Zalman 9X Plus High Performance ARGB CPU Cooler Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these alternatives compare

Thermaltake UX200 SE ARGB Air Cooler

The Thermaltake UX200 SE ARGB Air Cooler is a budget-friendly alternative that matches the Zalman 9X Plus in socket support for AM5 and LGA 1851. It shares the ARGB lighting feature, ensuring synchronized aesthetics in your build. However, it differs in physical dimensions. The Thermaltake unit is taller at 7.3 inches compared to the Zalman’s 6.18 inches. It is also slightly wider at 4.9 inches versus 4.8 inches. The depth is significantly larger at 5.2 inches. This extra height and depth may limit compatibility in very compact cases. You should choose this if you prioritize cost savings and have a standard ATX case with ample clearance for taller coolers.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo ARGB Cooler

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo ARGB Cooler offers a narrower profile than the Zalman 9X Plus. Its width is 2.87 inches, which is much slimmer than the Zalman’s 4.8 inches. This makes it easier to fit alongside tall RAM modules. The height is similar at 6.06 inches. The depth is 4.88 inches. It supports AM4, AM5, and LGA 1851 sockets, providing broader backward compatibility. It also features ARGB lighting and copper construction. The trade-off is that it lacks the explicit 220W TDP rating of the Zalman. You should pick this if you have a case with tight RAM clearance or need support for older AM4 motherboards alongside modern sockets.

Cooler Master Hyper 622 Halo Dual-Tower Air Cooler

The Cooler Master Hyper 622 Halo Dual-Tower Air Cooler is a premium option designed for high-performance needs. It features a dual-tower design with six heat pipes, unlike the Zalman’s single-tower setup. This provides superior cooling capacity for high-TDP processors. The width is 5.9 inches, which is wider than the Zalman’s 4.8 inches. The height is 6.3 inches, and the depth is 7.9 inches, making it significantly bulkier. It supports AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1200 sockets. It includes ARGB lighting. You should choose this if you have a spacious case and need maximum thermal performance for powerful CPUs, accepting the larger footprint and higher weight of 2.78 pounds.

Jonsbo 92mm ARGB Mini Tower Cooler

The Jonsbo 92mm ARGB Mini Tower Cooler is a compact solution for small form-factor builds. Its width is only 2.75 inches, much narrower than the Zalman’s 4.8 inches. The height is 5.1 inches, which is shorter than the Zalman’s 6.18 inches. The depth is 3.6 inches. It supports AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 sockets. It includes ARGB lighting and copper construction. The primary trade-off is the smaller 92mm fan, which may offer less airflow than the Zalman’s 120mm fan. You should pick this if you are building in a tight case where space is the main constraint, and you are willing to sacrifice some cooling headroom for a smaller physical profile.

Level Play 120mm 4-Heatpipe ARGB Cooler

The Level Play 120mm 4-Heatpipe ARGB Cooler is a low-profile option with a height of just 2.8 inches. This is significantly shorter than the Zalman 9X Plus at 6.18 inches. The width is 5 inches, slightly wider than the Zalman. The depth is 6 inches. It supports AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 sockets. It includes ARGB lighting and a fan. The trade-off is the low height, which may limit compatibility with tall RAM sticks. It also likely offers less cooling performance than the Zalman’s 220W TDP rating. You should choose this if you need a very low-profile cooler for a compact case and prioritize socket compatibility and lighting over maximum thermal output.

upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler

The upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler focuses on quiet operation with a rated noise level of 26dB. This is quieter than the Zalman 9X Plus, which operates at 29.7 dB. The width is 2.87 inches, much narrower than the Zalman’s 4.8 inches. The height is 6.1 inches, nearly identical to the Zalman. The depth is 5.12 inches. It supports AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 sockets. It includes ARGB lighting and a 120mm fan. The trade-off is that it may not match the Zalman’s 220W TDP cooling capacity. You should pick this if you prioritize silence and RAM clearance, and your CPU has a moderate TDP that does not require maximum cooling performance.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Zalman 9X Plus ARGB CPU Cooler

Best for: AM5 and LGA 1851 builds needing narrow width

Socket Compatibility

AM4/AM5, LGA 1151/1200/1700/1851

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120mm

TDP Rating

220W

Lighting

ARGB

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Zalman 9X Plus ARGB CPU Cooler

The Zalman 9X Plus is a high-performance air cooler rated for up to 220W TDP. It uses Direct Touch Heatpipe technology and a 120mm PWM fan to deliver 69.12 CFM airflow. The unit supports ARGB lighting and fits AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets. Its compact 4.8-inch width makes it suitable for smaller cases. You get efficient cooling with quiet operation at 29.7 dB.

