Best CPU Coolers For i7 9700k – 2023 Top Picks Reviewed

Austin
| Last Updated: January 14, 2023

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Do you have an i7 9700k and worry about having your processor overheated? 

Well, you need to have a CPU cooler to take away your worries. CPU coolers maintain the right temperature for your computer to keep working for long hours.

So, you should get one for your CPU too. Here is all that you need to know about CPU coolers to get the perfect cooler for your processor. 

Comparison of the Best CPU Coolers For i7 9700k

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 4 direct contact heat pipes
  • The PWM fan has a 12 mm diameter
  • Rate of airflow is 82.9 CFM
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  • CPU cooler with infinity mirror design
  • Reinforced tubing has a reliable extension
  • 3 radiator fans work together for cooling
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  • Best for the money
  • 4 heat pipes to improve its functioning
  • The RGB fan has a diameter of 120 mm
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  • Best CORSAIR hydro fan with PWM operation
  • Dual fan to save cooling time
  • The 280 mm CPU cooler is liquid-based
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  • Ultra-quiet CPU cooler by Dark Rock
  • 2 PWM fans in a compact frame
  • Installation kit for an easy mounting of the fans
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Are All CPU Coolers the Same?

All CPU coolers are not the same, just as all computer processors are not the same either. They differ in many dimensions and offer different kinds of functioning. We have discussed some of the major differences in CPU coolers here. 

Size

The CPU coolers do not necessarily have the same size, even if they have the same socket for mounting. The size of a CPU cooler affects its ease of use and the way of mounting it too. So, you need to see which CPU cooler size will be better for you.

RGB Lights

The presence and absence of RGB lights also make a difference. They can alter the aesthetics of a CPU cooler with a long shot. The mystic RGB also increases the attractiveness of a CPU cooler. 

Construction Material

The construction of all the CPU coolers is different too. Some of them have simple plastic body while others have an aluminum construction. Plastic ones may be lightweight, but the aluminum ones have greater durability. 

Warranty

CPU coolers also differ in terms of the warranty that they come with. Those which offer greater warranty are naturally more reliable. They win the trust of the buyers easily and are more worthy of investing money in. 

How to Choose a CPU Cooler For i7 9700k

Choosing the right CPU cooler is necessary for enjoying a greater speed of your i7 9700k. This is why we have written down the aspects that you have to consider while making a purchase. 

Noise Production

Noise production of a CPU cooler is important to consider as it affects the ease of use. If a CPU cooler is noisier, then it will disturb you. But if its noise production is under 30 decibels, then it will help you concentrate better.

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, BK022, 250W TDP

Number of Fans

The number of fans in a CPU cooler is also important as it affects the rate of airflow. It also determines how long it takes to cool down your i7 9700k. So, you should be careful about the number of fans in a CPU cooler. 

Optimized Performance

Some CPU coolers come with optimized performance engineering, which works better on low energy consumption. So, you should get a CPU cooler that has optimized performance to enjoy higher efficiency. 

Review of the Best CPU Coolers For i7 9700k

The market is swarming with CPU coolers, and this makes choosing one hard for people. But you do not have to worry about this anymore. Here is a review of our hand-picked CPU coolers for i7 9700k to make your choice easier. 

Best Overall:
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo 

PROS

  • Minimum noise creation at 36 decibels
  • Has the dimensions of 120 x 120 x 25 mm
  • Fan optimization at both high and low speeds
  • Wave-shaped blade design for effective airflow 
  • The size of the heat sink is 116 x 51 x 159 millimeter

CONS

  • Assembly is a little hard for newbies
  • Does not have a preset thermal plate

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyers of this CPU cooler have given very positive feedback. They loved the 12 mm PWM fan, which has such a nice build and noiseless working. They liked the presence of 4 direct contact heat pumps too because they make cooling quicker. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The aluminum fin structure of this CPU cooler makes it stand out to us the most. It has such a reliable working and structure due to the aluminum material in it. The rate of airflow is also great at 82.9 CFM and does not become disturbing. 

Who Will Use This Most

This cooler is most useful for the people who want an optimized functioning. The fan is easy to configure according to the temperature and amount of heat. This way, you can save both energy and time. Its assembly is, however, a little difficult, so it is better for pro users. 

Bottom Line

Considering all the features and pros, it is easily the best CPU cooler that we have found so far. It has a simple frame, and the direct contact heat pumps make its working speedier. This is why you can go for it if you do not have a tight budget to stick to. 

