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Do you intend to optimize your i5 8600k for overclocking? Well, you have landed just in the right place.
A quality CPU cooler can really push the boundaries of your processor and assist in maintaining the temperature of the CPU within an optimal range.
This article discusses some of the trending CPU coolers that limit overheating and enhance the functionality of your system.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for CPU Cooler For I5 8600k
- OUR TOP PICK: CORSAIR HYDRO Series H115i PRO
- RUNNER-UP: Le Grand Macho RT (with fan TY-147B)
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: DeepCool RGB CPU Cooler
Comparison of the Best CPU Coolers For i5 8600k
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How Does a CPU Cooler Work?
Nowadays, many advanced processors are incorporated with a temperature sensor to ensure that the processor does not overheat. However, sometimes, the temperature crosses the threshold, which might affect the performance of the processor.
A CPU cooler is ideally designed to move the heat away in order to maintain an optimal temperature for the processor. Generally, the heat pipes of a CPU cooler are manufactured from copper, which are filled with liquid. This liquid vaporizes when heated. The vapors travel to the cooler and condense, which releases the excessive heat. In addition to a fan, there is a large area of cooling fins to increase the cooling effect.
When Would a CPU Cooler Come in Handy?
Although you get CPU coolers included with the processor that are reliable for the majority of the cases, not all of them are capable of handling extreme performance. Therefore, in order to push the boundaries of your processor, you might need to upgrade your CPU cooler.
PC Overclocking
In case you want to overclock your processor and intend to make the components of the system run harder and faster, then you should definitely incorporate a high-end CPU cooler. Stock coolers that come with the processor are not reliable enough to withstand the amount of heat generated by the operation.
EVGA CLC 120mm All-In-One
Noise-Free Performance
A great CPU cooler becomes a necessity rather than an option when you want to keep the noise levels down. The stock cooler generally gets louder over time and, therefore, might cause inconvenience. In order to build a silent PC, you must invest in a quality CPU cooler that can provide impressive airflow with minimal sound production.
Appealing Gaming PC Look
Are you a person who loves to own a good looking CPU or intends to build a PC with a certain look? Well, getting a customizable CPU cooler is the best way to go. You will easily find some gorgeous CPU coolers on the market that can fulfill your needs.
How Do I Choose a CPU Cooler?
Choosing the right CPU cooler can be a tough task, especially when you are in the market with a number of options in front of you. In order to simplify your search, we have compiled a couple of features that must not be overlooked while purchasing a CPU cooler to avoid any regret in the future.
Sturdy Construction
One of the foremost features to look for is the fine construction of the cooler. This is extremely important to bring value to your bucks. You are recommended to always go for a reliable brand, as it comes with a proven record of offering top-notch products.
CPU coolers manufactured from heavy-duty aluminum are meant to serve the user in the long run and do not require frequent maintenance.
Compatibility
Another important feature to always consider is the compatibility of the CPU cooler. Make sure the model is highly versatile and works well with a range of Intel and AMD sockets to help you achieve remarkable performance no matter where you install it.
Less Noise
This is one of the most significant features of a reliable CPU cooler. You must opt for a model that produces minimal noise even when operating at full speed. Moreover, you’ll find some models incorporated with rubber pads to keep the noise as low as possible.
Review of the Best CPU Coolers For i5 8600k
Hopefully, you are now well aware of all the major features that contribute to making the finest CPU cooler. Now let’s move to the most important section of this article, where we discuss the top specifications of our favorite products. This can really help you find the model for your needs.
Best Overall:
CORSAIR HYDRO Series H115i PRO
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users of this product were extremely satisfied with its flawless performance. They reported that the construction was very durable, plus the design was appreciable. It goes with a range of sockets, which is quite commendable. Moreover, the incorporation of magnetic levitation helps to keep the noise as low as possible.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This amazing model from Corsair is equipped with a number of exceptional features. First of all, the design is very beautiful and perfectly goes with your CPU. Similarly, the durability of this product can’t be questioned. Lastly, it comes with magnetic levitation that allows great airflow with just 25 dB sound, that too, at full speed.
Who Will Use This Most
Manufactured from quality materials, this CPU cooler is just the perfect option for your i5 8600k. In case you want to avoid any noise production during working, you should definitely consider this model from Corsair. Moreover, it is meant to keep the temperature of your CPU low so you can work or game whenever you want.
Bottom Line
An extraordinary product with some high-end features, this CPU cooler embodies a nice design. Not only is the appearance great, but it offers great performance in keeping the temperature low, as well. Although it is a bit expensive for those on a tight budget, the functionality of this cooler makes it worth the price.
Runner-up:
Le Grand Macho RT (With Fan TY-147B)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product has gained immense popularity among the users due to its top-notch functionality. According to them, this model was very good in appearance, plus it is meant to serve the user in the long run. Moreover, it provides great airflow, which is helpful in avoiding excessive heat production. Lastly, it is quite silent in its operation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Another great product on the list, this runner-up makes its way to our list for its remarkable features. The design is unique, plus the construction is highly durable to mark reliability. Additionally, it is incorporated with a 140mm PWM fan that allows great airflow with a minimum noise production of merely 20 dB.
Who Will Use This Most
The sturdy build of this model makes it a great option for those who want to spend their money on a quality product. It is very quiet in its operation, which makes it just the right choice for those working in offices who do not want to encounter any inconvenience due to noise.
Bottom Line
One of the finest CPU coolers out there in the market, this model from Thermalright is no less than the other products from the company. Not only is it good looking, but the performance is incredibly quiet. Moreover, it is backed by a one-year warranty to ensure the reliability of the product.
