Intel CPU Coolers Guides - Tech4Gamers

Newegg

Review

Fan

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Beautiful looks with A-RGB fans and block, Class-leading performance among 360mm AIOs, Decent price tag

What We Disliked

Cables are clunky

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

394 × 27.2 × 119 mm

Fan Speed

2500RPM

Noise Level

27.2 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Outstanding cooling performance, Attractive RGB, Premium build quality

What We Disliked

Relatively expensive

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

400 × 27 × 124 mm

Fan Speed

2300 RPM

Noise Level

36 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

Noctua NH-D15 G2

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Beat all other air coolers in our testing, Excellent build quality, 6-year warranty

What We Disliked

Far too costly for an air cooler, Height can be a problem (168mm)

Cooler Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

Dimensions (LxWxH)

168 × 150 × 152mm (with fans)

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

Noise Level

24.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Excellent thermal performance, Great noise efficiency, The RGB looks great

What We Disliked

Clearance may be an issue with its 37mm thickness

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

398 × 38 × 120mm

Fan Speed

1800 RPM

Noise Level

23.46 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Looks

Award

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Exceptional cooling performance, Unique LCD display feature, Excellent build quality

What We Disliked

Quite expensive

Cooler Type

420mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

454 × 27 × 139 mm

Fan Speed

1700 RPM

Noise Level

33.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Read Our Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS Review

Last Updated:

October 17, 2024: After testing the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS, NH-D15 G2, and the LIQMAXFLO 360, we’ve found that these coolers offer exceptional performance for the i9-14900K, and we’ve included them in our recommendations.

[toc]

Getting the i9-14900K? Check our tested round-ups:

[toc]

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K

Here is my selection of the best CPU coolers for the i9-14900K based on hands-on experience:

Best Overall: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
Best Performance: EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best Air Cooler: NH-D15 G2
Best Budget: ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360mm A-RGB
Best 240mm: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best 420mm: CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i9-14900K

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Beautiful looks with A-RGB fans and block
Class-leading performance among 360mm AIOs
Decent price tag ($149)
Included A-RGB control box
5-year warranty

Cons

Cables are clunky

Check Price

The Masterliquid ATMOS 360 ticks all the boxes, and that’s why it’s our Best Overall selection. Its fin density is 20, and Cooler Master’s SickeFlow Edge fans are tasked with dissipating the heat, with a 3.61 mmH2O static pressure rating. This cooler proved among the top-performing 360mm AIOs in our testing and kept our 14900K from thermal throttling under multi-threaded workloads. The cooler is sturdy, and we had no complaints about its build quality.

The cooler features a sleek and beautiful A-RGB-powered design that will fit right in with any black/white-themed build. Cooler Master allows the freedom of custom 3D-printed designs on the water block. We were happy with the default design, especially thanks to the beautifully implemented A-RGB.

PRO TIP: Cooler creating too much noise? Try adjusting its fan curves.

Here’s what I had to say after testing the cooler in my dedicated review:

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is a high-performance AIO liquid cooler with excellent thermal performance and low noise levels. It is compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets and comes with three SickleFlow Edge 120mm A-RGB fans. The cooler also features a unique pump cover that allows users to design and 3D print their own custom designs.

✅Buy It If

You want top performance at a fair price: At $149, it competes with some of our list’s more pricey 360mm coolers.

You’re an RGB enthusiast: For RGB lovers, the cooler’s RGB fans and water blocks should provide a delightful experience.

You prefer the customizability: Through printables.com, you can download and 3D-print a new design to swap out the cooler’s default water block design.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want a more neatly organized cable setup: If you like to have maximum convenience, the lack of organized daisy-chain cable management might disappoint you.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i9-14900K?

With its sleek looks and top performance, the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS was bound to be part of our picks. Its patented dual-chamber design enables faster water flow, and the high-performance SickeFlow Edge fans do an excellent job driving that heat away. The cooler looks beautiful, with evenly diffused RGB across the fans and the block. It’s also thoughtful of Cooler Master to focus on eco-friendliness, with the pump top cover built from recycled plastic materials and a portion of the cooler’s material being recyclable.

Best 360mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 9.5/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Pictures from Our Review

1 of 3

Pros

Outstanding cooling performance
Attractive RGB implementation
High fan speeds
Premium build quality

Cons

Expensive
Noisy fans

Check Price

Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB AIO Cooler Review

Our test results show that the thermal performance of the EK Nucleus CR360 Lux is truly exceptional, which helps it to be positioned as one of the top-performing AIOs on the market. We found that the i9-14900K can comfortably stretch its wings without worrying about thermal throttling, even when heavily overclocked. We believe that the dense micro-fin copper cold plate is one of the cooler’s defining features in terms of build quality, while the diamond-cut brushed aluminum side panels provide a luxurious feel to the cooler. The rotatable pump top also adds to the convenience factor.

Without a doubt, the EK Nucleus CR360 Lux follows the distinctive design language of EK’s acclaimed liquid coolers. The pump block features a smooth A-RGB ring that is diffusely illuminated in the center, giving it a holographic appearance. We particularly liked the fans, who also followed suit with a superb A-RGB design.

Talking about the cooler’s aesthetics and performance, Awais Khan stated during his review:

EK Water Blocks is back in business with its new generation of liquid coolers in the AIO category. Meet the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB cooler, which is quite innovative from its design. It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler, albeit a bit high price tag.

Buy It If:

✅ You want to overclock the i9-14900K: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux is one of the top-performing AIOs in our testing, allowing you to maximize the performance of your Core i9-14900K CPU.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You dislike noisy fans: Although it has impressive thermal performance, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux has loud fans, which can be problematic for many people. During our noise testing, the noise level went up to 36dB(A).

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux delivers supremely low temperatures when paired with the Core i9-14900K, even when overclocked, thanks to its superb thermal dissipation capacity and high-quality 2,300RPM fans. Thus making it the best performance CPU cooler for i9-14900K processor.

Editor`s Note

Out of all the coolers I loved the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB cooler the most because of its outstanding cooling performance, beautiful aesthetics, premium build quality, and outstanding overclocking headroom. We have also awarded it as the best performance CPU cooler for the Intel Core i9-14900K. So, if you have the budget and don’t mind slightly louder fans, you won’t regret making this purchase.

– Hayyan Serwer

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Noctua NH-D15 G2

Best Air Cooler For Core i9-14900K

Noctua NH-D15 G2 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Beat all other air coolers in our testing
Excellent build quality
Over-voltage and over-current protected
6-year warranty

Cons

Far too costly for an air cooler
Height can be a problem (168mm)

Check Price

Read Our Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review

The Noctua NH-D15 G2 improves on the incredibly popular NH-D15 that we love. It features 8 heat pipes (vs. 6) and 2x Noctua NF-A14 G2 fans and provides a larger contact area for the CPU. The fans’ blade count is increased to nine, with more prominent curves. Build quality is no less than the very best we’ve come to expect of Noctua, and the fans’ liquid crystal polymer base is a notable change. All these improvements led to around a 4.5°C improvement in the i9-14900K’s temperature during our load testing, compared to the standard NH-D15. This places it at the very top among air coolers. Acoustic performance has also improved–we recorded 38dBA under load.

The cooler has a dual-tower design and expands on Noctua’s signature brown-beige theme. With that, there’s not much to admire about how it looks. Both the heatsink and heat pipes are made of aluminum, and the cooler can stand out, but only thanks to its great size and vanilla aesthetic.

I was blown away by the performance of the NH-D15 G2 in our review. This is what I said:

It features an enhanced heatsink design with eight heat pipes and a fin stack that provides 20% more surface area while maintaining a low noise level of 24.8 dBA. The cooler is undoubtedly a must-have for anyone after extreme performance from an air cooler.

✅Buy It If

You don’t want liquid cooling: If you prefer air coolers to AIOs, the NH-D15 G2 is the best you can get.

You want long-term reliability: With incredible overall build quality, fans rated for up to 150K hours of operation, and a 6-year warranty, Noctua amazes us again with its commitment to reliability with this cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

Budget is limited: At $149, the cooler competes with many excellent 360mm AIOs in price and is the most expensive air cooler you can get.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For The Core i9-14900K?

If you really want to stick with an air cooler for your Intel i9, the Noctua NH-D15 G2 is your very best bet. It is the best air cooler we have tested so far and is enough for the CPU on the default power limits. With the cooler, you also get the comfort of a 6-year warranty and superb build quality, so you don’t have to worry about the cooler failing on you. It costs $149, and that’s what you’ll have to pay for the best air-cooling performance possible.

WARNING: The cooler’s height (168mm) may prove too much for some smaller cases; ensure compatibility before purchasing.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i9-14900K

ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent thermal performance
Great noise efficiency
The RGB looks great
Daisy-chaining fans
Included extra coolant and easy refilling mechanism
Fairly priced

Cons

Clearance may be an issue with its 37mm thickness

Check Price

Read Our Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 Review

The Enermax Liqmaxflo improves on previous generation coolers with its dual-chamber pump design. Tunings include an enlarged coolant inlet, Shunt-Channel Technology (faster coolant flow), and an optimized fluid channel. Enermax uses Silent Flow fans rated at just 23.46 dBA, which have 5x 3mm wide blades for optimal static pressure. Lastly, the radiator is 38mm thick (the common thickness is 27mm nowadays!). It cooled the 14900K well in our testing, competing with coolers like the EK-Nucleus CR360, and was also among the quietest of the bunch.

The cooler’s RGB lighting is just as good as any we’ve seen. Both the fans and the pump feature RGB (the pump’s RGB is provided by the VRM fan). With the black-and-white contrast between the radiator and the fans, the cooler looks gorgeous even without RGB—so if RGB is not your thing, fret not!

Speaking of its design, here’s what our hardware expert, Nauman Siddique, said about the cooler:

The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.

✅Buy It If

You’re seeking performance on a budget: At $129, the Liqmaxflo 360 competes with more expensive AIOs on our list.

Low noise operation is important: The cooler’s acoustic performance is just as impressive; in our testing, it is kept under 50 dBA at maximum fan RPM.

You like the extra features: The cooler offers some great features, like the VRM fan, 100ml coolant for refills (the mechanism is straightforward), and tube clips for easy orientation.

❌Don't Buy It If

Compatibility is a concern: With a 37mm thick radiator and an overall thickness of 64.8mm with the fans, this cooler may not fit in all builds.

What Makes It The Best Budget Cooler For The Core i9-14900K?

While $129 isn’t the friendliest price tag, it buys a cooler that competes with the best 360mm AIOs on the market—and so, a cooler that is plenty for the i9-14900K. In our testing, it showed superb thermal management and didn’t make a lot of noise during the process. Couple that with its great looks, a handy VRM fan providing extra cooling to your motherboard’s phases, a refillable coolant design, and a 5-year warranty, and this is a stellar option.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Relatively affordable
Solid cooling performance
Inclusion of VRM fan
Impressive acoustics

Cons

Not ideal for extreme overclocking
No RGB on the pump block

Check Price

Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB AIO Cooler Review

My tests reveal that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm’s 200W heat dissipation capacity is extraordinary, and that allows it to handle the i9-14900K in almost any day-to-day scenario. Sure, the overclocking potential is slightly limited in my experience, but its exceptional value surely makes up for it. I found that ARCTIC has upheld exceptional build quality in the Liquid Freezer II, even at its affordable price. I was particularly impressed by the pump block, which incorporates a 45mm fan to enhance airflow around the motherboard’s VRM components, thereby optimizing VRM performance.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AiO cooler showcases a refined and stylish appearance with its sleek all-black pump block. I found that the tubing, adorned with a subtle yet eye-catching black-and-white pattern, contributes an element of refinement to the cooler’s design.

I loved the cooler’s performance during my review, along with its remarkable value. This is what I had to say:

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is ONE-OF-A-KIND AIO for around 110 dollars. Considering its cooling capabilities and excellent performance, it is a good value for money!

Buy It If:

✅ You want high-end performance without breaking the bank: The Liquid Freezer II dominates the 240mm AIO category in my testing due to its exceptional performance and modest price. You can attempt slight overclocking without getting bottlenecked by the CPU’s temperatures.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You can’t handle difficult AIO installations: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO comes with a slightly difficult installation. If you’re new to AIO coolers, I recommend not buying this one.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?

Since it delivers admirable thermal performance for a 240mm AIO, has quiet fans peaking at just 106.4dB(A), and comes at a very reasonable price point, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is the best 240mm CPU cooler for i9-14900K.

Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 7/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT

1 of 4

Pros

Industry-leading cooling performance
Attractive RGB implementation
Unique LCD display feature
Excellent build quality

Cons

Pricy
Compatibility concerns

Check Price

Read Our Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT AIO Cooler Review

We think it is hard to look past the sheer excellence of the Corsair H170i Elite when it comes to its cooling performance. The 420mm cooler can handle the i9-14900K quite comfortably. It is one of the few CPU coolers that can keep pace with a heavily overclocked Core i9-14900K, per our testing. The Corsair H170i Elite upholds a high standard of build quality. In addition to its superbly crafted radiator and top-tier pump combination, we particularly liked the presence of fiber-reinforced tubing, as it significantly boosts its build quality.

The H170i Elite stands out as one of the most visually captivating liquid coolers available. The RGB lighting within the fans is skillfully diffused, mirroring the well-distributed illumination surrounding the pump block. We personally think the LCD screen is a fantastic feature that adds aesthetic value to the cooler.

Talking about the cooler’s aesthetics, Nauman Siddique applauds Corsair for its RGB placement in his cooler review:

With excellent thermal performance that is augmented by a well-executed IPS LCD Screen and extensive customization options using iCUE and lighting effects, the iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT is definitely a worthy contender should your wallet afford it in addition to your PC Case. It comes recommended by us.

Buy It If:

✅ You want to overclock the Core i9-14900K: If you want to push the Core i9-14900K to its absolute limits through manual overclocking, our test results show that the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite is your best bet to do so without thermal throttling the CPU.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ Your budget is limited: Although it justifies its price tag, the Corsair H170i Elite is a premium CPU cooler that can definitely deplete your savings. So, if you’re short on budget, this cooler might not be for you.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?

Thanks to its unparalleled cooling capabilities, unique features, and extraordinary overclocking potential, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite XT is the best 420mm CPU cooler for i9-14900K.

Best 420mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Why We Didn’t Opt For These CPU Coolers?

After extensive and detailed testing, we could only place a select number of CPU coolers in our listicle. Here are a few CPU coolers that barely missed the mark:

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT: It comes with a higher price tag and has a non-magnetic hub with loose Intel brackets.
NZXT Kraken X53: There is too much cable clutter, and the NZXT CAM software can be buggy at times.

Benchmarks Of These CPU Coolers

Tech4Gamers prioritizes authenticity and values objectivity over anything else, which is why we thoroughly test each product in our roundups. In order to find the best CPU cooler for the Core i9-14900K, our team put each cooler through a series of tests to determine its performance. Here are the results.

Thermal Test Results

1 of 4

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

Understanding these key terms can help you make informed decisions when selecting a CPU cooler that best suits your needs.

Air Cooler: A CPU cooler that relies on fans and a heatsink to dissipate heat without using liquid cooling, known for its reliability and affordability.
Liquid Cooler: A CPU cooling solution that uses a loop of liquid coolant to transfer heat away from the CPU, often providing superior cooling performance compared to air coolers.
TDP (Thermal Design Power): The maximum amount of heat a CPU is designed to dissipate, which helps in selecting an appropriate CPU cooler for cooling requirements.
Heatsink: A passive cooling component that dissipates heat generated by the CPU to the surrounding air, typically made of metal with fins for better heat dissipation.
Heat pipes: Heat-conductive pipes filled with a coolant that transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Radiator: The component of a liquid CPU cooler that dissipates heat from the liquid coolant using fans, typically located outside the CPU housing.
AIO Cooler: A pre-assembled, closed-loop liquid cooling solution that is easy to install and offers the benefits of liquid cooling without the complexities of custom setups.
Overclocking: Increasing a CPU’s clock speed and voltage settings beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, often requiring enhanced cooling solutions like high-performance CPU coolers.

How We Tested & Picked These CPU Coolers For i9-14900K

When choosing a CPU cooler for your PC, it is easy to get confused due to the different thermal requirements of various CPUs. Moreover, the ideal CPU cooler differs from person to person based on various factors, some of which are listed below.

Performance: It’s important to verify a cooler’s thermal dissipation capacity matches your CPU’s requirements. Research and compare benchmark results to gauge its cooling efficiency in different scenarios. A high-performing CPU cooler not only controls temperatures but also allows better overclocking results for your CPU.
Noise Levels: Exploring user reviews and acoustic benchmarks will provide insights into peak noise levels, helping you find a balance between efficient cooling and a peaceful experience. Look for a cooler with adjustable fan speeds or PWM control for noise adjustment.
Compatibility: For air coolers, check the height to fit within your case without blocking other components like the memory. With water coolers, verify the radiator size and case mounting points for trouble-free installation.
Aesthetics: Look for coolers with adjustable RGB lighting options for fans and pump blocks, enabling you to create seamless lighting patterns that add personality to your build. Certain high-end coolers may also provide customizable screens capable of showing system data or personalized graphics, introducing a distinctive element to your build.

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FAQs

What cooling is needed for i9-14900K?

The Core i9-14900K is a high-performance flagship CPU that can output a lot of heat even at stock settings. While you can make it work with an air cooler or a 240mm AiO liquid cooler, it is recommended to pair the i9-14900K with a 360mm AiO cooler for optimal results.

Does i9-14900K require liquid cooling?

No, the Core i9-14900K does not require liquid cooling, although it is definitely recommended. You can use high-end air coolers with the i9-14900K and get satisfactory results, but a premium liquid cooler is going to be a better overall pairing.

Is 360mm AIO enough for 14900K?

Yes, a 360mm AiO cooler is ideal for the Core i9-14900K. The 360mm AiO liquid coolers provide the best balance of performance, compatibility, and value for money.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

Recent Updates

May 10, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
March 28, 2024: I replaced the Corsair A115 with the DeepCool Assassin IV due to its better compatibility and lower overall noise levels.
November 1, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.
Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K In 2024 [Hands-On Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

We Tested The Best LGA 1700 CPU Coolers In 2024 [With Benchmarks]

Nauman Siddique — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 08:10:53 +0000

First introduced with Alder Lake CPUs, Intel is continuing with their LGA 1700 socket even with their 14th-generation CPUs. As such, the demand for CPU coolers compatible with LGA 1700 is higher than ever. After all, there are now three generations of processors that work with this socket. As such, if you’re looking for the best LGA 1700 CPU coolers, I have tested a bunch of different coolers to round up the top ones for the LGA 1700 socket.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Nauman Siddique is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, motherboards, processors, and AIOs for more than a decade.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

Our Top Picks And Comparison

Here is our list of the best LGA 1700 CPU coolers compared to each other:

Cooler

CORSAIR A115

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 Liquid Cooler

Noctua NH-L9x65 Chromax.black

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler for LGA 1700

Best Overall LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Best 240mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Best 360mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Best Budget LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Best Low Profile LGA 1700 Coolerr

Type

Dual-Tower Air Cooler

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Low Profile Air Cooler

RGB

Dimensions

398 x 120 x 38mm

277 x 120 x 38 mm

400 x 124 x 27 mm

397 x 120 x 27mm

95 x 95 x 65mm

Fans

2x 140mm AF Elite PWM Fans

3x P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans

2 x P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans

3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm

3x TL-B12W 120mm White Fans

NF-A9x14 Fan

Fan Speed

1600RPM

2000 RPM

2000

2,300RPM

2,150RPM

2,500RPM

What We Liked

Outstanding performance, low noise levels

Excellent Cooling & Budget-Friendly

Solid cooling performance & VRM Fan

Fantastic cooling & uncluttered design

Easy Installation & Affordable

Small Footprint

What We Disliked

Slightly expensive

Limited compatibility with Intel sockets

Limited socket compatibility

Louder fans

No A-RGB fans

Limited overclocking capabilities

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

CORSAIR A115

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler for LGA 1700

Type

Dual-Tower Air Cooler

RGB

Dimensions

398 x 120 x 38mm

Fans

2x 140mm AF Elite PWM Fans

Fan Speed

1600RPM

What We Liked

Outstanding performance, low noise levels

What We Disliked

Slightly expensive

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Overall LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

RGB

Dimensions

277 x 120 x 38 mm

Fans

3x P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans

Fan Speed

2000 RPM

What We Liked

Excellent Cooling & Budget-Friendly

What We Disliked

Limited compatibility with Intel sockets

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best 240mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Type

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

RGB

Dimensions

277 x 120 x 38 mm

Fans

2 x P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans

Fan Speed

2000

What We Liked

Solid cooling performance & VRM Fan

What We Disliked

Limited socket compatibility

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best 360mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

RGB

Dimensions

400 x 124 x 27 mm

Fans

3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm

Fan Speed

2,300RPM

What We Liked

Fantastic cooling & uncluttered design

What We Disliked

Louder fans

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 Liquid Cooler

Looks

Award

Best Budget LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

RGB

Dimensions

397 x 120 x 27mm

Fans

3x TL-B12W 120mm White Fans

Fan Speed

2,150RPM

What We Liked

Easy Installation & Affordable

What We Disliked

No A-RGB fans

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Noctua NH-L9x65 Chromax.black

Looks

Award

Best Low Profile LGA 1700 Coolerr

Type

Low Profile Air Cooler

RGB

Dimensions

95 x 95 x 65mm

Fans

NF-A9x14 Fan

Fan Speed

2,500RPM

What We Liked

Small Footprint

What We Disliked

Limited overclocking capabilities

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Last Updated:

July 28, 2024: We have changed the formatting to improve readability.

[toc]

Be sure to check:

[toc]

Best LGA 1700 Coolers

Following are my top picks for the best LGA 1700 Coolers you can get right now:

Best Air Cooler for LGA 1700: CORSAIR A115
Best Overall LGA 1700 Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB
Best 240mm AIO LGA 1700 Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB
Best 360mm AIO LGA 1700 Cooler: EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB
Best Budget LGA 1700 Cooler: Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2
Best Low Profile AM5 Cooler: Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.black

CORSAIR A115 CPU Air Cooler

Best Air Cooler for LGA 1700

CORSAIR A115 CPU Air Cooler

Pros

Outstanding performance
Low Noise Levels
Clean black design
Better Fan Mounting Mechanism

Cons

Expensive
No RGB

Get it now

The Corsair A115 is a dual-tower air cooler that makes use of a six-heat pipe design. Corsair has equipped it with two AF Elite 140mm fans that are capable of rotating at a speed of 1600 RPM. During my testing, the A115 managed to easily maintain reasonable temperatures on a Core i7-13700K. Despite being a fairly large cooler, the Corsair A115 showed no design flaws. The heatsinks comprise a total of 90 fins and also come with a stepped design for better RAM clearance. Additionally, Corsair has incorporated a sliding mechanism for the fans, allowing for easier adjustments.

Visually, the Corsair A115 is fairly simple. Everything from the mounting brackets and the heatsinks is covered in a clean black coating, with the exception of the baseplate. Following the simple outlook, Corsair opted for the no-RGB route, leaving it out from both the fans and the heatsinks.

The Corsair A115 surprised me with its phenomenal cooling potential. Here’s what I had to say during my initial review of the cooler:

“Designed for high performance and ease of use, it supports various Intel and AMD sockets, making it a strong contender in the high-end CPU air cooler market.”

Buy It If

Here are some images of the Corsair A115 we captured during test:

Corsair A115

1 of 3

✅You want the best air cooling: The Corsair A115 provides the best possible thermal performance you can get from an air cooler.

