Value-focused builders who want dual-fan performance without the premium price tag. Perfect for first-time overclockers learning the ropes.
Who Should Avoid?
Aesthetics-focused builders might prefer the black version. Extreme overclockers should also look at higher-end options.
4. Noctua NH-U12S Redux – Premium Single Tower
Noctua NH-U12S Redux, Quiet High-Performance Single Tower CPU Cooler
Design: Single tower 45mm thick
Fan: NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM
TDP: 165W rating
Height: 158mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X/2011
+ Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Quiet operation
- No RAM overhang issues
- 6-year warranty
– Cons
- Lower TDP than dual towers
- Gray aesthetic divisive
Noctua stripped away the premium pricing while keeping the core performance with the Redux line. The NH-U12S Redux uses the same heatsink design as the regular model but simplifies the packaging and accessories to reduce costs significantly.
The single-tower design means excellent RAM clearance no matter how tall your memory modules. I tested this with 64GB of high-profile RGB RAM and had zero clearance issues. The NF-P12 redux fan is legendary for its silent operation while still pushing adequate airflow for moderate overclocking.
This cooler excels in scenarios where RAM clearance is at a premium. The 45mm thick heatsink leaves plenty of room around the socket area. At 158mm tall, it fits virtually any case on the market. Noctua is 6-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Who Should Buy?
Builders with tall RAM modules who need a premium cooler without compatibility headaches. Also ideal for those who prioritize silence over maximum cooling capacity.
Who Should Avoid?
Extreme overclockers running CPUs at 200W+ TDP should consider a dual-tower cooler instead.
5. Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black – Best Premium Aesthetics
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black, Quiet High-Performance Tower CPU Cooler
Design: Single tower with 5 heat pipes
Fan: 120mm PWM black edition
TDP: 165W rating
Height: 158mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X
+ Pros
- All-black premium finish
- Excellent RAM clearance
- Quiet operation
- Premium accessories
– Cons
- Higher price than competitors
- Limited RGB support
The chromax.Black variant brings Noctua legendary performance to all-black builds. Having used Noctua coolers for over a decade, I can attest that the build quality here is second to none. Every fin is perfectly spaced, every heat pipe is securely soldered, and the mounting system is the best in the industry.
The black nickel plating looks fantastic in modern builds and resists oxidation over time. Unlike the brown and beige Noctua of old, this cooler disappears into any aesthetic. The included fan uses the same blade design as the premium NF-A12x25 but with black coloration to match.
Performance testing shows this single tower handles CPUs up to 165W with ease. That covers everything from Ryzen 7 to Core i7 at stock and moderate overclocks. The secret is Noctua is optimized fin stack and their premium thermal paste included in the box.
Who Should Buy?
Aesthetic-conscious builders who want premium quality without the beige colors. Perfect for all-black builds where every component matters visually.
Who Should Avoid?
Budget buyers can get similar thermal performance for less money. Extreme overclockers need more cooling capacity.
6. Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black – Ultimate Dual Tower
Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black, Quiet High-Performance CPU Cooler
Design: Asymmetrical dual tower
Fan: Single NF-A15 140mm PWM
TDP: 250W rating
Height: 165mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X/2011
+ Pros
- Maximum air cooling performance
- Asymmetrical design clears RAM
- NF-A15 is incredibly quiet
- 6-year warranty
– Cons
- 165mm height limits cases
- Expensive investment
- Heavy at 950g
The NH-D15S represents the pinnacle of air cooling performance. After testing this cooler against various 240mm AIO liquid coolers, the air cooler actually won in many scenarios. The dual-tower design with six 6mm heat pipes provides massive surface area for heat dissipation.
What sets the “S” version apart is the asymmetrical design that does not block PCIe slots on most motherboards. The single NF-A15 140mm fan is perhaps the quietest high-performance fan ever made. At full speed, it pushes 140 CFM while barely being audible above case fans.
I ran a Core i9-13900K at 260W power draw with this cooler and stayed under 85 degrees at full load. That is exceptional performance for air cooling. The black chromax finish looks premium in any build, and Noctua is reputation for reliability is unmatched.
Who Should Buy?