Best for the Money:
DeepCool RGB CPU Cooler
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This CPU cooler has gained many great ratings from the customers due to its attractive price tag. The users of this CPU cooler report that it was as good in performance as its look. Moreover, the mounting is quite easy, and you don’t have to struggle a lot during its installation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
DEEP COOL is known to provide some amazing and good-looking CPU coolers for a long time. This model is designed with beautiful RGB lighting to give it an appealing look. Moreover, it is very easy to set up, and the deep, cool RGB fans ensure less noise production while keeping the temperature low.
Who Will Use This Most
With a delightful appearance, this model is just the right choice for those who can’t afford to spend tons of money on a CPU cooler. It can easily support all AMD and Intel platforms without any struggle. All these features make this model a perfect choice for gaming enthusiasts while keeping everything cool and decent.
Bottom Line
In case you are looking for an affordable CPU cooler to go with your i5 8600k system, then you must get your hands on this model from DEEP COOL. It is very attractive, and the lighting adds to the aesthetics of this model. Lastly, the 120mm fan offers impressive airflow, and the aluminum top marks the durability of this cooler.
4. EVGA CLC 120mm All-In-One
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users are very happy with the performance of this CPU cooler. They report that the design is very appreciable, plus the all-in-one functionality saves the user from additional expenditures of maintenance and custom filling. Moreover, with this cooler in your system, you don’t have to worry about any noise production, thanks to the low noise level.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model stands out to us for a number of remarkable features, including fine aluminum construction and top-notch functionality. The most striking quality is its all-in-one design that is known to dissipate heat rapidly. Moreover, the intelligent wiring system avoids any messy appearance. Lastly, the 120mm fan keeps the noise and temperature down to a great extent.
Who Will Use This Most
With a range of fine features, this model is surely a great choice for your i5 8600k system. It is very easy to mount and, therefore, does not require too much struggle. However, this cooler is only compatible with current and future Intel sockets. Therefore, you might need to upgrade the system.
Bottom Line
If you are in search of a remarkable CPU cooler from a well-known brand, then look no further. This model is incorporated with almost all essential features that make for a great CPU cooler. Not only does it have an attractive appearance, but the copper base also ensures quiet dissipation of the excessive heat.
5. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Like all other products on our list, this model has also succeeded in winning the confidence of its users with its flawless design. They report that the aluminum construction is meant to last long, plus it is highly versatile. You don’t have to purchase a separate CPU cooler every time for a certain socket.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Cooler Master Hyper is one of the most popular CPU coolers on the market. It is built with quality aluminum to make it last longer. Plus, the design goes perfectly with your i5 8600k. The installation is just a breeze, and you can easily mount it by using some clips.
Who Will Use This Most
Ideally designed for the i5 8600k, this model is highly versatile and goes with a number of AMD and Intel sockets to provide top-notch performance every time. Whether you want to use it with Core i7 Extreme, Core i7, or Core i3, this model won’t do you wrong.
Bottom Line
A highly versatile model with so many quality specifications, this model is perfect for keeping your CPU at a low temperature even during load hours. There are currently no complaints of any bad experience. Although it is a bit overpriced, the appreciable features make it worth the investment. What else could you ask for?
Benefits of Investing in a Quality CPU Cooler For i5 8600k
In order to get the best out of your PC, it is quite important to invest in a quality CPU cooler. This section has summarized multiple advantages of investing in a quality CPU cooler. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Durable
One of the significant benefits of a quality CPU cooler is that it is meant to last long. The durable construction ensures you don’t have to spend tons of money every other day on replacement or maintenance.
Having a quality CPU cooler onboard will bring value to your bucks and continue to provide fine performance without any hassle for a long time.
Reliable Heat Dissipation
The major purpose of incorporating a CPU cooler is to handle excessive performance with ease. A reliable CPU cooler can easily dissipate heat and that too, at a great rate. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about any noise production, adding on to perfection.
Versatile
Most of the CPU coolers out there are compatible with a great range of AMD and Intel sockets. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in a fine CPU cooler to avoid the frequent purchase of separate models for a certain PC.
How to Install CPU Cooler
Most of the CPU coolers are very easy to mount and do not require too much struggle from the user. Moreover, there is an instruction manual present in the package to ease the task for you. In short, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to ace this whole process. In fact, you can employ a simple procedure for all the sockets.
In this section, we have laid down some simple steps to install one in your system.
1. Insert the CPU Into the Socket
First of all, make sure that the CPU is fully inserted into its sockets, and the chip is flat and leveled. You can lift the socket retention and apply pressure on the CPU.
2. Clean the Heat Sink Surfaces
In order to integrate the cooler in the PC, the surfaces must be clean and devoid of any contamination. For this purpose, you can use isopropanol to clean the base of the heat sink. This step is important for the proper mating of the surfaces.
3. Apply the Thermal Interface Material
Now apply a thermal interface material, preferably high-end ceramic or silver-based thermal paste on the surface of the integrated heat spreader.
4. Mount the CPU Cooler
Most CPU coolers employ simple clips. Lower the heat sink in place and attach two clips to the mounting bracket. Secure it tightly with a cam or screw.
To be clearer on how to install a CPU cooler, you can have a look at the following video.
Conclusion
CPU coolers do their magic by avoiding overheating of various components of your CPU. They not only control the temperature but also boost the performance of the system to a great extent. Getting a top-notch CPU cooler will offer a safe and controlled environment for the system. You are recommended to go through the buying guide once before heading to the market to make an informed decision.
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