✅You want a silent experience: When it comes to noise levels, the Corsair A115 is exceptionally quiet, even when running at full load.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a budget cooler: The Corsair A115 is a high-end cooler, which means you will have to pay a premium for it.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For LGA 1700?

Overall, the A115 is one of the most well-designed air coolers offered by Corsair. With its top-tier build quality and impressive noise levels, we confirm the A115 as the Best Air Cooler for LGA 1700.

PRO TIP: You can slide fans up the heatsink for additional RAM clearance; however, that might result in decreased cooling performance.

Read Our Corsair A115 Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB

Best Overall LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB

Pros

Affordable
Low Noise
Improved Cooling
Additional VRM cooling

Cons

Limited Intel Compatibility

Get it now

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB demonstrates phenomenal performance thanks to the improved pump design as well as the upgraded VRM fan. The P12 fans, while unchanged from the previous variants, are adequately capable, reaching speeds up to 1800 RPM while generating 69.2 CFM of airflow. Designed for high-static pressure, the P12 fans only feature five blades. The lack of a higher blade count makes sense, considering the thicker 38mm Arctic uses for all of their AIO liquid coolers. Speaking of which, the radiator has received an upgrade, offering an increased surface area on the fin stack for better heat dissipation.

I was pleased to find out that the new pump head on the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB can be fully removed. Not only that, it also features RGB, creating a unique effect thanks to its blade-like design. Of course, the RGB variant does come with A-RGB fans; however, everything else has a black finish.

This is how Hayyan Serwer, our AIO expert, summarized the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB in his review:

The design allows for integrated cable management, although I highly recommend users install it carefully as the contact frame makes the installation a bit challenging. Regardless, with its excellent cooling efficiency and compatibility with RGB sync technologies, the AIO stands out for gamers who prioritize both performance and aesthetics.

Buy It If

We captured these shots of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB:

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB

1 of 3

✅You want low noise levels: Because of its superb build quality and material used, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB cooler produced lower noise levels at 39.7dB(A) during my testing, which surprised me.

✅You want top-notch build quality: The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB’s build quality and sturdiness are unquestionable, and the use of a 38mm radiator makes it one of the best.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want better compatibility with Intel sockets: Unfortunately, compatibility with Intel sockets other than the LGA 1700 is very limited for the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB at the moment.

What Makes It The Best Overall LGA 1700 CPU Cooler?

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB is capable of delivering chart-topping performance while also ensuring low noise levels, which is why I have titled it the Best Overall LGA 1700 CPU Cooler.

WARNING: The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB comes with limited motherboard compatibility. Make sure to check the compatibility list before purchasing the cooler.

Read Our Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Pros

Powerful cooling
Large VRM fan

Cons

Limited socket compatibility

Get it now

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB comes with powerful P12 fans, a high-performance pump that reaches speeds of 2000 RPM, as well as a VRM fan. Moreover, the cooler also comes bundled with an Intel contact frame, improving the contact between the CPU and the baseplate for better heat dissipation. Arctic has combined the 38mm radiator with its in-house pump design, leaving no room for concern when it comes to the cooler’s build quality. Although the entirety of the pump head is constructed using plastic, Arctic has incorporated rotatable tubes for easier installation and a removable pump head, both of which are welcome additions.

While the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB’s design is nothing extraordinary, it pairs well with most builds in my opinion. You get RGB on both the pump and the fans, along with a unique pump head design that separates the cooler from the crowd.

After thoroughly testing the ins and outs of the Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB, Hayyan Serwer said:

I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.

Buy It If

Take a look at these images of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB captured during our tests:

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

1 of 3

✅You want top-notch cooling from a 240mm AIO: I was blown away by the amount of performance Arctic has managed to pack on the Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB.

✅You want a silent cooler: Both the P12 fans and the pump make little to no noise, making it ideal for anyone who wants a silent AIO.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want better compatibility: Compatibility with Intel sockets is limited with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB.

❌You want simple installation: Installation with the Intel contact frame can be challenging, especially for beginners.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler?

I found the cooling performance of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB to be its biggest selling point. In addition to that, the cooler comes bundled with powerful P12 fans, an extra VRM cooler, and a well-built radiator assembly, making it the Best 240mm LGA 1700 CPU Cooler.

PRO TIP: Make sure your PC case has enough space to accommodate the taller pump of the Liquid Freezer III 240.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB

Best 360mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB

Pros

Dasy-chainable fans
Fantastic cooling performance

Cons

Louder fans

Get it now

During our dedicated tests, the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB showcased outstanding thermal prowess thanks to the presence of three high static pressure fans that are capable of providing an airflow of 72 CFM. Apart from that, you also get a fast pump that operates at 3100 RPM. Incorporating reinforced sleeved rubber tubings, an aluminum side plate on the radiator, and a dense micro fin copper cold plate, the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB was built with durability in mind. On the other hand, the fans utilize a full-frame design in order to get the best possible airflow.

As far as visuals are concerned, the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB includes a removable pump head design with RGB lighting. Of course, the RGB version does come with A-RGB fans as well. I was also pleased to see the inclusion of daisy-chainable fans, which allows users to get an uncluttered experience.

Our hardware reviewer, Awais Khan, was satisfied with the cooler’s performance and aesthetics, commenting:

“The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. I have everything to love about this cooler.”

Buy It If

Here are some images of the cooler from our dedicated review:

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

1 of 3

✅You prefer easier cable management: The cooler’s daisy-chained fans make cable management a breeze.

✅You want high performance: EK has not compromised on the performance of the Nucleus CR360, which was evident in our testing.

Don't Buy It If

❌You are on a limited budget: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB comes in at a premium price-point, driving away anyone on a limited budget.

What Makes It The Best 360mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler?

I have crowned the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB as the Best 360mm AIO LGA 1700 CPU Cooler for its excellent cooling capabilities, daisy-chainable fans, and solid build quality.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 Liquid Cooler

Best Budget LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 Liquid Cooler

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27mm | Fans: 3x TL-B12W 120mm White Fans | Fan Speed: 2,150RPM | Noise Level: 28.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ | RGB: Yes

Pros

Affordable
Great Build Quality
Excellent performance
Easy-To-Install

Cons

No A-RGB fans
No darker variant

Get it now

The Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 360 impresses with its thermal prowess, which can be attributed to the TL-B12W fans, which achieve a speed of 2150 RPM at maximum load, and the 5300 RPM pump. In our tests, the cooler also provided slight room for overclocking, which is an added plus. The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 is a well-constructed cooler in all regards. Thermalright has incorporated a brass shell for the bearing of their fans, while also including 9 blades and anti-vibrational pads on all four corners. The radiator, on the other hand, is fairly standard, with a thickness of 27mm and an FPI count of 20.

I really like the implementation of the white finish on the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 since it shows no signs of discrepancies across any of the components. Furthermore, The pump cap has a mirror-like finish along with an RGB-lit Thermalright logo. An RGB ring also encircles the pump head, further adding to the look.

Awais Khan found the Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 360 to be a fantastic value-for-money offering, stating:

“This underdog has a high-performance capability, particularly on the latest platforms, and it does so without breaking the bank.”

Buy It If

Take a look at some images from our review:

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360

1 of 3

✅You want a solid-performing cooler for your white PC: The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 is the ideal cooler for a white-themed PC build, given its combination of solid performance and visually pleasing white design.

✅You want good value for money: The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 offers remarkable performance while also coming in at a reasonable price.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a darker-themed cooler: Of course, you will have to look elsewhere if the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 does not match the aesthetics of your build.

What Makes It The Best Budget LGA 1700 Cooler?

The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 offers excellent performance on a budget, without skimping out on aesthetics, which makes it the Best Budget LGA 1700 Cooler.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.black

Best Low Profile LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.black

Pros

Smaller Footprint
Decent performance
Uncompromised clearance
Clean black design

Cons

Loud fans
Pricey

Get it now

Despite its smaller footprint, Noctua has packed the NH-L9x65 with four copper heat pipes and a reasonably powerful fan. During our testing, the cooler maintained a temperature of 90ᵒC with the power limit set to 125W, which is an impressive result for a cooler of this size. Noctua leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the build quality of their coolers and the NH-L9x65 is no different, utilizing the renowned SSO2 bearings for the fans, which also come with a rated MTTF of 150,000 hours. I noticed that the heatsink assembly consists of 49 fins in total and is well-built.

It is clear to me that aesthetics weren’t a priority for Noctua with the NH-L9x65; however, the black finish on all components is impeccable as always. While the lack of RGB is not something that I was disappointed about, it is worth keeping in mind when considering the NH-L9x65.

During my review, the NH-L9x65 proved to be a fantastic fit for small form factor builds. Here’s what I stated during my review:

“The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.black is a stylish, low–profile cooler perfect for SFF and HTPC builds”

Buy It If

We took these images during our initial review:

Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.black

1 of 3

✅You are building a small form factor PC: The Noctua NH-L9x65’s compact size makes it a perfect CPU cooler for anyone interested in building a mini-ITX system.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a cheaper option: The Noctua NH-L9x65 is by no means a budget-friendly option.

What Makes It The Best Low-Profile LGA 1700 CPU Cooler?

The Noctua NH-L9x65 packs a ton of performance in a relatively small form factor, which is why I gave it the Best Low Profile LGA 1700 CPU Cooler award.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 7/10	Design: 9/10

Thermal Benchmarks Of The Best LGA1700 Coolers

We’ve tested the best LGA1700 coolers to check their thermal performance and analyze how well they perform against each other. Here are our results:

LGA 1700

1 of 2

How I Chose The Best LGA 1700 CPU Cooler

Here is the strategy I followed to make sure my recommendations for the best LGA 1700 coolers are truly accurate:

Each Cooler’s Individual Assessment: Each cooler on my list has been thoroughly inspected and researched. I assess a cooler’s overall capabilities while also taking other factors such as compatibility, design, and form factors into account.
Comparison with other CPU Coolers: Each Cooler is compared under strict measures of following numerous standards such as compatibility, adjustment with form factors, type, number of heatsinks, cooling infrastructure, and software support, among many others.
Categorizing Coolers: To make things more straightforward for my readers, I categorized each cooler, gauging them on their traits along with Pros and Cons.
Benchmarking: I tested their thermal benchmarks by noting down idle temperatures and then stressing different processors with a 30-minute load to see how the coolers performed.

Community Poll

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Coming Soon

Which LGA 1700 Cooler Is Your Favorite?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between LGA 1200 vs 1700?

LGA 1700 is a CPU socket that replaces LGA 1200. It features 1700 pins that make contact with the processor pads. It contains 500 more pins than its predecessor; the LGA 1700 socket is 7.5mm longer than the LGA 1200 socket.

Do you need a new Cooler for Intel 12th Gen?

LGA 1700 upgrade brackets are available depending on the Cooler you presently own. Go to your Cooler’s manufacturer’s website to see if LGA 1700 brackets are available for your Cooler. Otherwise, if your Cooler does not support upgrade kits, you will need to purchase a new cooler for your 12-generation Intel processor.

Recent Updates

March 16, 2024: I added Noctua NH-L9x65 as the Best Low Profile LGA 1700 CPU Cooler after testing it.
March 13, 2024: I have swapped the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 with the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition.
March 7, 2024: Given its design and performance, I replaced the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 with the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240.
March 6, 2024: The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB has taken the spot of the ROG Ryujin II 240 due to its better value and performance.
March 3, 2024: I replaced the DeepCool AS500 Plus with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB because of its significantly superior price-to-performance.
February 23, 2024: I replaced the Dark Rock Pro 4 With the Corsair A115 due to its better overall performance.
February 21, 2024: Added thermal performance of the best LGA1700 CPU Coolers.
September 4, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

15+ years of PC Building Experience
10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

We Tested The Best LGA 1700 CPU Coolers In 2024 [With Benchmarks] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

These Are The Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF In 2024 [With Benchmarks]

Hayyan Serwer — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 22:15:20 +0000

Intel’s latest 14th-generation processors provide outstanding value and performance. The i7-14700KF is no exception, proving to be one of the best gaming CPUs with 20 cores, 28 threads, and ultra-fast 5.6GHz boost clocks. However, this also leads to higher power consumption and great heat generation, requiring a stronger CPU cooler. Therefore, after careful consideration, we have compiled a list of the top CPU coolers for i7-14700KF in today’s article.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Here are my top picks for the best CPU cooler for i7-14700KF, all compared with each other:

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Corsair A115

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB

EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Design, Performance, In-House Pump, VRM Fan, Integrated Cable Management

Cooling, Appearance, Replaceable Pump Cap, Build Quality

Installation, Cooling, Value, Color theme, Overclocking headroom

Performance, Infinity Mirror Pump, Incredible Value, Design

Cooling, Overclocking headroom, Rotatable pump top, Daisy-chainable fans

Exceptional Cooling, Full Stainless Steel Radiator, Aesthetics, Fantastic Modularity

What We Disliked

No RGB On Pump, No Fan Control

Price, Noisy Fans, Non-Magnetic Hub

Louder fans, No RGB, PC case & RAM compatibility issues

Louder Fans, Fixed Enermax Text Under Mirror

Louder fans, Lower fan airflow

Larger Size, Expensive, Noisy Fans

Cooler Type

360mm AIO

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dual Tower Air Cooler

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

420mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

398 × 120 × 63mm

397 × 120 x 27mm

155 × 153 × 164.8mm

394 × 120 x 54mm

281 x 124 x 27mm

458 × 144 × 30mm

Fans

3x ARCTIC P12 PWM A-RGB

3x AF RGB Elite Fans

2x 140mm AF Elite PWM Fans

3x 120mm

2x EK-FPT D-RGB 120mm fans

3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans

Fan Speed

1,800RPM

2,100RPM

400 — 1,600RPM

2,000RPM

550 — 2,300RPM

1,500RPM

Noise Level

10.64(A)

34.1dB(A)

33.9dB(A)

32.6dB(A)

36dB(A)

N/A

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Design, Performance, In-House Pump, VRM Fan, Integrated Cable Management

What We Disliked

No RGB On Pump, No Fan Control

Cooler Type

360mm AIO

Dimensions

398 × 120 × 63mm

Fans

3x ARCTIC P12 PWM A-RGB

Fan Speed

1,800RPM

Noise Level

10.64(A)

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Looks

Award

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Cooling, Appearance, Replaceable Pump Cap, Build Quality

What We Disliked

Price, Noisy Fans, Non-Magnetic Hub

Cooler Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

397 × 120 x 27mm

Fans

3x AF RGB Elite Fans

Fan Speed

2,100RPM

Noise Level

34.1dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Corsair A115

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Installation, Cooling, Value, Color theme, Overclocking headroom

What We Disliked

Louder fans, No RGB, PC case & RAM compatibility issues

Cooler Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

Dimensions

155 × 153 × 164.8mm

Fans

2x 140mm AF Elite PWM Fans

Fan Speed

400 — 1,600RPM

Noise Level

33.9dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Performance, Infinity Mirror Pump, Incredible Value, Design

What We Disliked

Louder Fans, Fixed Enermax Text Under Mirror

Cooler Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

394 × 120 x 54mm

Fans

3x 120mm

Fan Speed

2,000RPM

Noise Level

32.6dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Cooling, Overclocking headroom, Rotatable pump top, Daisy-chainable fans

What We Disliked

Louder fans, Lower fan airflow

Cooler Type

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

281 x 124 x 27mm

Fans

2x EK-FPT D-RGB 120mm fans

Fan Speed

550 — 2,300RPM

Noise Level

36dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

Looks

Award

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Exceptional Cooling, Full Stainless Steel Radiator, Aesthetics, Fantastic Modularity

What We Disliked

Larger Size, Expensive, Noisy Fans

Cooler Type

420mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

458 × 144 × 30mm

Fans

3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans

Fan Speed

1,500RPM

Noise Level

N/A

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Last Updated:

May 15, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.

[toc]

More Of Our Tested Round-Ups For i7-14700KF:

Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF

An overview of my top picks for the best CPU Coolers for i7-14700KF.

Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
Best Performance: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT
Best Air Cooler: Corsair A115
Best Budget: Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB
Best 240mm: EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB
Best 420mm: Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Unique design
Excellent performance
Capable in-house pump
40mm VRM fan
Integrated cable management

Cons

Lacks RGB on pump
No fan control

Check Price

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II’s cooling performance is top-notch. It comes bundled with 3x pre-installed P12 PWM fans along with a larger 38mm radiator. These fans offer a maximum speed of 1,800RPM. In our dedicated performance testing, the i7-14700KF was running at low temperatures, even at max load. ARCTIC has not disregarded the use of quality components. The AIO sports a 38mm radiator that benefits from the larger surface area and a 40mm VRM fan attached to the pump. We also loved the top-notch tubing used by the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II, which improves the AIO’s longevity.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB has beautiful aesthetics with an exotic pump design. That said, we were impressed by the integrated cable management system that manages to enhance the overall appearance of the cooler by eliminating cable clutter. While there’s no pump RGB, the cooler is perfect for many PC builds.

There’s no denying the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II series’ outstanding noise-to-performance ratio. Our hardware tester, Awais Khan, was also quick to notice that, stating:

“The new pump of the Liquid Freezer II Series ensures an ideal ratio of high CPU cooling performance to low noise levels.”

PRO TIP: The best way to install a 360mm AIO radiator is to install it at the top with fans as exhaust to create a chimney-like effect and improve the airflow of the PC case.

Buy It If

✅You want the perfect CPU cooler with impressive VRM cooling: Packed with an efficient pump, capable P12 fans, and a 40mm VRM fan; the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II brings a lot to the table at a reasonable price with impressive VRM cooling to enhance overclocking experience.

Don't Buy It If

❌You require manual fan control: While the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II has impressive thermal performance and aesthetics, it doesn’t have many customization capabilities, making it less impressive for many enthusiasts.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

Between incredible cooling prowess and a reasonable price, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB has been bundled with every possible feature one would want out of a capable AIO cooler. It strikes a balance between performance and price, which is why it has been titled the best overall CPU cooler for i7-14700KF.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

CORSAIR iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent cooling
Stunning visual appearance
Replaceable pump cap
Top-notch build quality

Cons

Expensive
Noisy fans
Non-magnetic hub

Check Price

The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT offers outstanding cooling performance. This is achieved through a combination of AF-RGB Elite 120mm fans and a radiator boasting a 20 FPI count. Furthermore, our testing showcased the AIO has no problems helping the i7-14700KF overclock without thermal throttling. With the Corsair iCUE H150i, you get an aluminum radiator with 12 channels as well as flexible rubber tubes extending to a length of 450mm. Moreover, the cooler features a copper baseplate with a slightly convex shape, allowing for better heat dissipation. We believe the longer warranty comes from the impeccable build quality.

The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT’s visual appearance is enhanced through the presence of stunning A-RGB fans as well as a well-lit pump head consisting of 33 LEDs. The distinctive outline traversing the pump also greatly enhances the cooler’s appearance.

Talking about the cooler’s performance and aesthetics, our hardware reviewer, Nauman Siddique, loved the Corasir iCUE H150i and stated the following in his review:

CORSAIR has always been on top of its game with innovative products focusing on form and function. Their iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT White cooler is no exception to that. This cooler packs stunning visuals coming from CAPELLIX LEDs while providing adequate thermal performance at a reasonable noise output. Although this is a feature-rich cooling solution, it has a steep price.

Buy It If

✅You want to overclock the i7-14700KF without losing aesthetics: The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT provides remarkable thermal performance, allowing for overclocking high-end CPUs without any problems. You also don’t lose out on aesthetics, making your build visually attractive.

Don't Buy It If

❌You dislike noisy fans: While the AIO cooler provides high-end performance, its fans also make a lot of noise. During our noise testing, the fan noise was ~34.1dB(A), and the noise was prominent. So, if you dislike noisy fans, we don’t recommend this cooler.

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

Not only does the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT outperform most AIO coolers it competes against, but it also adds vibrant elements into the mix for a much more visually appealing design. Sure, it might come in at a higher price point, but the performance advantages it boasts are enough to make it the best performance CPU cooler for i7-14700KF.

Editor`s Note

Among all the coolers available, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT stands out as my preferred choice. This AIO cooler not only delivers impressive thermal performance but also boasts an attractive design with outstanding overclocking capabilities that set it apart from its competition. I believe it’s a highly commendable purchase if you’re looking for the ultimate cooling solution.

– Hayyan Serwer

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Corsair A115

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF

Corsair A115 Pictures from Our Review

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Pros

Convenient installation
Remarkable air cooling performance
Impressive value
Stylish black color theme
Decent overclocking headroom

Cons

Louder fans
No RGB
PC case & RAM compatibility issues

Check Price

The Corsair A115 CPU cooler showcases impeccable air cooling performance with its 2x 140mm AF Elite PWM fans running at 1,600RPM speeds. We saw impressive overclocking headroom with the i7-14700KF during our dedicated performance, thanks to the cooler’s more excellent airflow capabilities. The air cooler performs well thanks to its premium build quality. For example, the cooler uses an enormous dual-heatsink array with six heat pipes soldered directly to the copper baseplate that helps keep the temperatures at a minimum. Moreover, the cooler’s fan rail mount system makes installation more manageable.

The Corsair A115 cooler has a dark aesthetic with no RGB lighting, making it a perfect fit for a stealth PC build. While the air cooler looks terrific in an entirely dark build, we would have preferred slight RGB around the fans for some illumination. Other than that, the cooler’s aesthetics are nearly perfect for its price.

Noting the cooler’s outstanding socket compatibility and performance in today’s market, Nauman Siddique stated the following in his review:

“Designed for high performance and ease of use, it supports various Intel and AMD sockets, making it a strong contender in the high-end CPU air cooler market.”

WARNING: Before purchasing the Corsair A115 CPU cooler, ensure your RAM and PC case can fit it without having any compatibility issues. Otherwise, you will have to change other components too.

Buy It If

✅You want greater airflow in your PC case from an air cooler with a higher value: If you’re looking for an air cooler that can help improve your PC case’s airflow considerably, keep the i7-14700KF’s temperatures low, and provide decent value, then we recommend purchasing the Corsair A115 CPU cooler.

Don't Buy It If

❌You’re utilizing a smaller PC case or a taller RAM kit: We don’t recommend buying this CPU cooler if you’re using either a smaller PC case or a taller RAM kit like the Corsair Dominator Titanium DDR5 7,200MHz because the Corsair A115 is a big cooler and will pose compatibility issues.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The Corsair A115 CPU cooler provides remarkable air cooling performance with impeccable airflow capabilities thanks to its 2x 140mm fans with 84.5CFM. The air cooler also allows an easier installation and provides decent overclocking headroom. Moreover, its lower price and sturdy build quality easily make it the best air cooler for i7-14700KF.

Read Our Corsair A115 CPU Cooler Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Enermax AQUAFUSION ADV 360 Pictures from Our Review

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Pros

Superb thermal performance
Infinity mirror pump
Incredible value for money
Attractive design

Cons

Louder fans
Fixed Enermax text under mirror

Check Price

With a TDP of 380W, the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB displays immense cooling capabilities. We observed that the fans have a maximum speed of 2,000RPM, providing the bulk of its performance. Also, we could manually overclock the i7-14700KF during our testing without any bottlenecking issues. The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB is fairly well built, showing no signs of flaws that can harm the cooler’s lifespan. The radiator comprises 20 fins per inch, encased in a 27mm thick housing. Enermax has equipped the pump with a dual-chamber design for increased durability.

The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB is filled to the brim with RGB, which can be found on both the fans and pump head. The latter features an infinity mirror design along with an RGB stripe surrounding the head. RGB aside, the radiator has a plain black color that extends to the sleeved tubings and wires.