Pros

• Supports high TDP CPUs up to 220W
• Direct Touch Heatpipe for rapid heat transfer
• Quiet operation at 29.7 dB(A)
• ARGB lighting with motherboard sync

Cons

• Single 120mm fan limits total airflow compared to dual-tower designs
• Narrow 4.8-inch width may restrict RAM clearance on some boards
• No mention of included mounting hardware for all sockets

Good fit if

• You need a cooler for AM5 or LGA 1851 processors
• You want ARGB lighting that syncs with your motherboard
• You have limited case width for cooler installation

Skip if

• You require dual-tower cooling for extreme overclocking
• You need support for older socket types like LGA 115x
• You prefer a cooler with a larger 140mm fan

Verdict: Zalman 9X Plus ARGB CPU Cooler delivers solid 220W TDP cooling in a narrow profile. It fits users who need modern socket support and synchronized lighting without a bulky build.

2 Best budget

Thermaltake UX200 SE ARGB Air Cooler

Best for: compact cases and mid-range CPUs

Socket Compatibility

LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, AM4, AM5

Heat Pipes

4

TDP Rating

170W

Lighting

ARGB

Color

Black

Dimensions

5.2 × 4.9 × 7.3 inches

View on Amazon: Thermaltake UX200 SE ARGB Air Cooler

The Thermaltake UX200 SE is a low-profile air cooler designed for modern sockets including AM5 and LGA 1851. It features four 6mm U-shape copper heat pipes and a 120mm fan to handle up to 170W TDP. The unit includes 15 addressable LEDs for 16.8 million color options and syncs with 5V ARGB motherboards. It offers a compact 4.9-inch width for small cases.

Pros

• Four 6mm U-shape copper heat pipes for direct contact heat dissipation
• Supports AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets for latest processors
• 15 addressable LEDs with 16.8 million colors and 5V ARGB sync
• Compact 4.9-inch width fits in smaller cases

Cons

• 170W TDP rating is lower than the 200W+ alternatives on this list
• Single fan design provides less airflow than dual tower competitors
• No mention of PWM fan speed control in the provided data

Good fit if

• You need a cooler that fits in a compact case with limited height
• You want ARGB lighting that syncs with 5V motherboard headers
• You are using a mid-range CPU with a TDP under 170W

Skip if

• You have a high-end CPU requiring more than 170W cooling capacity
• You prefer the thermal performance of a dual-tower design
• You need a cooler taller than 7.3 inches for maximum airflow

Verdict: Thermaltake UX200 SE ARGB CPU Cooler is a solid low-profile option for users prioritizing case compatibility and RGB sync. It suits builders with mid-range CPUs who need to fit a cooler into tight spaces without sacrificing lighting effects.

3 Also great

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo ARGB Cooler

Best for: Mid-range AMD and Intel builds with ARGB needs

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851

Cooler Height

154mm

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1,800 RPM

Lighting

ARGB

View on Amazon: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo ARGB Cooler

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo ARGB uses four copper heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan to handle AMD R7 and Intel i7 processors. Its fan speed ranges from 690 to 1,800 RPM for adjustable airflow. The dual-loop ARGB lighting adds visual appeal. The 154mm height ensures compatibility with many chassis. It supports AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 sockets.

Pros

• Four copper heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
• PWM fan speed adjustable from 690 to 1,800 RPM
• Dual-loop ARGB lighting with larger LED rings
• Supports AM5, LGA 1851, and LGA 1700 sockets

Cons

• 154mm height may not fit all small chassis
• Single 120mm fan limits maximum airflow potential
• No mention of software control for ARGB effects

Good fit if

• You need reliable cooling for AMD R7 or Intel i7 CPUs
• You want ARGB lighting that syncs with motherboard headers
• You have a mid-tower case with sufficient clearance

Skip if

• You require liquid cooling for extreme overclocking
• You have a compact case with less than 154mm clearance
• You prefer silent operation below 690 RPM fan speeds

Verdict: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo ARGB fits users who value balanced performance and lighting for mid-range processors. It is a solid choice for standard ATX builds needing AM5 or LGA 1851 support.

4 Best premium

Cooler Master Hyper 622 Halo Dual-Tower Air Cooler

Best for: High-TDP CPUs in spacious cases

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851

Cooler Height

157mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

2,050 RPM

View on Amazon: Cooler Master Hyper 622 Halo Dual-Tower Air Cooler

This dual-tower air cooler uses six copper heat pipes and two 120mm fans to handle high TDP processors. The fans adjust from 650 to 2,050 RPM via PWM for noise control. It features dual-loop ARGB lighting and fits modern sockets like AM5 and LGA 1851. The 157mm height requires checking your case clearance before purchase.

Pros

• Six copper heat pipes for rapid heat dissipation
• Dual 120mm fans with 2,050 RPM max speed
• Dual-loop ARGB lighting with vibrant LED rings
• Supports AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets

Cons

• 157mm height may not fit smaller cases
• 2.78 pounds weight adds load to motherboard
• No mention of software control for ARGB

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for high-end CPUs
• You want dual-loop ARGB lighting effects
• You have a spacious mid-tower or full-tower case

Skip if

• Your CPU cooler height limit is under 157mm
• You prefer a single-tower design for compact builds
• You need software control for fan and light speeds

Verdict: Cooler Master Hyper 622 Halo Dual Tower is a robust cooling solution for users with spacious cases who need to cool high-TDP processors. Its dual-tower design and six heat pipes provide reliable performance for AMD R9 and Intel i7 chips.

