5 Best CPU Cooler for FX 8350 for Quiet PCs

For most buyers, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm CPU Liquid Cooler is the top pick and the best cpu cooler for fx 8350. Its main advantage is the 360mm radiator, which provides more cooling surface than typical 120mm or 240mm units. That extra capacity suits the FX-8350’s eight-core design, especially during sustained workloads or overclocking.

This guide is for FX-8350 owners replacing a stock cooler, building an AM3+ system, or trying to control high temperatures without guesswork. Focus on radiator size, case clearance, socket support, and fan noise when comparing liquid coolers and air-based options. The five picks below are ranked with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each, so you can match cooling performance to your case and budget.

Quick Comparison

5 Top CPU Coolers for FX-8350

This ranked list counts down from capable budget options to the strongest overall cooler for AMD’s FX-8350 processor.

5. be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 CPU Air Cooler

Best for: Quiet gaming and workstation builds

The be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Silver is a dual-tower CPU air cooler for AMD AM4 and AM5 processors, plus Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, and 1150 sockets. It uses six 6mm nickel-plated copper heat pipes and a nickel-plated base with direct heat transfer contact. A 120mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fan pushes air through the fin stack, with shaped blades and a funnel-style outlet designed to improve pressure and airflow.

Around $40, it offers a strong alternative to many basic tower coolers. The offset layout leaves more room around RAM and VRM heatsinks than a centered dual-tower design. You can also raise the front fan when memory modules need extra space. AMD AM5 owners get an offset mounting option that places the base over the processor’s warmer areas. The included mounting kit supports several current sockets and should be less confusing than many multi-platform systems. Still, this is a large cooler, and buyers should check case height and memory clearance before ordering.

Pros

• Six 6mm copper heat pipes spread heat across the dual-tower fin stack.
• 120mm PWM fan adjusts speed with CPU temperature for quieter everyday use.
• Offset design and adjustable front fan improve RAM and VRM clearance.

Cons

• The dual-tower body may not fit smaller cases or tall memory modules.
• Only one 120mm fan is listed, so extra airflow may require another purchase.

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4. AMD FX-8350 CPU

Best for: Budget AM3+ desktop upgrades

The AMD FX-8350 is an eight-core desktop processor for AM3+ motherboards. It runs at 4.0GHz and can reach 4.2GHz with Turbo mode. The chip uses a 125-watt thermal design, so buyers need a compatible motherboard and decent case airflow. This retail package includes an AMD Wraith cooler, which saves the cost of buying a separate heatsink and fan.

Its Black Edition design supports multiplier-based overclocking, giving experienced builders more control over clock speeds. The processor also lists 16MB of L2 cache, which helps keep frequently used data close to the cores. Around $258, it is difficult to recommend for a new build because newer processors offer much better performance per watt. Still, it can make sense for an existing AM3+ system that needs more processing power without replacing the motherboard, memory, and other parts. Check motherboard support first, since older BIOS versions may not recognize the chip.

Pros

• Eight cores provide useful capacity for multitasking and older multithreaded software.
• A 4.0GHz base speed and 4.2GHz Turbo speed support responsive everyday use.
• The included Wraith cooler reduces the need for a separate CPU cooler.

Cons

• Its 125-watt power rating creates more heat and uses more electricity than newer desktop CPUs.
• AM3+ is an outdated platform with limited upgrade options and no support for current memory standards.

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3. AMD FX-8350 Processor

Best for: Budget AM3+ desktop upgrades

The AMD FX-8350 is an older desktop processor for motherboards with an AM3+ socket. It provides eight unlocked cores, a 4.0 GHz base speed, and up to 4.2 GHz with Turbo. Its 8 MB of L2 cache and 8 MB of L3 cache support multitasking and demanding desktop software. The included Wraith cooler gives buyers a compatible thermal solution without requiring a separate purchase. At around $248, the price also needs careful comparison with newer processor platforms.

Its unlocked multiplier is the main draw for enthusiasts who want manual overclocking controls. The eight-core design can suit older games, media tools, and workloads that use multiple threads. Still, the processor belongs to an aging platform, so motherboard compatibility matters before purchase. AM3+ boards are no longer common, and newer CPUs generally offer better efficiency and stronger performance per core. The included cooler adds value, but buyers should keep their case airflow and motherboard support in mind.

Pros

• Eight unlocked cores support multitasking and compatible multi-threaded software.
• 4.0 GHz base speed and 4.2 GHz Turbo provide solid clock speeds for older systems.
• Included Wraith cooler reduces the need to buy a separate CPU cooler.

Cons

• AM3+ compatibility limits motherboard choices and future upgrade options.
• Older architecture uses more power and offers weaker per-core performance than newer processors.

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2. Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Air Cooler

Best for: Mainstream gaming and desktop upgrades

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black is a tower-style CPU air cooler for builders who want more cooling than a stock heatsink without moving to liquid cooling. Its 152mm height fits many mid-tower cases, but case clearance still deserves a check before purchase. The package includes thermal paste, which removes one small extra purchase during installation.