When our senior reviewer, Nauman Siddique, tested the Enermax AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm, he was especially surprised by its value. He mentioned:

ENERMAX is providing a comprehensive performance-packed and feature-rich cooling solution at pocket-friendly pricing with a generous 5-year warranty. Performance and digital lighting are two hallmarks of this cooler, and compatibility with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This unit comes recommended by us, though keep an ear out for fan noise!

Buy It If

✅You want a value for money 360mm cooler: The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 succeeds in providing fantastic value for its price, even allowing manual overclocking to a certain extent.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a silent cooler: While the cooler’s noise output is within reasonable range, it can be an issue for anyone interested in a completely silent experience.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The Enermax Aquafusion ADV has been crowned the best budget CPU cooler for i7-14700KF for its outstanding price-to-performance ratio that is achieved through remarkable ADV RGB fans, an efficient pump, and a reasonable price tag.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Testing The EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB

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Pros

Remarkable cooling performance
Decent overclocking headroom
Beautiful rotatable pump top
Daisy-chainable fans
Good value

Cons

Louder fans
Lower fan airflow

Check Price

The EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB cooler provides impressive performance due to its 2x EK-FPT D-RGB 120mm fans running at 2,300RPM speeds. However, during my performance testing, I noticed the fans had lower airflow capabilities, so you’ll have to place the radiator strategically to make the most of the PC case. Outside of its cooling performance, I liked the AIO cooler’s decent build quality, featuring daisy-chainable fans to avoid cable clutter, which also helps keep the aesthetics clean. Moreover, the aluminum radiator and copper baseplate ensure longevity. Meanwhile, the 500mm ABS housing tubing allows for easier installation.

In terms of aesthetics, the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB cooler provides a rotatable pump top with lots of RGB around the pump and fans to complement its darker aesthetics. Furthermore, thanks to the reduced cable clutter, the AIO cooler showcases clean aesthetics, which are perfect for mITX and ITX PC cases with less space.

PRO TIP: You can lower the fan noise by reducing the fan speed. However, doing so will also reduce the AIO cooler’s airflow capabilities and ultimately increase the CPU’s temperatures. So, change the values moderately.

Buy It If

✅You want incredible AIO cooling on a budget with lower cable clutter: If you’re looking for an AIO cooler that can easily keep the i7-14700KF’s temperatures under control while keeping a tight budget, providing incredible and clean aesthetics thanks to lower cable clutter, then I recommend purchasing the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want greater airflow from the fans in your PC case: If you’re looking for an AIO cooler whose fans have higher CFM to improve your PC case’s airflow, then I don’t recommend buying this one because its fans have a 72CFM, which might not be enough for many gamers.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB cooler provides outstanding thermal performance, allowing decent overclocking capabilities. Additionally, its beautiful aesthetics, reduced cable clutter, rotatable pump top, and lots of RGB lighting increase its value. Therefore, considering the above, we have awarded it as the best 240mm AIO CPU cooler for i7-14700KF.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

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Cooler Type: 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Dimensions: 458 × 144 × 30mm | Fans: 3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans | Fan Speed: 1,500RPM | Noise Level: N/A | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 115X AMD: AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Exceptional cooling
Full stainless steel radiator
Amazing aesthetics
Fantastic modularity

Cons

Larger size
Expensive
Noisy fans

Check Price

Packed with 3x 140mm A-RGB fans, the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 AIO cooler has a lot going for it when it comes to thermal capabilities. The fans offer a maximum speed of 2,000RPM, and during our gaming tests, the cooler showcased remarkable performance, allowing for impressive overclocking headroom. The Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 makes use of a 30mm thick copper radiator, which comes with a 16 FPI count. The pump arrives with a nickel-plated copper baseplate and a nylon housing. Apart from the pump itself, Alphacool has reinforced the fans with a thick circular frame and sleeve bearings.

The Alphaccool Eisbaer Aurora 420 features a number of visual elements that enhance its overall appearance, the most notable of which comes down to the A-RGB fans and the subtle RGB present on the pump housing. Personally, we loved the cooler’s pump block and RGB customizations, which give it an exquisite look.

Our Editor-In-Chief, Malik Sajjad, performed hands-on tests on the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420. This is what he had to say about the cooler’s performance:

“The Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420 is an all-rounder liquid cooler capable of taming your high-end CPUs with the ability and capacity to handle overclocking as well.”

Buy It If

✅You want to overclock your CPU with zero bottlenecks: If you want to overclock the i7-14700KF processor without having any bottlenecking worries, we recommend purchasing the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm AIO cooler because of its impressive cooling capabilities.

Don't Buy It If

❌You have limited PC case space: The larger size of the radiator reduces PC case compatibility, especially for smaller ATX cases. So, in such cases we don’t recommend purchasing the AIO cooler.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm AIO cooler offers numerous advantages, such as its remarkable performance. On top of all that, the cooler also does not miss the mark in terms of aesthetics and build quality, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for i7-14700KF.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Honorable Mentions That Didn’t Make The List

After extensive testing, we have benchmarked many CPU coolers with the i7-14700KF. Here are a few honorable mentions that, while providing significant performance, couldn’t make the list:

Noctua NH-D15: It is significantly costlier and has size issues.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R: The AIO prioritizes aesthetics over cooling performance, has difficult cable management, and has louder fans.
Alphacool Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora 360: Some of its competition has better performance with lower fan noise at a similar price range.

Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

All of our recommended coolers have undergone thorough testing. This way, our results will give you a clear overview of what tier of performance to expect from our top picks for the best CPU coolers for i7-14700KF.

Thermal performance of the best CPU coolers for the Intel Core i7-14700KF CPU. (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

Finding the best CPU cooler can be a daunting task for beginners. Here are a few key terms you should keep in mind before selecting your next cooler.

TDP: Measured in watts, the TDP of a CPU cooler represents the maximum amount of dissipated heat the cooler can handle.
FPI: The number of heat-dissipating fins present within one inch of your radiator is known as FPI.
Heatsink: A layered metallic structure comprising multiple fins responsible for the dissipation of heat mainly through the help of a fan.
Liquid Cooling: The use of a coolant in order to cool down PC components is known as Liquid Cooling.
Thermal Paste: Thermal paste is a widely used material used to eliminate gaps and discrepancies between two surfaces in order to provide optimal conduction for heat transfer.
Noise Level: The amount of noise produced by your cooler is referred to as the noise level or noise output.

How We Tested & Picked The Best CPU Coolers For The i7-14700KF

Considering multiple factors is crucial to the CPU buying process. Here are some of the most important factors you should look out for when selecting a CPU cooler.

Cooling Performance: Not only is the cooler responsible for avoiding thermal throttling issues, but it also plays a huge role in determining the overclocking potential of your processor. The most effective way of assessing a cooler’s performance is by looking at the airflow, heat dissipation capabilities, as well as fan specifications.
Acoustic Performance: Determining the acoustic profile of your CPU cooler mainly comes down to the noise output of the fans and pump. In the case of an air cooler, only the former counts. In some cases, you might also be provided with a low-noise adapter to lower noise levels.
Compatibility: Once you are done selecting the ideal cooler, it is important to check whether the cooler is compatible with your computer system. Compatibility regarding motherboards, PC cases, and RAM can play a huge part in influencing your decision.
Build Quality: The importance of build quality regarding the sustainability of a computer system warrants its utmost emphasis when considering a new cooler. Gauging the build quality of a cooler mainly comes down to the use of materials, construction of components, and the overall durability the cooler offers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the i7-14700KF come with a cooler?

No, the i7-14700KF does not come with an air cooler.

Recent Updates

February 29, 2024: We have replaced the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black with the Corsair A115 due to the latter’s price-to-performance ratio and better socket compatibility. Moreover, the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT has been replaced with the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB due to providing better overclocking headroom for the i7-14700KF.
November 16, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Want More Options? You Can Read Our Following Tested Round-Ups:

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

These Are The Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF In 2024 [With Benchmarks] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

BEST CPU Coolers For i9-10900k [Updated 2024]

Hayyan Serwer — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 10:35:05 +0000

The main drawback of the i9-10900k is its high power consumption because of the limiting 14nm die, which makes cooling it a real challenge. So, you must be careful when pairing this beast of a CPU with an AIO or an air cooler. That’s why I am here to help you make an informed decision and pick suitable coolers from the top-tier coolers I have shortlisted below.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Take a look at our selections here:

Cooler

Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black

EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB

Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix

NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB 240mm

Looks

Award

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Best 360mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Best 240mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Best White CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Type

Low-Profile Air Cooler

AIO Liquid Cooler

Single Tower Air Cooler

AIO Liquid Cooler

TDP

95+ W

200+ W

150+ W

175+ W

What We Liked

Airflow, Noise, Clearance

Performance, Fans, RGB

Fan Speed, Noise, Installation

Looks, Performance, RGB

LCD Screen, Noise, Performance, Looks

What We Disliked

No Overclocking Support, No RGB

Expensive, RAM Clearance

No RGB

Size

Expensive, Fans don't have middle RGB

Fan

1x Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black 92 mm fan

6x EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB

1x Kaze Flex 120 Black

2x ML Series 120 PWM RGB Fans

2x Aer RGB 2 120mm fans

Fans Speed

600–2500 RPM (+/- 10%), 1800 RPM with LNA

550 – 2200 RPM ± 10%

300–1500 RPM

2400 RPM

500 – 1,500 ± 300RPM

Noise

23.6 dBA and 14.8 dBA with LNA

31.6 dB(A)

29.75 dBA

37 dB(A)

22 – 33 dBA

Dimension

37 x 95 x 95 mm

395 x 120 x 27 mm

155 x 136 x 110 mm

277 x 120 x 27 mm

123 x 275 x 30 mm

RGB

Amazon

Cooler

Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black

Looks

Award

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Type

Low-Profile Air Cooler

TDP

95+ W

What We Liked

Airflow, Noise, Clearance

What We Disliked

No Overclocking Support, No RGB

Fan

1x Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black 92 mm fan

Fans Speed

600–2500 RPM (+/- 10%), 1800 RPM with LNA

Noise

23.6 dBA and 14.8 dBA with LNA

Dimension

37 x 95 x 95 mm

RGB

Amazon

Cooler

EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best 360mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Type

AIO Liquid Cooler

TDP

200+ W

What We Liked

Performance, Fans, RGB

What We Disliked

Expensive, RAM Clearance

Fan

6x EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB

Fans Speed

550 – 2200 RPM ± 10%

Noise

31.6 dB(A)

Dimension

395 x 120 x 27 mm

RGB

Amazon

Cooler

Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Type

Single Tower Air Cooler

TDP

150+ W

What We Liked

Fan Speed, Noise, Installation

What We Disliked

No RGB

Fan

1x Kaze Flex 120 Black

Fans Speed

300–1500 RPM

Noise

29.75 dBA

Dimension

155 x 136 x 110 mm

RGB

Amazon

Cooler

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix

Looks

Award

Best 240mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Type

AIO Liquid Cooler

TDP

175+ W

What We Liked

Looks, Performance, RGB

What We Disliked

Size

Fan

2x ML Series 120 PWM RGB Fans

Fans Speed

2400 RPM

Noise

37 dB(A)

Dimension

277 x 120 x 27 mm

RGB

Amazon

Cooler

NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB 240mm

Looks

Award

Best White CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Type

AIO Liquid Cooler

TDP

175+ W

What We Liked

LCD Screen, Noise, Performance, Looks

What We Disliked

Expensive, Fans don't have middle RGB

Fan

2x Aer RGB 2 120mm fans

Fans Speed

500 – 1,500 ± 300RPM

Noise

22 – 33 dBA

Dimension

123 x 275 x 30 mm

RGB

Amazon

You might also be looking for:

Best Motherboards For The Core i9-10900k

Best CPU Coolers for i9-10900k

Here are the 6 Best CPU Cooler For i9-10900k:

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k: Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black
Best 360mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k: EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB
Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k: Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition
Best 240mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k: CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix
Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k: DeepCool AK620
Best White CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k: NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB 240mm

Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Fans use features for maximum airflow
Extremely low noise operation
Even less noisy with low noise adapter
Maximum RAM clearance

Cons

Can not handle CPU overclocking
No RGB

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.Black excels in cooling efficiency with its low-profile design. It incorporates a Noctua NF-A9x14 HS PWM 92 mm fan, capable of reaching up to 2500 RPM with an airflow of 57.5 m³/h. I used it with the low noise adapter that drops it to 1800 RPM, balancing performance with a quieter operation. In our testing, it maintained the CPU at optimal temperatures.

Build Quality: This cooler showcases exceptional build quality with its nickel-plated copper base plate and U-shaped 6 mm copper heat pipes. The entire unit, including the fin arrays and screws, boasts a sleek black coating, highlighting Noctua’s attention to detail and quality. When fitting it into a compact system, I had no issues with RAM clearance.

Aesthetics: Noctua redefines the aesthetics of CPU coolers with the NH-L9i chromax.black’s all-black theme. I like this significant departure from their traditional wood-brown color scheme. This model not only performs efficiently but also looks sophisticated inside a PC build. Its low-profile stature blends seamlessly with any setup, enhancing the overall look without the need for RGB lighting.

This is what our hardware expert, Awais Khan, has to comment on the build quality of this cooler:

“The build quality is unquestionable, as Noctua has always prioritized customer satisfaction.”

✅Buy It If

Here are a few images from our review:

Noctua NH-L9i-17xx Chromax.Black

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✅ You Have Limited Space: Its low-profile design is perfect for small form factor cases and ITX builds, offering excellent cooling without occupying much space.

You Are Building A Black-Themed PC: The all-black color scheme is sleek and sophisticated, making it a great match for any build, especially if you prefer a minimalist or stealth look over RGB lighting.

You Want Quiet Operation: With its ultra-quiet fan and the option to use a low-noise adapter, its 23.6 dB(A) maximum noise can be further decreased to 14.8 dB(A).

❌Don't Buy It If

You Plan to Overclock: This cooler is not designed to handle the additional heat generated by overclocking powerful CPUs like the Core i9-10900K.

You Want RGB Lighting: It lacks RGB lighting, which might be a deal-breaker if you’re aiming for a build with customizable color themes and effects.

What Makes It The Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For The Core i9-10900K

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black features sufficient cooling performance in a compact design. Utilizing a Noctua NF-A9x14 HS PWM fan with adjustable speeds, guarantees optimal temperature control. The sleek all-black aesthetic, combined with high-quality materials like a nickel-plated copper base, further solidifies its position as a top choice for those seeking a balance of efficiency, style, and compactness.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Noise: 10/10	Design: 9/10

EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB

Best 360mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k

EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB CPU Cooler (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Premium high-performing fans
6 included fans for push-pull configuration
Exceptional cooling performance
Tool-less installation
Ruby-cut rotation for easy tube adjustment
PWM Connector Hub for 6 fans and RGB light

Cons

Expensive
PWM connector hub not magnetic
RAM clearance is not impressive

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB features six premium EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB fans capable of running at speeds ranging from 550 to 2200 RPM. This extensive speed range, combined with the robust pump, ensures exceptional cooling for the Core i9-10900K. It withstood our testing even at extreme conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for demanding tasks and overclocking.

Build Quality: The 360mm CPU cooler boasts a durable build, featuring a steel pump block surface with black nickel elements. Its pump incorporates a cold-plated copper base plate and 400 mm ultra-low evaporation rubber tubes with nylon braided sleeves, providing both strength and efficient heat transfer. In its installation, I didn’t have to use any tools, which further enhanced its user-friendly design.

Aesthetics: The EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB stands out with its sleek design, blending steel and black nickel to create a premium and minimalistic appearance that I am a huge fan of. The inclusion of fully addressable D-RGB lighting on the fans, customizable through the EK-Hub PWM controller, adds a touch of sophistication. The diamond-cut rotating system not only contributes to aesthetics but also allows easy adjustment of tubes.

Sajjad Hussain, our hardware review expert, has the following thoughts on this cooler:

“Fin density is a really impressive aspect of the EK radiator. The fins are stacked very close to each other and show intense curvatures, giving a large surface area for heat dissipation.”

✅Buy It If

Below are some shots from our review:

EK AIO 360 D

1 of 6

You Need High Performance: If you require top-tier cooling performance, especially for the power-hungry Core i9-10900K, the EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB is a solid choice with its six high-performing fans and robust pump.

You Want To Install Push-Pull Configuration: With six included fans, this cooler enables a push-pull configuration, enhancing airflow regulation.

You Require Premium Aesthetics: The combination of steel, black nickel, and fully addressable D-RGB lighting gives the EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB a premium and visually appealing aesthetic.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Are On Low Budget: The EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB comes with a higher price tag, making it less suitable for users on a tight budget seeking more affordable cooling solutions.

You Have Compact Build: Accommodating this 360mm AIO with six fans can be problematic if you have space constraints.

What Makes It The Best 360mm Liquid Cooler For The Core i9-10900K

The EK-AIO Elite 360mm D-RGB earns its title as the best 360mm liquid cooler for the Core i9-10900K due to its exceptional cooling performance, premium design featuring six high-performing fans, and the inclusion of a fully addressable D-RGB lighting system. Its ability to handle overclocking effortlessly, coupled with a user-friendly tool-less installation system, sets it apart from competitors, justifying its position as a top choice for demanding users.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Noise: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition

Pros

Incredible fan speed
Low noise operation
Very easy installation process
Minimalistic matte black

Cons

An asymmetrical layout looks different
No RGB

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition impressed me with its remarkable cooling performance. It is driven by the Kaze Flex 120 Black fan with an incredible maximum rotation speed of 1500 RPM. This fan, coupled with dense and well-finished fin arrays, efficiently dissipates heat from the CPU.

Build Quality: Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Mugen 5 Black Edition showcases a premium design. I appreciate its convex base plate with a perfect finish that provides a mirror-like surface. Furthermore, the inclusion of sturdy clips for fan mounting, along with premium materials, contributes to the overall build quality, making it an affordable yet high-quality option.

Aesthetics: Being a fan of minimalistic looks, I find the matte black design of Mugen 5 Black Edition very fascinating. The all-black design, complemented by matte black caps on heat pipes and fittings, enhances the cooler’s appearance. While the asymmetrical layout may appear unconventional from the side, it serves a functional purpose in maintaining RAM clearance.

PRO TIP: Prioritize coolers with efficient heat dissipation mechanisms, such as high-quality fans, large surface areas, and effective heat pipes.

✅Buy It If

You Are On A Budget: For users seeking an affordable yet high-performing CPU cooler, the Mugen 5 Black Edition offers exceptional value with its impressive cooling capabilities and sleek design.

You Prefer Minimalistic Design: If you appreciate a clean and minimalistic aesthetic, the all-black theme and elegant finish of the Mugen 5 Black Edition make it an attractive choice, especially for users with windowed cases.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Want Symmetrical Design: If you prefer symmetrical and organized layouts, the asymmetrical design of the Mugen 5 Black Edition may not align with your aesthetic preferences.

RGB Lighting Is A Must: For users who desire RGB lighting in their CPU cooler, the Mugen 5 Black Edition lacks this feature.

You Have High-End Cooling Requirements: If you have extensive overclocking or high cooling demands, the Mugen 5 Black Edition may not match the performance of the higher-end.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For The Core i9-10900K

The Mugen 5 Black Edition stands out due to its exceptional cooling capabilities, minimalistic matte black design, and affordable price. The increased fan speed, along with a dense fin array, contributes to its impressive performance. The inclusion of a magnetic screwdriver and an easy installation process further enhances its value.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 7/10	Value: 10/10
Noise: 8/10	Design: 8/10

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix

Best 240mm Liquid Cooler For Core i9-10900k

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite RGB (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Swappable translucent pump cover
Upgradable LCD pump cover kit
Special LEDs consume less heat
Special LEDs generate less power
PWM Connector Hub for fans and light strips

Cons

Tall and bulky pump
Pump tubes droop over the GPU
Few wires around the pump

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix stands out in our cabinet with its superior cooling performance. Its Capellix LED technology, comprising 33 ultra-bright RGB LEDs on the pump cover, not only delivers a mesmerizing visual display but also consumes less power and generates minimal heat. The combination of a split-flow cold copper plate with micro-skived fins and two ML Series PWM RGB fans ensures efficient heat dissipation and excellent airflow.

Build Quality: The H100i Elite Capellix showcases a tall pump design with a distinctive white translucent cover. While the pump’s height may be considered bulky, the upgradeable LCD pump cover kit and swappable translucent pump cover add customization options, setting it apart. The inclusion of magnetic levitation technology in the fans further contributes to a reliable and durable build.

Editor`s Note

Corsair coolers have always been my point of interest due to their perfect blend of performance, features, and affordability. I like how Corsair understands the needs of its users and delivers accordingly.

– Hayyan Serwer

Aesthetics: The RGB illumination, facilitated by the Capellix LED technology and ML Series PWM RGB fans, creates a stunning visual display. I appreciate the option to swap its pump cover, which further enhances the overall aesthetics. However, the clutter of wires above the pump cover and the drooping pump tubes might affect the visual appeal for some users.

Summarizing the cooler’s performance and value, our hardware reviewer, Nauman Siddique, states in his review:

“This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features.”

✅Buy It If

Take a look at some shots from our review:

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

1 of 3

You Require RGB Lighting: If you prioritize a vibrant RGB lighting display, the iCUE H100i Elite Capellix, with its Capellix LED technology and customizable RGB fans, delivers an impressive light show.

You Want Customization: For users who appreciate customization options, the iCUE H100i Elite Capellix offers a unique swappable pump cover and an LCD pump cover kit.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Want Compact Design: If you prefer a more compact or low-profile pump design, the H100i Elite Capellix’s tall pump might be a drawback for you.

You Have a Problem With Visible Wires: If you are meticulous about cable management and prefer a clean look inside your case, you may be bothered by the visible wires above the pump cover.

What Makes It The Best 240mm Liquid Cooler For The Core i9-10900K

The CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix earns its title as the best 240mm liquid cooler due to its exceptional cooling performance and captivating aesthetics. The incorporation of Capellix LED technology, a swappable pump cover, and an option for an upgradable LCD pump cover kit makes it stand out in terms of customization.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

DeepCool AK620

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

DeepCool AK620 (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

White color is entirely white
Performs excellently
Reasonable price for a dual-tower cooler
Minimal and sleek design in both colors

Cons

No RGB
Black doesn’t have an all-black theme

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The DeepCool AK620 is listed here due to its exceptional cooling performance in our testing. Featuring a dual-tower design with six 6mm nickel-coated heat pipes, it efficiently dissipates heat. The two non-RGB DeepCool FK 120 PWM fans operate quietly while providing a maximum airflow of 68.99 CFM and air pressure of 2.19 mmAq.

Build Quality: The dual-tower configuration of the AK620, complemented by shiny silver heat pipes, creates a robust and stylish appearance. Also, the additional covers on the sides show Deepcool’s commitment to high-quality manufacturing. While minor machining marks were present on the base plate of my cooler, they did not significantly impact build quality.

Aesthetics: The AK620 boasts an attractive design, particularly in the white variant, where the entire cooler, including the fans, is adorned in white. The black version also shows appealing aesthetics with its shiny silver heat pipes and matte black fans. But there are some shiny parts in the black version that were a bit disappointing for me. However, the dotted design on the top cover and the inclusion of side covers suffices for it.

Nauman Siddique, our hardware reviewer, has the following remarks on this cooler:

“The peculiar design element is the back color scheme and square frame of these fans.”

✅Buy It If

Some images from our review are as follows:

DeepCool AK620 cooler

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You Want Performance And Affordability: If you seek excellent cooling performance at a reasonable price, the DeepCool AK620 offers a compelling solution.

