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Riot does not say whether a CPU alone can carry a VALORANT hardware ban to another PC. Riot describes an HWID ban as applying to a computer’s physical components, but it does not publish which component identifiers it uses or how it links hardware to a restriction. A CPU swap is therefore not a documented or reliable way to clear a ban.
What Riot says an HWID ban affects
Riot’s Support article, “Understanding Hardware ID (HWID) Bans”, published May 31, 2026, describes an HWID ban as a restriction on the banned computer’s physical components, not just on one account. Riot warns that signing in to a Riot game on that hardware with another account can restrict that account on the device and trigger a separate, time-limited ban for that account.
That description does not identify the CPU as the component that carries the restriction. Riot does not publish a component-by-component explanation of how it determines hardware identity, so public documentation cannot establish whether a CPU by itself would cause the ban to follow to a different computer.
How to distinguish an HWID ban from other VALORANT restrictions
| Restriction or warning | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| HWID ban | Riot says the restriction applies to the banned computer’s physical components. Another account used on that hardware may also be restricted. | Request a review through Player Support if the ban is related to negative behavior or suspected cheating. Riot may lift or extend it after review; neither outcome is guaranteed. |
| VAN:Restriction or a system-security warning | Riot says Vanguard restrictions can be applied at account or HWID level when suspicious hardware behavior or statistical anomalies are detected. A warning can also result from disabled security features or a motherboard firmware issue; the warning alone does not necessarily mean Riot suspects cheating. | Follow the specific prompt to enable the requested security features or update firmware using the motherboard manufacturer’s official guidance. |
| Account ban for cheating | Riot says cheating with unauthorized hardware or software that gives an unfair advantage results in a permanent account ban. This is an account penalty, distinct from the hardware scope Riot describes for an HWID ban. | Check the exact notice and follow the instructions Riot provides for that account penalty. |
Riot explains the security-warning context in “VAN:Restriction and Closing the Motherboard Pre-Boot Gap for Vanguard,” dated December 18, 2025. Its guidance is to address the configuration or firmware issue identified by the warning, not to infer a CPU-level ban from the warning alone.
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#1 Best Overall
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger（(Note:Please check your case and motherboard for compatibility with this size cooler.）
- 【2 PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
- 【AGHP technique】6×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation, 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, When CPU cooler works, match with pwm fans, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:115X/1200/1700/17XX AMD:AM4;AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided（Note: Toinstall the AMD platform, you need to use the original motherboard's built-in backplanefor installation, which is not included with this product)
What to do if you see a restriction
- Record the exact error or prompt. The wording and code matter because a system-security warning and an HWID ban do not have the same explanation or remedy.
- Follow Riot’s instructions for that specific notice. For a VAN:Restriction tied to security settings or firmware, enable the requested features or consult the motherboard maker’s official update guidance.
- If Riot identifies an HWID ban, contact Player Support for a review. Riot says a review may lift or extend a ban; it does not promise a particular result.
- Do not treat a CPU replacement, reinstall, or account switch as a proven fix. Riot says reinstalling the game or deleting the account does not remove an HWID ban. It also warns that using another account on hardware under an HWID ban may lead to that account being restricted.
For account-level cheating penalties, Riot’s explanation is in “Addressing Cheating in VALORANT,” published May 31, 2026.
Quick Recap
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Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, PWM Fan
- Cool for R7 | i7: Four heat pipes and a copper base ensure optimal cooling performance for AMD R7 and Intel i7.
- Quiet Cooling Fan: SickleFlow 120 Edge with Dynamic PWM control (690–2,500 RPM), designed for low noise and peak cooling performance.
- Simplify Brackets: Redesigned brackets simplify installation on AM5 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms.
- Versatile Compatibility: 152mm tall design offers performance with wide chassis compatibility.
- Easy Installation: Easy to install with included thermal paste for hassle-free setup and optimal cooling performance.
Rank #4
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB - AIO CPU Cooler, Water Cooling
- CONTACT FRAME FOR INTEL LGA1851 | LGA1700: Optimized contact pressure distribution for longer CPU life and better heat dissipation
- ARCTIC's P12 PRO FAN: More power at any speed - more powerful and quieter than the P12, especially at low speeds. Higher maximum speed for optimal cooling performance under high load
- NATIVE OFFSET MOUNTING FOR INTEL AND AMD: Shifting the cold plate center towards the CPU hotspot ensures more efficient heat transfer
- INTEGRATED VRM FAN: PWM-controlled fan that lowers the temperature of the voltage converters and thus ensures reliable performance
- INTEGRATED CABLE MANAGEMENT: The PWM cables of the radiator fans are integrated in the sheathing of the hoses so that only a single visible cable is connected to the motherboard
Rank #3
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 - AIO CPU Cooler,3 x 120 mm Water Cooling
- CONTACT FRAME FOR INTEL LGA1851 | LGA1700: Optimized contact pressure distribution for longer CPU life and better heat dissipation
- ARCTIC's P12 PRO FAN: More power at any speed - more powerful and quieter than the P12, especially at low speeds. Higher maximum speed for optimal cooling performance under high load
- NATIVE OFFSET MOUNTING FOR INTEL AND AMD: Shifting the cold plate center towards the CPU hotspot ensures more efficient heat transfer
- INTEGRATED VRM FAN: PWM-controlled fan that lowers the temperature of the voltage converters and thus ensures reliable performance
- INTEGRATED CABLE MANAGEMENT: The PWM cables of the radiator fans are integrated in the sheathing of the hoses so that only a single visible cable is connected to the motherboard
Rank #2
CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB Low-Noise Liquid CPU Cooler – Black
- Simple, High-Performance All-in-One CPU Cooling: Renowned CORSAIR engineering delivers strong, low-noise cooling that helps your CPU reach its full potential
- Efficient, Low-Noise Pump: Keeps your coolant circulating at a high flow rate while generating a whisper-quiet 20 dBA
- Convex Cold Plate with Pre-Applied Thermal Paste: The slightly convex shape ensures maximum contact with your CPU’s integrated heat spreader, with thermal paste applied in an optimised pattern to speed up installation
- RS120 ARGB Fans: RS ARGB fans create strong airflow and high static pressure, with easy ARGB control via a compatible motherboard. CORSAIR AirGuide technology and Magnetic Dome bearings ensure great cooling performance and low noise
- Easy Daisy-Chained Connections: Reduce the wiring in your system by daisy-chaining your RS ARGB fans and connecting them to just one 4-pin PWM fan header and one +5V ARGB header
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