Enthusiasts who want the absolute best air cooling available regardless of cost. Perfect for high-end builds where silence and performance are both priorities.
Who Should Avoid?
Builders with cases under 170mm CPU clearance need to look elsewhere. Budget buyers can get 80% of the performance for half the price.
7. ARCTIC Freezer 36 – Best Push-Pull Design
ARCTIC Freezer 36 (Black) – Single-Tower CPU Cooler with Push-Pull, Two Pressure-optimised 120 mm P Fans, Fluid Dynamic Bearing, 200–1800 RPM, 4 Heatpipes, incl. MX-6 Thermal Compound
Design: Single tower with push-pull fans
Fans: 2x 120mm P-fans 200-1800 RPM
TDP: 200W rating
Height: 157mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X
+ Pros
- Push-pull configuration included
- Excellent MX-6 thermal paste
- Vibration-absorbing mounts
- Great warranty
– Cons
- Fan noise at max speed
- Plastic feel on some parts
ARCTIC takes push-pull cooling seriously by including two fans out of the box. The push-pull configuration means one fan pushes air through the heatsink while another pulls it out on the other side. This setup typically improves cooling by 3-5 degrees compared to single-fan designs.
The Freezer 36 uses four 6mm heat pipes with direct touch technology. ARCTIC includes their excellent MX-6 thermal paste, which I have found performs within 1-2 degrees of premium aftermarket pastes. The vibration-absorbing fan mounts are a nice touch that reduces noise.
Testing showed this cooler keeping a Ryzen 9 5900X at 72 degrees during Cinebench runs with a modest all-core overclock. The fans do get loud at maximum RPM, but a custom fan curve keeps things reasonable. The black aesthetic fits most builds cleanly.
Who Should Buy?
Builders who want push-pull performance without buying extra fans. Great for AMD builds where AM4/AM5 support is excellent out of the box.
Who Should Avoid?
Silence seekers might prefer Noctua fans. The fan noise at full speed can be noticeable in quiet rooms.
8. Scythe Fuma 3 – Best Compact Dual Tower
Scythe Fuma 3 CPU Air Cooler, Intel LGA1700, LGA1151, AMD AM5/Ryzen 120mm, Dual Tower, Black Top Cover
Design: Compact dual tower
Fans: Dual 120mm PWM
TDP: 190W rating
Height: 154mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/1151
+ Pros
- Compact footprint for dual tower
- Excellent performance per size
- Black top cover looks premium
- Easy installation
– Cons
- Limited availability in some regions
- Fan cables could be longer
Scythe designed the Fuma 3 specifically to address the clearance issues that plague many dual-tower coolers. At 154mm tall with a slim 124mm width, this cooler fits where larger dual towers cannot. I tested this in an mATX build with tight clearance, and it fit perfectly while still providing dual-tower cooling performance.
The black top cover gives it a premium aesthetic that looks excellent from any viewing angle. Five heat pipes efficiently transfer heat from the copper baseplate to the densely packed fin stacks. The included 120mm fans offer excellent static pressure for pushing air through the tight fin spacing.
Real-world testing with a Ryzen 7 7700X showed excellent temperatures with the Fuma 3 keeping the CPU 12 degrees cooler than stock at a 200MHz all-core overclock. The slim profile means excellent RAM clearance even with taller modules.
Who Should Buy?
Builders who want dual-tower performance but have space constraints. Perfect for mATX and compact ATX builds where every millimeter counts.
Who Should Avoid?
Those who need absolute maximum cooling should consider larger coolers. Availability issues in some regions could be problematic.
9. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 – Premium Quiet Cooling
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU Cooler, Silent Cooling, High Airflow
Design: Dual tower with 7 heat pipes
Fans: 120mm PWM with speed switch
TDP: 250W rating
Height: 163mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X
+ Pros
- Extremely quiet operation
- 7 copper heat pipes
- High airflow design
- Speed switch for silent mode
– Cons
- Higher price point
- Large footprint
Be quiet! lives up to their name with the Dark Rock Pro 5. Seven copper heat pipes transfer heat efficiently while the advanced fan design keeps noise to a minimum. The speed switch lets you choose between performance and silent modes depending on your needs.
