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One of the leading processors available today, the Intel Core i7 8700k is perfect for almost everything. Whether you want something for your gaming PC, or a unit that's capable of handling productivity tasks like editing and rendering, this processor delivers outstanding performance at every task thrown at it.
However, the i7 8700k runs a lot hotter compared to older Intel processors. So, if you're planning on overclocking it or running it at stock clocks, you're going to need an excellent cooler to keep the CPU cool and ensure proper efficiency.
To help you with this decision, this guide includes reviews of some of the best CPU coolers, what they do, and the aspects to consider before purchasing one. Let's get started!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for CPU Cooler For I7 8700k
- OUR TOP PICK: Noctua NH-D15
- RUNNER-UP: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Cooler Master i71C
Comparison of the Best CPU Coolers For i7 8700k
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What Does a CPU Cooler Do?
Designed to draw heat away and cool the CPU and other system components, CPU coolers lower CPU temperatures. This results in improved stability and efficiency of the system. Some other uses of the product include:
Convection
CPU coolers are built on the thermodynamic principle of convection. This means that heat from an object is transferred to the air molecules present near its surface, slightly cooling it in the process. If the air is moving, the heated molecules will also float away and get replaced by cooler air, allowing them to absorb more heat. A fan further forces the air molecules to move, resulting in a steady stream of cooler air and a significantly increased rate of cooling.
Cooling High-Performance and Higher-End Machines
Water CPU coolers pump specialized fluid or cooled water into the water block, typically situated near heat-generating components. Water flows through the block's heat exchanger, increases in temperature, and returns to an external heat exchanger via tubing. It is then cooled and pumped back through the CPU. This ensures that specific components are cooled more efficiently and quietly than fan cooling. Water-cooled systems also use less space than a heat sink/fan combination.
Lowering System Temperatures
CPU coolers are usually designed with a heat sink or a heat sink/fan combination. With a flat heat sink, there is a greater surface area for convective cooling. This significantly increases the amount of heat the fan is capable of dissipating, resulting in reduced CPU temperatures.
Why Did These CPU Coolers Make Our List?
With countless models available in the market, choosing the best CPU cooler is no piece of cake. To ensure you don't end up wasting your money, here are some features that our favorite models are equipped with:
Socket Compatibility
Along with affecting the CPU socket, different sockets from AMD and Intel also affect the mechanism used to hold the cooler in place. While the AM4 support is a bit limited, quality models are compatible with every socket.
RPM
Revolutions-per-minute can be simply defined as the speed of the fan. While a faster spinning fan results in more airflow, the size of the heat sink and size of the fan should also be taken into consideration. A larger fan with a lower RPM can result in better airflow, while a larger heat sink contributes greatly to faster heat dissipation. Quality models with lower RPM also make less noise.
Warranty
If you're worried about placing liquid near expensive components, then rest assured all quality and high-end models are backed by excellent warranties. These warranties will cover you if a manufacturer failure occurs.
Review of the Best CPU Coolers For i7 8700k
Choosing the best CPU cooler can be an incredibly difficult and technical task. To help narrow down the options, the following are detailed reviews of some of the best models available today:
Best Overall:
Noctua NH-D15
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost everyone who purchased this unit was blown away by its performance and stated that they would not hesitate to purchase it again. They found the build quality to be outstanding and installation to be incredibly easy. One user also stated that they did not hear even a whisper of sound. However, some users reported receiving weak fan clips, while one found the cooling fans to be wider than the heatsink.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Delivering the same fantastic performance as some liquid coolers at a fraction of the price, this dual-tower unit is capable of meeting the highest demands of overclocking. It is equipped with 2 NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM support, enabling automatic speed control. This results in improved efficiency. Along with delivering outstanding cooling performance, it's incredibly silent, as well.
Who Will Use This Most
If you're looking for an efficient, quiet, and durable cooling device, then this unit is the one for you. It's compatible with almost every high-end RAM module available today and is the complete quality solution for both silent-enthusiasts and overclockers.
Bottom Line
Rivaling the temperatures of water coolers at a fraction of the cost, this unit certainly deserves the top position on our list. Designed with six heat pipes and 2 NF-A15 140 mm fans, it ensures an ultra-quiet operation and delivers an outstanding cooling performance. However, it might not fit all CPU builds.
Runner-up:
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of buyers were incredibly satisfied with this unit's performance and recommended it to other people, as well. They found the fan to be incredibly quiet and stated that it did not make any noise, even under loads. One user reported that their average CPU temperature fell by 20 degrees, and their system became cold because of the airflow. However, customers were disappointed with the lack of a preset thermal paste, while some found installation to be a bit difficult.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit primarily stands out to us because of its CDC technology. Designed with heat pipes that are placed side-by-side without any gaps, the Continuous Direct Contact system creates a smooth surface for quick heat transfer. Although some other models are designed with direct contact heat pipes, this unit boasts 6% more contact surface, resulting in 5% better cooling.
Who Will Use This Most
Optimized and designed for the best user experience, this unit is perfect for cooling the latest generation of processors. Its relatively low cost and outstanding performance make it ideal for every build. The low cost further makes it perfect for most consumers.