You Want Sleek Design: For users who appreciate a sleek and minimalistic design, the AK620, available in black or white, provides a stylish appearance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Need RGB Lighting: For users who prioritize RGB lighting in their build, the AK620, being non-RGB, may not align with those preferences.

What Makes It the Best Overall CPU Cooler For The Core i9-10900K

The DeepCool AK620 earns the title of the best overall CPU cooler due to its outstanding balance of performance, affordability, and aesthetics. The dual-tower design, efficient heat pipes, and quiet operation make it a compelling choice. Moreover, the sleek and minimalistic appearance, along with side covers and compatibility with standard RAM, positions the AK620 as a top-tier air cooler for various build configurations.

Read Our DeepCool AK620 CPU Cooler Review

Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB 240mm

Best White CPU Cooler For Core i9-10900k

NZXT Kraken Z53

Pros

Customizable and colorful LCD screen
Premium NZXT fans
Less noisy
Performs excellently
Extremely minimalistic appearance
Three orientations for LCD screen

Cons

Expensive
Fans don’t have middle RGB

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB 240mm AIO liquid cooler offers exceptional cooling performance, which is ideal for handling the demanding requirements of the Core i9-10900K. Equipped with two 1500 RPM Aer RGB 120mm fans reaching a maximum airflow of 52.44 CFM and a high-quality aluminium radiator, this cooler effectively dissipates heat while maintaining relatively low noise levels.

Build Quality: I could easily tell that the Kraken Z53 is built with premium materials by just looking at it. The use of ultra-low evaporation rubber tubing with nylon braided sleeves ensures durability and protection against leaks. It uses the fluid dynamic bearings in the fans that contribute to long-term reliability. With a six-year warranty and a lifespan of 60,000 hours for the radiator, NZXT demonstrates confidence in the longevity of its product.

Aesthetics: The NZXT Kraken Z53 boasts a stunning appearance. It is available in matte black or matte white finishes to suit various build aesthetics. I liked its customizable LCD screen on the pump that allows you to add a touch of personalization by displaying temperature metrics or custom GIFs and images. However, the RGB lighting on the fans, while premium, may disappoint some users due to the lack of illumination in the middle, resulting in a less uniform glow.

WARNING: Don’t ignore unusual noise coming from your CPU cooler as it can signify excessive wear and tear or obstruction in airflow.

✅Buy It If

You Like Customization: If you value customization and personalization, the NZXT Kraken Z53 offers a unique LCD screen that can be customized with temperature metrics, custom GIFs, or images.

Premium Build Quality Matters: If you prioritize durability and reliability, the NZXT Kraken Z53 uses high-quality materials, including ultra-low evaporation rubber tubing and fluid dynamic bearings that ensure long-term performance and peace of mind.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Have Budget Constraints: If you’re on a tight budget, the NZXT Kraken Z53 may not be the most cost-effective option due to its premium features and higher price point.

You Require Extensive RGB Illumination: If you prioritize uniform RGB illumination across the entire fan, you may be disappointed because NZXT Kraken Z53 features translucent RGB lighting only around the edges of the fans.

What Makes It the Best White CPU Cooler for The Core i9-10900K

The NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB 240mm AIO liquid cooler stands out due to its exceptional performance coupled with premium build quality and sleek aesthetics. The customizable LCD screen on the pump adds a unique touch of personalization, while the matte black or matte white finish complements various build themes. Despite its higher price point, it offers reliability, longevity, and flexibility.

Best White CPU Coolers Coolers

Performance: 8/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Thermal Benchmarks

Below are all of our in-house tested benchmarks for the top coolers for i9-10900K:

Thermal Performance

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How We Choose The Best CPU Coolers For Core i9-10900k

There is a set of criteria that we go through for selecting any product. We recommend you go through it as well before you make any purchase so you have a clear picture of what to get:

Compatibility: The most crucial aspect of buying a CPU cooler is to see if it is compatible with your CPU or not. To check the compatibility, we ensured our listed coolers support the LGA 1200 socket that the Core i9-10900k uses.
Efficiency and Performance: Generally, the efficiency of any CPU cooler boils down to its TDP. If the TDP of the CPU cooler matches your CPU’s, it supports it. So, we picked coolers that match the TDP of the Core i9-10900K.
Noise: With the high-speed fans, there also comes noise. Lowering the fan speeds when the temperatures are lower can help significantly reduce the noise levels but also impact performance. Therefore, we catered to this trade-off in our selection.
Size and Clearance: This is one of the most important things to look for. Before buying any cooler, its size should offer enough RAM clearance for you to easily install all your memory sticks. Our suggested coolers offer enough RAM clearance in various setups.
Design and Aesthetic: Some users prefer an RGB cooler with fans that glow to make their entire setup pop. While some prefer a toned-down, sleek design that complements their minimalistic and subtle setup. We considered this variation of aesthetic preference in listing down our choices.
Budget: The budget is the most important part of making any decision. We double-checked that we provide cooler options to users in all budget ranges. If the budget is tighter, I recommend avoiding coolers with fancy options like an LCD screen because they significantly increase the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Core i9-10900k come with a cooler?

No, the Intel Core i9-10900K 10th Gen processor does not come with a stock cooler. Intel does not provide any stock coolers if the Intel processor includes the letters K, KF, KS, XE, or X. As for the standard ones without these letters, Intel does provide a stock cooler.

What type of cooler should I get for Core i9-10900K?

Since the Intel Core i9-10900K is a high-end CPU with an extremely high TDP rating of 125 W, it is recommended to choose a 360 mm AIO liquid cooler so it can easily handle the CPU and allow you to have maximum overclocking possibilities without any problems.

Does the Core i9-10900k overheat?

The Core i9-10900k is known to be a power-hungry processor, which is why it tends to get hot. However, overheating doesn’t occur if you go for a high-end air cooler or a liquid cooler. Make sure that you have correctly installed the cooler or the thermal paste

How hot should i9-10900K run?

The Core i9-10900k has a knack for consuming a lot of power, which raises its temperature. By using a decent CPU cooler, the temperatures can rise to 75°C with more than two hours under 100% load. If the temperature hits 90°C or above, you have a problem.

Recent Updates

February 23, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.
February 22, 2024: A few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

BEST CPU Coolers For i9-10900k [Updated 2024] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

4 BEST CPU Coolers For i9-12900K [We Tested All]

Nauman Siddique — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:25:01 +0000

The Core i9-12900K rocks 16 cores and has a massive 241W turbo power rating. This means you’ll need an adequate CPU cooler depending on your particular needs. Well, we did all that work for you, and tested a whole bunch of coolers to end up with the 4 Best CPU Coolers for your i9-12900K build.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Nauman Siddique is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, coolers, processors, and AIOs for more than a decade.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Here is a summary table of out top picks:

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9 12900k

Best Budget Liquid Cooler For i9 12900K

Best CPU Cooler For i9 12900k

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black

Arctic Liquid Freezer II

EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm

Picture

Type

Air Cooler

360mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, Acoustics, Installation, RAM and PCIe clearance

Thermal performance, Pre-installed fans, Included MX-5 paste, Integrated cable management, Wide socket support, Price

Pump design, RGB, High-quality EK Vardar S fans

What We Disliked

Case compatibility

No control over Pump and VRM fan speed

Installation

RGB

Dimensions

160.00 x 150.00 x 135.00mm

398 x 120 x 38 mm

395 x 120 x 27 mm

TDP

220-240W

Check Price

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9 12900k

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black

Picture

Type

Air Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, Acoustics, Installation, RAM and PCIe clearance

What We Disliked

Case compatibility

RGB

Dimensions

160.00 x 150.00 x 135.00mm

TDP

Check Price

Award

Best Budget Liquid Cooler For i9 12900K

Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer II

Picture

Type

360mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Thermal performance, Pre-installed fans, Included MX-5 paste, Integrated cable management, Wide socket support, Price

What We Disliked

No control over Pump and VRM fan speed

RGB

Dimensions

398 x 120 x 38 mm

TDP

Check Price

Award

Best CPU Cooler For i9 12900k

Cooler

EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm

Picture

Type

360mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Pump design, RGB, High-quality EK Vardar S fans

What We Disliked

Installation

RGB

Dimensions

395 x 120 x 27 mm

TDP

220-240W

Check Price

Check out our other guides if you’re planning on purchasing the i9-12900K:

Best CPU Coolers For i9-12900K

We cherry-picked the products that were great overall, and some stood out in one or more aspects. Let’s take a look at the list.

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-12900K: Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
Best Liquid Cooler For i9-12900K: EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm
Best Budget Liquid Cooler For i9-12900K: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360mm
Best Air Cooler for i9-12900K: Deepcool Assassin IV

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-12900k

NOCTUA NH-D15S chromax.black Installed (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Specifications=”Type: Dual-Tower Air Cooler | TDP: 220W | Heat Pipes: 6 | Lighting: None | Dimensions: 160.00 x 150.00 x 135.00mm”]

Pros

Beastly performance
Impressive acoustic performance for the size
Lots of thermal headroom
Sleek and sophisticated design
Installation is a breeze
Extremely reliable and stands the test of time

Cons

Might have an issue fitting in cases on the smaller side of the scale

Cooling Performance: Its dual-tower design, coupled with high-quality fans, ensures efficient heat dissipation while maintaining remarkably low noise levels. Its no surprise then that it showed exceptional cooling performance in our tailored benchmarks. Even under heavy loads, it remained impressively cool, rivaling many liquid cooling systems.

Build Quality: We were fond of everything, from its robust construction to the implementation of premium materials such as copper heat pipes and aluminum fin stacks. So all-in-all, the build quality is incredible, as we have come to expect from Noctua. The patented SecuFirm 2 mounting system further impressed us and made installation a breeze.

Aesthetics: The NH-D15 Chromax Black edition offers a great sleek and stealthy aesthetic that we love. With its matte texture and all-black components, including fan clips and heat pipes, this cooler will blend seamlessly into diverse color schemes. Noctua’s attention to aesthetic detail transforms the NH-D15 into not just a cooling solution, but a stylish centerpiece within any PC setup.

Here is what I had to say about the cooler in my review:

“The Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black, an award-winning cooler, stands out with its remarkable build quality and thermal performance.”

Buy It If

Check out some more pictures of the cooler from our review:

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black Pictures From Our Review

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✅ You Prioritize Performance: If you’re seeking top-notch cooling performance for your i9-12900K system, the Noctua NH-D15 is an excellent choice, ensuring efficient heat dissipation even under heavy workloads.

✅ You Appreciate Sleek Design: With its sleek chromax.black design, the NH-D15 offers a stealthy aesthetic that will blend into various color schemes, adding a touch of elegance to your build.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You Prefer Compact Coolers: If space is a concern in your build or you prefer a more compact cooler, the NH-D15’s large size might not be suitable for your setup.

❌ You Have a Tight Budget: While the NH-D15 delivers exceptional performance, it comes at a premium price point, making it less ideal for budget-conscious users who are looking for more economical options.

WARNING: Ensure case clearance before purchasing, as the large-sized heatsink may not fit in smaller sized chassis.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For The i9-12900K:

There’s so much to like about the Noctua NH-D15 from its impeccable performance to its beautiful design. It features dual-tower design, 6mm copper heat pipes, and premium NF-A15 PWM fans. Its efficient cooling capabilities rivalled those of many AIO liquid coolers in our benchmarks, while its easy installation process, courtesy of the SecuFirm 2 mounting system, further solidified its position as our top overall CPU cooler choice for the i7-12700K.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm

Best Liquid Cooler For i9-12900K

EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm Box (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Specifications=”Type: Triple Fan AIO | TDP: 220-240W | Radiator Size: 360mm | Lighting: RGB | Radiator Dimensions: 395 x 120 x 27 mm”]

Pros

Impressive pump design
RGB provides an alluring yet soft flow
High-quality EK Vardar S fans
A dense fin stack provides great heat dissipation
Useful refill port
Incredible Performance

Cons

Installation could be easier

Cooling Performance: The EK Elite AIO delivered exceptional cooling performance in our tests and kept the power-hungry i9 12900K processor under 85°C. With its robust radiator design and efficient fan configuration, it effectively dissipates heat.

Build Quality: We saw serious attention to detail and solid construction in the cooler, especially in its aluminum radiator and nickel pump/block combo. The high-quality materials ensure durability while keeping the weight manageable. Everything from the fin density to the tubing reflected amazing quality.

Aesthetics: Combining form and function, the EK Elite AIO dazzles with its design. The sleek pump/block housing, adorned with aRGB LEDs and the distinctive EK logo, will have your build looking neat. The inclusion of six EK Vardar S 120mm fans enhances customization possibilities, elevating the overall aesthetic appeal.

Just like me, our Editor-in-Chief Sajjad Hussain has great things to say about the cooler:

“The EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB is a premium all-in-one liquid cooler with a unique pump block design, high-performance RGB fans, and a well-constructed radiator.”

Buy It If:

Here are some more pictures, taken straight from our review:

EK-AIO Elite 360 D-RGB Pictures From Our Review

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✅ You Want Top-tier Cooling Performance: The EK Elite AIO offers exceptional cooling capabilities as tested by us, making it ideal for those seeking top-notch performance for their i9-12900K.

✅ You Appreciate Quality Design and Build: With its solid construction, visually stunning design featuring aRGB LEDs, and high-quality components like nickel housing and EK Vardar S 120mm fans, this cooler appeals to those who value craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You’re on a Tight Budget: Given its higher-end pricing, the EK Elite AIO might not be the best choice for budget-conscious builders who are looking to save money on their CPU cooler.

What Makes It The Best Liquid CPU Cooler For The i9-12900K:

We chose the EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm for the best liquid cooler category due to its exceptional cooling performance, robust construction, visually stunning design, and inclusion of high-quality components like nickel housing and EK Vardar S 120mm fans.

Read Our EK AIO Alite D-RGB Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Arctic Liquid Freezer II

Best Budget Liquid Cooler For i9-12900K

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 Test Bench (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Specifications=”Type: Triple-fan AIO | TDP: – | Radiator Size: 360mm | Lighting: No | Dimensions: 398 x 120 x 38 mm”]

Pros

Unique pump design
The integrated fan on the pump is a nice touch
Enticing value for money
Outperforms larger coolers
Thicker radiator provides great heat dissipation

Cons

No RGB
A bit of a pain to install

Cooling Performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 excels in efficient cooling and kept the temperatures around 55°C with an ambient temperature of 30°C. This consistent performance ensures that your CPU remains within safe operating limits, even during demanding tasks or extended gaming sessions.

Build Quality: Crafted with attention to detail, the Liquid Freezer II 360 displays a sturdy construction and thoughtful design. From the robust radiator to the secure mounting brackets, every component shows ARCTIC’s commitment to quality. Its durable materials and precise assembly instilled our confidence in its reliability, and you can be sure that this is a long-lasting cooler.

Aesthetics: While simplicity defines its appearance, the Liquid Freezer II 360’s design is far from plain. With a sleek black finish and minimal branding, it offers a sophisticated look that complements any build without the distraction of RGB lighting. This understated elegance appeals to users who prioritize clean aesthetics and a cohesive overall design in their PC setups.

Our hardware reviewer Awais Khan praised the performance-per-dollar offered by the cooler as he put it to the test:

“ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is a no-frill design that is cost-effective and a low-noise cooling solution from the manufacturer.”

Buy It If:

Attached below are some more clicks of the cooler:

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 Pictures From Our Review

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✅ You’re Seeking Efficient Cooling with Minimal Noise: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 offers excellent cooling performance while maintaining a quiet operation.

✅ You Want Great Value: This cooler comes at a reasonable price point and is backed by an exceptional 6-year warranty, providing a reliable and budget-friendly cooling option.

PRO TIP: Use the provided MX-5 thermal paste for installation instead of investing in another one, as the MX-5 competes with the best compounds in the market.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You Are An RGB Enthusiast: For those who desire customizable lighting effects for their cooler, this version might lack RGB elements and, thus, may not be the right choice.

What Makes It The Best Budget AIO Cooler For The i9-12900K:

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 stood out for us as the best budget AIO cooler for the i9-12900K due to its superb cooling performance, versatile compatibility with both Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets, beautiful sleek design, and cost-effectiveness.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Deepcool Assassin IV

Best Air Cooler for i9-12900k

DeepCool Assassin IV (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Specifications=” Type: Dual-Tower Air Cooler | Lighting: None | Dimensions: 144mm x 147mm x 164mm”

Pros

Excellent Performance
Universal RAM Clearance
Cooler Shroud
Magnetic Handling
AM5 and LGA1700 support
Simplified Mounting Mechansim
Warranty
Price

Cons

Plastic shroud easily bends
Fans are customized for this cooler
Bit noisy at full speed

Cooling Performance: The DeepCool Assassin IV’s cooling performance is absolutely fantastic and even surpasses the Noctua NH-D15 by over 2 degrees Celsius. Its dual heatsinks and copper heat pipes ensure efficient heat dissipation, making it an optimal choice for your i9-12900K.

Build Quality: We could tell how well-built this cooler was built on first sight. It has dual black-coated heatsinks and seven robust copper heat pipes and overall, the construction is very strong and sturdy.

Aesthetics: Talking look, we love the Assassin IV’s fresh design, owing primarily to its innovative shroud that conceals the heatsink and middle fan. The black theme was nailed by Deepcool here and the cooler will make any PC build look incredible with its streamlined design.

I gave the cooler our Performance award, and said this about the cooler, word-to-word, during my review:

“This cooler has quite some looks to it with its concealed design which is well synchronized and it has a top-tier performance while remaining highly competitive in the price point.”

Buy It If:

Want to see more of the cooler? We’ve got you covered:

Deepcool Assassin IV Pictures From Our Review

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✅ You’re Seeking Top-tier Cooling Performance: The DeepCool Assassin IV shows incredible cooling performance, even surpassing many 240mm AIO coolers.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You’re on a tight budget: With a price tag of $99.99, the Assassin IV might not fit everyone’s budget. If cost is a concern, explore alternative options like the DeepCool AK620.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For The i9-12900K:

The DeepCool Assassin IV’s performance is some of the best for an air cooler. Its innovative design, featuring a cooler shroud and rear-mounted fan, ensures universal clearance for RAM and PCIe slots on modern motherboards. Additionally, its built-in controller allows for convenient fan speed adjustment.

Read Our Deepcool Assassin IV Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Our Thermal Benchmarks

To bring you the top coolers for i9-12900K, we tested several of them, and here are our benchmarks:

Thermal Benchmarks

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How We Choose These CPU Coolers For i9-12900K

Picking the best CPU cooler for the i9 12900K is serious business as you have to consider a variety of factors:

Performance: The most important consideration is, of course, performance. You have to make sure that the cooler is adequate to keep your CPU running at ideal temperatures and not reach its throttling limits. For that, you also have to consider your workloads, which decide just how much you’re going to be pushing your CPU, and whether you’ll be overclocking or not.
Aesthetics: Normally, the second most important factor considered by most users is aesthetics. You don’t want a cooler to simply perform good, you also want it to look good. For that, its design, color theme, and presence or absence of RGB are the key factors considered.
Budget: We all want the best-performing cooler but that’s often not possible due to budget limitations. You have to consider your budget, narrow down all the options available within that budget, and finally pick the best option according to performance, aesthetics, and other factors.
Noise Levels: Acoustical performance is another important consideration. You have to make sure your cooler can adequately handle your CPU’s temperatures, and at the same time keep the noise level at a point where it’s not disruptive. More (and larger) fans lead to more noise, but you can run them at lower speeds since you’re getting more performance anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you water-cool your PC?

For the average builder, going with a custom loop is not that great of an idea. You will need to factor in maintenance, and building a custom water loop requires some patience, though.

We have also compiled CPU cooler guides on other Alder Lake CPUs after hands-on testing:

Recent Updates

February 23, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.
February 17, 2024: Few text changes to improve readability and addition of image galleries. Several products removed and replaced.

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

15+ years of PC Building Experience
10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

4 BEST CPU Coolers For i9-12900K [We Tested All] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best CPU Coolers for i7-12700K In 2024 [We Tested All]

Hayyan Serwer — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:48:33 +0000

The Intel i7-12700K is a powerful CPU that is recommended for AAA PC games, and that’s why you should not compromise your PC’s performance by risking thermal throttling. Well, to avoid that, you should get a top-notch cooler to pair with your i7-12700K, and that’s what we are here for.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

To help you out, we have tested a bunch of different coolers to round up the best ones for the i7-13700K, and here is our list:

CPU Cooler

Antec Kuhler H2o K240

Arctic Freezer 34

Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro

Looks

Award

Best Compact AIO Cooler For i7-12700K

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-12700k

Best RGB Cooler For i7-12700k

What We Liked

Very quiet, Unique and compact design, Easy installation

Great performance, Low noise, Stylish design

Incredible performance, Easy installation, Impressive build quality, Affordable, Magnetic levitation fans

What We Disliked

Not so overclocking-friendly

No RGB, Limited socket compatibility

Pump performance is lacking

Type

240mm AIO

Air Cooler

360mm AIO

Fans

2 x 120 mm

2 X 120 mm

3x ML120 PWM Fans

Fan Speed

2000 RPM

2100 RPM

1600 RPM

TDP

270 W

210 W

Adjusted between 60 W & 340 W

Height

9.3 in

6.18 in

7.28 in

Weight

6.2 in

4.06 in

5.75 in

Length

11.2 in

4.88 in

18.66 in

RGB

Shop Now

CPU Cooler

Antec Kuhler H2o K240

Looks

Award

Best Compact AIO Cooler For i7-12700K

What We Liked

Very quiet, Unique and compact design, Easy installation

What We Disliked

Not so overclocking-friendly

Type

240mm AIO

Fans

2 x 120 mm

Fan Speed

2000 RPM

TDP

270 W

Height

9.3 in

Weight

6.2 in

Length

11.2 in

RGB

Shop Now

CPU Cooler

Arctic Freezer 34

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-12700k

What We Liked

Great performance, Low noise, Stylish design

What We Disliked

No RGB, Limited socket compatibility

Type

Air Cooler

Fans

2 X 120 mm

Fan Speed

2100 RPM

TDP

210 W

Height

6.18 in

Weight

4.06 in

Length

4.88 in

RGB

Shop Now

CPU Cooler

Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro

Looks

Award

Best RGB Cooler For i7-12700k

What We Liked

Incredible performance, Easy installation, Impressive build quality, Affordable, Magnetic levitation fans

What We Disliked

Pump performance is lacking

Type

360mm AIO

Fans

3x ML120 PWM Fans

Fan Speed

1600 RPM

TDP

Adjusted between 60 W & 340 W

Height

7.28 in

Weight

5.75 in

Length

18.66 in

RGB

Shop Now

Opting for the Core i7-12700K? You’ll also want to read:

Best CPU Coolers For i7-12700k

Here are our selections of the Best CPU Coolers For i7-12700k:

Best Overall CPU Cooler for i7-12700K: Deepcool Castle 240mm RGB
Best Silent CPU Cooler For i7-12700K: Deepcool Assassin II
Best Compact AIO Cooler For i7-12700K: Antec Kuhler H2O K240
Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-12700K: Arctic Freezer 34
Best RGB Cooler For i7-12700K: Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro
Best 360mm AIO Cooler For i7-12700K: XIGMATEK Aurora 360

Deepcool Castle 240mm RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler for i7-12700K

Deepcool Castle 240mm RGB (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

The artistic design emphasizes its worth
It comes with RGB Fans
Good for the Latest modern CPUs
Great TDP rating

Cons

Expensive

Cooling Performance: The Deepcool Castle 240 RGB performed well in our system cool, keeping the 12700K under 85°C across every stress test. It features a 240mm radiator and two CF120 addressable RGB fans. Its speed, airflow, and static pressure ratings are all quite good, and you can be sure it’ll keep your i7-12700K running smoothly.