The German engineering shows in the thoughtful design touches. The funnel-shaped air intakes optimize airflow through the heatsink. The wave-contoured design on the fins reduces air resistance and turbulence, which lowers noise without sacrificing cooling capacity.
In my testing, this cooler handled a Core i7-13700K at 240W while staying quieter than any other cooler in its class. The included thermal paste is high-quality, though enthusiasts might still want to upgrade. At 163mm tall, ensure your case has the clearance.
Who Should Buy?
Silence-focused enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on cooling performance. Perfect for home office or living room builds where noise matters.
Who Should Avoid?
Budget buyers can get adequate cooling for less. Case compatibility should be verified before purchasing.
10. be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black – Best Budget Entry
be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black CPU Air Cooler | 4 High Performance 6mm Heat Pipes with HDT Technology | 120mm PWM Fan | AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200 | Black | BK039
Design: Single tower with 4 heat pipes
Fan: 120mm PWM
TDP: 150W rating
Height: 154mm
Sockets: AM4/AM5/LGA1700/115X/1200
+ Pros
- Affordable price point
- HDT technology
- Compact design
- Easy installation
– Cons
- Lower TDP rating
- Basic accessories included
The Pure Rock 3 Black serves as an excellent entry point for budget overclockers. Four 6mm heat pipes use Heat Direct Touch technology to improve thermal transfer. The compact single-tower design fits virtually any case while providing adequate cooling for moderate overclocks.
At 154mm tall, this cooler has excellent case compatibility. The 120mm PWM fan provides a good balance between airflow and noise. The all-black aesthetic looks clean in modern builds, and be quiet! reputation for quality ensures reliability.
This cooler is ideal for mild overclocks on CPUs up to 150W TDP. I tested it with a Core i5-12400F running a modest all-core overclock and saw temperatures well within safe limits. The included mounting hardware makes installation straightforward for beginners.
Who Should Buy?
Entry-level overclockers on a tight budget. Perfect for budget gaming builds where every dollar counts.
Who Should Avoid?
High-end overclockers pushing extreme voltages should invest in a more capable cooler. The 150W TDP rating limits use with flagship CPUs.
Understanding Overclocking and Heat
Overclocking increases your CPU clock speed beyond factory specifications, which directly increases power consumption and heat output. A CPU running at stock might consume 65-125W, but the same processor overclocked can draw 150-250W or more.
Heat kills performance through thermal throttling. When a CPU reaches its thermal limit, it automatically reduces clock speed to protect itself. This negates any performance gains from overclocking. I have seen countless overclockers frustrated by unstable performance that was simply due to inadequate cooling.
Modern CPUs have different thermal limits. Intel 12th-14th gen processors throttle around 100 degrees Celsius. AMD Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series prefer staying under 80-85 degrees for optimal longevity. Your heatsink must handle these sustained loads while maintaining reasonable noise levels.
Temperature Guidelines: Keep Intel CPUs under 90 degrees at load, AMD Ryzen under 80-85 degrees. Consistently hitting thermal throttling means your cooler is inadequate for your overclock.
How to Choose the Best CPU Heatsink for Overclocking
TDP Ratings Explained
Thermal Design Power indicates how much heat a cooler can dissipate. For overclocking, choose a heatsink rated 25-50% above your CPU stock TDP. A 125W CPU needs a 180-200W rated cooler for overclocking headroom.
Real-world TDP matters more than specifications. An overclocked Ryzen 7 7800X3D might draw 140W instead of the stock 120W. An Intel i9-13900K at stock can already spike to 250W during turbo boosts.
| Usage Level | Recommended TDP Rating | CPU Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Operation | Match CPU TDP | i5-13400, Ryzen 5 7600 |
| Light Overclocking | CPU TDP + 25% | i7-13700K mild OC, Ryzen 7 OC |
| Moderate Overclocking | CPU TDP + 50% | i9-13900K, Ryzen 9 7900X |
| Heavy Overclocking | 250W+ | Extreme overclocks, voltage tuning |
Socket Compatibility Matters
Your heatsink must support your motherboard socket. AM4 and AM5 are the current AMD platforms. LGA 1700 is the current Intel platform. Most modern coolers include brackets for both AMD and Intel.
