Best CPU cooler for Core i9-13900K in 2024 – our top AIO picks for 13900K
Looking for something to keep the high 13900K temps at bay? Well look no further.
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Intel’s i9-13900k is many things, but cool isn’t one of them, so you might be wondering, What is the best CPU cooler for the i9-13900K? The 13900K is one of the fastest CPUs in the world right now, It certainly works up a sweat holding its pole position In the industry. Here’s the best CPU cooler for Intel Core i9-13900K.
There’s some phenomenal technology packed under the 13900K’s IHS, new Raptor Cove core technology, increased L2 cache, and various core speed improvements. These are all contributing factors in the 13900K’s TDP climbing above 250W at peak performance. so not only is it the fastest CPU in the world, but it’s also one of the hottest. A good CPU cooler is required here, we recommend at least a 240mm AIO liquid cooler to keep the high temperatures and thermal throttling at bay.
- 01Best cooler for 13900KASUS ROG RYUJIN ii 360mm
- 02Runner up best cooler for 13900KCorsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix
Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT Liquid CPU Cooler
- 03Best premium Corsair cooler for 13900KCorsair ELITE H150i LCD 360
We have considered the very latest in CPU cooling technology. The 13900K review we did states that the CPU runs very hot, it’s for this reason that we’re recommending such high-performance CPU coolers, There are many coolers out there that just won’t cut it. We need something dependable to keep the 253W TDP under control.
If you don’t have time to read the entire article, don’t worry. We have chosen the Asus ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU Cooler as the best CPU cooler for the 13900K for many reasons, its incredible yet robust cooling performance and pleasing industrial design being the top two.
Best CPU cooler for Core i9-13900K – ASUS ROG RYUJIN ii 360mm
Asus ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU Cooler
CPU Block Dimensions
78.15 x 87.5 x 81 mm
Socket Support
Intel: LGA 1150, 1151, 1152, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, TR4*
Fans
3x Noctua NF-F12 InductrialPPC 2000 PWM Fans
Features
3.5″ Full Color LCD Screen
- LCD Screen
- High Performance
- Aesthetically, one of the best looking AIOs on the market
- Expensive
- More affordable options that perform similarly
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II stands out as the best CPU cooler for the i9-13900K, offering almost unmatched performance and features. Its 3.5″ color LCD provides real-time system statistics and personalized animations, allowing you to monitor your PC’s health with ease, thanks to the ASUS LiveDash software controls.
Powered by a Seventh Gen Asetek pump, this cooler excels in cooling while maintaining minimal noise, boasting an operating range beginning at 840 rpm. More than enough to pump water over that hot piece of silicon.
Enhancing the experience further are the industrial-grade Noctua iPPC-2000 PWM fans this cooler is bundled with, paired with software control via FanXpert, reducing unnecessary noise while effectively cooling your system. Its compatibility with both Intel and AMD mainstream sockets, including LGA1700, LGA1200, AM4, TR4/sTRX4, and more ensures wide application for gamers of all types. Moreover, the patent-pending embedded micro fan inside the pump housing maximizes cooling performance on the VRM and M.2.
With Aura Sync’s addressable RGB lighting, users can enjoy a dazzling spectrum of colors and synchronized effects across a growing ecosystem of Aura Sync-enabled products. The aluminum pump cover and reinforced, sleeved tubing guarantee durability. The ASUS ROG Ryujin II stands as the apex of CPU cooling, marrying exceptional performance and aesthetics for the discerning i9-13900K user.
Runner up CPU cooler for i9-13900K – Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT
Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT Liquid CPU Cooler
Item Dimensions LxWxH
15.63 x 4.72 x 1.06 inches
Brand
Corsair
Cooling Method
Water
Noise Level
34.1 dB
- Quiet Running Volume – This system should rarely break 36dBA.
- RGBs – bright and punchy, these RGBs will breathe new life into your case.
- Pump Design – A split-flow copper cold plate and a ton of micro-skived fins enable you to push your CPU to the limit.
- Price – You may have to liquidate your assets to afford this liquid asset.
- Installation – The fans can be difficult to screw into place.
The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT comes out as a compelling runner-up CPU cooler for the i9-13900K, offering remarkable features and cooling efficiency. Sporting a 360mm radiator, three 120mm fans, a copper cold plate, and an efficient pump head adorned with captivating CAPELLIX LEDs, it’s well-equipped to handle the latest Intel and AMD CPUs.
The CORSAIR AF120 RGB ELITE PWM fans are invaluable in delivering low-noise airflow with Corsair’s AirGuide technology, ensuring exceptional CPU cooling performance. With PWM control, users can precisely dictate fan speeds up to 2,100 RPM, and the support for 0 RPM PWM signals allows the fans to stop entirely at low temperatures, eradicating fan noise.
Adding to its allure, the iCUE COMMANDER CORE RGB lighting and fan speed controller provides users with precise control over fan speeds and lighting for up to six CORSAIR RGB fans.
The dazzling lighting effects created by 33 ultra-bright CAPELLIX LEDs in the pump head and 24 fan RGB LEDs make for a mesmerizing and customizable lighting spectacle.
