ryzen 5 5500 cooling: Best practices for South African summers

Is your PC sounding like a jet engine during these scorching South African summers? You're not alone. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is a fantastic budget CPU, but keeping it cool when the ambient temperature climbs is crucial for performance. Effective Ryzen 5 5500 cooling isn't just about noise; it's about preventing thermal throttling that can steal your frames right in the middle of a crucial firefight. Let's get your rig sorted. ☀️

AMD RYZEN 5 9600 PRO B840-P WiFi 32GB DDR5 7200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI Pro B840-P WiFi AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 5 9600 38MB GameCache Up to 5.2GHz CPU + KLEVV CRAS V RGB 32GB Kit (16GB x2) 7200MHz Gaming Memory

R11699.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D PRO B650M-B 32GB DDR5 7200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D 100MB GameCache Up to 5.0GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV CRAS V RGB 32GB 7200MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 CPU Liquid Cooler

R13399.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 5 3600 A520M-A PRO 16GB 3200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI A520M-A PRO Series Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 5 3600 35MB Game Cache Up to 4.2GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 Desktop Memory (OEM No Packaging) / Discrete GPU Required - No Integrated Graphics + Standard Cooler

R2799.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D PRO B840-P WiFi 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B840-P WiFi AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D 104MB GameCache Up to 5.2GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 Liquid Cooler - Black

R15499.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 5 5500 A520M-A PRO 16GB 3200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI A520M-A PRO Series Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 5 5500 19MB Game Cache Up to 4.2GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 Desktop Memory (OEM No Packaging) / Discrete GPU Required - No Integrated Graphics + Standard Cooler

R3999.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D PRO B650M-B 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D 104MB GameCache Up to 5.2GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 Liquid Cooler - Black

R14299.00In Stock

Understanding Your Ryzen 5 5500's Cooling Needs

The Ryzen 5 5500 has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 watts. In simple terms, this is the maximum amount of heat the CPU is expected to generate under a typical workload. While the included AMD Wraith Stealth cooler is designed to handle this, it can struggle during intense, prolonged gaming sessions, especially inside a case with limited airflow on a hot day.

When your CPU hits its thermal limit (around 90°C for this chip), it automatically reduces its speed to protect itself. This is "thermal throttling," and it's the enemy of smooth gameplay. Proper Ryzen 5 5500 cooling ensures your processor can maintain its maximum boost clocks for longer, giving you the performance you paid for.

The Stock Cooler vs. Aftermarket Upgrades

For many builders, the Wraith Stealth is a decent starting point. It gets the job done for browsing and light gaming. But if you're serious about performance or live in a warmer part of Mzansi, an aftermarket cooler is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.

Aftermarket Air Coolers: The Best Bang for Your Buck

You don't need a fancy, expensive liquid cooler for this CPU. A simple tower-style air cooler can make a massive difference. These coolers use a larger heatsink and a better fan to pull heat away from the processor far more efficiently than the stock solution. The result? Lower temperatures, quieter operation, and more consistent performance. When planning a new build, considering the cooler from the start is wise, especially when looking at cost-effective AMD barebone kits that give you a great foundation.

AMD RYZEN 9 9900X PRO B650M-B 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 9 9900X 76MB GameCache Up to 5.6GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 Liquid Cooler - Black

R13499.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 5 8400F PRO B650M-B 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI Pro B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 5 8400F 19MB GameCache Up to 4.7GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory / Discrete GPU Required - No Integrated Graphics

R4999.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D PRO B840-P WiFi 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B840-P WiFi AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D 104MB GameCache Up to 5.2GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 Liquid Cooler - Black

R15499.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D PRO B840-P WIFI 32GB RGB 7200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B840-P WIFI AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D 100MB GameCache Up to 5.0GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV CRAS V RGB DDR5 32GB 7200MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 CPU Liquid Cooler

R13999.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D PRO B840-P WIFI 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B840-P WIFI AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D 100MB GameCache Up to 5.0GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 CPU Liquid Cooler

R11999.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 5 8400F PRO B650M-B 32GB DDR5 7200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI Pro B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 5 8400F 19MB GameCache Up to 4.7GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV CRAS V RGB 32GB 7200MHz Gaming Memory / Discrete GPU Required - No Integrated Graphics

R7799.00In Stock

Case Airflow: The Unsung Hero of Cooling

A great CPU cooler can't do its job if it's suffocating in a hotbox. Good case airflow is fundamental to any PC build. Ensure you have at least one intake fan at the front pulling cool air in and one exhaust fan at the back or top pushing hot air out. This creates a clear path for air to travel over your components.

This principle applies to any build, whether you're starting from scratch with Intel barebone kits or upgrading an existing machine. A well-ventilated case is the foundation of a healthy, high-performance PC.

Planning for a Cool Future 🚀

AMD RYZEN 9 9900X PRO B650M-B 32GB DDR5 7200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI PRO B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 9 9900X 76MB GameCache Up to 5.6GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV CRAS V RGB 32GB Kit (16GB x2) 7200MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LD240 Liquid Cooler - Black

R14399.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 5 8400F PRO B650M-B 32GB DDR5 7200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI Pro B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 5 8400F 19MB GameCache Up to 4.7GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV CRAS V RGB 32GB 7200MHz Gaming Memory / Discrete GPU Required - No Integrated Graphics

R7799.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 9700X PRO B840-P WiFi 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI Pro B840-P WiFi AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 9700X 40MB GameCache Up to 5.5GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LS520S Zero Dark Liquid Cooler

R11899.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 5 9600X PRO B650M-B 32GB DDR5 7200MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI Pro B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 5 9600X 38MB GameCache Up to 5.4GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + KLEVV CRAS V RGB 32GB Kit (16GB x2) 7200MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LS520S Zero Dark Liquid Cooler

R11599.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 9700X PRO B650M-B 16GB DDR5 5600MHz Upgrade Kit - MSI Pro B650M-B AMD Ryzen Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 9700X 40MB GameCache Up to 5.5GHz CPU (OEM No Packaging) + Kingspec 16GB Kit (16GB x1) 5600MHz Gaming Memory + DeepCool LS520S Zero Dark Liquid Cooler

R10999.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 5700 Phantom Gaming B550 16GB 3200MHz Upgrade Kit - ASRock Phantom Gaming B550 AMD ATX Motherboard + AMD RYZEN 7 5700 20MB Game Cache Up to 4.6GHz CPU + KLEVV 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 Desktop Memory (OEM No Packaging) / Discrete GPU Required - No Integrated Graphics + Standard Cooler

R5499.00In Stock

Getting your Ryzen 5 5500 cooling strategy right sets you up for success. As you think about future upgrades, remember that more powerful components generate more heat. A beastly CPU like a Ryzen 7 will definitely benefit from the robust cooling solutions you learn to master today. In fact, many excellent AMD and Intel-based bundle packs pair a CPU with a motherboard that has great thermal features.

If you're ever considering a jump to a more powerful processor, like those found in our popular AMD Ryzen 7 bundles, the investment in a quality case and cooler will pay off handsomely, ensuring your entire system runs optimally.