Build Quality: The Castle 240 is well-made with close attention to detail. We liked everything, from the snug fitting of the tubes to the polished copper base, as all are clearly solidly built.

Aesthetics: The Castle 240 has beautiful, eye-catching RGB lighting. The CPU block is larger than usual and features double window panes and an infinity mirror lighting effect that we loved. Its certainly a visually stunning centerpiece for any PC build and the inclusion of CF120 RGB LED fans adds to its appeal.

PRO TIP: Ensure proper installation orientation for the CPU block to avoid air bubbles and ensure efficient liquid cooling circulation.

✅Buy It If

Here are some more clicks from our review:

Deepcool Castle 240mm RGB From Our Review

1 of 3

You Want All-Round Performance: The Deepcool Castle 240 RGB offers impressive thermal performance and stunning digital RGB LED lighting effects, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking both functionality and aesthetics in their PC cooling solutions.

❌Don't Buy It If

The Extra Features Are Unnecessary To You: If you prioritize a mirror-like polished finish on the cooler base over other features, or if you don’t require the extra features such as the infinity mirror lighting effect or the ability to rotate the pump housing for flexible installation, this cooler may not be the best fit for you.

What Makes It The Best Overall Cooler For the Core i7-12700K:

The Deepcool Castle 240 RGB is our top overall top choice for cooling the Core i7-12700K. It has a big CPU block with double window panes and cool lighting effects that make it stand out. The fans show great performance (and RGB), and it fits perfectly with the LGA 1700 socket. Plus, it’s got some handy design features like a pump top that you can rotate for easier installation.

Read Our Deepcool Castle 240mm Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Deepcool Assassin II

Best Silent CPU Cooler For i7-12700k

Deepcool Assassin II (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Great Thermal performance
It creates low noise
Price is budget-friendly
Dual tower heatsink design
8 nickel-copper heat pipes

Cons

Heavier in weight

Cooling Performance: The ASSASSIN II kept things under control across our performance tests while keeping noise low. It’s all thanks to its clever design with two towers and eight nickel-copper heat pipes. With its two two fans and a special PWM dimmer, it stays at just the right temperature even when you’re pushing it hard.

Build Quality: The cooler is built to last. They’ve really paid attention to every little detail, from its strong construction to its nickel-filled heatsink and shiny copper base. It’s built to go the distance, and it comes with brackets for both AMD and Intel setups. The only thing we disliked is that all this makes the cooler quite heavy, at nearly 1.5kg.

Aesthetics: While not the most modern-looking design, the cooler still looks quite good. Its twin-tower design, along with the GF140 fan perform well and will give your PC a clean look. Whether it’s the clean lines or the subtle branding, this cooler definitely has a premium feel to it.

WARNING: Due to its weight, ensure proper support and stability when installing the Assassin II to prevent any potential damage to your motherboard or CPU socket.

✅Buy It If

Check out some more pictures of the cooler from our review:

Deepcool Assassin II From Our Review

1 of 3

You Want A Budget-Friendly, Silent CPU Cooler: If you’re looking for the best quiet CPU cooler for your Core i7-12700K at a low cost, the ASSASSIN II is an ideal choice due to its efficient heat dissipation, improved performance, and silent operations.

❌Don't Buy It If

Aesthetics Are Important: If you need a cooler with RGB lighting the ASSASSIN II might not be the best option due to its focus on silent operation rather than flashy features.

You’re Looking To Overclock: If you want to push your i7-12700K further than stock settings, the Assassin II is not the ideal choice.

What Makes It The Best Silent Cooler For the Core i7-12700K:

The ASSASSIN II is our top silent cooler choice for the Core i7-12700K. It has some neat features like a special PWM dimmer that lets it run as low as 300 RPM, a unique twin-tower design that’s a bit lopsided, and it comes with the latest GF140 fan. All these things work together to make sure it will cool your i7-12700K better while keeping things nice and quiet.

Read Our Deepcool Assassin 22 Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Antec Kuhler H₂o K240

Best Compact AIO Cooler For i7-12700k

Antec Kuhler H2o K240 (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Fan noise is almost quiet
Design is unique and attractive
Installation is easy and hassle-free
Compact CPU block and radiator
Good for smaller form factors

Cons

Overlocking performance is not that good

Cooling Performance: The Antec Kuhler H₂O K240 outshined most competing 240mm AIOs in our performance tests. Even under heavy loads at 3.6GHz, it maintained a delta temperature of 22.83°C. Its 240mm radiator efficiently dissipates heat, making it ideal for demanding tasks will keep your i7-12700K running smoothly.

Build Quality: The K240 is well-built for long-lasting performance. Its integrated pump within the radiator housing kept vibrations to a minimum during our noise testing, while the copper base does a good job of transferring heat. All-in-all, we were impressed with the build quality.

Aesthetics: The K240 is a good looking cooler and it will enhance the visual appeal of most builds with its vibrant blue LED fans and sleek design. We like the unique flat edges of the radiator housing and the water block’s design is nice too. The illuminated RGB ring around the impellers elevate its aesthetic charm, making it an all-rounder in terms of aesthetics.

Our hardware reviewer Nauman Siddique’s say on the cooler:

The Antec Kuhler H₂O K240 is a 240mm AIO CPU cooler with a unique pump integrated into the radiator, bypassing Asetek’s traditional design and powered by a SATA connector.

✅Buy It If

More images of the cooler from our review are attached below:

Antec Kuhler H2O From Our Review

1 of 3

You Want Liquid Cooling On A Budget: The Antec Kuhler H₂O K240 is a great option for those looking for an affordable yet reliable cooling solution, especially budget-conscious users who prioritize performance over aesthetics.

❌Don't Buy It If

Overclocking Is A Priority: Avoid purchasing if you prioritize style and rich features over pure performance, as this cooler focuses more on functionality rather than aesthetics.

What Makes It The Best AIO Cooler For The Core i7-12700K:

We chose the Antec Kuhler H₂O K240 as our best AIO choice due to its killer performance, as it took a lead over most other coolers in the category in our testing. It also has a clever design with the pump integrated inside the radiator housing that helps shrink its size and weight, and it cuts down on vibration problems too. And did we forget to mention that it’s budget friendly?

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Arctic Freezer 34

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-12700k

Arctic Freezer 34 Looking Fantastic (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

It comes with great cooling performance
Design is stylish
It has a very low noise level

Cons

There are no RGB lighting effects
It has limited Sockets options

Cooling Performance: The cooler has 54 aluminum fins and 4 copper heat pipes, which work together to whisk away heat effectively. Its special dark thermal coating helps by stirring up tiny air movements, making cooling even better. With its cleverly arranged heat pipes, it’s really good at transferring heat, and it shined in our performance tests, keeping the i7-12700K cool without any problems.

Build Quality: You can tell the Arctic Freezer 34 is well-made just by looking at it. Everything is put together with care, and the heat pipes are neatly arranged for maximum effectiveness. While the cooler itself is strong and dependable, we think a smoother base plate could’ve made it even better at keeping things cool.

Aesthetics: Looks-wise, the Arctic Freezer 34 is pretty sleek. I love the modern vibe produced by its matte black finish with pops of yellow gives, and it will fit right in with any setup. Even though it’s not drastically different from the older model, it still catches the eye, whether it’s sitting in a bright room or tucked away in a darker case.

Nauman Siddique, who reviewed this cooler, found plenty of positives in this cooler. Here’s what he says:

The Arctic Freezer 34 offers effective cooling performance at impressive noise levels and also stands out for its ease of installation, good clearance for RAM and PCIe, and pleasing aesthetic, albeit without RGB lighting.

✅Buy It If

Here are some additional pictures of the cooler from our review:

Arctic Freezer 34 From Our Review

1 of 3

You Seek Impressive Cooling On A Budget: The Arctic Freezer 34 is the best budget CPU cooler for Core i7-12700K, offering excellent cooling performance with its affordable price tag and innovative features like a direct touch design and a separate high-end plate.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re An AMD User: If you have an AMD processor, this cooler might not be suitable for you as it requires an additional Socket AM4 kit for compatibility.

What Makes It The Best Budget Cooler For the Core i7-12700K:

We loved the Arctic Freezer 34 for various reasons: It’s affordable and did a great job at keeping our i7-12700K cool. with its 54 aluminum fins and 4 copper heat pipes. Also, it has a dark thermal coating that helps with heat distribution. The mounting system is easy to use, and it comes with a BioniX fan that keeps the airflow steady. If you want performance without spending a lot, we highly recommend it.

Editor`s Note

The Arctic Freezer may not look tough enough to be able to handle the Core i7-12700K at first glance, but in reality is one of the best air coolers and is more than capable of handling the Core i7-12700K with its four heat-pipes and dual fans.

– Hayyan Serwer

Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 7/10	Design: 8.5/10

Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro

Best RGB Cooler For i7-12700k

Corsair Hydro Series H150i Test Bench (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Performance-wise the best cooler for Core i7-12700K
Installation is very easy
Build quality is impressive
Quite affordable
It comes with magnetic levitation fans

Cons

Pump performance is not that good

Cooling Performance: The Hydro Series CPU liquid cooler H150i Pro RGB offers some of the best cooling for an AIO cooler, as seen in our testing. It owes this efficiency to its Asetek 6th Generation pump and the radiator, which has an impressive fin per inch count.

Build Quality: The cooler showed excellent build quality in our analysis. From the robust aluminum-flecked logo on the radiator to the sturdy build of the pump block, every part speaks of durability and dependability. It’s a well-made cooling solution designed to last through prolonged usage.

Aesthetics: Sporting a sleek black and gray design with customizable RGB lighting, the Hydro H150i Pro RGB not only performs well but also looks great. We liked the illuminated pump block, and the redesigned fans with magnetic levitation bearings not only improve airflow but also enhance the cooler’s overall appearance.

PRO TIP: Customize the RGB lighting and fan profiles using Corsair’s software to match your system’s aesthetic and cooling needs.

✅Buy It If

Here are some more images of the cooler:

Corsair Hydro H150i From Our Review

1 of 3

You Want A Quiet, Efficient Cooler: The Hydro H150i Pro RGB is a solid choice if you prioritize low noise performance and sleek design, along with efficient cooling for your Core i7-12700K setup.

❌Don't Buy It If

Budget Is A Problem: If you are seeking a budget-friendly option or require a cooler that excels equally in both quiet operation and high performance, this may not be the ideal choice due to its higher price point and trade-off between noise and performance.

What Makes It The Best RGB Cooler For The Core i7-12700K?

The Hydro H150i Pro RGB stood out for us as the best RGB cooler for the Core i7-12700K due to its superb cooling performance thanks to its Asetek 6th Generation pump, quality construction, minimal noise operation facilitated by ML series fans, and customizable RGB lighting options.

Nauman Siddique thinks that the H150i is one of the top 360mm coolers available right now:

While it comes at a premium price, the H150i Pro is a solid choice for users prioritizing silent operations and premium build quality in a 360mm AIO cooler.

Performance: 8.5/10	Value: 7.5/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

XIGMATEK Aurora 360

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For i7-12700k

XIGMATEK Aurora 360 (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

The thermal performance of this cooler is brilliant
Design is elegant
360mm design

Cons

Little pricier than it should be

Cooling Performance: The Xigmateks Aurora 360 proved more than capable of handling the 12700K during our CPU stress tests. Its 360mm radiator and powerful fans move plenty of air. However, having too many fins per inch could make the fans work harder without improving cooling much, so finding the right balance is key.

Build Quality: As for the quality, the AIO is well-built, especially its pump block which we found to be quite sturdy, and the RGB lights add a nice touch. However, we weren’t particularly fond of Xigmatek’s use of a MOLEX control box instead of PWM control, which might not be preferred by those concerned about long-term usage.

Aesthetics: It also looked great in our setup. The cooler offers customizable RGB lights and a sleek design with various color options. Though, the fixed logo placement and the need for a control box to adjust the RGB settings might not suit everyone looking for more customization flexibility.

✅Buy It If

Some more images of the cooler from our review are attached below:

Xigmatek Aurora 360 From Our Review

1 of 3

You Prioritize Looks and Customizability: The Xigmateks Aurora 360 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize aesthetic appeal and RGB capabilities with easy customization.

❌Don't Buy It If

Fan and Pump Control Is Important: If you prefer precise control over fan and pump speeds through PWM, this cooler might not be the best fit as it lacks PWM control.

What Makes It The Best 360mm AIO Cooler For The Core i7-12700K:

The Xigmateks Aurora 360’s radiator is made of lightweight aluminum, along with pump blocks and fans that give good airflow. This makes it a great cooler for the Core i7-12700K. Plus, its RGB features are top-notch, and it’s easy to customize, which made it one of our personal favorite coolers with both aesthetics and performance, and took our Best 360mm AIO cooler award.

I reviewed this cooler, here are my thoughts:

With an infinity mirror display, AT120 A-RGB fans, and RGB sync compatibility, the Xigmatek Aurora 360 offers competitive thermal performance.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Thermal Benchmarks

In order to pick the best CPU coolers for i7-12700K, our cooler experts tested many different AIOs and air coolers. Here are their results:

Thermal Benchmarks

1 of 2

How We Picked These CPU Coolers

Choosing the Best i7-12700K CPU Coolers isn’t a job well-suited for the faint-hearted since you’ll need to evaluate and accordingly prioritize numerous factors. Worry not though, as we’ve done the job for you by considering the following factors:

Budget: When choosing a motherboard, consider budget and factors like cooling performance, build quality, aesthetics (including RGB), manufacturer support, and bundled accessories. Align your decision with your budget, whether opting for exotic options or compromising for a practical, high-performance choice.
Performance: When selecting a motherboard for an i7-12700K, prioritize performance to prevent thermal throttling. Air cooler specs like RPM, airflow, heatsink size, and FPI count are crucial. AIO coolers’ pump speed directly impacts cooling. Quality AIOs may include fans for VRM cooling, aiding thermal dissipation during intense usage.
Efficiency: Consider CPU compatibility, chipset, expansion slots, and connectivity options when choosing a motherboard. Ensure it supports your CPU, offers needed features, and fits your budget and build requirements. Additionally, check for overclocking support and form factor suitability.
Noise: Smaller fans have a tendency to be noisier since they’re forced to spin at comparatively higher RPMs to produce the same amount of airflow as a larger fan at slower RPMs. That’s why it’s advisable to stick with one of our Best i7-12700K CPU Coolers, which incorporate bigger fans if noise is much of an issue to you.
Aesthetics and Build Quality: Manufacturers differentiate Best i7-12700K Coolers with unique aesthetics and build quality, resulting in varying prices. Some prioritize premium construction and RGB features, while others focus on practicality and potentially lower costs by sacrificing design flair.
Compatibility:All i7-12700K-compatible CPU coolers listed here are suitable for the LGA 1700 socket, designed for Intel’s 12th Generation Alder Lake CPUs. Manufacturers typically include the LGA 1700 mounting kit or offer it separately upon request with proof of purchase. Ensure socket compatibility when choosing alternative CPU coolers, especially for the Core i7-12700K.
Manufacturer Support: When selecting a motherboard, we prioritize customer service, considering past experiences and track records. We also assess component reliability, including the Mean Time To Failure of fans and pumps. Warranty duration is crucial, with a preference for manufacturers offering up to 6 years of coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the i7-12700K come with a Stock Cooler?

Thanks to a rather high TDP of 125W, the i7-12700K tends to overheat when put through its paces in power-hungry workflows.

Does the i7-12700K overheat?

No, since Intel correctly assumes consumers will prefer to buy high-performance aftermarket CPU coolers, the i7-12700K doesn’t include a stock cooler.

Should I get a CPU Cooler for the i7-12700K?

Yes, as the i7-12700K commands a significantly higher TDP of 125W compared to its relatively thermally efficient Core i3 and Core i5 siblings.

Recent Updates

February 22, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.
February 10, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed/removed.

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Best CPU Coolers for i7-12700K In 2024 [We Tested All] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best CPU Coolers For Core i5-12600K [All Tested In 2024]

Nauman Siddique — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:38:37 +0000

The Core i5-12600K is no doubt a solid CPU. It packs more than enough performance to handle all sorts of 1080p and even 1440p gaming to this day. However, with a 125W TDP, the cooler can also generate quite a bit of heat, and that’s why it is necessary to pair it with the right cooler. To help you out, our team has tested a bunch of different coolers that are just perfect for the i5-12600K, and I have picked the top 6 of them to share with you.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Nauman Siddique is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, coolers, processors, and AIOs for more than a decade.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Let’s take a comprehensive look at all the narrowed-down coolers for Core i5-12600K:

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15S

Noctua NH-U12S

Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 – White

MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB

NZXT Kraken X53

EK AIO Elite 360 D-RGB

Looks

Award

The Best CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Best Value CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Best White CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Best Budget CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Best 240mm CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Best 360mm CPU Cooler For i5-12600K

Fans

1 x 120mm

2 x 120 mm

2x 120 mm

2 x 120 mm

1 x 120 mm

6 x 120mm

Fans Speed

1500RPM

2000 RPM

2200 RPM

1800 RPM

1500 RPM

2200 RPM

Noise

24.6 dB(A)

21 to 36 dB(A)

8 – 27 dB(A)

22.4 dB(A)

21-36 dB(A)

RGB

Material

Aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating, Copper (base and heat-pipes)

Plastic (Cap),Copper (CPU block), aluminum R)

Black nickel (cap),Copper Cold plate (CPU block), aluminum (radiator)

Plastic (Cap),Copper plate (CPU block), Aluminum (Radiator)

Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

Black nickel (cap), Copper Cold plate (CPU block), aluminum (radiator)

Height

165mm

123 mm

120 mm

158 mm

120 mm

Width

150mm

275 mm

395 mm

277 mm

125 mm

395 mm

Depth

135mm

30 mm

27 mm

71 mm

27 mm

Amazon

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15S

Looks

Award

The Best CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Fans

1 x 120mm

Fans Speed

1500RPM

Noise

24.6 dB(A)

RGB

Material

Aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating, Copper (base and heat-pipes)

Height

165mm

Width

150mm

Depth

135mm

Amazon

Cooler

Noctua NH-U12S

Looks

Award

Best Value CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Fans

2 x 120 mm

Fans Speed

2000 RPM

Noise

21 to 36 dB(A)

RGB

Material

Plastic (Cap),Copper (CPU block), aluminum R)

Height

123 mm

Width

275 mm

Depth

30 mm

Amazon

Cooler

Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 – White

Looks

Award

Best White CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Fans

2x 120 mm

Fans Speed

2200 RPM

Noise

21 to 36 dB(A)

RGB

Material

Black nickel (cap),Copper Cold plate (CPU block), aluminum (radiator)

Height

120 mm

Width

395 mm

Depth

27 mm

Amazon

Cooler

MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Fans

2 x 120 mm

Fans Speed

1800 RPM

Noise

8 – 27 dB(A)

RGB

Material

Plastic (Cap),Copper plate (CPU block), Aluminum (Radiator)

Height

120 mm

Width

277 mm

Depth

27 mm

Amazon

Cooler

NZXT Kraken X53

Looks

Award

Best 240mm CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Fans

1 x 120 mm

Fans Speed

1500 RPM

Noise

22.4 dB(A)

RGB

Material

Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

Height

158 mm

Width

125 mm

Depth

71 mm

Amazon

Cooler

EK AIO Elite 360 D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best 360mm CPU Cooler For i5-12600K

Fans

6 x 120mm

Fans Speed

2200 RPM

Noise

21-36 dB(A)

RGB

Material

Black nickel (cap), Copper Cold plate (CPU block), aluminum (radiator)

Height

120 mm

Width

395 mm

Depth

27 mm

Amazon

You should also take a look at:

Best CPU Coolers For Core i5-12600K

Here are the top CPU coolers For i5-12600k:

Best Value CPU Cooler For i5-12600K: Noctua NH-U12S
Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i5-12600K: NZXT Kraken X53
Best 360mm CPU Cooler For i5-12600K: EK AIO Elite 360 D-RGB
Best CPU Cooler For i5-12600K: Noctua NH-D15S
Best White CPU Cooler For i5-12600K: Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 – White
Best Budget CPU Cooler for i5-12600K: MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB

Noctua NH-U12S

Best Value CPU Cooler For i5-12600K

Noctua NH-U12S (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Premium design
Fair OC capability
Silent

Cons

Unconventional aesthetics

Cooling Performance: Noctua NH-U12S stands out as a budget-friendly powerhouse in our cooler lineup, driven by its impressive Noctua NF-F12 PWM 120mm fan reaching 1500RPM. With a robust design featuring four copper pipes and nickel plating, it handles a TDP of 140W effortlessly per our testing, making it an ideal choice for Core i5 12600K users.

Build Quality: I can testify to the NH-U12S Noctua’s commitment to durability, featuring a substantial heatsink and well-soldered copper pipes. The nickel-plated finish adds a touch of sophistication and ensures long-lasting resilience. I also appreciate the thoughtful details like corner paddings contributing to its quiet and reliable operation.

Aesthetics: Noctua NH-U12S introduces a unique aesthetic with its signature brown color scheme, while the Chromax lineup we tested offers contemporary white and black variations. The bold design of the NF-F12 PWM fan, coupled with lightweight aluminum fins, adds visual flair and strikes a balance between aesthetics and efficient heat dissipation.

Impressed by the quiet operation of this cooler, this is what our hardware expert, Wajih Hyder Chohan, has to comment on this cooler:

The fan remained barely audible even at full blast, with a low noise level of 28 dB, equivalent to a human whisper at 30 dB. Noise complaints are unlikely, ensuring a quiet computing experience.”

✅Buy It If

Noctua NH-U12S SE-AM4 CPU Cooler with Noctua Heatsink cover, anti-vibration pads and NF-F12 PWM...

1 of 5

Quiet Performance Is Priority: Opt for the Noctua NH-U12S if you seek a cooler, prioritizing a quiet computing experience with efficient thermal dissipation.

You Are On A Budget: If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly air cooler delivering strong performance for mid-range CPUs like the Core i5 12600K, the NH-U12S offers excellent value.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Have Different Aesthetic Preferences: If the default brown color scheme doesn’t align with your visual preferences, even with the option for white and black coolers, consider alternatives that match your build’s aesthetics.

You Have Extreme Overclocking Needs: If you are planning extreme CPU overclocking requiring a higher TDP rating, the NH-U12S with a 140 W rating may have limitations.

What Makes It The Best Value CPU Cooler For The i5-12600K?

The Noctua NH-U12S earns its title as the Best Value CPU Cooler for the i5-12600K by balancing affordability and performance. Its efficient cooling design and a TDP rating of 140W ensure optimal temperature control for the mid-range processor, making it a practical choice for users conscious of both budget and functionality.

Read Our Noctua NH-U12S Review

Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Noise: 10/10	Design: 8/10

NZXT Kraken X53

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i5-12600K

NZXT Kraken X53

Pros

Good OC capability
Silent
Cool LCD

Cons

A little expensive

Cooling Performance: The Kraken X53 AIO cooler is a visual masterpiece endorsed by our PC hardware experts. It features a holo RGB circle on the CPU block and cap. Flexible Nylon sleeved rubber pipes ensure safe bending, while the matte black radiator with NZXT logo houses quiet Aer P 120mm fans for effective airflow. With its ability to handle up to 150W of TDP out of the box, I would say it is an excellent choice for Core i5 12600K users.

Build Quality: The Kraken X53 boasts precision engineering, which is evident in every detail. Well-protected rubber pipes, connected by oscillating pivots, ensure durability and prevent leaks. The matte black radiator, featuring the NZXT logo, houses Aer P 120mm fans for quiet yet efficient cooling.

