If you are a gaming enthusiast or you own an i7 CPU, you know well that out of the listings of Intel's 9th generation processors, the i7 9700K happens to be one of the powerful and fastest within range. However, the Intel and AMD high-end CPUs heat a lot when gaming, and to cool them down, you can't use the default cooler since they are not sufficient. Therefore, you need to invest in the best CPU cooler for i7 9700K.
Besides, getting a good CPU cooler is recommended even if you are working with a low-end CPU. Coolers with smaller fans are normally louder than coolers with larger fans. The reason being that smaller fans have to rotate as fast (which means they will be louder) as larger fans to offer a similar level of cooling. With that being said, now you know why you need an ultimate cooler for your i7 9700K machine.
There are many options out there on the CPU coolers, and it can be tricky to choose the best one, which is where we come in. To help you with the options, we have compiled a review of the best CPU Coolers for i7 9700k, which have ultimate cooling. Also, we have included information that will help you through your buying. Read on.
1. Corsair H115i Dual ML140 PRO RGB PWM Fans RGB Platinum AIO Liquid CPU Air Cooler
If you are looking for the best AIO cooler with excellent cooling performance, we recommend the Corsair H115i RGB Platinum AIO Liquid CPU Cooler (Dual fans). You can use this cooler for high-end, enthusiast-level gaming. If you look forward to lighting up your fan case with some RGM glamor, you can count on this water cooling option. Besides, these AIO coolers are virtually the only safe options that will not tamper with your CPU performance.
The Corsair H115iRGB has an impressive cooling performance processor rig; however, even then, the Corsair H115I Pro can keep operating as quiet as possible while keeping your CPU cool. The water cooler usually contains fans with magnets to levitate the fan and reduce friction during operation, thus reducing the noise. Additionally, this cooling system has three controllable modes, Quiet, Balanced, and High Performance-wise; each of them is used depending on the load level the CPU system carries, with Quiet and Balanced.
2. Noctua NH-D15, (2X NF-A15 PWM) Premium CPU Cooler
If you are looking for the best CPU coolers for your gaming computer system, count on the Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler. This CPU uses two premium 140mm fans. It is fitted with low-noise adapters, which are acoustically optimized with anti-vibration mount plates and magnetic bearings. Additionally, the fans are placed on aluminum heat sinks with 6-direct-contact nickel-plated heat pipes attached to the CPU with the NT-H1 compound cooling thermal paste from Noctua.
The Noctua NH-D15 comes very close to AIO CPU cooler systems while keeping the noise lower than any AIO CPU cooler out there. Under load, it can get to about 35 decibels. It is a complete package with a high price tag, though completely worth the performance. However, it is very large and can cause issues with RAM sticks that feature tall heatsinks.
Furthermore, it covers a large part of the motherboard, preventing you from easily accessing the motherboard. The noise output varies from 26 to 40dB; therefore, it is virtually silent at low to medium loads. These two air coolers come with a 6-year manufacturer's warranty.
3. Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4, 200W TDP, CPU Cooler
Be Quiet Dark Rock 4CPU Cooler has one radiator and a powerful 135 MM PWM fan. Though it comes with a compact size, it offers you an outstanding cooling performance. It is the best air cooler, although it works on par with AIO water coolers with less noise. Moreover, it is identical to 280mm AIO water coolers offering similar results, plus you should have no trouble operating an i7 9700K CPU even when overclocked.
When comparing Be Quiet Dark Rock cooler to other air coolers, this model might be more visually appealing with its black color if you are heaving into aesthetics. However, the name says it all, and it is not virtually as loud as other coolers, even when running at full RPM. Just 21.4dB(A) exceeds the maximum fan speed, which should not be an issue.
4. Cooler Master V8 (Red LED) Dual Fans High-Performance CPU Cooler, GTS
If you are looking for the best CPU cooler for i7 9700K with good cooling performance, we can bet on the Cooler Master V8 High-Performance CPU Cooler. This unit features horizontal vapor chamber technology and reduces CPU hotspots, also distributes heat equally between the heat ducts. Besides, the cooler has eight heat pipes with high efficiency that can handle thermal loads up to 250W.
The Cooler Master V8 GTS High-Performance CPU Cooler features a triple tower heat sink configuration with unique memory compatibility. It nearly resembles a muscle car engine. The horizontal heat pipes are a great idea to disperse heat. Similarly, this function is ultra-efficient to extract heat from CPU machines like the i7 9700K.
Apart from when using side panels, this Cooler Master is compatible with most CM chases. It is huge; since the manufacturer knows that a huge CPU cooler is a big issue, they have ensured it has the memory compatibility you need. There you can expect decent cooling efficiency from this Cooler Master.
Liquid CPU Cooler Vs. Air CPU Cooler: Which One is Best?
