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The i9 9900k is arguably one of the most powerful processors. However, you can’t deny the fact that it might get hot at times.
Therefore, you need to combine a great CPU cooler with fine cooling practices to make the most of your processing power.
Since multiple brands offer a variety of options to choose from, the choice can be a really confusing task. In order to simplify your search, we have drawn a detailed review of some of the best CPU coolers that would do you fine.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for CPU Cooler For I9 9900k
- OUR TOP PICK: Noctua NH-D15S
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Cooler Master Hyper 212
- BEST LIQUID CPU COOLER FOR I9 9900K: Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO
Comparison of the Best CPU Coolers For i9 9900k
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How Does a CPU Cooler Work?
CPU coolers are ideally designed to keep the system’s temperature within an optimal temperature to enhance the functionality of the processor to a great extent. Although, most of the advanced processors are now equipped with a temperature sensor to ensure that it does not overheat.
Despite that, there are some cases where the system might overheat; therefore, you need to incorporate a CPU cooler to move the heat away. A CPU cooler keeps the temperature low with a specialized design. It includes heat pipes generally made from copper, filled with liquid, which gets evaporated when heated. The vapors formed travel to the cooler and condense to release the trapped heat. Moreover, the cooling fins cover a large area to add on to the cooling effect.
MSI CPU Cooler
What Size of CPU Cooler Do I Need For an i9 9900k?
Intel Core i9 9900k is known as the world's fastest gaming processor. Plus it is undoubtedly one of the fastest desktop processors currently available in the market. Being an octa-core processor with a turbo boost frequency of 5 GHz, this processor is really a beast.
However, it might cross the temperature threshold during overclocking, and therefore, you need a great CPU cooler that synergizes with it. In order to push the boundaries of the processor, you must employ a CPU cooler with a good thermal paste, such as liquid metal thermal paste and carbon-based thermal compound to ace perfection. Moreover, the dimensions of the cooler should be ideal for most cases to avoid any hassle during installation.
What to Look For When Buying a CPU Cooler For an i9 9900k
Choosing the right CPU cooler for your i9 9900k system can be extremely daunting and tricky, as there are multiple options available in the market. Unfortunately, not all of them are suitable for providing top-notch performance. Therefore, you are recommended to always look for some key characteristics that contribute to making the best CPU cooler. These include:
Quality Construction
Whenever you intend to purchase a new CPU cooler, your first priority should be the quality of the model. It is recommended to choose a model from reputed brands, as they are known for providing high-end products. Make sure the build is sturdy and capable of withstanding tough conditions without compromising on the performance.
Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO
Versatility
Another significant feature of a great CPU cooler is its enhanced compatibility with a range of sockets. You are always advised to pick a model that is equipped with great dimensions and can fit almost all popular cases without any hassle.
Ease of Installation
The CPU cooler must be easy to install. Mounting the cooler can be tricky sometimes for beginners; however, most reliable CPU coolers come with a user-friendly design that does not need much time for mounting.
Budget-Friendly
This is quite important for those who are budget conscious and do not want to spend too much money on a CPU cooler. Therefore, you must look for a model that is incorporated with almost all essential features and can easily fit your budget.
Review of the Best CPU Coolers For i9 9900k
Now that you are well-aware of important features that must not be overlooked while making a purchase, let’s start with the review of our top-picked CPU coolers that are powerhouses of exceptional features.
Best Overall:
Noctua NH-D15S
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users of this product were extremely satisfied with its performance. They reported that the design was very good-looking, plus the construction is highly durable. Moreover, the six heat pipes are very efficient in dissipating the heat without any hassle. Lastly, there is no noise production to offer a comforting environment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the finest models on the list, this best overall product is equipped with a beautiful dual-tower design that is manufactured from high-quality materials to ensure reliability. Moreover, there is an incorporation of six heat pipes to simulate the cooling effect with minimal noise production.
Who Will Use This Most
This is surely the right choice for your i9 9900k CPU to enhance its performance to a great extent. Moreover, you can employ this cooler for a range of Intel sockets, including Intel Core i9, i7, i5, and i3 to dissipate excessive heat produced as a result of the enhanced operation. Moreover, the six-year warranty makes this model a great choice for those who are concerned about reliability.
Bottom Line
An extraordinary product with high-end functionality, this model is built from quality materials to make it last longer. Similarly, the cooling effect is very impressive, thanks to the six heat pipes. Lastly, you get to enjoy a six-year warranty that is appreciable. What else could you want in a CPU cooler?
Best for the Money:
Cooler Master Hyper 212
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product has attracted many new customers with its affordable price tag. Plus, its performance is equally good. According to the users, the most loved feature of this cooler is the LED controller that lets you choose the color from a range of options, plus it is very user-friendly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
In case you are looking for a reliable CPU cooler in a reasonable price range, then you should definitely get your hands on this model from Cooler Master. Manufactured from quality materials and equipped with a beautiful design, this model is meant to dissipate heat whenever it is going through extreme working conditions.
Who Will Use This Most
It is surely a great option for those who do not want to spend tons of money on a single CPU cooler. Although the price is reasonable, there would be no compromise on the performance. It works great with multiple Intel and AMD sockets to keep the temperature of the CPU as low as possible.
Bottom Line
Available at an affordable price, this model is known for its construction and attractive design. The four continuous pipes work great in maintaining the temperature rapidly. Moreover, the installation is a breeze, and you can easily install it on AMD and Intel sockets, and without calling for professional help.
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for i9 9900k:
Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The customers of this cooler are very happy with its silent operation. They report that with this model, they don't have to worry about noise production. Plus, it is great in keeping the temperature of the CPU as low as possible. Lastly, it is highly versatile and is compatible with multiple Intel and AMD sockets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This CPU cooler from Corsair mainly stands out to us for its beautiful design and low noise production. The backlit head pump produces a great lighting effect to give your system an attractive look. Moreover, the magnetic levitation ensures that the heat dissipates quickly, and there is minimum sound production to avoid any inconvenience.
Who Will Use This Most
The attractive and exquisite design of this cooler makes it the best choice for the gaming enthusiasts out there who love to give their setup a certain look. Moreover, it is very easy to install, thus, it can be used by beginners to mount on Intel and AMD sockets without additional expenditures of professional help.
Bottom Line
Corsair has been known to provide impressive coolers for a long time. This model is no less than other products from the company. It has everything you look for in a great CPU cooler to enhance the performance of your system. In short, it is durable, silent, and reliable in performance.
Editor’s Pick:
Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B 120mm
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Just like our other reviewed models, this product has also succeeded in gaining the trust of many users out there. They report that the design is sturdy and nice, which perfectly goes with a range of cases available on the market. Moreover, the best quality of this cooler is its quiet operation, even under the workload.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a remarkable CPU cooler with top-notch performance, then look no further. This cooler is incorporated with some amazing features, including tough construction, impressive cooling functionality, an asymmetrical design, and easy installation. With this cooler on board, you don't have to worry about overheating and excessive noise production.
Who Will Use This Most
The reliable construction of this model makes it a perfect choice for popular Intel and AMD sockets on the market. It has great dimensions that can easily fit most cases, plus the installation is just a breeze. You can easily mount this cooler without calling for professional help.
Bottom Line
This fine CPU cooler is known for its quality, reliability, and durability. Not only is the design highly impressive, but the construction is very durable, as well. Incorporation of this cooler into your system avoids any overheating and noise production. Honestly, you won't find a better option on the market.
5. MSI CPU Cooler
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product has gained many exceptional ratings from its customers due to its fine performance. According to the users, this model is equipped with a very nice design, plus the durability of this cooler can't be questioned. Similarly, there would be no tension about any noise production, due to its silent performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The MSI CPU cooler is incorporated with a range of exceptional features that combine to provide an impressive cooling effect. Talking about the design first, it is very attractive, and the construction is very durable, as well. Moreover, the airflow technology ensures that the CPU remains cool, even under loaded situations.
Who Will Use This Most
Suitable for a range of AMD and Intel sockets, this is a perfect option for those who want a highly durable cooler for their CPU in order to maintain an optimal environment for the system. Moreover, the smart base design makes it highly compatible with AM4, FM2, AM2+, AM2, LGA 2011-3, 2011, 1366, and many more.
Bottom Line
The incorporation of a 120mm fan with airflow technology makes it one of the greatest CPU coolers you'll find on the market. It is perfectly suitable for AMD and Intel mounting, plus there would be no tensi,on of frequent maintenance thanks to its sturdy construction. Overall, it is versatile and built to last long.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality CPU Cooler
Processors come with stock coolers, however, not all of them can withstand extreme working situations. Therefore, in order to upgrade your system's performance, it is important to incorporate a quality CPU cooler. In this section, we have summarized a couple benefits that are associated with investing in a reliable CPU cooler.
Let’s discuss them one by one!
Impressive Cooling Effect
The main purpose of employing a CPU cooler is to maintain the system's temperature within an optimal range. Having a great CPU cooler on board can really help you dissipate excessive heat without compromising on the performance. There would be fewer chances of overheating, and you can continue playing games or web surfing without any interference.
Noise-Free Environment
One of the major advantages of investing in a quality CPU cooler is that you don’t have to worry about noise production. These coolers are capable of lowering the temperature with hardly any noise production. Therefore, you can easily use the setup in your offices and homes.
Durable
Quality CPU coolers are always manufactured from top-notch materials so they can withstand tough conditions like a pro. They do not collapse under extreme situations and continue to serve the user in the long run. This way, they not only enhance the lifespan of your system, but also bring value to your bucks.
How to Install a CPU Cooler
Who does not want to upgrade their PC in order to enjoy a better experience? However, most new customers hesitate in doing so in fear of damaging the product. Well, honestly, it is not a tough nut to crack. Let’s help you here.
We have laid down some easy steps to simplify the task for you. You can easily mount the new CPU cooler on the socket by following these simple steps.
1. Insertion of the CPU Into the Socket
The first step is to insert the CPU into the socket to ensure security. Make sure the clip is flat and leveled. You can also simply lift the socket retention and apply a bit of pressure on the CPU to make it perfectly secured.
2. Clear the Heat Sink Surfaces
Next, it is quite important to ensure the heat sink’s surface is free from any particles or contamination in order to achieve the perfect mating of surfaces. For this purpose, you are recommended to use isopropanol.
3. CPU Cooler Mounting
The final step includes the application of thermal interface material, preferably high-end ceramic or silver-based thermal paste on the surface of the integrated heat spreader. This is followed by lowering the heat sink and attaching the clips on the brackets and later securing it with a screw or a cam.
In short, you don't have to be tech-savvy to ace the installation of the CPU cooler. You can also refer to the video below in order to have a full overview of what was just described.
Conclusion
Your CPU might not be capable of bearing excessive performance. Here, incorporation of a quality CPU cooler does its magic by lowering the temperature to a great extent. This was all about our hot-favorite CPU coolers for the i9 9900k system. Hopefully, this detailed buying guide has helped you in finding the right model to meet your demands.
People Also Ask
Many gaming enthusiasts and video editors love to upgrade their system in order to enhance the performance and longevity of the processor. Well, many consumers and new buyers have certain queries regarding these CPU coolers. Here, we have tried to answer some frequently asked questions so they can get the best out of their setup.
Does the i9 9900k Need Liquid Cooling?
Honestly, a liquid cooling system would be an ideal choice for the i9 9900k processor. Since it is very fast and heats up rapidly, you must employ a CPU cooler based on liquid cooling technology in order to dissipate the heat quickly and maintain the temperature within the optimal threshold.
How Hot is the 9900k?
We are all familiar with the fact that Intel Core i9 9900k gets hot during overclocking. It can reach a temperature of 57 degrees Celsius when running under a stress test with Prime95. The excessive heat production can affect the performance of the processor, so it is better to incorporate a quality CPU cooler to enjoy a better experience.
Do Intel Coolers Come With Thermal Paste?
Generally, the CPU is not equipped with any thermal paste; therefore, it becomes a necessity to use a cooler with thermal paste to easily dissipate the heat. Almost all Intel coolers are incorporated with a good thermal paste to ensure a quick lowering of temperature in hot CPUs.
Does the i9 9900k Come With a Cooler?
No, the i9 9900k processor does not come with a cooler. In fact, it comes in a retail box, and the package does not include any kind of cooler. Therefore, you need to order a separate cooler and then install it to ensure the reliable heat dissipation and functionality of the processor under excessive stress.
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