Aesthetics: With its holo RGB circle and logo on the CPU block and cap, the Kraken X53 adds a touch of sophistication to any PC build. Being an RGB fan, I find its customizable RGB patterns captivating, allowing synchronization with other peripherals and creating a cohesive look. Flexible-sleeved rubber pipes also contribute to a clean setup, while the matte black radiator complements the overall aesthetic.

WARNING: Ensure your PC case has ample space for Kraken X53, as it may pose fitment challenges in compact setups.

✅Buy It If

You Prioritize Aesthetics: If you prioritize a sleek and visually striking build, the NZXT Kraken X53 is an excellent choice. With careful design details, RGB customization, and an attractive CPU block, the NZXT Kraken X53 adds an elegant touch to your PC setup.

You Want Integrated RGB Control: For users who appreciate synchronized RGB lighting across their peripherals, the Kraken X53 stands out.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Have Budget Constraints: If you are on a tight budget and prioritize cost-effective cooling solutions, the NZXT Kraken X53, with its premium design and features, may not be the most budget-friendly option.

You Have Extreme Overclocking Demands: If you plan on pushing your i5-12600K to its limits with extreme overclocking, the Kraken X53’s TDP handling up to 150 W may be a consideration.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i5-12600K?

The NZXT Kraken X53 earns its title as the best 240mm CPU cooler for the i5-12600K due to its meticulous design, user-friendly features, and impressive cooling capabilities. Boasting a visually appealing RGB-accented CPU block, it adds an elegant touch to your PC build. With a practical TDP handling of up to 150 W out of the box, it strikes a balance between aesthetics and high-performance cooling for the i5-12600K.

Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Noise: 9/10	Design: 9/10

EK AIO Elite 360 D-RGB

Best 360mm CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

EK AIO 360 D RGB (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Pros

Comes with RGB and fan hub
High-speed pump
Elegant CPU block
6x EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB fans

Cons

High price point

Cooling Performance: The EK AIO Elite 360 impresses with 6 RGB fans and a striking CPU block with D-RGB lights. Despite the size and performance, I found it ideal for silent builds in my testing. High-quality rubber piping ensures flexibility, and the included EK-Hub controller facilitates easy RPM management and syncing with other components through platforms like MSI Mystic Lights, Asus AuraSync, and Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0.

Build Quality: The EK AIO Elite 360 boasts quality construction, flexible rubber piping, and a visually striking Chrome Nickel CPU block featuring D-RGB lights. The EK-Hub controller, which includes seven addressable RGB LED headers and 4-pin PWM fan headers, ensures efficient organization and syncing with other components.

Aesthetics: EK AIO Elite 360 stands out in our lineup with a flashy CPU block and 6 RGB fans, offering an elegant aesthetic. The Chrome Nickel CPU block, adorned with D-RGB lights, adds sophistication. Customizable lighting modes and the EK-Hub controller provide flexibility for synchronization with other components, making it a visually appealing choice for i5-12600K builds.

Sajjad Hussain, our hardware review expert, has the following thoughts on this cooler:

“The tubing is remarkable, using EK’s “Ultra-Low Evaporation Rubber with Nylon Braided Sleeve.” It features a strong yet flexible criss-cross pattern and measures 400mm in length, making it easy to install at the front of most cases with the tubes entering at the radiator’s bottom.”

✅Buy It If

EK AIO 360 D

1 of 6

You Want Premium Liquid Cooling: If you desire a top-tier liquid cooling experience without the complexity of a custom DIY setup, the EK AIO Elite 360 is an ideal choice.

You Are An RGB Enthusiast: For users who appreciate vibrant RGB lighting, the EK AIO Elite 360 excels with its flashy CPU block, 6x RGB fans, and customizable D-RGB light modes.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Have Budget Constraints: If you’re on a tight budget, the EK AIO Elite 360, with its premium components and extensive features, may be on the higher end of the price spectrum.

You Have Compact Case: For users with compact PC cases, the 360mm radiator of the EK AIO Elite may pose challenges in terms of space.

What Makes It The Best 360mm CPU Cooler For i5-12600K

The EK AIO Elite 360 stands out as the best 360mm CPU cooler for the i5-12600K, combining EK’s liquid cooling expertise with premium components. Boasting a dazzling design with a flashy CPU block and 6x RGB fans, it caters to enthusiasts seeking a vibrant aesthetic. The inclusion of the EK-Hub simplifies cable management and offers easy control over fan RPM. With compatibility with popular RGB control platforms, the EK AIO Elite 360 provides a complete liquid cooling experience.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Noise: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Noctua NH-D15S

Best CPU Cooler For i5-12600K

Noctua NH-D15S

Pros

Dual heatsink design
6 heat pipes
Quiet
Can attach up to 3 fans
OC capability

Cons

Price

Cooling Performance: Noctua NH-D15S stands out for superior RAM and PCI-e clearance in its dual-tower heatsink design. Initially equipped with a single NF-A15 PWM premium fan, it can accommodate up to three fans in a push-pull configuration for efficient cooling. With a remarkable 220W TDP rating, it’s an excellent choice for Core i5 12600K, in my findings, offering both overclocking capability and thoughtful design.

Build Quality: Tailored for optimal clearance, the NH-D15S boasts a robust dual-tower heatsink design. The inclusion of an NF-A15 PWM premium fan, expandable to three, allows versatile cooling configurations. The split heatsink design ensures efficient heat dissipation, while the NF-A15 PWM fan guarantees airflow, acoustic performance, and minimal vibrations.

Aesthetics: Noctua NH-D15S is known for its signature Noctua design, with a brown color scheme. If you are not satisfied with the default brown color, you can also opt for the Chromax lineup, which I personally prefer our brown one. Nevertheless, Noctua’s coolers are recognized for their premium build quality and distinctive color scheme, catering to varied aesthetic preferences.

After taking a closer look at the cooler, Wajih Hyder Chohan, our hardware review expert, was surprised by its performance. This is what he commented:

“The D15 performed impressively, maintaining low noise levels even under load. Noctua’s reputation and the D15’s top-notch cooling make it a great choice, especially for cases with space for large dual heatsinks.”

✅Buy It If

You Need Superior Cooling Performance: With its dual heatsink design, 6 heat pipes, and the capability to attach up to 3 fans, it ensures efficient heat dissipation, making it an ideal choice for the demanding requirements of the i5-12600K.

You Want Quiet Operation: If you value a quiet computing experience, the NH-D15S is a quiet performer with its premium NF-A15 PWM fan and vibration pads, contributing to a noise level as low as 24.6 dB(A).

You Want Overclocking Capability: For users looking to push the limits of their i5-12600K through overclocking, the NH-D15S, with a substantial TDP rating of 220 W, provides headroom for such endeavors.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Have Budget Constraints: If you are on a tight budget and prioritize a more cost-effective cooling solution, the Noctua NH-D15S might be on the higher end of the price range.

You Have Space Limitations: For users with compact PC cases, the sizable dimensions of the NH-D15S may pose challenges.

You Want RGB Lighting: If you prefer a CPU cooler with RGB lighting for aesthetic customization, the NH-D15S, lacking RGB elements, may not align with your visual preferences.

What Makes It The Best CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

The Noctua NH-D15S stands out as the best CPU cooler for the i5-12600K, offering exceptional cooling with its dual heatsink design, 6 heat pipes, and overclocking capability. Known for its quiet operation and efficient heat dissipation, it provides an optimal balance between performance and silence. While the higher price might deter budget-conscious users, its overall design and TDP rating of 220 W make it the best choice for users seeking top-notch cooling for the i5-12600K.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 – White

Best White CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 – White

Pros

Elegant design
Great for white builds
Fully controllable RGB lights
Best thermal performance
OC capability

Cons

Little expensive

Cooling Performance: Equipped with two high static pressure fans reaching 1900RPM, powered by an industrial-grade motor lasting 40,000 hours, I find the Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 excelling in maintaining temperatures at stock clocks and handling overclocking scenarios.

Build Quality: The Galahad AIO 240 boasts robust construction with high static pressure fans and an industrial-grade motor. Even during peak usage, I found it very quiet. The addition of RGB patterns on both fans and the CPU block enhances its overall build quality and visual appeal, making it a standout AIO cooler.

Aesthetics: Besides its stellar performance, the Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 shines with a stunning white color scheme, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for white-themed rigs. The aesthetic finishing, along with various RGB patterns, further cements its position as the best white CPU cooler for the i5-12600K.

PRO TIP: Choose a CPU cooler that aligns with your overall build aesthetics. Whether you prefer a classic design, a sleek white build, or vibrant RGB lighting, selecting a cooler that complements your visual preferences enhances the overall look of your PC.

✅Buy It If

You Want Elegant White Aesthetics: With its elegant white design and RGB patterns on fans and CPU block, it adds a visually stunning touch to your PC setup, making it the best choice for those seeking a white CPU cooler for the i5-12600K.

You Need Fully Controllable RGB Lights: For users who appreciate customizable RGB lighting, the Galahad AIO 240 offers fully controllable RGB lights on both the fans and CPU block.

You Require Excellent Thermal Performance: Capable of handling demanding processors like the i9-12900K, it ensures efficient cooling for the i5-12600K even under overclocked scenarios, making it an ideal choice for users seeking both performance and aesthetics.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Are On A Budget: If you are on a tight budget, the Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 may be on the higher end of the price range.

What Makes It The Best White CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

The Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 White earns its title as the best white CPU cooler for the i5-12600K, offering a perfect blend of elegant aesthetics and top-tier performance. With fully controllable RGB lights, excellent thermal capabilities, and a stunning white color scheme, it stands out as the ideal choice for users aiming to achieve a visually striking, white-themed build while ensuring efficient cooling for their i5-12600K processor.

Best White CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Noise: 9/10	Design: 9/10

MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB CPU Liquid Cooler

Pros

Classic design
Great for black builds
Fully addressable RGB lights
Good thermal performance
Cheaper

Cons

Gets noisy on peak load

Cooling Performance: Cooler Master Liquid ML240L V2 RGB stands out in our lineup for its enduring reliability and community-driven improvements. The V2 version excels in thermal performance, bringing style and illumination to the PC case with a classic-looking plastic CPU block. Enhanced leak-resistant pipes contribute to its performance. With a budget-friendly price and a TDP of 180W, I find it a very powerful yet affordable choice for i5-12600K users.

Build Quality: Cooler Master Liquid ML240L V2 RGB, a testament to reliability, features continuous improvements, and a classic appeal despite the entirely plastic CPU block. Enhanced pipes with improved leak resistance contribute to its overall build quality. The affordability, coupled with abundant attachments, makes me crown Cooler Master as one of the best value coolers for standard usage.

Aesthetics: The Cooler Master Liquid ML240L V2 RGB brings style and illumination to the PC case with its classic-looking plastic CPU block featuring the Cooler Master hexagon mark and RGB backlight. Enhanced pipes and RGB-illuminated fans at 1800RPM enhance its visual appeal. As the best budget CPU cooler for i5-12600K, it offers style and performance for budget-conscious gamers.

PRO TIP: Consider your budget constraints while aiming for the best performance within that range. Coolers like the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB offer a balance between affordability and performance, making them suitable for budget-conscious users.

✅Buy It If

You Want Budget-Friendly Cooler: With a budget-friendly price tag, it provides good thermal performance and RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for users on a tight budget.

You Need Fully Addressable RGB Lights: For users who enjoy customizable RGB lighting, the ML240L V2 RGB offers fully addressable RGB lights on both the CPU block and fans despite being a budget cooler.

You Have Classic Black Build: Its classic design, along with the RGB backlit hexagon mark on the CPU block, makes it suitable for users aiming for a sleek and stylish appearance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Are Noise Sensitive: If you are particularly sensitive to noise and prioritize a quieter PC environment, note that the ML240L V2 RGB may become noisy under peak loads.

You Want Premium Aesthetics: For users looking for premium aesthetics and materials in their CPU cooler, the ML240L V2 RGB, with its plastic CPU block, may not meet those expectations.

You Need High-Performance Overclocking: If you plan on pushing your i5-12600K to its limits with extreme overclocking, you might want to explore coolers with higher TDP ratings to ensure optimal performance under heavy overclocked conditions.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler for i5-12600K

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB earns its title as the best budget CPU cooler for the i5-12600K, offering a combination of affordability, good thermal performance, and customizable RGB lighting. With improvements in the V2 version and a classic design, it caters to users on a budget who seek a reliable cooling solution without compromising on style and illumination within their PC case.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Noise: 7/10	Design: 8/10

Our Tested Benchmarks

We tested a bunch of different CPUs to bring you the top picks for i5-12600K, here are our benchmarks:

Thermal Benchmarks

1 of 2

How We Choose The Best CPU Cooler For i5-12600K?

Us or anyone, while picking the best CPU cooler for i5-12600K, should look out for the following things:

Cooler Brand: Choosing a reputable CPU cooler brand is crucial for reliability and efficient temperature management, especially for a power-hungry processor like the i5-12600K with a high TDP. Our curated list ensures products from trusted brands, attested by reviewers and backed by solid benchmarks.
Thermal Performance and TDP Compatibility: Our recommendations prioritize efficient thermal management, which is crucial for the i5-12600K’s elevated TDP. The selected coolers excel in dissipating heat during stock operations and offer ample headroom for overclocking scenarios, ensuring both optimal performance and compatibility with the processor’s thermal demands.
Socket Compatibility: Since the i5-12600K doesn’t come with a stock cooler, selecting an aftermarket cooler requires consideration of LGA 1700 socket compatibility. We’ve compiled coolers compatible with the i5-12600K, ensuring a hassle-free upgrade process.
Space Constraints: Balancing cooler size with other components like RAM, GPU, and PCIe SSD is vital. Bulky air coolers may impact space, and AIO radiators might pose installation challenges. Our recommendations consider both air and AIO coolers, optimizing space without compromising performance.
Cost Consideration: While the CPU cooler may seem less critical in the overall budget, allocating resources wisely ensures longevity for your CPU. We provide options ranging from budget air coolers to more elaborate AIO setups, catering to diverse budgets without compromising on quality.
RGB Sync Support: Enhancing the visual appeal, coolers with RGB lights can sync with other components for a cohesive look. Compatibility with popular RGB sync technologies like AuraSync, Mystic Lights, or RGB Fusion is considered, adding a stylish touch to your overall build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does I5-12600k Overheat?

Alder Lake is engineered to be more power-hungry because of the cores & threads count with other fresh attributes. With a TDP of 125 W, the Core i5 12600K runs hot, as was the case with its predecessor with a similar TDP.

Are AIO coolers better than Air Coolers?

Air coolers are much better than AIO coolers in price-to-performance ratio, but AIO coolers require less visible room than the bulkier air coolers and also run much cooler.

Can I fit my old CPU cooler over the LGA 1700 socket processor?

Yes, you can, but with the help of the LGA 1700 support bracket, which you need to buy separately, or you can have it free in the new batch of most CPU coolers.

Recent Updates

February 22, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.
February 9, 2024: A few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

15+ years of PC Building Experience
10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

Best CPU Coolers For Core i5-12600K [All Tested In 2024] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF [Budget, Performance, Tested]

Dr. Usman Saleem — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 23:21:29 +0000

The Intel Core i9-14900KF is one of the strongest processors on the market with its overwhelming 24 cores, 32 threads, and 6.0GHz boost clocks, making it one of the best gaming CPUs. However, because of its performance, it also generates tons of heat. So, you’ll need adequate cooling to keep the CPU on par. Therefore, after extensive testing, we have compiled a list of the top CPU coolers for i9-14900KF.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, AIOs, and motherboards for spin.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Here’s a quick look at my top picks for the best CPU coolers for i9-14900KF and a brief comparison of their specs:

Fan

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Great thermal performance, Low noise levels, Additional VRM fan

Extraordinary cooling performance, Exceptional aesthetics, Excellent build quality

Fantastic cooling performance, Silent fan, Clean black coating, Six copper heat pipes, Easy installation process, Premium quality

Competitive thermal performance, Excellent acoustics, Unique all-white theme

Compact radiator size, Superb RGB lighting, Relatively affordable

Extraordinary cooling performance, Unique LCD display implementation, Impressive RGB lighting

What We Disliked

Lacks RGB on pump

Quite expensive

Size issues, No RGB

No RGB lighting on fans

Slightly higher noise level

Very expensive

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dual tower air cooler

360mm AiO

240mm AiO

420mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

398 × 38 × 120 mm

400 × 27 × 124 mm

135 x 150 x 160mm

397 × 27 × 120 mm

277 × 27 × 120 mm

454 × 27 × 139 mm

Fan Speed

1800 RPM

2300 RPM

1,500RPM

2150 RPM

2100 RPM

1700 RPM

Noise Level

22.5 dBA

36 dBA

24.6 dbA

28.1 dBA

34.1 dBA

33.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Great thermal performance, Low noise levels, Additional VRM fan

What We Disliked

Lacks RGB on pump

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

398 × 38 × 120 mm

Fan Speed

1800 RPM

Noise Level

22.5 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Extraordinary cooling performance, Exceptional aesthetics, Excellent build quality

What We Disliked

Quite expensive

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

400 × 27 × 124 mm

Fan Speed

2300 RPM

Noise Level

36 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Fantastic cooling performance, Silent fan, Clean black coating, Six copper heat pipes, Easy installation process, Premium quality

What We Disliked

Size issues, No RGB

Cooler Type

Dual tower air cooler

Dimensions (LxWxH)

135 x 150 x 160mm

Fan Speed

1,500RPM

Noise Level

24.6 dbA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Competitive thermal performance, Excellent acoustics, Unique all-white theme

What We Disliked

No RGB lighting on fans

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

397 × 27 × 120 mm

Fan Speed

2150 RPM

Noise Level

28.1 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Looks

Award

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Compact radiator size, Superb RGB lighting, Relatively affordable

What We Disliked

Slightly higher noise level

Cooler Type

240mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

277 × 27 × 120 mm

Fan Speed

2100 RPM

Noise Level

34.1 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Looks

Award

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Extraordinary cooling performance, Unique LCD display implementation, Impressive RGB lighting

What We Disliked

Very expensive

Cooler Type

420mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

454 × 27 × 139 mm

Fan Speed

1700 RPM

Noise Level

33.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Last Updated:

May 12, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.

[toc]

Buying the i9-14900KF? Check our following tested round-ups:

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

Here is a selection of our best CPU coolers for the i9-14900KF:

Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
Best Performance: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best Air Cooler: Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
Best Budget: Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2
Best 240mm: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT
Best 420mm: Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Great thermal performance
Low noise levels
Excellent aesthetics
Additional VRM fan
Integrated cable management

Cons

Lacks RGB on pump
No fan control

Check Price

Impressively, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO provides superb cooling performance throughout our tests, owing to its high-quality pump and radiator. In our dedicated testing, the cooler kept the CPU at a nice, steady temperature quite comfortably. There’s no denying the exceptional craftsmanship present in the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II. The innovative pump block is expertly built, providing dependable and effective cooling. The top-notch fiber-reinforced tubing not only improves longevity but also has cable management built right in.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is an illustration of modern minimalism in terms of both form and function. We loved the pump block that is finished in a subtle all-black color. Moreover, the spaceship-like design stands out, giving the cooler the limelight it deserves.

Summarizing the cooler’s performance and build quality, our hardware reviewer, Awais Khan stated in his review:

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is a no-frill design that is cost-effective and a low-noise cooling solution from the manufacturer. It packs good performance and offers high convenience during handling and installation.

Buy It If

✅You want the ideal cooler for i9-14900KF while prioritizing VRM temperatures: Considering its excellent cooling performance and overall reliability to keep VRM temperatures cool, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO provides remarkable value and overclocking capabilities.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want RGB lighting on the pump: Even though the pump block looks fine to our eyes, a hint of RGB lighting would have made it even better.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO features a low noise level of just 10.64dB(A), a respectable thermal capacity of 290W, and solid value for money, making it the best overall CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Editor`s Note

Out of all the coolers, my favorite is the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II. The AIO offers impressive thermal performance, beautiful aesthetics, and a breath of fresh air with its unique design. Moreover, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer also offers incredible price-to-performance value, and I believe you can’t go wrong with this purchase.

– Dr. Usman Saleem

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Extraordinary cooling performance
Exceptional aesthetics
Superb RGB implementation
Excellent build quality

Cons

Quite expensive
Slightly higher noise level

Check Price

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 provides exceptional cooling performance in our experience. When paired with the i9-14900KF in our testing, the cooler kept the CPU cool and comfortable without even breaking a sweat. Overclocking is also a breeze with the AIO, and you can get a decent performance uplift. One glance at the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 gave us a good idea about its premium build quality and high-quality finish. Under the hood, we found that the copper cold plate maximizes its heat dissipation capacity, while the diamond-cut brushed aluminum side panels truly make the AIO stand out.

With an extremely pleasing holographic light effect on the pump block and diffused A-RGB lighting on the three provided fans, we think the EK Nucleus CR360 is one of the most visually pleasing AIO coolers on the market. With well-diffused internal LEDs, the lighting in the fans is particularly impressive to us.

Complimenting the AIO cooler’s outstanding cooling performance along with its aesthetics, Awais Khan states in his review:

The EK Nucelus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler.

Buy It If

✅You want to overclock the Core i9-14900KF: Thanks to its extraordinary cooling performance, we were able to achieve extraordinary overclocking results with the i9-14900KF without worrying about temperatures.

Don't Buy It If

❌Your budget is limited: Although its value proposition remains positive, we think that it is still an expensive CPU cooler that can deplete your savings.

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux can comfortably handle our overclocking sessions, featuring exceptional thermal dissipation capabilities and high-quality EK Vardar-S fans, making it the best performance CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Read EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO Cooler Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Fantastic cooling performance
Silent fan
Clean black coating
Six copper heat pipes
Easy installation process
Premium quality

Cons

Size issues
No RGB

Check Price

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black provides outstanding cooling performance with its NF-A15 140mm fan running at 1,500RPM speeds. While overclocking the Intel Core i9-14900KF may be difficult with this cooler, our dedicated testing showed the CPU won’t face any thermal throttling issues even under full load. The CPU cooler also delivers premium build quality offering six copper heat pipes directly soldered to a copper baseplate. Moreover, the heatsink has a dense FPI which helps the cooler gain its tremendous heat dissipation properties. Furthermore, the fan uses SSO2 bearings and has four anti-vibrational pads for lower noise.

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black offers standard looks with an all-black design with no RGB elements on the cooler. While we disliked the lack of RGB, the cooler is perfect for anyone building a workstation or a stealth PC due to its darker design elements. Additionally, the coating has a sleek finish, making it look good.

Talking about the cooler’s cooling performance, Nauman Siddique was astounded and stated the following in his review:

We have no doubt in the capabilities of the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black based on its performance throughout our testing; we consider it a powerful champion among its competition and one of the best air coolers we have tested. The cooler also comes with a 6-year international guarantee, which adds to our faith in Noctua’s quality.

Buy It If

✅You require a powerful air cooler with silent fans: If you’re looking for the best air cooling solution that also doesn’t produce lots of noise, then we recommend purchasing the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black air cooler because of its outstanding airflow, cooling performance, and lower 24.6dB(A) noise levels.