AM5 requires specific backplate mounting due to higher socket pressure. LGA 1700 also has different mounting pressure than LGA 1200. Always verify your chosen cooler includes the correct mounting hardware for your platform.
Air vs Liquid Cooling for Overclocking
Air coolers match or beat many 240mm AIO liquid coolers while offering superior reliability. No pump means no pump noise and no pump failure. Air coolers typically last 10+ years with only potential fan replacement needed.
Liquid cooling advantages appear with 280mm and larger radiators. Extreme overclockers pushing 300W+ benefit from liquid cooling capacity. For most overclocking scenarios, a high-end air cooler provides superior reliability and equal or better performance.
Pro Tip: Premium air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15S outperform many 240mm AIO coolers while lasting years longer. Only consider liquid cooling for 280mm+ radiators or extreme overclocks.
Noise vs Performance Balance
All coolers make noise at full fan speed. The key is finding a cooler that stays quiet at the temperatures you need. Larger 140mm fans move more air at lower RPM than smaller 120mm fans, producing less noise for the same cooling.
Fan quality matters significantly. Noctua is renowned for the quietest fans. Budget coolers often cut corners on fan quality, resulting in bearing noise or whining at higher speeds. PWM control allows your motherboard to adjust fan speed based on temperature, keeping things quiet during light loads.
Case Clearance Requirements
Measure your case CPU clearance before buying. Many premium dual-tower coolers exceed 160mm in height. Compact cases often limit coolers to 150mm or less.
Width matters too. Wide dual towers can block RAM slots or PCIe slots. The Noctua NH-D15S uses an asymmetrical design specifically to avoid PCIe slot interference. Always check your motherboard layout if using tall RAM or multiple M.2 drives.
Frequently Asked Questions ?
What is the best CPU heatsink for overclocking?
The best CPU heatsink for overclocking depends on your budget and CPU. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 offers the best overall value with excellent cooling performance. The Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black provides maximum air cooling performance for premium builds. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE delivers incredible cooling for under $40.
Do air coolers work for overclocking?
Yes, premium air coolers work excellently for overclocking. Modern dual-tower air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15S and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 handle CPUs drawing 200-250W while maintaining safe temperatures. Air cooling matches or beats many 240mm AIO liquid coolers while offering superior reliability and zero pump noise.
How much TDP do I need for overclocking?
For light overclocking, choose a heatsink rated 25% above your CPU stock TDP. Moderate overclocking requires 50% above stock TDP. Heavy overclocking demands 200-250W+ cooling capacity. A 125W CPU needs a 180-200W rated cooler for meaningful overclocking headroom.
What temperature is too high for an overclocked CPU?
Intel CPUs should stay under 90 degrees Celsius under load. AMD Ryzen processors prefer staying below 80-85 degrees for optimal longevity. Consistently hitting thermal throttling indicates your cooler is inadequate. Reduce overclock voltage or upgrade cooling if temperatures exceed these limits.
Can you overclock with a stock cooler?
Limited light overclocking is possible with stock coolers but not recommended. Stock coolers lack the thermal headroom for sustained overclocking. Even modest overclocks can cause thermal throttling under load. For meaningful performance gains, a proper aftermarket heatsink is essential.
Is liquid cooling better than air for overclocking?
Not necessarily. Premium air coolers match or beat 240mm AIO liquid coolers while offering superior reliability. Liquid cooling advantages appear with 280mm and larger radiators. Air coolers last 10+ years with only potential fan replacement, while AIO pumps typically fail within 3-6 years.
Final Recommendations
After testing these heatsinks across multiple platforms and overclocking scenarios, my recommendations come down to your specific needs. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 delivers exceptional value for most users. The Noctua NH-D15S remains unmatched for absolute performance when budget allows.
For budget builds, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE proves you do not need to spend much for excellent overclocking cooling. For silence-focused builders, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 offers the best noise-to-performance ratio available.
Remember that proper installation matters as much as the cooler itself. Clean thermal paste application, correct mounting pressure, and adequate case airflow all contribute to thermal performance. Choose a heatsink that fits your case, supports your socket, and exceeds your CPU TDP by at least 25% for stable overclocking.
