Heads up, DIY PC builders-AMD is shaking up its cooler strategy. The tech giant has decided to quietly phase out bundled coolers from certain models of its older Ryzen processors. Specifically, models in the Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series will no longer come with the trusty Wraith coolers, like the Prism and Spire, which have been a familiar sight since 2016.
Zooming In
AMD’s Wraith coolers have been around almost as long as Ryzen chips themselves, launched at a time when AMD was actively clawing back market share from Intel. Offering these coolers was seen as a plus for those building their systems on a budget who didn’t want to splurge on aftermarket cooling solutions right off the bat.
The announcement was subtle but clear. In a recent statement, AMD noted: “Due to the AMD SR4 cooler reaching EOL status, select AMD Ryzen 7000 and 5000 Product ID Boxed models are updated to no longer include a cooler.” This decision hits hard for fans of the Wraith Prism, known for its eye-catching RGB lighting and solid performance.
The Big Why
Stock coolers have been a bit of a divisive topic. On one hand, they serve as a sensible solution for many casual users. On the flip side, they’ve been criticized for not being the quietest under heavy loads-a common complaint among owners of chips like the Ryzen 5 5600X. The decision to phase out these bundled solutions mirrors a growing industry trend, led by competitors like Intel, who have also moved away from including stock coolers with higher-end processors.
The Aftermarket Playground
This shift will likely steer consumers toward aftermarket solutions. With options from brands like Noctua, Cooler Master, and Arctic, the market is rich with alternatives. Cooling powerhouses such as Arctic’s Freezer 36 and Thermalright’s PA120SE are favored in the tech community for their performance and value.
Without a pre-packaged cooler, new CPU buyers may face slightly higher costs but gain the freedom to kit out their systems with more tailored setups. Customization can often lead to significantly improved thermal performance compared to sticking with stock options.
What’s Next?
AMD’s recent move to launch the Ryzen 9000 series without bundled coolers reinforces the new normal. It’s anticipatory of a landscape where cooler choices become another aspect of personalized computing. This could also signal potential partnerships, as AMD may start recommending third-party cooling options explicitly in the future.
As AMD reshapes its approach, builders should reassess their cooling strategies. This change not only encourages bespoke builds but also supports a growing aftermarket community, resonating with a hobbyist spirit and perhaps encouraging further innovation in third-party cooling tech.
While the nostalgia for Wraith coolers might linger, AMD’s pivot reflects an alignment with evolving consumer expectations, backing performance flexibility over pre-packaged convenience.