Don't Buy It If

❌You’re using a smaller PC case: We don’t recommend buying the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black CPU cooler if you’re using a smaller PC case because of the cooler’s larger size that may pose installation problems. So, before making a purchase, it’s recommended to measure your case and RAM compatibility.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black CPU cooler provides outstanding cooling performance, immense airflow capabilities, and premium build quality with its 140mm fan running at 1,500RPM speeds. Moreover, the air cooler comes in an all-black design making it perfect for stealth builds. Thus, these points make it the best air cooler for i9-14900KF.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 - Scenic V2 Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 397 × 27 × 120mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,150RPM | Noise Level: 28.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Competitive thermal performance
Excellent acoustics
Unique all-white theme
Superb pump block design
Relatively affordable

Cons

No RGB lighting on fans

Check Price

The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 managed to keep the i9-14900KF’s temperatures in check during our dedicated testing while being a value-oriented AIO cooler. You can even try your hand at manual overclocking but with reasonable expectations. Personally, we didn’t find any bottlenecking issues through overclocking, either. The Frozen Magic 360mm AIO features superb build quality. We found that the pump block uses an aluminum casing, giving a premium feel to the central component of the AIO. We also love that the tubing is protected using multi-woven polymer sleeves for protection against abrasions and evaporation.

The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 stands out, particularly for its unique all-white design that is tailor-made for your white PC build. The pump block has a refined mirror finish with A-RGB lighting. The non-RGB fans match well with a white PC case. We believe the AIO is one of the best white CPU coolers on the market.

Astounded by the cooler’s performance and pricing, Awais Khan states in his review:

The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 is a hidden gem when it comes to the liquid coolers’ paradise. This underdog has a high-performance capability, particularly on the latest platforms, and it does so without breaking the bank.

Buy It If

✅You want the best value for money from a white AIO cooler: Thanks to its affordable price tag and superb cooling, we concluded that the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 is a value champion. The cooler is also a perfect fit for a white PC build which further increases its value.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want RGB lighting on fans: Thermalright decided to go with all-white fans for this CPU cooler, which means that they lack RGB lighting. This may be a letdown for many gamers, making them stay away from the cooler.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

In our testing, the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 delivers solid cooling performance while also being supremely quiet and relatively affordable, making it the best budget CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Compact radiator size
Superb RGB lighting
Relatively affordable
Respectable thermal performance

Cons

Higher noise level
Not ideal for overclocking

Check Price

Surprisingly, the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix XT handled the Core i9-14900KF quite well at stock settings in our dedicated tests, which is great news for value hunters. Although its overclocking capabilities are limited, you can still use the i9-14900KF comfortably without bottlenecking issues. Equipped with premium crafting materials and tight tolerances, we feel that the Corsair H100i Elite is extremely well-made. The fiber-reinforced tubing is a great addition to the package, while the Corsair AF RGB Elite PWM fans certainly take the build quality of the cooler to the next level.

The central CPU block is the main attraction of the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix XT, with RGB lighting illuminating a very distinct pattern on the block that elevates the design of the cooler. We appreciate the Corsair AF RGB fans that come with supremely well-implemented A-RGB lighting.

Loving the cooler’s outstanding cooling performance, our hardware reviewer, Nauman Siddique, states in his cooler review:

The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT White cooler is another top-performing AIO in the 240mm size category. This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features with a 5-year warranty.

Buy It If

✅You want a compact liquid cooler without thermal throttling your CPU: With a 240mm radiator footprint, we observed that the Corsair H100i Elite can fit into most PC cases without thermal throttling high-end CPUs.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a quieter cooling solution: Although we found the acoustic profile to be quite comfortable even at its maximum fan speed of 2,100RPM, the peak noise level of 34.1dB(A) is pretty noisy and can get disturbing for many users.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The Corsair H100i Elite stands above its competition thanks to its excellent thermal capacity of 270W, superb build quality, and excellent value for money, making it the best 240mm CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

PRO TIP: The front plate of the pump block can be upgraded to a screen, using the ELITE LCD Upgrade Kit.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Extraordinary cooling performance
Unique LCD display implementation
Impressive RGB lighting
Premium build quality

Cons

Expensive
Possible compatibility issues

Check Price

Undeniably, our testing shows that the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite shines in the cooling department, as one can expect from a 420mm liquid cooler. In our testing, the Corsair H170i Elite is one of the very few CPU coolers that can handle an overclocked i9-14900KF without breaking a sweat. The high-quality materials used in the cooler are evident to us. Moreover, the fiber-reinforced tubing gives a palpable sense of luxury to the cooler. In our opinion, even the AF-series fans are crafted expertly using superb materials and fine workmanship.

One look at the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite will showcase its glamorous design language in all its glory. The RGB illumination on the fans is expertly diffused and well-integrated, adding to the overall personality of the cooler. We also loved the LCD screen on the CPU block, which reinforces the aesthetics of the AIO.

Summarizing the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite’s performance and aesthetics, Nauman Siddique states in his review:

With excellent thermal performance that is augmented by a well-executed IPS LCD Screen and extensive customization options using iCUE and lighting effects, the iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT is definitely a worthy contender should your wallet afford it in addition to your PC Case. It comes recommended by us.

Buy It If

✅You want to overclock the i9-14900KF without losing out on aesthetics: Our testing shows that the 420mm radiator and well-crafted pump provide exceptional thermal performance, allowing you to overclock the i9-14900KF comfortably without losing out on remarkable aesthetics.

Don't Buy It If

❌You’re using an ATX case: If you’re using a smaller ATX case, you might have compatibility issues with installing the radiator. If that is the case, we don’t recommend purchasing this AIO cooler.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

Apart from its unparalleled cooling capabilities, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite also features premium build quality and unique personalization features, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Why We Skipped These Top-Rated Coolers For i9-14900KF?

It wouldn’t be much of a listicle if we added every CPU cooler that pairs well with the i9-14900KF. Here are a few top contenders we had to pass on and why:

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420: It is significantly pricier and has noisier fans.
Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360: The cooler doesn’t provide as much performance as other budget 360mm AIOs at the same price range.

Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

The cooling performance of a CPU cooler is the most important aspect to consider when making a purchase. Therefore, we have attached our performance results of all the coolers that are present in this article.

Thermal Performance Of The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF. (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

Here are some important terms that you must know when shopping for a CPU cooler.

AIO: AIO cooling solutions come pre-assembled and sealed, making them easy to install without the need for custom loop setups. AIO coolers consist of a pump, radiator, fans, and tubing, providing efficient cooling for CPUs.
Heatsink: A passive component with fins that dissipates heat generated by the CPU, transferring it away to maintain a lower temperature.
Heat pipes: Heat-conductive tubes filled with coolant that transport heat from the CPU to the cooler’s fins for dissipation.
Airflow: The movement of air within the case to carry away heat, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
Thermal Paste: A conductive material applied between the CPU and cooler base to enhance heat transfer and reduce temperature.
TDP: The maximum amount of heat a CPU cooler must dissipate to keep the CPU within its operational temperature range.
Noise Level: The amount of sound produced by the CPU cooler, indicating how loud it is during operation.
Socket Compatibility: The types of CPU sockets a cooler is designed to fit, ensuring it is compatible with your CPU and motherboard.
Overclocking: The process of increasing a CPU’s clock speed and voltage beyond its factory settings, often requiring a more robust cooler to manage increased heat production.
FPI: FPI refers to the number of fins packed into one inch of a heat sink or radiator in a liquid cooling system. Higher FPI values typically indicate better heat dissipation but may require more powerful fans to maintain optimal airflow.

WARNING: Always check the compatibility of the air cooler with your case and memory.

How We Picked The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

Buying a CPU cooler can be a complicated process, especially if you are new to the world of DIY PC building. However, considering a few key factors in your purchase decision can help you save a lot of time and get the ideal cooler for your needs. Here are a few factors you should take into consideration:

Cooling Performance: It is important to research and compare benchmarks to assess the cooler’s efficiency in various situations. A well-built cooler not only keeps temperatures in check at stock settings but also enhances the overclocking potential for your i9-14900KF CPU.
Noise Level: When buying a CPU cooler, check its rated decibel level and the maximum speed of its pump and fans. It is also vital to check acoustic benchmarks in various situations with different components as well as load levels. Fans with fine PWM control and smoother fan curves provide a better acoustic experience.
Design: A CPU cooler takes up the central spot in your PC case and, therefore, contributes greatly to its overall look. Nowadays, CPU coolers come with different color options, design patterns, and RGB lighting for added customization. Some high-end models include a personalized LCD display on the pump block for better aesthetics.
Value For Money: When buying a CPU cooler for the i9-14900KF, it is vital to assess the price tag and the price-to-performance ratio the cooler offers. A more expensive cooler may not necessarily be the better choice, and similarly, a more affordable cooler might not provide the performance necessary to cool down your i9-14900KF CPU.

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FAQs

Is 14900KF good for gaming?

Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900KF is great for gaming. In fact, as of the time of writing, the Core i9-14900KF shares the top spot in gaming performance with its sibling, the Core i9-14900K. This CPU is always found in the top positions in gaming benchmarks.

What is the difference between i9-14900KF and 14900K?

While both the Intel Core i9-14900KF and Core i9-14900K are the exact same in terms of performance and architecture, the Core i9-14900KF does not have integrated graphics. This makes it a better choice for those users who want to use a dedicated graphics card.

What is the TDP of i9-14900KF?

Officially, the Core i9-14900KF has a TDP of 125W, but that does not tell the whole story. The CPU also has a PL2 rating of 253W, which is more realistic in terms of the power draw you would expect when using the Core i9-14900KF to its full potential at stock settings.

Recent Updates

February 18, 2024: We have replaced the DeepCool Assassin IV with the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black because while both have similar prices and performance, the latter’s fans are quieter and it comes in a smaller size, improving compatibility issues.
November 15, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

Dr. Usman Saleem

[Reviews Specialist]

Usman Saleem brings 8+ years of comprehensive PC hardware expertise to the table. His journey in the tech world has involved in-depth tech analysis and insightful PC hardware reviews, perfecting over 6+ years of dedicated work. Usman’s commitment to staying authentic and relevant in the field is underscored by many professional certifications, including a recent one in Google IT Support Specialization.

8+ years of specialized PC hardware coverage
6+ years of in-depth PC hardware analysis and reviews
Lead PC hardware expert across multiple tech journalism platforms
Certified in Google IT Support Specialization

Get In Touch: usman@tech4gamers.com

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF [Budget, Performance, Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

We Have Tested The Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700K In 2024

Dr. Usman Saleem — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:06:58 +0000

The i7-14700K is one of Intel’s fastest gaming CPUs, providing outstanding value thanks to its 20 cores and 28 threads running at 5.6GHz boost clocks. However, to sustain the CPU’s performance, you also need adequate cooling. Therefore, after extensive research, we have compiled a list of the top CPU coolers for i7-14700K in this guide.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, AIOs, and motherboards for spin.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Before we ruffle into the specifics, here are the general specifications of my recommended coolers:

CPU Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm A-RGB

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

Alphacool Aurora Eisbaer Pro 420mm

Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Best Performance Cooler For i7-14700K

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Socket Support, Performance, Installation

Performance, Removable Lid, Warranty, Design

RGB, Infinity Mirror, Performance, Price

Removable Pump Cap, iCUE and Commander Core, Color Variants

Build Quality, Aesthetics, Socket Support

Excellent performance, Beautiful design, Easy installation

What We Disliked

No Fan Control

Fans

Design, Fans

USB 2.0 Header Requirement

Fans

PC case & RAM compatibility issues

Fans

3x ARCTIC P12 — 120mm

3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm

3x SquA RGB ADV 120mm

2x AF RGB Elite 120mm

3x Rise Aurora 140mm

2x Silent Wings 135mm PWM Fans

Fan Speed

200 — 1,800RPM

550 — 2,300RPM

500 — 2,000RPM

550 — 2,100RPM

0 — 2,000RPM

2,000RPM

Noise

10.64dB(A)

36dB(A)

15 — 32.6dB(A)

5 — 34.1dB(A)

N/A

25.8dB(A)

Dimensions

398 x 120 x 38mm

400 x 124 x 27mm

394 x 120 x 27mm

277 x 120 x 27mm

460 x 144 x 30mm

120 x 136 x 168mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

CPU Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Socket Support, Performance, Installation

What We Disliked

No Fan Control

Fans

3x ARCTIC P12 — 120mm

Fan Speed

200 — 1,800RPM

Noise

10.64dB(A)

Dimensions

398 x 120 x 38mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

CPU Cooler

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Performance Cooler For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Performance, Removable Lid, Warranty, Design

What We Disliked

Fans

3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm

Fan Speed

550 — 2,300RPM

Noise

36dB(A)

Dimensions

400 x 124 x 27mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

CPU Cooler

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

What We Liked

RGB, Infinity Mirror, Performance, Price

What We Disliked

Design, Fans

Fans

3x SquA RGB ADV 120mm

Fan Speed

500 — 2,000RPM

Noise

15 — 32.6dB(A)

Dimensions

394 x 120 x 27mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

CPU Cooler

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

Looks

Award

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Removable Pump Cap, iCUE and Commander Core, Color Variants

What We Disliked

USB 2.0 Header Requirement

Fans

2x AF RGB Elite 120mm

Fan Speed

550 — 2,100RPM

Noise

5 — 34.1dB(A)

Dimensions

277 x 120 x 27mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

CPU Cooler

Alphacool Aurora Eisbaer Pro 420mm

Looks

Award

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Build Quality, Aesthetics, Socket Support

What We Disliked

Fans

3x Rise Aurora 140mm

Fan Speed

0 — 2,000RPM

Noise

N/A

Dimensions

460 x 144 x 30mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

CPU Cooler

Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Excellent performance, Beautiful design, Easy installation

What We Disliked

PC case & RAM compatibility issues

Fans

2x Silent Wings 135mm PWM Fans

Fan Speed

2,000RPM

Noise

25.8dB(A)

Dimensions

120 x 136 x 168mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Last Updated:

May 10, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.

[toc]

Here are more tested round-ups for the Intel Core i7-14700K:

Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

I would recommend these coolers for the i7-14700K

Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB
Best Performance: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best Air Cooler: Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite
Best Budget: Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm A-RGB
Best 240mm: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT
Best 420mm: Alphacool Aurora Eisbaer Pro 420mm

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Pre-installed fans
Easy installation
Wide socket support
Amazing thermal performance

Cons

No fan control

Check Price

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II has a 300W TDP, enough for any high-end processor, including the i7-14700K. Our dedicated testing showed the i7-14700K hitting a maximum of 45°C to 55°C under heavier loads. Additionally, you can easily overclock and enhance your performance. The build quality of the AIO is fantastic. Upon inspection, we discovered that the heat dissipation and the product’s longevity increased with a fully aluminum build and copper fins. The AIO also offers a copper baseplate and a metallic designed pump, showcasing superb build quality.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is one of the most aesthetically pleasing coolers. You get fully customizable RGB for your fans. However, you won’t get any RGB on the pump itself. The thick tubes make the AIO more aesthetically pleasing. You can make the cooler fit in most build types with black and gray colors.

Awais Khan, one of our hardware reviewers who tested the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO, said this:

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is a no-frill design that is cost-effective and a low-noise cooling solution from the manufacturer. It packs good performance and offers high convenience during handling and installation. It comes recommended by us.

Buy It If

✅You’re new to AIO coolers and want high-end performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO offers easy installation, making it user-friendly for newcomers. If you’re new to AIOs and are looking for a high-performance cooler, we recommend purchasing this one.

Don't Buy It If

❌You need fan control: Unfortunately, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II does now allow users the pump and VRM fan control. The fans catch speed and work depending on the temperatures, and you cannot set your preferred fan speeds.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The exceptional thermal performance, unique pump design, high-quality build, thick tubes, and silent fans are a few reasons that make the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO the best overall CPU cooler for i7-14700K. Furthermore, the AIO’s value increases with lots of thermal headroom and overclocking potential.

Editor`s Note

I loved the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO cooler the most out of all the selections because of its outstanding cooling performance, exotic aesthetics, and impressive value in terms of price and performance. If you want the best balance between performance, price, aesthetics, and build quality, then this purchase will keep you happy.

– Dr. Usman Saleem

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 10/10	Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Thermal performance
Removable lid
Six-year warranty
EK-OmniLink
Radiator design

Cons

Noisy fans

Check Price

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 offers 3x 120mm fans. With a 300W TDP, you can efficiently dissipate enough heat to cool the i7-14700K, allowing it to overclock considerably well. During our dedicated testing, the i7-14700K was running at ~43°C to 48°C under heavy gaming loads. The heat dissipation properties increase significantly with a complete aluminum radiator design and a copper coldplate as we delve into the cooler’s build quality. Also, the 400m thick tube is made of an ultra-low evaporation rubber with nylon braided sleeves, exponentially increasing the AIO tube’s longevity.

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 has an amazingly dark aesthetic. Because the cooler has D-RGB, we used our Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master motherboard’s supporting software to customize the RGB easily. The pump itself looks beautiful and fits well with most PC builds.

Summarizing the cooler’s performance, Awais Khan states in his review:

EK Water Blocks is back in business with its new generation of liquid coolers in the AIO category. Meet the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB cooler, which is quite innovative from its design. It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler, albeit a bit high price tag.

PRO TIP: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB cooler allows users to change the fan speeds. So, if the fan noise is bothersome, you can reduce the fan speed to make them quieter. However, this will also increase overall temperatures.

Buy It If

✅You want maximum thermal performance without cable clutter: If you want the ultimate thermal performance for your i7-14700K, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 will serve you well. Furthermore, the cooler doesn’t make a mess with lots of cables and improves the overall aesthetic.

Don't Buy It If

❌You dislike noisy fans: With a fan noise of ~36dB(A), the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB isn’t the quietest cooler out there. If you dislike noise in your environment while working, I wouldn’t recommend you buy the cooler. You can, however, lower the fan speed to reduce fan noise if that’s an issue.

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The high-density and high-quality fins, along with an aluminum-based radiator having a copper coldplate and outstanding heat dissipation thanks to the 120mm fans running at a maximum of 2,300RPM speeds, are a few reasons that make the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB the best performance CPU cooler for i7-14700K.

Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB CPU Cooler Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 7/10	Design: 9/10

Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700K

Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent thermal performance
Magnetic top cover
Subtle A-RGB lighting
Convenient installation
Superb build quality
Decent overclocking headroom

Cons

Shorter warranty period
PC case & RAM compatibility issues

Check Price

The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite air cooler provides outstanding cooling performance thanks to its dual-tower design, housing 2x 135mm PWM fans running at 2,000 RPM speeds. Moreover, during our dedicated cooling tests with i7-14700K, the CPU cooler showed no thermal throttling issues at full load. Besides its impressive cooling performance, the air cooler also has premium build quality, with seven heat pipes directly soldered to a copper baseplate to improve the cooler’s heat dissipation capabilities. Additionally, we loved the cooler’s aluminum heatsink with a thicker FPI for better cooling. The fans also have anti-vibration pads.

The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite air cooler surprised us with its beautiful aesthetics, featuring a magnetic lid at the top along with slight A-RGB lighting. Furthermore, the air cooler also has a darker aesthetic, which looks beautiful in stealthier builds with slight RGB here and there. So, this cooler is perfect if you don’t want too much RGB.

Complimenting the cooler’s outstanding performance, Hayyan Server, one of our cooler experts, said:

The be quiet! Dark Rock Elite is a premium air cooler offering top-notch cooling with its dual-tower design, two Silent Wings 4 fans, and 7 heat pipes. It combines performance with aesthetics, featuring ARGB LEDs and a special black coating for improved heat transfer.

Buy It If

✅You require outstanding air cooling with beautiful aesthetics: If you’re looking for an air cooler that provides outstanding cooling performance when paired with i7-14700K and also has beautiful aesthetics, then we recommend purchasing the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite because of its airflow and looks.

Don't Buy It If

❌You have clearance issues, and you want a longer warranty: We don’t recommend buying this air cooler if you’re likely to face RAM or PC case clearance issues because the cooler has ~32mm of RAM clearance. Also, the cooler has a 3-year warranty, so if you want a longer warranty, you should stay clear of this product.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i7-14700K?

The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite CPU cooler provides outstanding air cooling with its 2x 135mm fans running at 2,000 RPM, which also improves the PC’s airflow. The cooler also has beautiful aesthetics and superb build quality. Thus making it the best air cooler for i7-14700K.

Read Our Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite Cooler Review

Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Noise: 9/10	Design: 8/10

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm A-RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Enermax AQUAFUSION ADV 360 Pictures from Our Review

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Specifications: Fans: 3x SquA RGB ADV 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 500 — 2,000RPM | Noise: 15 — 32.6dB(A) | Dimensions: 394 x 120 x 27mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011, 2011-3, 1366 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Brilliant A-RGB lighting
Infinity mirror
Great budget thermal performance
380W TDP rating

Cons

Noisy fans
Lackluster design

Check Price

The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm AIO cooler houses 3x 120mm fans running at a maximum speed of 2,000 RPM. Moreover, the i7-14700K CPU averaged 57°C to 60°C during our game testing. So, you can slightly overclock your CPU while keeping the temperatures at ~75°C. The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm has a thinner radiator than other AIO coolers. In any case, the AIO showcases a copper baseplate with an aluminum-designed radiator. Additionally, while installing the cooler, we realized the 400mm tube does not kink, providing a 90° bend.

The cooler’s new infinity mirror technology gives it a decent look with a big pump design. In person, it looks great, but the “Enermax” text’s direction can’t be changed. Meaning you can’t move the pump. Other than that, we find the black design looks gorgeous, and the RGB fans even out the dark aesthetic.

Talking about the cooler’s value, our hardware expert, Nauman Siddique, stated during his cooler review:

ENERMAX is providing a comprehensive performance-packed and feature-rich cooling solution at pocket-friendly pricing with a generous 5-year warranty. Performance and digital lighting are two hallmarks of this cooler, and compatibility with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This unit comes recommended by us, though keep an ear out for fan noise!

Buy It If

✅You require remarkable 360mm AIO cooling on a tight budget: Wanting a 360mm AIO to cool your high-end processor is a logical move for any gamer. If you’re looking for a 360mm AIO cooler under a tighter budget, we recommend the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm AIO.

Don't Buy It If

❌You’re not a fan of thin radiators: While it provides a different look, if you’re not a fan of slim radiator designs, the Enermax Aquafusion AIO won’t suit your tastes. The radiator doesn’t have a durable feel, although it is pretty durable in its own right.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

Enough cooling performance for gamers to allow overclocking their processor while staying under a short budget, a robust design, and RGB possibilities make the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm AIO the best budget CPU cooler for i7-14700K.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Noise: 7/10	Design: 8/10

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

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Specifications: Fans: 2x AF RGB Elite 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 550 — 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 5 — 34.1dB(A) | Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 27mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTRX4, sTR4 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Removable pump cap
Comprehensive software capabilities
Customizable CPU block
Commander Core and iCUE
Multiple color options

Cons

USB 2.0 header requirement
Non-magnetic commander core

Check Price

The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT cooler houses 2x 120mm fans that run at 2,100RPM speeds. Furthermore, the processor averaged between 59°C and 62°C in our gaming tests, making it possible to overclock the i7-14700K. Moreover, we got a decent performance boost through our overclocking tests. The cooler’s coldplate is made of 100% pure copper, while the radiator has an aluminum design with a few chunks of metal. Moreover, the tubes are made of black-sleeved low-permeation rubber, which increases the tubes’ lifespan. The cooler also comes with three pump caps and a cap remover tool.

You can easily customize the RGB on the cooler with access to Corsair’s commander core and iCUE technologies. Additionally, the Corsair iCUE H100i is a perfect cooler to install in a white PC build. If you want a different pump cap, you can easily change it, making customization easier.

Talking about the value of the Corsair iCUE H100i, Nauman Siddique staples his opinion in his review:

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT White cooler is another top-performing AIO offer from the manufacturer in the 240mm size category. This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features with a 5-year warranty, albeit at a steep price.

