Best CPU Cooler For i7 9700k
The i7-9700K and i9-9900K are the fastest gaming processors in the lineup in their lineup, and although the i9-9900K is the most powerful, for most PC makers, it is substantially more costly. Intel unveiled its 9th processor generation in October 2018 and is currently the most potent and current Intel processor. The i7-9700K provides outstanding value for its gaming performance and features, like its predecessors (the i7-8700K, i7-7700K). Let’s say that you already have the i7 9700K processor, but what is actually the best CPU cooler for i7 9700K?
I’m not going to dig further into the output of the i7-9700K because you’ve probably done enough analysis and still know enough about what the Core i7-9700K processor is capable of, considering the subject of this article you are reading.
What is the best CPU cooler for i7 9700k
In this guide, we’re going to show you how to get the most out of the i7-9700K and make it cooler by improving the cooling of this processor’s bearings with an aftermarket air, AIO, or liquid cooler. Some CPU coolers work much better with the i7-9700K than others. Based on user experiences, testing, and feedback, we’re going to show you the absolute best CPU coolers for the 9700K in 2019. With the right cooler, you might see 4-12%. Reduction (at least) of i7-9700K temperatures. Here are the best air coolers without further ado, along with AIO options and custom loop options for those who want to liquid cool the i7-9700K.
I also want to mention that if you’re looking to build an i7-9700K system in 2019, we’ve also created a series of guides recommending parts for i7-9700K versions – including the best pairings for power supplies, RAM, and cards, mothers to pair the i7-9700K processor.
Noctua NH-U12S Chromax Black – best budget low profile cooler for i7-9700K
The Noctue NH-U12S chromax.black is the blacked-out variant of Noctua’s premium, award-winning NH-U12S quiet CPU cooler. Thanks to the proven slim tower heatsink design and the NF-F12 PWM fan, it stays true to the successful NH-U12S formula to combine excellent cooling performance with excellent fluidity and excellent RAM compatibility, enclosure, and PCIe.
The chromax.black version with its black color coated heatsink and black fan combines these advantages with a sleek and stealthy look. The NH-U12S chromax.black is a great choice for customers looking for a highly compatible 120mm heat sink that looks as good as it cools.
When it comes to CPU coolers, you’re limited to the cooling options available for your i7-9700K, and you won’t necessarily get the best performance like the NH-D15 because it won’t fit into the build. Getting a powerful cooler in some of the cases where your i7 9700K lives is essential because the airflow is so restricted. The performance of the CPU cooler, therefore, affects thermals and case temperatures the most.
The absolute low profile CPU cooler for the limited space cases recommended for the i7-9700K is the Noctua NH-U12S, which offers fantastic TDP performance due to its smaller size fan under the heat sink while also providing excellent performance.
Cryorig R1 Ultimate Dual Tower Heatsink – Black best economical air cooler for 9700K
For those looking to buy an air cooler for the i7-9700K for around $100 while still maintaining high-end performance, we recommend the CRYORIG R1 Ultimate Dual Tower Heatsink cooler compatible with AMD and Intel CPUs for the affordable air cooling of the 9700K. The R1 Ultimate is designed for use on different CPU sockets. However, given the price of around 100 bucks and the overall size, we would expect it to work with high-end Intel processors on the X99, Z97, and Z170 platforms.
Considering the unit’s size, the CRYORIG R1 Ultimate is a downright monster that can only be used in full-sized systems unless some really smart considerations are made. With a TDP of 250W and a weight of 156 grams, the CRYORIG R1 Ultimate outperforms all other air-cooled heat sinks on the market, including the Noctua NH-D15, and can even compete with AIO coolers.
CRYORIG takes note of the characteristics of the 140mm XF140 fan, and for a good reason. This fan has very solid airflow to noise ratio, delivering an airflow of 76 CFM with a maximum sound level of 23dBa. The XF140 offers a very strong static pressure of 1.44mm / H20, which allows air to circulate better in the sealed R1 Ultimate. These fans should compete well with almost any other fan found in a heatsink, as the airflow to noise ratio is just amazing.
Noctua NH-D15 – For i7 9700K that’s overclocked
There’s no need to launch the Noctua NH-D15. It’s the best air cooler on the market, and if you’re looking for a CPU cooler to keep a high-end rig as cold as possible, with higher efficiency than 240mm AIOs, with comparable if not better features, then look no further than this air cooler for the i7-9700K.
The D15 is the best air cooler for those looking to overclock the i7-9700K to 5 GHz, which will give you the best chances – but it also depends on other variables such as case design, thermal, and flow. General air, as well as overclocking and the required ones. Based upon the chip, the amount of voltage varies.
If you don’t plan on overclocking the i7-9700K and stocking it up, you can go for a cheaper Noctua cooler (NH-D14) or the Dark Rock Pro 4 – without sacrificing performance and saving a few bucks. The NH-D15 is so impressive that it can compete with any 240mm AIO cooler from the i7-9700K and even perform better after a few hours of operation!
Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO RGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler – Best AIO cooler for i7 9700K
When it comes to AIO coolers and the 9700K, it’s hard to go wrong with a major manufacturer. While being quite an expensive cooler, the Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO does the job that it’s supposed to do while making your rig look super cool. Three low-noise 120mm ML Series magnetic levitation PWM fans deliver incredible airflow and produce just 25 dBA of noise at full speed. Talk about powerful yet quiet fan set up!
Aesthetics, reliability, price are just as important as the size of the cooler that fits into your PC case and keeps your i7 9700k as cool as a cucumber. It seems like Corsair has focused quite a bit on perfecting their software that controls the fans. By doing so they conquered the noise reduction task as well as optimized performance.
Considering all this and based on many reviews and user experiences, we recommend the Corsair H150i Pro as the best AIO cooler for the i7 9700K in 2021. This product has an excellent build quality and offers superior performance. Impressive thermals and quiet performance.
Of course, the H150i Pro isn’t cheap compared to an air cooler, but if you set the i7-9700K for liquid cooling, the H150i Pro is probably your best bet.
Legit Verified Best Cooler Hunting Conclusion
In 2021 there has been quite a bit increase in demand for computer components, fans included. However, the prices of the fans for i7 9700K are still at a reasonable level, but not super cheap still. Our budget choice for a cooler was Noctua NH-U12S Chromax Black which can be grabbed from Amazon for under $70. Best cooler for overclocked i7 9700K that’s not too expensive was Noctua NH-D15. Best AIO cooler that’s not cheap by any means was, of course, the good ole Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO.
We truly hope that this review brought you closer to finding the right fit for your i7 9700K cooling needs. When choosing the winners for this article, we have combed through a ton of reviews from customers, read support messages, compared prices, specs, etc.
More guides by LegitVerified can be found here.
