Best CPU cooler recommendations?

What’s the most important thing to look for when picking out a CPU cooler?

If it were bigger, it’d probably spin faster, I guess. xD
Plus, at least it's the right socket.

Of course, you need to make sure the socket actually matches your processor. Also, contrary to what some people might tell you, you don't really want those fans spinning at high speeds because they just end up being incredibly noisy. In my experience, the most important thing is to find a fan with at least a 120mm diameter so it can move air efficiently without needing to exceed 2000 RPM.

Look, I already told you, I don't really care about the noise 😳

I was actually struggling a bit with the RPM readings... on my Intel Core i5-3570K, I'm just using the stock cooler, and according to Open Hardware Monitor, it tops out at 3488 RPM.
The noise isn't a huge deal to me, though obviously, quieter is always better.
I was thinking about picking up a different cooler... so, shadowlynx102, are you saying I should grab one specifically for the higher RPMs?

I see you're running an Intel build. I used to have an Intel Core i7-3770K, and honestly, the stock cooler was a total disaster because the chip would run incredibly hot. It felt like Intel chips just aren't quite as forgiving when things start heating up compared to what I've seen elsewhere. For my specific processor, hitting 65 degrees Celsius was the limit, which, if you think about it, is basically an ideal operating temperature for an Intel chip. Every time I tried to do something intensive, like rendering a video, my stock cooler would ramp up to 4500 RPM and sound like a freaking angle grinder sitting inside my case, and even then, it couldn't actually keep the temperatures under control. That’s why, if you're working with these kinds of processors, you really need to invest in a decent aftermarket cooler.

My temps are sitting at a max of 30.6 right now.
The temperature isn't really the issue; it's more that the fan is constantly pinned at 100%. Everything is set to AUTO in my BIOS, haha, so it’s getting a little loud...
I originally figured since it stays at 100% even on AUTO, maybe I should just swap it out—it feels like it might be struggling to keep up or something. xd
Now I'm torn on whether I should actually replace it. If you think I should, does anyone have a recommendation from here? http://www.amazon.com/cpu-coolers/b?node=12488712&tpkp=2?

It's a no-brainer to swap out that stock cooler on an Intel Core i5-3570K; you don't even need to break the bank to get things running quiet:

http://www.nabava.net/search.php?tp=0&q=spire+kepler
http://www.nabava.net/search.php?tp=0&q=lc-cc-95

If you're planning on overclocking and want something budget-friendly (but still a solid value pick):

http://www.nabava.net/search.php?tp=0&q=hyper+212+evo

This one also looks like a decent buy—even if there aren't a ton of reviews out there, you won't regret it at that price point:

http://www.nabava.net/search.php?tp=0&q=lc-cc-120

Keep in mind that the last two options are much more heavy-duty than the first two because they feature more heatpipes, larger fans, and stay well under 2000rpm.

A few of those coolers you mentioned won't fit my socket. Thanks for the suggestions though, I'll definitely keep them in mind.

Everyone is moving toward your socket

I think I'll pass on those two: http://www.spire-corp.com/cpu-cooler...85s1-v2/specs/
http://www.lc-power.de/index.php?id=311

It goes

If it fits any Intel socket, it’ll work on an AM3+ one too—the exterior looks identical and hasn't changed in years. The only real difference between various sockets is the pin layout for the processors themselves, which doesn't matter at all when you're mounting a cooler.
They probably didn't list it on the website because they assume everyone already knows, or they just haven't updated the page yet.

If you have the budget for it, go grab a Corsair Hydro Series. I’m running the version designed for Intel, and let me tell you, it cools like an absolute beast—plus, it’s whisper quiet! Is it pricey at $280? $103 Sure, but is it worth every single penny? Absolutely.
I’m currently pushing my Pentium G3258 (3.2 GHz) all the way to a 4.4 GHz overclock, and even under a massive load from Prime95 or OCCT Pro, the temps won't climb above 66°C.

He could even go with some Arctic Freezer 13 units if those Hyper coolers end up being too bulky for his case.

What motherboard speed are we talking about?

ASRock 970 Pro3 R2.0

Which exact Corsair Hydro Series cooler did you pick up—the A30 or the other one? I'm hunting for something for my G3258 right now, and this looks like a solid deal—especially since you mentioned it’s quiet. That’s really the main thing for me.

I'm running a Corsair Hydro Series on an Intel socket... you can't even hear it running. My CPU sits at about 77 degrees on idle
under full load, it won't even crack 113

those things are cheap as dirt

I’d probably grab that i30co—but I noticed it’s 161mm while my case supports up to 165mm. Is that actually okay? It feels a bit tight—almost too close for comfort—but if there's no issue, I'll just pull the trigger and order it right now.

Prolimatech is definitely the better way to go—plus, since it’s more compact, you won't have any trouble fitting it in.