Buy It If

✅You want a decent-value cooler with exceptional performance: The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler offers decent value. If you’re under a slightly tighter budget but want to overclock the i7-14700K, we recommend buying this cooler.

Don't Buy It If

❌You don’t have a free USB 2.0 header: For reasons unknown, Corsair decided to include a USB 2.0 header with the commander core. Therefore, if you don’t have a spare USB 2.0 header to connect the commander core, I don’t recommend purchasing the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The impressive cooling performance capabilities for its size, along with customization capabilities and overclocking potential, make the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT the best 240mm CPU cooler for i7-14700K. The high-quality, durable material, along with the fast yet silent fans, add to the value of the AIO cooler.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 9/10	Design: 10/10

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

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Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm.Specifications: Fans: 3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans | Fan Speed: 0 — 2,000RPM | Noise Level: N/A | Dimensions: 460 x 144 x 30mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, 3647, 4189 AMD: AM4, AM5, TR4, sTRX4, sWRX8, SP3 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Full stainless steel radiator
Amazing aesthetics
Extensive socket support
Fantastic modularity

Cons

Noisy fans
Unsuited for bigger cases

Check Price

The i7-14700K averaged 50°C and 55°C during our game tests at higher loads with the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm cooler. Therefore, you can go haywire if you want to overclock the processor. However, figuring out the proper airflow can be difficult because of its bigger radiator. The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora has copper cooling fins and a nickel-plated copper coldplate. Moreover, the cooler houses brass threads and a stainless steel radiator. These materials help immensely with heat dissipation, which is why the AIO has such impressive cooling performance.

The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora’s radiator comes in black, while the tubes have a matte black finish, providing a darker aesthetic. The leading beauty lies in the CPU block, however. With a side-open glass, you get a new look most coolers don’t offer. We truly loved the cooler’s design and aesthetic.

After testing multiple CPU coolers back-to-back, our hardware tester, Sajjad Hussain, commented:

Their Eisbaer Pro AURORA 420 is an all-rounder liquid cooler capable of taming your high-end CPUs with the ability and capacity to handle overclocking as well. Plus, it comes with extensive socket support and an aura of digital RGB lighting effects.

Buy It If

✅You need a modular AIO cooler: Not many AIO coolers offer modularity. The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora has quick disconnect fittings that allow users to install more radiators. Furthermore, you get a handy refill port when refilling the liquid in the cooler. These features make the cooler modular and are things many gamers look for in modern AIO coolers.

Don't Buy It If

❌You have a smaller case: If you have a smaller ATX case, the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm AIO might not fit in the chassis. Even if it does, you may get issues with GPU installation. Moreover, you can’t fit the cooler on top either, leaving only a front installation available.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The remarkable build quality and terrific cooling performance of the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora allows gamers to overclock their processor easily, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for i7-14700K. The epic looks and dark aesthetics with slim fans make the cooler a better prospect than its competition.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 7/10	Design: 10/10

Some Coolers We Passed On

Testing various CPU coolers made us realize not all of them are the best choices for i7-14700K. Here are a few strong contenders we didn’t select:

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120L V2: Higher fan noise even with a lower fan curve.
Alphacool Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora 360: It produces greater noise than its competition.

Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700K

The cooling performance of a cooler is the most important factor before purchase, and as such, we have incorporated our testing results in the following graphs. You will be able to find test results of our selected products while the i7-14700K is under full load and the temperatures we observed in multiple games.

Thermal Performance Of The Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700K. (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

FPI: Short for Fins Per Inch, FPI is a crucial term for radiators to know how many fins a radiator has. More fins translates to better cooling capabilities for the CPU cooler.
CFM: Also stands for Cubic Feet per Minute; CFM is a crucial reading for fans, showcasing how much air they can move depending on their strength in a given area. Higher CFM equates to better airflow capabilities.
RPM: Rotations Per Minute define how many rotational cycles a fan can perform in a minute. Faster RPM speeds equate to greater cooling but also more noise.
Radiator: Radiators are the heat exchangers of an AIO CPU cooler. They are densely packed with heat fins and come in different sizes: 120mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, 420mm, and 480mm. You can mount your radiator at the top, front, or side of the case as per your airflow and aesthetic requirements.
Heatsink: Heatsinks are present in CPU and GPU coolers and are made of highly conductive metals to absorb and dissipate heat.
TDP: Short for Thermal Design Power, TDP differs for CPUs and CPU coolers. For a CPU, the TDP states the amount of heat the processor emits. On the other hand, for a CPU cooler, the TDP refers to the amount of heat the cooler dissipates. Your cooler’s TDP should always be higher than your processor’s.

How We Tested & Picked The Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Factors to consider before purchasing a CPU cooler can be quite complex if you’re new and don’t understand CPU coolers that well. Therefore, I compiled a short list of what you should look for in a CPU cooler when you purchase one for your i7-14700K.

Size: I always measure my RAM clearance space for an air cooler, GPU clearance space for a front radiator, and overall chassis measurement for AIO cooling to avoid mishaps. That’s how I selected the best 240mm, 360mm, and 420mm AIO coolers and the best air cooler for i7-14700K.
Noise Levels: A good fan noise is around 30dB(A) to 35dB(A). The annoying fan whirring noise starts from 45dB(A) and above. Therefore, I chose CPU coolers that don’t produce so much noise while keeping the cooling performance in check.
TDP: When choosing a CPU cooler, you must always ensure your CPU cooler’s TDP rating is higher than the TDP rating of the processor you’re purchasing. If the cooler’s TDP is lower than the CPU’s, you will emit more heat than dissipating. Thus, the cooler will be inefficient, and you will see thermal throttling.
Aesthetics: After the graphics card, the second most prominent component is the CPU cooler. You’ll want the best aesthetics if you build a flashy build with lots of eye candy. For that reason, I specifically chose CPU coolers whose RGB can be modified and have exotic designs to fit with different PC themes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cooling is needed for the i7-14700K processor?

Going with an AIO cooler is the best option to cool the Intel Core i7-14700K.

Is air cooling enough for the i7-14700K CPU?

It depends. If you’re using a high-end air cooler like the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black, air cooling will be enough. However, if you use a budget air cooler, you might not get the same results.

Does the Intel Core i7-14700K come with a cooler?

No. The Intel Core i7-14700K processor does not come with a cooler.

What is the best AIO liquid cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB AIO cooler is the best cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor.

How much power does the i7-14700K processor use?

The Intel Core i7-14700K has a 125W base TDP and a 253W turbo power TDP, and utilizes as much power.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

Recent Updates

February 13, 2024: We have replaced the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black with the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Elite due to the latter having lower fan noise while providing similar cooling performance and wearing a similar price tag.
November 2, 2023: A few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Dr. Usman Saleem

[Reviews Specialist]

Get In Touch: usman@tech4gamers.com

We Have Tested The Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700K In 2024 is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best CPU Coolers For i7-13700k [We Tested All]

Hayyan Serwer — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:27:02 +0000

When we tested the Core i7-13700K, we noticed that apart from rock-solid performance in both gaming and productivity, the CPU had a high power draw and, consequently, high thermals. So, to keep this beast at optimal temperatures, we tested over a hundred CPU coolers to round up our top cooler picks for the i7-13700K.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Here are our picks portrayed in a comparison table:

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB

Noctua NH-L9i Chromax.Black

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Things We Liked

Quality, RAM Clearance, Aesthetics, Silent Fan, Installation

LCD, Performance, Aesthetics

RGB, Value, RAM Clearance, Installation

Design, Value, Noise, Aesthetics

Things We Disliked

Size, Price, No RGB

Expensive, Noise

Warranty, Performance

No RGB, Limited Overclocking Capabilities

Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Single-Tower Air Cooler

Low Profile Air Cooler

Fans

1x NF-A15 PWM 140mm

3x NF-F12 iPPC 2000 PWM 120mm

1 x SF120R RGB

NF-A9x14

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

2200 RPM

650-2000 RPM

600-2500 RPM

Noise

24.6dB(A)

36.5dB(A)

30dB(A)

23.6dB(A)

Price

$109.95

$479.99

$57.95

$54.95

TDP

205W

241W

150W

RGB

Dimensions

‎160 x 150 x 135mm

121 × 394 × 27mm

123 x 77 x 158.8mm

95 x 95 x 37mm

Amazon

NewEgg

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Things We Liked

Quality, RAM Clearance, Aesthetics, Silent Fan, Installation

Things We Disliked

Size, Price, No RGB

Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

Fans

1x NF-A15 PWM 140mm

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

Noise

24.6dB(A)

Price

$109.95

TDP

205W

RGB

Dimensions

‎160 x 150 x 135mm

Amazon

NewEgg

Cooler

ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB

How It Looks

Award

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K

Things We Liked

LCD, Performance, Aesthetics

Things We Disliked

Expensive, Noise

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Fans

3x NF-F12 iPPC 2000 PWM 120mm

Fan Speed

2200 RPM

Noise

36.5dB(A)

Price

$479.99

TDP

241W

RGB

Dimensions

121 × 394 × 27mm

Amazon

NewEgg

Cooler

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB

How It Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Things We Liked

RGB, Value, RAM Clearance, Installation

Things We Disliked

Warranty, Performance

Type

Single-Tower Air Cooler

Fans

1 x SF120R RGB

Fan Speed

650-2000 RPM

Noise

30dB(A)

Price

$57.95

TDP

150W

RGB

Dimensions

123 x 77 x 158.8mm

Amazon

NewEgg

Cooler

Noctua NH-L9i Chromax.Black

How It Looks

Award

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Things We Liked

Design, Value, Noise, Aesthetics

Things We Disliked

No RGB, Limited Overclocking Capabilities

Type

Low Profile Air Cooler

Fans

NF-A9x14

Fan Speed

600-2500 RPM

Noise

23.6dB(A)

Price

$54.95

TDP

150W

RGB

Dimensions

95 x 95 x 37mm

Amazon

NewEgg

You may also be interested in the following:

Best CPU Coolers For i7-13700K

Here are our 6 picks for the Best CPU Coolers For i7-13700K after thorough testing:

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-13700K: Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
Best 360mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K: ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB
Best 240mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best White CPU Cooler For i7-13700K: DeepCool AS500 Plus White
Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-13700K: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB
Best Low Profile CPU Cooler For i7-13700K: Noctua NH-L9i Chromax.Black

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black.

Pros

Premium quality
Great RAM clearance
Great aesthetics
Silent fan
Easy installation

Cons

Problematic size
Expensive
No RGB

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black houses an NF-A15 fan running at a maximum speed of 1,500RPM. Furthermore, the cooler also has six heat pipes for plenty of heat dissipation.

Build Quality: The cooler has an aluminum-plated fan with a copper baseplate and 6 copper heat pipes. During our dedicated testing, we found the Noctua NH-D15S to have a premium build quality, unmatched by many air coolers within its price.

Aesthetics: The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black cooler has a black aesthetic and offers no RGB. The cooler itself is customizable if you prefer other colors, but other than that, there are no customization options with this cooler.

Nauman Siddique, one of our hardware experts, took a spin at the cooler and said this about the cooler’s performance:

“I consider the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black a powerful champion among its competition and one of the best air coolers I have tested till date.”

✅Buy It If

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

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You want premium performance with easy installation: If you’re looking for premium performance from an air cooler on par with AIOs with an easy installation process, the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black will please you. During our tests, the cooler achieved average temperatures between 55°C and 60°C.

❌Don't Buy It If

You have a smaller PC case: Although the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black air cooler doesn’t have any RAM clearance issues, its height can be problematic for smaller cases. If you don’t have enough height clearance, I don’t recommend purchasing the cooler.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-13700K?

In our final words, we must say that the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is the best choice in the market for i7-13700K due to its premium quality and amazing fan features. The aesthetics and color customization also add to its traits. The amazing RAM clearance is also an advantage for the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black. These points make it the best overall CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-13700K processor.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 8/10

ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K

ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB.

Pros

LCD Screen
Great Performance
Aesthetically the best in the market

Cons

Expensive
Loud fans

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360mm RGB AIO cooler houses three 120mm fans running at a maximum speed of 2,200RPM. During my gaming tests with the Intel Core i7-13700K, the processor showcased average temperatures between 47°C and 51°C. Thus, the cooler is perfect for overclocking the CPU if you wish to do so.

Build Quality: When I was installing the cooler in my testing rig, I noticed the connection between the pump and the radiator is made of rubber tubes with nylon braiding. Furthermore, the radiator is purely made of aluminum for better cooling.

Aesthetics: The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360mm AIO has a block-shaped pump for an exotic look. Additionally, the pump has a 3.5-inch LCD that shows live system stats, and you can also install personalized logos and GIFs.

PRO TIP: Aside from aesthetics, the LCD screen can also monitor live thermal stats. So, you can better optimize the cooler depending on the temperatures you see.

✅Buy It If

You want the most performance with the best aesthetics: The biggest advantage of the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360mm AIO is its superb cooling performance and the aesthetics it provides. If you’re looking for a 360mm AIO that can let you easily overclock the Intel Core i7-13700K while also amplifying your PC’s looks, I suggest buying this cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

You dislike noisy fans: The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360mm AIO uses three 120mm fans that have some rattling noises. During my noise tests, the fans showcased a noise of ~36.5dB(A). So, if you dislike noisy fans, I recommend looking for another cooler.

What Makes It The Best 360mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K?

The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB is truly a phenomenal cooler. The features that it offers, high performance, great aesthetics, and LCD screen make it the best 360mm AIO cooler for the Intel Core i7-13700K processor in the market.

Check out more articles where the ASUS ROG Ryujin II has won awards from us:

Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB.

Pros

In-house pump design
Included VRM fan
Unmatched price-to-performance ratio
6 years warranty

Cons

No physical manual included
Difficult installation

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO houses two ARCTIC 120mm fans running at a maximum of 2,000RPM speeds. During my testing with the i7-13700K processor, the cooler showed temperatures within the 50°C mark. I attempted overclocking, and the temperatures stayed around 60°C. My overclocking attempt made me gain a substantial performance boost.

PRO TIP: You can install the 240mm AIO cooler at the front, top, or back of the case depending on the chassis side. This can improve your PC case’s airflow.

Build Quality: Copper and aluminum are easily found in the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm cooler. Furthermore, the fans utilize rubber bumpers, which reduce fan vibrations, lowering the overall noise of the cooler to 10.64dB(A).

Aesthetics: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II has an eye-catching pump with a spaceship-like design. After installing the cooler, the RGB lighting and the spaceship effect mesmerized me further. The only downside is that there is no pump RGB lighting. Otherwise, the cooler’s aesthetics are perfect for an exotic-themed PC build.

When I was reviewing the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm, here’s what I had to say about its cooling performance:

“The AIO’s cooling capabilities are outstanding, especially when compared to similar AIO coolers in its pricing range.”

✅Buy It If

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

1 of 3

You require remarkable performance and design in a small form factor: If you’re looking for a cooler that fits in an SFF case, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO offers stellar cooling performance with an exotic pump design in a smaller form factor. During my tests, I saw temperatures below 50°C.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re new to AIO cooler installations: Unfortunately, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO is difficult to install. Furthermore, the package doesn’t have a physical manual, so you have to figure out the installation process yourself. If you’re new to AIO cooler installations, I don’t recommend purchasing the cooler.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Cooler For i7-13700K?

If you are looking for a well-designed 240mm AIO cooler capable of cooling high-end processors, then the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is just the cooler for you. That, coupled with its attractive price and included VRM fan, makes the Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB the best 240mm AIO cooler for the i7-13700K processor.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

DeepCool AS500 Plus White

Best White CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

DeepCool AS500 Plus White.

Pros

Aesthetically appealing white design
Excellent performance
Easy installation

Cons

Case compatibility issues
Fan noise

Check Price

Cooling Performance: The DeepCool AS500 Plus White has a single tower design and houses two 120mm fans, whose speeds range from 500 to 1,200RPM, making them capable of cooling the i7-13700K processor. Furthermore, during our dedicated testing, we saw the cooler perform well enough to cool the i7-13700K without causing thermal throttling issues.

Build Quality: The DeepCool AS500 Plus White air cooler gets its cooling performance from its impeccable build quality, consisting of a nickel-plated copper baseplate and five heat pipes of the same quality.

Aesthetics: The DeepCool AS500 Plus White is covered in a coat of white, like a snowflake. Furthermore, the slight RGB through the strips around the fans provides a mesmerizing look to the cooler, which not many air coolers can provide. In my opinion, the DeepCool AS500 Plus White improves the PC’s aesthetics by a ton.

When our hardware reviewer, Nauman Siddique, put the cooler through the wringer, he immediately commented as follows:

“The overall build quality is top-notch. Deepcool has provided easy-to-use mounting hardware for convenient and easy installation of the cooler on any socket and the user manual is thorough.”

✅Buy It If

DeepCool AS500 Plus White

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You’re looking for a white air cooler with high-end performance: The DeepCool AS500 Plus White is special among air coolers because it provides not only top-notch thermal cooling but also a decent white design. Thus, if you’re building a white-themed PC, I recommend purchasing the cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

Noisy fans won’t make the cut: In case you want a quiet environment with zero fan noise, the DeepCool AS500 Plus White cooler won’t make your cut because of its louder fan noise. During our testing, the noise was fairly audible and unlikeable.

What Makes It The Best White CPU Cooler For i7-13700K?

Ultimately, the DeepCool AS500 Plus White brings a lot to the table; we are talking five-heat pipes, visually appealing RGB, and excellent thermal performance. All of that, in combination with its white design, makes it an excellent pick as the best white CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-13700K.

If you’re building a white PC, you may also be looking for the following components:

Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB.

Pros

Remarkable RGB
Great value
Lots of RAM clearance
Easy installation

Cons

Only 2 year warranty
Lacking in terms of performance

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Cooling Performance: The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB houses a single 120mm fan running at a maximum speed of 2,000RPM. During my performance test in triple-A titled games like Hogwarts Legacy, God of War, and Atomic Heart, the cooler struggled but kept the temperatures around 65°C to 68°C at all times. Personally, I don’t recommend overclocking with this cooler.

Build Quality: Because the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB is a sub-$50 air cooler, I wasn’t expecting it to have a premium build quality. However, upon inspection, I realized I was slightly wrong. The cooler houses four heat pipes in direct contact with the copper baseplate. Furthermore, the fans have anti-vibration material to lower the noise levels slightly.

Aesthetics: The cooler has a basic black design with not much going on. Except for the RGB fan, there aren’t any other RGB lights on the cooler. However, if you want to omit the RGB completely, Cooler Master also provides a non-RGB version of the cooler. I didn’t find the aesthetics too fashionable, but you can’t get everything for an affordable price.

WARNING: The cooler only has a 2-year warranty. So, if you’re not planning on upgrading your system for a long time, look for products with longer warranties.

✅Buy It If

You’re on a tight budget after purchasing the i7-13700K CPU: If you’re on a tight budget to purchase an air cooler under $50 that provides enough performance to cool the Intel Core i7-13700K processor, I recommend buying the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB air cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want to overclock the processor: If you’re thinking of overclocking the Intel Core i7-13700K processor, I don’t recommend purchasing the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition RGB air cooler as its thermal performance can’t handle overclocked CPUs. You will end up facing lots of thermal throttling issues, and the overclocks will be unstable.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-13700K?

In conclusion, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition is a great pick for beginners thanks to its easy installation and affordable price tag. It also provides great RAM and GPU clearance along with decent performance, making it the best budget CPU cooler For the Intel Core i7-13700K.

We have given the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition more awards:

Performance: 7/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 7/10

Noctua NH-L9i-17xx Chromax.Black

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

Noctua NH-L9i Chromax.Black.

Pros

Low profile design
Great choice for SFF builds
Great value
Low noise output
All black aesthetic

Cons

No RGB
Limited overclocking capabilities

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Cooling Performance: The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx Chromax.Black cooler houses a 90mm fan with a maximum speed of 2,500RPM. Furthermore, the cooler uses top-notch soldering techniques, which one of our hardware reviewers, Awais Khan, regards as a game-changing move for the cooler. This is what they have to say:

“Noctua uses the soldering technique by soldering its fins to the heat pipes for more impressive cooling.”

Build Quality: The cooler also has decent build quality, with two copper heat pipes and a copper baseplate for better heat absorption and dissipation. Moreover, our testing showed the fins are aluminum-coated with a light black paint, which helps with better thermal transfer.

Aesthetics: The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx Chromax.Black cooler recently upgraded its color scheme from brown to black. Not only does the black coating look aesthetically pleasing, but it is also a huge upgrade from their original dull brown colors. In our opinion, if you’re building a dark aesthetic build in an SFF case, this cooler will certainly fit well.

✅Buy It If

Noctua NH-L9i Chromax.Black

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You’re utilizing an SFF case: If you’re using an ITX or mITX case, fitting an air cooler must be a challenge. In such scenarios, I recommend purchasing the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx Chromax.Black air cooler because of its low profile design and decent cooling, capable of keeping the Intel Core i7-13700K’s temperatures at bay.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want to overclock your CPU: In case you want to overclock your processor in an SFF case, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx Chromax.Black air cooler isn’t suitable because of its limited thermal cooling.

What Makes It The Best Low Profile CPU Cooler For i7-13700K?

If you are in need of a decent cooler for your small form factor build, then the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx Chromax.Black should be your go-to choice. Taking its lower price and decent thermal performance into consideration, we have crowned the Noctua NH-L9i Chromax.Black the best low profile CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-13700K processor.

Performance: 7/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Thermal Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Cooler For i7-13700K

We’ve put hundreds of different coolers to the test, checking out how they handle heat and stack up against each other. Here are the benchmarks of our top picks for the i7-13700K.

Thermal Performance

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How We Picked & Selected These CPU Coolers

We tested over 100 coolers based on the following factors to come up with our recommendations for the best CPU coolers for i7-13700K.

Performance: Your cooler’s performance determines its value; a better-performing cooler will not only be useful in gaming but also increase overclocking headroom, allowing you to push your processor to its very limits. If you want the most out of your processor and also avoid heating issues, going for a top-of-the-line cooler is always recommended.
Budget: While budget offerings have grown quite a lot, their actual performance can still be underwhelming. Of course, spending more on a cooler is not always necessary. However, if you end up purchasing a monstrous 16-core beast such as the i7-13700K, spending more will guarantee you a better overall experience in real-world use and overclocking.
TDP Rating: TDP rating is a direct measure of your cooler’s performance. A CPU rated to have a higher TDP produces more heat. On the other hand, a CPU Cooler with a higher TDP rating can dissipate more heat. Thus, you should always purchase a cooler with a higher TDP rating than the processor you own. In this case, the i7-13700K has a TDP of 125W, so your preferred cooler should be above that mark.
Noise Levels: While noise levels might not be an important factor for some, higher noise outputs can be a deal-breaker for others. For people working in professional and quieter environments, it is important to ensure that low noise levels are maintained at all times.
Aesthetics: A cooler’s aesthetics completely depend on personal preference. That said, it’s easy to overspend on the design of the cooler. While the design is important, going for a better-performing cooler is always recommended. However, it all boils down to one’s personal taste and preference in the end. Even so, the coolers we chose have the necessary performance and marvelous aesthetics.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the i7-13700K come with a cooler?

Much like the rest of the unlocked “K” series of processors from Intel, the 13700K also does not come with a stock cooler.

Can I overclock the i7-13700K with an air cooler?

Being part of the unlocked series of processors, overclocking the 13700K is very possible. However, you will have to pair the processor with a decent cooler in order to reach higher clock speeds without running into thermal throttling issues.

Recent Updates

February 21, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our hands-on tested reviews.
October 11, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. Added image galleries. No products were changed.