1. Liquid CPU Cooler
A liquid CPU cooler comes with a water pump, interconnecting pipes, heat sink, and fans attached to it. In a liquid cooler, the heat sink is also referred to as a radiator and functions the same way as in an air CPU cooler: the heat from the CPU is usually transferred into the pump, which will then pump the water at the same time carrying the heat to the radiator. Then, fans will cool the radiator down, and water is distributed back to the pump around a well closed-loop system.
Pros of liquid cooling
- More appealing
- Better cooling capacity
Cons of liquid cooling
- More expensive
- Need a little more maintenance
- You will need to ensure your case supports your radiator size
- Can leak and damage your PC
2. Air CPU Cooler
The air cooler consists of two main parts: the heat sink and the fan. The heat sink is constructed with thermo-conductive material with metal fins at the edge attached on top of the CPU, and it transfers the heat from the CPU machine to itself up to the metal fins. Heat sinks are usually made of copper or aluminum, and the fan will then "squeeze" the heat out of the heat sink to cool the metal fins down.
Pros of air cooler:
- Good value for money
- More affordable than liquid cooler
- Less maintenance required, and easier maintenance
Cons of air cooler:
- Loud air coolers
- Less attractive, aesthetic-wise
- Limited cooling performance than liquid cooler
A liquid CPU cooling system can offer more efficient cooling, although it will cost you more. It also takes up much space in your PC case. However, bear in mind that our tests have indicated that air CPU coolers can outdo liquid CPU coolers in some cases, but they can be quite loud.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best CPU Coolers for i7 9700K
1. Installation and up-gradation
It is essential to decide which CPU cooler is the best that can be installed perfectly into your system without disturbing the working of other components in your computer build. Conversely, a wrongly installed CPU cooler may result in overheating, leading to unexpectedly shutting down the whole system. To help avoid any problems, we recommend cross-checking the cooler and double-checking the dimensions. Additionally, we recommend choosing a CPU cooling system that will provide simple and easy installation, so you can install it up and running soon out of the box.
2. Noise level and control capacity
Consider the noise level and control capacity before buying the best CPU cooler for i7 9700K. Computer systems are used to do concentrated jobs, and for this purpose, they require a cool and pleasant environment. The coolers are made with the capability of reducing the noise during a heavy-duty performance, so before deciding on buying a cooler, you need to test their ability to be peaceful in working.
Although all of the coolers we have on our list offer a quiet performance, it is still something to keep in mind, especially if you prefer a quiet working environment. The easier way to find out how quiet you can expect a CPU cooling system to operate is by checking its decibel level.
3. Cooling capability
Before purchasing a good-quality cooler, it is crucial to check the cooling power of the CPU cooler so that it will not disrupt the functioning of the computer system in the future. Some CPU coolers are advertised for raising the sale; however, the reality unveils when it fails in performance.
4. Design and Appearance
Before buying the best CPU cooler for i7 9700K, you might need to look at the design and appearance of the cooler. Unfortunately, different manufacturers in the computer industry adopt to launching different designs of coolers; therefore, you need to select the one that is ideal for your computer build. Conversely, if your aesthetics is important to you, you can consider the appearance of the CPU cooler. For instance, some coolers come with colorful LED lights, which help add a stylish and great appearance to your PC setup.
5. Compatibility
Before you buy the best CPU cooler for i7 9700K, you must confirm the socket type of your motherboard. Some CPU coolers are compatible with most socket types, while others support one type. However, most will be compatible with all sockets on virtually Intel platforms, from our experience.
Keep in mind that you will need to consider the motherboard's layout to determine whether the CPU cooler will be compatible. For instance, if there are many heat pipes around the CPU cooling system, you may have problems, depending on the model.
6. Temperature control/regulation
When shopping for a CPU cooling system, it is essential to check out the CPU temperature control ability. When still shopping, you will notice that there are 4-pin connectors or 3-pin connectors. A 4-pin has an extra wire which controls and transmits signals to the fan. The 3-pin is signal, power, and ground. The signal wire measures how fast the fan is operating with any controls.
You can decide to plug a 3-pin fan into a 4-pin socket without problem; the fan will operate at optimum temperature and full speed. However, 4-pin fans are usually more effective at controlling and reducing fan speed.
7. The lifespan of the fans
The lifespan of a CPU cooler relates directly to the bearing type. A cooler's life expectancy is also affected by how regular you use your computer and the temperatures it is forced to work with. Different types of coolers usually vary in lifespans: you can expect a range of 30,000 and 300,000 hours, depending on your cooler. When shopping, look for a CPU cooling system that comes with a good lifespan.
8. Price & Warranty
The goal here is to get the best CPU cooler for i7 9700K, which offers you the biggest bang. You want a balance of performance, quality, and price. We, therefore, recommend coming up with a realistic budget before shopping so you don't spend much than you would intend. A budget CPU cooler can still perform well and serve the intended purpose nevertheless.
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