You’ve most certainly heard the term TDP when browsing the latest new hardware releases or cooling components. But what does TDP mean, and does it affect your gaming PC temperature or performance?
In this blog post we explore all of these questions and more, along with highlighting a selection of AiO coolers that are perfect for low, mid, and high TPD CPUs.
What Does TDP Mean?
TDP, or thermal design power, is the maximum amount of heat that your component generates, such as a processor or graphics card. The TDP is typically measured in wattage (W) and can be used as an indicator of power consumption.
How Does the TDP Affect the Temperature of Your PC?
The higher the TDP is, the more heat the component will generate. If you don’t have a reliable thermal system that can keep up with these temperatures, your PC will struggle. Once your hardware begins to throttle, you’ll soon notice a drop in your performance. This may even later result in damage or reduce the lifespan of your components.
What Cooler Do I Need For…
Your TDP is extremely important when it comes to shopping for your cooling components. You’ll need to pick hardware that can handle the max TDP of your processor and graphics card, along with ensuring that your PSU supplies enough power to guarantee maximum performance.
Thankfully, we’ve picked our top cooling recommendations for a low, mid, and high-tier CPU TDP down below.
Up to 150W
If you have a TDP of up to 150W, a 120mm AiO is the perfect choice for you! Boasting a 120mm integrated fan, this AiO can keep temperatures to a minimum whilst ensuring plenty of natural air flows through your case.
Aerocool Mirage L120 ARGB 120mm AiO CPU Cooler
- 120mm AiO CPU cooler
- 1 x 120mm integrated fan
- Customisable RGB lighting
- Compatible with Intel and AMD
- Includes thermal paste
Up to 250W
For a max TDP of up to 250W, a 240mm AiO CPU cooler is more than plenty. A 240mm cooler features two integrated 120mm fans to draw and exhaust any excess heat along with ensuring a consistent flow of natural air throughout your chassis. The 240mm radiator is powerful enough to dissipate heat efficiently and keep temperatures at optimum levels.
Lian Li Galahad II Trinty ARGB White 240 AiO CPU Cooler
- 240mm AiO CPU cooler
- 2 x 120mm integrated fans
- Customisable ARGB lighting
- Supports Intel and AMD processors
Up to 350W
We recommend you pair a 360mm AiO CPU cooler with a TDP of up to 350W. With a combination of three 120mm fans and a high-powered 360mm radiator, temperatures are kept to a minimum.
MSI MAG CoreLiquid ARGB 360 AiO CPU Cooler
- 360mm AiO CPU cooler
- 3 x 120mm fans
- Compatible with Intel and AMD CPUs
Up to 400W
For enthusiast-grade hardware and even workstations with a max TDP of 400W, a 420mm AiO will maintain temperatures at peak levels. High-quality 140mm fans dissipate heat and deliver a steady flow of natural air, whilst the radiator draws and expels coolant to minimise excess temperatures.
Phanteks Glacier One 420D30 White RGB 420 AiO CPU Cooler
- 420mm AiO CPU cooler
- 3 x 140mm integrated fans
- All white design
- Supports both Intel and AMD
You’ve got the CPU and the cooler, now it’s time to install it. Our Overclockers UK Academy has a helpful video and written guide which takes you step-by-step through mounting an AiO cooler.
Keepin’ It Cool
Looking for some more content to help keep your PC cool and whisper-quiet? We’ve got plenty of helpful guides on the Overclockers UK blog.
Custom Water-Cooling
This is Why You Want Water Cooling
Air vs Water Cooling
Share Your TDP and Cooling Tips!
Share your TDP and cooling tips for keeping your hardware performing at optimum levels in the comments below.
- 4 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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