Cooling comes from four heat pipes and a copper base that transfer heat into the fin stack. A SickleFlow 120 Edge fan uses PWM control across a 690 to 2,500 RPM range, so the motherboard can adjust fan speed with processor load. The design targets processors such as AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7. Redesigned mounting brackets support AM5, Intel LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 sockets. At around $40, it offers broad platform support, though results depend on the processor and case airflow.

Pros

• Four heat pipes and a copper base provide more cooling hardware than basic stock heatsinks.
• PWM control from 690 to 2,500 RPM allows automatic fan-speed adjustment.
• AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 brackets support several current desktop platforms.

Cons

• The 152mm height may not fit compact cases, so check CPU cooler clearance first.
• Air cooling may run warmer than larger liquid systems during sustained, high-power workloads.

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1. be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm CPU Liquid Cooler

Best for: High-end CPUs in spacious cases

The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler with a 360mm radiator and three 120mm Light Wings PWM fans. It supports Intel sockets 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151, 1155, and 2011(-3) Square ILM, along with AMD’s AM5 and AM4 platforms. That broad socket coverage fits many current and older desktop builds.

Its strongest feature is the doubly decoupled pump, which separates the motor from the cooler body to reduce vibration and operating noise. The three fans combine PWM speed control with ARGB lighting, so airflow and illumination can be adjusted through compatible software. An included ARGB-PWM hub connects up to six ARGB components and PWM fans, helping reduce cable clutter. Around $60, it offers a lot of hardware for the price, though buyers should confirm case clearance and motherboard support before ordering. A 360mm cooler also makes more sense for powerful processors than for basic office systems.

Pros

• Supports Intel 1700 and AMD AM5, plus several older sockets.
• Three 120mm PWM fans provide adjustable speed and ARGB lighting.
• Hub supports up to six ARGB components and PWM fans.

Cons

• The 360mm radiator requires a case with a compatible mounting location.
• Installation involves more tubing, cables, and mounting steps than an air cooler.

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Buying Guide

Thermal capacity is the key factor when choosing a cooler for an FX-8350, because this 125-watt processor can run hot under sustained loads. Choose a model rated for at least 150 watts with confirmed AM3+ mounting support.

• Socket compatibility: Confirm the box or product page lists AM3 and AM3+ support. Some newer coolers fit AM4 or AM5 only.
• Cooling design: A 120 mm tower heatsink with four or more heat pipes usually offers a practical baseline. A 240 mm liquid cooler suits heavy overclocking, but requires two free 120 mm radiator mounts.
• Case clearance: Measure the case before buying. Many tower coolers stand 155 to 165 mm tall, so leave at least 3 mm below the case’s listed CPU-cooler limit.
• Fan and noise: Prefer a 120 mm PWM fan with a speed range near 300 to 1,500 RPM. Manufacturer noise ratings below 30 dBA are preferable for a quieter desktop, though actual noise varies by case and fan curve.
• Price and maintenance: A $30 to $60 air cooler often fits this older platform without pump or radiator upkeep. Check for included thermal paste and a second fan clip if you want push-pull airflow.

If you cannot have everything, prioritize AM3+ compatibility and at least 150 watts of cooling capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cooling does an FX-8350 need?

An FX-8350 needs a substantial cooler rated for at least its 125-watt thermal design power, especially under sustained loads or overclocking. A large tower air cooler with a 120mm fan is a practical baseline, while a basic low-profile cooler may struggle with noise and temperatures.

What should I look for in a cooler for this AMD processor?

Look for an AM3+ compatible cooler with a solid mounting bracket, a copper base, and a large heatsink. Check your computer case before buying, since many tower models measure 150mm to 165mm tall and may not fit narrower cases.

Can an AM3+ cooler fit an FX-8350 motherboard?

Yes, an AM3+ cooler can fit an FX-8350 motherboard if the package includes the correct AMD mounting hardware. Confirm compatibility on the manufacturer’s list, because some older coolers support AM3 but lack the bracket needed for AM3+ boards.

Are liquid coolers better than air coolers for an FX-8350?

Liquid coolers are not automatically better than air coolers for an FX-8350, but a quality model can help during overclocking. A 240mm all-in-one unit usually offers more radiator surface than a 120mm model, though it costs more and adds pump-failure risk.

Conclusion

The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm CPU Liquid Cooler remains the top pick for FX-8350 owners who want strong sustained cooling and have room for a 360mm radiator. If your priority is lower cost and simpler maintenance, choose a capable tower air cooler instead, because it avoids a pump and radiator while still handling the chip’s heat with good case airflow. Before buying, double-check your case supports a 360mm radiator, the cooler includes AM3+ mounting hardware, the included fan quantity suits your setup, and the current price remains reasonable. Liquid cooling can also require more installation space and planning than a basic air solution, especially in an older FX system.