EK is being cagey about its first CPU air coolers, but I'm excited anyway

EK is one of the more recognizable names in the custom liquid cooling sector, and later this year—or maybe early next—it will attempt to carve out a space in the crowded air cooling arena as well.

There is not a whole lot of information available yet, though EK did make it clear it is getting into CPU air cooling (PDF). EK will kick things off with its upcoming EK-Air series of coolers "for people who are interested in aftermarket cooling, but are not yet ready to make the leap into liquid cooling."

EK says it will offer both single and dual-tower designs, with RGB lighting. What you see in the image above is a prototype and not necessarily reflective of what the finished product(s) will look like, according to what EK conveyed to OC3D. All EK is saying for now is that its coolers will be a blend of "premium build quality, modern aesthetics, and great cooling."

EK will be going up against some stiff competition in the chip-chilling market. In particular, Noctua's NH-D15 is what we consider the best CPU cooler in the air cooling space, while Cooler Master's Hyper 212 Evo is still the go-to option for builders on a budget.

It's possible EK could target both the performance and bang-for-buck crowns with separate products. However, given EK's penchant for premium custom liquid cooling parts, I suspect it will primarily go after the former, which could make things interesting. Consider me cautiously optimistic about EK's new venture.

Paul has been playing PC games and raking his knuckles on computer hardware since the Commodore 64. He does not have any tattoos, but thinks it would be cool to get one that reads LOAD"*",8,1. In his off time, he rides motorcycles and wrestles alligators (only one of those is true).