Bottom Line
If you want an aftermarket CPU heat sink with an economical price and fantastic performance, then this unit is certainly the one for you. Although it's designed with slightly cheaper materials, it delivers admirable performance when it comes to cooling.
Best for the Money:
Cooler Master i71C
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were extremely happy with their purchase and stated that it ran quieter and at a lower temperature than stock. They liked the RGB and the included controller and found installation to be incredibly easy. However, users stated that the heatsink did not cover the entire CPU cap, leading to individual core temperature differences.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The numerous features offered by this model are what make it stand out from the crowd. Firstly, the anodized black aluminum fans are stacked with copper, ensuring excellent heat dissipation. Secondly, the 120mm diameter RGB fan boasts low noise output and stronger airflow. Lastly, the compact RGB LED controller enables users to customize their RGB devices without the need for RGB-capable software or motherboard.
Who Will Use This Most
Boasting a 60 mm thin design, this unit is ideal for limited form factor cases and all-in-one systems. It's also compatible with Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASUS Aura Sync, and MSI Mystic Light Sync. Furthermore, this model is ideal for menial tasks, like web browsing and email.
Bottom Line
All in all, this unit certainly deserves a place on our list of top picks. Featuring more than 16.7 million color options, it provides incredible heat dissipation. While it provides faster heat transfer than traditional aluminum alloy heat sinks, its cooling capacity is not as effective as other models on our list.
Best Liquid CPU Cooler For i7 8700k:
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240P
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were impressed with this unit's performance and stated that it worked as advertised. Users particularly loved the lighting and said the color controller was easy to use. While most customers found installation to be easy, some were disappointed with the RGB Lighting Control software. Some people also stated that the plastic bracket was too tight and short.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With a transparent pump design, this unit is hypnotically pretty. Boasting PPS+ glass fiber housing for temperature and liquid resistance, it is a beast when it comes to performance. The EPDM rubber O-ring eliminates liquid emission, while the low-resistance radiator maximizes heat exchange efficiency, enhances cooling performance, and increases flow rate.
Who Will Use This Most
Since this model delivers outstanding performance, it's perfect for gamers. By adding this unit to your gaming setup, you'll be able to continuously play for hours without worrying about overheating or thermal throttling.
Bottom Line
To put it simply, this model provides an excellent cooling solution for hardcore gamers. Featuring one of the best RGB lightings available today, it allows users to customize the model according to their liking. Although it is a bit expensive, it's certainly a worthwhile investment!
Editor's Pick:
Noctua NH-U12S
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost everyone who invested in this unit was impressed with its performance. They loved its easy installation and quality construction. One user stated that their system maintained a steady 50 degree C temperature, even at 100% CPU load. While customers were impressed with its whisper-quiet operation, some were disappointed with the colors offered.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit stands out from its competitors because of its noise levels. The unit is virtually impossible to hear over other components at lower fan speeds. It also gets incredibly quiet in the default single-fan setup. Furthermore, noise levels remain extremely low, even when a second fan is added.
Who Will Use This Most
Because of its slim design and 45 mm fin depth, this unit gives users full access to memory modules on all the latest CPU sockets. Boasting 100% compatibility with optional memory fans or tall heat spreaders, it's the perfect unit whether you want to overclock or go for stock clocks.
Bottom Line
Ultimately an extremely quiet cooler, this unit delivers an outstanding performance that's perfect for its size. If you're looking for a cooler that performs admirably while being quiet, then look no further! Its features and premium quality make it an incredible purchase.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Like other components, selecting the right cooler also depends on several different variables, including case compatibility, aesthetics, performance requirements, and budget restrictions. To help you make the right decision, here are some things you should consider before you finalize your purchase:
Clearances
Low-profile models and high-end air coolers can sometimes bump up against VRM heat sinks and tall RAMs. Tall models can also butt up against the case window or door. Thus, make sure you check the clearances and dimensions of the model before buying.
Air or Liquid
To put it simply, liquid coolers are more efficient, but air coolers are cheaper. If you need a unit for some heavy overclocking, then a liquid cooler is a bit too much. Since liquid coolers are designed with multiple fans to cool off the radiator, they're also noisier than air coolers. Air coolers are suitable for most users, so make sure you consider your use before you make your purchase.
Liquid Coolers (Source)
CPU Thermal Design Power and Noise
Noise and cooling performance go hand in hand. If you choose a unit with plenty of performance headroom, you'll be able to run the fan at incredibly low noise levels and speeds. However, a model that's fully maxed out by your system will often have fans running at maximum or higher speeds. If you prefer a quieter fan, then it's better to choose a unit that perfectly balances cooling and noise.
Conclusion
Although the i7 8700k is an outstanding processor, it runs a lot hotter than other models available today. This can be a problem for stock coolers and entry-level coolers. Hopefully, the aforementioned reviews will help you find the best CPU cooler. Along with being excellent choices for the 8700k, they're also perfect for anyone looking for a quality CPU cooler. Delivering outstanding performance, all these models ensure improved efficiency and stability of your CPU.
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