5 Also great

Jonsbo 92mm ARGB Mini Tower Cooler

Best for: Compact cases needing AM5/LGA1851 support

Socket Compatibility

LGA1851/1700/1200/115X, AM4/AM5

Cooler Height

130mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Tower

Fan Size

92mm

Lighting

ARGB

View on Amazon: Jonsbo 92mm ARGB Mini Tower Cooler

The Jonsbo CR1400 EVO is a compact tower air cooler designed for small form factor builds. It features a 92mm PWM fan and four nickel-plated copper heat pipes. The cooler supports modern sockets including AM5 and LGA1851. Its 130mm height allows for easier RAM clearance. The integrated ARGB lighting provides visual customization. This unit suits users needing a low-profile solution that still offers decent cooling performance for mid-range processors.

Pros

• Four nickel-plated copper heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
• Supports AM5 and LGA1851 socket platforms
• Compact 130mm height fits most tower cases
• 92mm PWM fan with ARGB lighting
• Crooked neck heat pipe design improves RAM clearance

Cons

• 92mm fan size offers lower airflow than standard 120mm coolers
• Single tower design limits peak cooling capacity
• No mention of included thermal paste or mounting hardware

Good fit if

• You are building in a compact case with limited cooler height
• You need compatibility with AM5 or LGA1851 sockets
• You want ARGB lighting in a small form factor build

Skip if

• You require maximum cooling performance for high-TDP CPUs
• You prefer larger 120mm or 140mm fans for quieter operation
• You need a dual-tower design for extreme heat dissipation

Verdict: Jonsbo CR1400 EVO 92mm ARGB Tower Cooler is a practical option for compact builds requiring AM5 support. It fits users who prioritize case compatibility and lighting over raw thermal headroom.

6 Also great

Level Play 120mm 4-Heatpipe ARGB Cooler

Best for: Compact cases and mid-range CPUs

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851

Cooler Height

152mm

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120mm

TDP Rating

200W

Fan Speed

1800 RPM ± 10%

View on Amazon: Level Play 120mm 4-Heatpipe ARGB Cooler

The Level Play CA4 is a compact air cooler rated for 200W TDP. It uses four direct-contact copper heat pipes and a 120mm ARGB fan that reaches 1800 RPM. The unit includes Gen 2 addressable RGB lighting and supports AM5, LGA 1851, and older sockets. You get a low-profile design that fits tight cases while maintaining solid airflow for mid-range processors.

Pros

• Four direct-contact copper heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
• 120mm PWM fan with 1800 RPM max speed and 53 CFM airflow
• ARGB Gen 2 lighting with 8 LEDs for motherboard sync
• Supports latest AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets alongside older standards

Cons

• Single 120mm fan limits cooling potential compared to dual-tower designs
• Second fan for push-pull configuration is not included
• 3-year warranty is shorter than the 5-year terms on some competitors

Good fit if

• You need a cooler that fits in compact cases under 152mm height
• You have an AM5 or LGA 1851 motherboard and want ARGB sync
• You want direct-contact heat pipes for better thermal transfer

Skip if

• You have a high-end CPU exceeding 200W TDP
• You require a dual-tower design for maximum cooling headroom
• You want a cooler with a longer than 3-year warranty

Verdict: Level Play CA4 120mm Air Cooler is a practical option for users with compact cases or mid-range CPUs. It fits well if you prioritize low height and modern socket support over maximum thermal performance.

7 Best 120mm fan

upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Best for: Quiet builds with ARGB lighting

Socket Compatibility

AM5/AM4, LGA 1851/1700/1200/1155/1156

Cooler Height

6.1 inches

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1650rpm ±10%

Lighting

ARGB

View on Amazon: upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler

This upHere air cooler uses four 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm fan to manage heat. It reaches 1650rpm for 68.2CFM airflow while staying under 26dB. The design fits AM5 and LGA1851 sockets. You get ARGB lighting and 12V power. It includes RAM clearance and non-disassembly fan mounting. This unit suits users who want quiet operation and easy installation.

Pros

• Four 6mm direct-contact heat pipes
• 120mm fan runs at 1650rpm
• Noise level below 26dB(A)
• ARGB lighting support
• RAM clearance design

Cons

• Single 120mm fan limits peak cooling
• 6.1 inch height may block tall RAM
• No mention of PWM speed control

Good fit if

• You need ARGB lighting
• You use AM5 or LGA1851
• You want quiet operation

Skip if

• You need dual tower cooling
• You have very tall RAM
• You require PWM control

Verdict: The upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler offers quiet 26dB operation and ARGB lighting. It fits users who prioritize silence and memory clearance over maximum thermal headroom.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions