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Corsair iCUE H115i Elite CAPELLIX XT Liquid CPU Cooler
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Best CPU cooler for i5-14600K
Keep your CPU from combusting into flames with this selection of CPU coolers for Intel's 14th Gen
Updated: Oct 18, 2023 11:45 am
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In yet another generation from Intel, there is a lot to consider if you’re curious about the new CPU then you might need some cooling to go with it. That’s why we look for the best CPU cooler for i5-14600K, so you can get the most out of the lower-tier processor.
Intel’s 14th Gen release threw us plenty of surprises, with rumors beforehand that it might be a whole new change. However, it seems that’s not the case, with the generation proving to be a refresh of Raptor Lake instead. Keeping the same socket, it has become a lot more reasonable of an upgrade and choice without ruining compatibility with anything already out there for it.
Today’s best CPU cooler deals
- Corsair iCUE H115i Elite CAPELLIX XT Liquid CPU Cooler – Save 28% now!
- ASUS TUF Gaming LC II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler – Save 13% now!
- NZXT Kraken 280 RGB CPU Liquid Cooler – Save 20% now!
- Thermaltake TH360 ARGB Sync V2 CPU Liquid Cooler – Save 20% now!
- Thermaltake TH120 ARGB – Save 25% now!
The 14600K might not be the best CPU from the lineup, but it certainly might hold some good value to it. For that, you still want to have the best cooler for the job, and below are some of our top picks for the job. If you’re considering if to go for it, you can read our 14600K review.
Best CPU coolers at a glance
Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Dual Tower CPU Cooler
Item Dimensions LxWxH
5.31 x 5.91 x 6.5 inches
Brand
Noctua
Cooling Method
Air
Compatible Devices
Desktop
Noise Level
24 dB
Lian Li Galahad 360 Black
Cooler size
360mm
Number of fans
3
Airflow capacity
72.0 cubic_feet_per_minute
Meterial
Aluminum , Plastic
Deepcool Assassin III
Dimensions
6.34 x 5.51 x 6.5 inches
Fans
2x 120mm
Cooling capacity
280W
Best CPU cooler for i5-14600K: Noctua NH-D15
Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Dual Tower CPU Cooler
Item Dimensions LxWxH
5.31 x 5.91 x 6.5 inches
Brand
Noctua
Cooling Method
Air
Compatible Devices
Desktop
Noise Level
24 dB
Pros
- Silent – Even quieter than some AIO systems.
- Ultimate Cooling – Dual fans and heavy heatsink dissipate heat extremely efficiently.
- Single Fan Mode – SFM enables 64mm clearance for RAM.
Cons
- Price – Expensive for air cooling (but still cheaper than liquid)
- Installation – The weight can make installation tricky.
Noctua enjoys a well-deserved reputation in the realm of air cooling, and its NH-D15 stands out as one of the most sought-after air coolers over the past decade. Its acclaim stems from the remarkable cooling prowess it offers and the excellent value it presents for your money. These attributes, among others, make it our choice as the mid-range cooling solution for the i5 14600K.
The NH-D15 Chromax Black, a sleek all-black variant of the renowned NH-D15, is available, but the standard version remains an option if you prefer. The NH-D15 claims a spot among the most potent air coolers available, boasting an advertised thermal capacity of up to 220 watts according to Noctua’s specifications. Equipped with six heat pipes and two robust fans, the NH-D15 emerges as an ideal companion for the Core i5 14600K.
Overclocking the i5 14600K is also on the table with the NH-D15. The two NF-A15 PWM fans excel in efficiently dissipating heat from the substantial fin stack of this dual-tower CPU cooler while maintaining a commendably low noise profile. These fans can reach a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, which is quite respectable for an air-cooling solution. Noctua has never been renowned for its aesthetics or eye-catching designs, and this product is no exception. Despite the NH-D15 Chromax Black’s modest and tasteful appearance, it lacks any sort of RGB lighting or other distinctive design elements.
Keep in mind that the Noctua NH-D15 is a substantial CPU cooler, so you should verify its compatibility with your case before making your final purchasing decision. Additionally, ensure that your memory modules do not obstruct the cooler’s fin stack. In essence, the Noctua NH-D15 is a sound choice in its price range, thanks to its remarkable cooling capabilities and the great value it offers for your investment.
Best AIO cooler for 14600K: Lian Li Galahad 360 Black
Lian Li Galahad 360 Black
Cooler size
360mm
Number of fans
3
Airflow capacity
72.0 cubic_feet_per_minute
Meterial
Aluminum , Plastic
Pros
- High performance cooler
- Aesthetically pleasing no matter which version you get
- RGB fans
Cons
- Expensive
While the Lian Li GALAHAD 360mm liquid cooler may lean towards the pricey side for the Core i5 14600K, it stands out as one of the finest All-in-One (AiO) cooling solutions currently available in the market. The GALAHAD 360mm AiO excels in delivering exceptional thermal performance and operates with a hushed demeanor, essentially offering everything you could desire in a CPU cooler.
Lian Li also offers the GALAHAD liquid cooler in a 240mm variant, but we strongly recommend the 360mm version as the premium choice in our selection due to its superior thermal capacity. This cooler provides ample room for overclocking the i5 14600K without the need to tinker with fan settings. The pump and radiator design is truly outstanding, effectively managing your CPU’s temperature.
The GALAHAD 360mm liquid cooler comes equipped with three Lian Li fans optimized for static pressure. These fans can generate a maximum static pressure of 2.6mm H2O and boast an airflow rating of 69.17 CFM, making them highly suitable for use in an AiO cooler. Furthermore, for gamers, the fans are adorned with a generous amount of RGB lighting.
Regarding aesthetics, the GALAHAD’s RGB implementation is visually appealing, gracing both the pump block and the fans. The pump’s design is exceptionally unique, and the integrated RGB lighting elevates it to a higher echelon. Taking all factors into consideration, if you seek a premium liquid cooler for your Core i5 14600K, the Lian Li GALAHAD 360mm RGB liquid cooler should unquestionably occupy the top spot on your priority list.
Best budget cooler for 14600K: Deepcool Assassin III
Deepcool Assassin III
Dimensions
6.34 x 5.51 x 6.5 inches
Fans
2x 120mm
Cooling capacity
280W
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to set up
- High performance for an air cooler
Cons
- Not as high performance as some basic liquid coolers
In the more budget-friendly price range, we find the Deepcool Assassin III air cooler to be a noteworthy choice, offering many of the same features as the Noctua NH-D15 but at a more affordable price point. While the thermal performance of this cooler doesn’t quite match the iconic Noctua offering, it comes remarkably close. The Deepcool Assassin III is undeniably substantial in size, so it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your PC case before making your purchase. With its two fans and seven heat pipes, it can effectively handle a heat output of up to 280 watts, as stated by Deepcool.
Under heavy loads, it can become somewhat noisy, and the fan quality might not be top-tier, but considering the price, the overall package remains impressive. While it would have been nice to see options for RGB lighting or an all-black color scheme, these features are not available in this particular model from Deepcool. The Deepcool Assassin III air cooler certainly punches above its weight class in terms of thermal performance, making it a compelling option for i5 14600K users seeking an upgrade in cooling performance without straining their budget.
Things to consider
When it comes to purchasing an aftermarket CPU cooler, several factors demand consideration. These guidelines can assist you in making an informed decision, regardless of your budget or platform.
Air Cooling vs. Liquid Cooling
The debate between air cooling and liquid cooling is a long-standing one, and each approach has its merits and drawbacks. Air cooling often delivers superior value for money, with various options in different price ranges. You can choose an affordable air cooler that performs admirably or a high-end model that rivals some of the best liquid coolers. Furthermore, air coolers don’t require ongoing maintenance, which is a significant advantage. AiO liquid coolers, while more expensive, offer greater thermal performance potential. They also offer customization options and a sleek appearance. However, some liquid coolers may require periodic maintenance.
Compatibility
Ensuring compatibility is paramount when selecting a CPU cooler. It’s essential to check if the cooler is compatible not only with the CPU itself but also with your PC case. If you’re using the 14th Gen Intel platform with an LGA 1700 CPU socket, make sure your CPU cooler supports this socket. Fortunately, most CPU coolers come with adaptable brackets, often included in the package, to accommodate various socket types. Additionally, if you’re opting for an AiO liquid cooler, verify that your case supports the radiator size for your chosen cooler. Cases typically have provisions for 240mm, 280mm, or even 360mm radiators, but confirm this beforehand. For air coolers, take note of the cooler’s height clearance within your PC case to ensure it fits without obstructing the side panel closure.
Performance and Acoustics
The CPU cooler’s performance is a crucial consideration. Aftermarket coolers generally outperform stock coolers, but their effectiveness can vary. For high-end, unlocked CPUs like the Core i9 14900K, you’ll need a robust cooler. Judging a cooler’s cooling performance may require testing, as manufacturer-issued TDP figures only provide a partial view. To make an informed choice, consult user and expert reviews of the cooler online. Additionally, assess the acoustic performance of the cooler. There’s little sense in purchasing an aftermarket cooler that produces excessive noise. In most cases, a cooler’s acoustic performance is directly related to its thermal performance.
In summary, make an informed decision by considering compatibility, performance, acoustics, and the pros and cons of air cooling and liquid cooling when selecting an aftermarket CPU cooler.
Best CPU cooler for i5-14600K final word
Plenty of options to pick from when it comes to the best CPU cooler for i5-14600K. Any choice will be a good one out of it, allowing your CPU to perform and get the most out of it. If it’s overclocking and/or making sure it doesn’t thermal throttle, all of these will be capable of lowering your CPU temps. That way you can make sure you have the best experience in playing on your gaming PC. With the 14th Gen also running hot much like its predecessor, it does require some higher tier cooling.
Today’s best CPU cooler deals
Save 13% now!
ASUS TUF Gaming LC II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
with Aura Sync, 3X TUF Gaming 120mm ARGB Radiator Fans, Reinforced Tubing, and 6-Year Warranty;Widely Compatible with Latest Intel&AMD CPUs
Save 20% now!
NZXT Kraken 280 RGB CPU Liquid Cooler
RL-KR280-W1 – 280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler – Customizable 1.54″ Square LCD Display for Images, Performance Metrics – High-Performance Pump – 2 x F140 RGB
Save 20% now!
Thermaltake TH360 ARGB Sync V2 CPU Liquid Cooler
AlO Liquid Cooling/Fan 120mm*3/PWM 500~2000 RPM/Mirror Waterblock/MB ARGB Sync Control, CL-W362-PL12SW-A,Black
Save 25% now!
Thermaltake TH120 ARGB
Motherboard Sync Edition Intel LGA1700 Ready/AM5/AMD All-in-One Liquid Cooling System 120mm High Efficiency Radiator CPU Cooler CL-W285-PL12SW-B, Black