Runner-up:
NZXT Kraken X72 360mm 

PROS

  • The RGB CPU cooler is liquid-based
  • Nylon sleeves to make the tubing stronger
  • Has more reliability with a warranty of 6 years
  • CAM for controlling the fan speed from desktop or mobile
  • Optimal performance engineering to keep the noise level to a minimum

CONS

  • The software has a tricky layout
  • More expensive than other CPU coolers 

What Recent Buyers Report

The NZXT CPU cooler has won over many customers with its infinity mirror design and high-performance engineering. They found the infinity mirror design to be highly attractive and practical. They also liked the simplicity of the design, which makes it less prone to any external damage. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It has become the runner-up CPU cooler on our list because of the reinforced tubing system. It effectively increases the cooling action of the CPU cooler. The tubing also provides a better sink to the excessive heat that gathers in the CPU. In addition, all 3 of its fans are in a single frame which makes it easy to handle. 

Who Will Use This Most

The people who need something long-lasting and easy to control will love this CPU cooler by NZXT. The warranty of 6 years makes sure that it lasts for a long while and does not need any replacements. The desktop and mobile app make using it easier as you can access its configuration quickly there. 

Bottom Line

In our opinion, it is one of the most competitive CPU coolers that the market has to offer. The tubing system is reinforced with nylon sleeves and has unbelievable strength. This makes sure that you get to use it without any breakage for many years on end.

Best for the Money:
DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX GT BK

PROS

  • The fan and top cover are both RGB
  • PWM for noise and turbulence control
  • Aluminum fins have a thickness of 0.5 mm 
  • Aluminum construction with RGB aesthetics
  • Air cooling operation for greater effectiveness 

CONS

  • Heat sink should be horizontal
  • The hooks for mounting are metallic

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyers of DEEPCOOL CPU cooler found it very easy to use with a variety of processors. They liked that it has 4 different heat pipes to sink the excess heat from the CPU unit. They also approve of the CPU cooler due to its sleek build and practical construction. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us with its reliable aluminum construction and RGB lighting. The aluminum frame fights off most of the wear and tear and stays flawless for a long time. The fins are also aluminum-made, so they work without any issues as well. Other than these, it has PWM in it for reducing noise by minimizing turbulence and vibration. 

Who Will Use This Most

The DEEPCOOL CPU cooler is for modern gamers who love to have multicolored lights. It will not only cool down your CPU but will also make it look more attractive. The mystic light display shows a variety of lights and stands out from the other computer accessories. 

Bottom Line

To sum up, it is an amazing CPU cooler which comes at a very affordable price. It has a durable aluminum body with just the right RGB elements in it. They make it look great, and the noiseless operation of the fins is worth more than the money you spend on it. 

4. CORSAIR HYDRO Series H115i PRO 

PROS

  • Has a noise level of merely 20.4 decibels
  • Magnetic levitation for smoother airflow
  • RPM mode for complete noise elimination
  • Multicolor RGB lighting to match the gaming console
  • Fan stops working at extremely low temperatures itself

CONS

  • Mounting it is harder than other coolers
  • Software upgrades are annoying to handle

What Recent Buyers Report

The people who bought it lately had a great time using it. The buyers liked it a lot because of the dual fan system in it. The liquid cooler makes it easy to cut down the noise when it is working even at full speed. They also liked the size of this CPU cooler as it has such great dimensions.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This CORSAIR CPU cooler makes it to our list due to its RPM noise elimination. This minimizes the noise to a level of 20.4 decibels, which is almost negligible. The RGB lights on the top and at the sides make the cooler look impressive too. The mystic lights help it match your mood and the gaming accessories around it.

Who Will Use This Most

This is the right CPU cooler for you if you want something which looks as good as it works. This is perfect for those too who have a sensitive hearing and cannot bear much noise. The 20.4 decibels noise generation is almost non-existent, so it will be great for you.

Bottom Line

All in all, it is a great CPU cooler by CORSAIR which satisfies a diverse range of users. Its aesthetical appearance impresses everyone, and its liquid-based cooling is great too. So, there is nothing about this CPU cooler that you won’t like. 

5. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, BK022, 250W TDP

PROS

  • Has 7 heat pipes made of copper
  • Cooling fins have an airflow optimization
  • Funnel-shaped front fan with better air pressure 
  • Comes with dimensions of 5.7 x 5.35 x 6.40 inches
  • The dual fans are virtually inaudible with silent wings

CONS

  • Thermal paste is not enough
  • Latching on the middle fan is hard 

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyers have found this CPU cooler to be quite helpful in keeping the temperature moderate. They reported having to worry less about the over-heating of their processor even after hours of use. They liked the way its two fans have been put in a compact frame. This makes it lightweight and easier to mount on the CPU.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because it has 7 heat pipes that effectively take away the excessive heat. The cooling fins have a wave-contoured body that improves the direction and flow of air. Moreover, it has a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, which increases its reliability for the buyers. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is most useful for those who want to save more desk space for other things. The CPU cooler has a sleek body that does not need a heavy mounting bracket. This makes it both less spacious and lightweight, satisfying the needs of modern users. Its airflow optimization makes it better for closed spaces as it regulates air around the CPU well. 

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that it is one of the quietest CPU coolers that you will find on the market. It has a simple black construction with two durable fans inside it. Moreover, the air pressure is high around the processor due to a funnel-shaped front of the cooler.

Advantages of Investing in a Quality CPU Cooler

Investing in a quality CPU cooler is going to make your gaming experience much better. It will improve overall functioning too. Here are some of the advantages you will get on buying a new CPU cooler for your i7 9700k.

Lesser Noise

The best thing about a high-quality CPU cooler is that it creates minimum noise. It will then create a lesser distraction for you while you are using your computer. There are active mechanisms in CPU coolers to keep vibration low, which minimizes noise too.

No Short-Circuiting

The best thing about a CPU cooler is that it takes away all the excess heat. This then makes sure that there are no short circuits or faulty wires in the processor. This way, a CPU cooler makes your computer have speedier functioning too.

Longer Life

If you want to have a long-lasting processor, then you need to give it the right CPU cooler. The cooler will lower the temperature and optimize the performance of your processor. 

Safer Gaming

Another great perk of a CPU cooler is that it makes heavy-duty gaming safe as well. It reduces heat and increases the speed of your computer. Thus, it increases safety and efficiency while gaming too. 

How to Install a CPU Cooler

Installing a CPU cooler is fairly easy if you know the right steps. Considering your need to install it the right way, we have brought you the easiest way of doing so. Here is a simple procedure of installing a CPU cooler in your i7 9700k.

  1. · Insert the CPU in its socket and make sure there is no loose connection anywhere.

  2. · Now begin by cleaning the CPU and then clean the heat sink surface.

  3. · Then prepare the heat sink for the installation of the CPU cooler. The best way of doing so is by applying a moderate amount of thermal paste on the heat sink surface. 

  4. · Now apply the thermal interface material on the surface. It can be a silver-based or ceramic thermal paste.

  5. · After this, mount the CPU cooler on the heat sink socket. Make sure to latch it on the socket securely.

  6. · Wipe off the sides of the thermal paste and your CPU cooler, and you will be good to go.

Here is a video to help you have a better idea of how to install your CPU cooler as well. 

Conclusion

To do a quick wrap up, a CPU cooler will surely make your computer safer. There will be a lesser risk of any short circuits or overheating in the processor with this. All you have to do is to be careful while buying and mounting a CPU cooler. It will do the rest of the work on its own, and you will love it. 

People Also Ask

People have become more conscious of the gaming equipment and computer accessories now. With better games out there, they need better equipment too. So, they are quite curious about different accessories like CPU coolers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers to help them. 

How Hot Does the i7 9700k Get?

An i7 9700k processor works like a monster and heats up like one too. As it enables you to enjoy heavy-duty games, it needs to work extra. This is why it gets pretty hot pretty quickly. An i7 9700k can heat up to 100 degrees, and it needs a CPU cooler for constant working.

What Happens if You Don’t Have a CPU Cooler?

If you don’t have a CPU cooler, then your computer is at risk of short-circuiting due to overheating. The video card and the CPU can heat up very quickly, and they result in a decreased speed of your computer. Overheating can downright force the computer to stop working too. So, you must get a CPU cooler, especially if you have an i7 9700k.

At What Temperature Does a CPU Get Damaged?

A CPU designed for heavy-duty use can tolerate a temperature of up to 100 degrees Celsius. And when it reaches 105 or 110 degrees, it can damage your computer and its internal wiring. Meanwhile, the ideal temperature for an i7 9700k is around 80 degrees. 

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Austin

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.