Best CPU cooler with screen for i9-13900K – Corsair H150i ELITE LCD 360
Corsair H150i ELITE LCD XT 360
Radiator Type
Aluminium
Fan Edition
3x Corsair ML120 ELITE RGB PWM
Max RPM
2000 RPM
Socket Support
Intel 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4
- 480×480 LCD Screen
- Revised AMD mounting solution
- Excellent thermal performance
- Quiet operation
- Upgrade kit
- 12th gen compatible
- Expensive
The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT stands out as an exceptional CPU cooler for the i9-13900K, blending potent, low-noise cooling with an innovative LCD display that not only enhances your system’s aesthetics but also provides an instant snapshot of real-time performance.
This all-in-one solution boasts a brilliant 2.1″ IPS LCD screen with a 480×480 resolution, a blazing ultra-bright 600cd/m² backlight, and the capacity to reproduce over 16.7 million colors with 24-bit true color depth. This display is a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to showcase live CPU temperatures, animated GIFs, memes, team logos, or any image you desire.
The library of themes enables customization to suit your preferences, providing bold graphic display styles for essential system information. Moreover, the powerful CORSAIR AF120 RGB ELITE PWM fans incorporate AirGuide technology, working in tandem with a high-surface area 360mm radiator to deliver exceptional CPU cooling performance while maintaining low noise levels.
Thanks to PWM control, you can precisely adjust fan speeds up to 2,100 RPM, and with support for 0 RPM PWM signals, the fans can halt entirely at low temperatures, eradicating fan noise.
In sum, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT marries cutting-edge cooling with a visually captivating LCD display, making it an ideal choice for i9-13900K users seeking both performance and aesthetics in one comprehensive package.
Best budget CPU Cooler for i9-13900K – Phanteks Glacier One 360
Phanteks Glacier One 360MPH
Item Dimensions LxWxH
273mm x 120mm x 27mm
Cooling Method
Water
Noise Level
27 dB
- Amazing cooling potential
- Visually epic
- riple 120mm MP PWM fans optimized for high static pressure and silent operation
- Block is not as beefy as the ASUS model
The Phanteks Glacier One 360 has been around for a little while now, but we feel it needs a little introduction. This CPU cooler has to be one of the better-looking coolers on the market to date, thanks to its sleek design and desirable white finish.
The 360mm aluminum radiator will ensure it has the appropriate cooling capacity to keep the high TDP of the 13900K at bay. It’s important to have an increased surface area for heat dissipation when dealing with hot hardware, that’s why a 360mm radiator or more is recommended for the 13900K.
Sleeved rubber tubes mean that no amount of bending could ever break these robust tubular liquid-transporting components. Perfect for advantageous positioning within the PC case. Many coolers fall short of the best because of the tubing used to construct them.
The performance is top-notch and the silent operation means you won’t be disturbed by unwanted rackets whilst the Glacear does its thing. And gives users another ent to consider when looking for a CPU cooler for the 13900K.
Why is a CPU cooler so important for the i9-13900K?
If a CPU had an arch-enemy, it would be heat. Any electrical component produces heat when used, that’s just basic physics, the more power that component consumes, the hotter it will become.
If any electronic component overheats, it can become damaged, effectively destroying itself by being fried and burned in a fantastic display of self-immolation. The purpose of a CPU cooler is to prevent this and maintain the temperature of the CPU at a safe level to avoid any harm.
It’s not only about protecting the CPU but also maintaining its power efficiency, as most electrical components, including CPUs, operate more efficiently at lower temperatures. The hotter the CPU becomes, the more powerful the CPU cooler must be to keep high temperatures under control, especially with more powerful CPUs. This is especially true if you plan on overclocking the CPU.
Should I water cool the i9-13900K?
In general, it’s always a good idea to water-cool any PC component if you can. There’s nothing more taxing on a PC component than constant exposure to rising and falling temperatures. So if you can, you need to try and keep your CPU temperatures as low as possible.
Watwecooling the 13900K is almost a necessity, as a massive TDP drives temperatures up quickly, especially under load. Even more so if you are considering overclocking the 13900K, as one of its main points for consideration is its high overclockability.
It’s a good idea to water-cool this CPU. It will improve the longevity of the CPU and motherboard, this is an especially good idea if you don’t plan on upgrading for a while. This can be done, but at a hefty cost, and you will require some practical experience for water cooling a PC. Soft tubing isn’t so bad, but the hard line can be very expensive and it can require a practical skill. So, if you know a plumber.
FAQs
What happens if a CPU overheats?
If a CPU overheats, it can lead to several problems. The most immediate concern is that the high temperatures can cause damage to the CPU itself, potentially leading to permanent failure.
Overheating can also cause the computer to crash or freeze, which can lead to data loss or corruption. If the computer is running complex or resource-intensive programs, the CPU may start to throttle its performance to reduce the heat generated. This means that the CPU will slow down to prevent itself from overheating, which can lead to poor performance and a slower overall experience.
You must keep the 13900K, or any CPU for that matter, as cool as you can.
Why does the 13900K run so hot?
The i9-13900K has come under fire, no pun intended, in our review for being too hot. But why is this the case?
Intel has certainly packed a lot of performance into its 13900K and that might very well be its undoing. We managed to stress the 13900K into its throttling temperature of 100°C, we understand that you wouldn’t ever reach these levels of stress under normal circumstances, but it’s good to see how CPUs cope with the unrealistic load.
It’s safe to say the 13900K will need a 360mm AIO at the very least to function properly, or a full custom loop. However, these coolers in our list today will still manage to keep the high temperatures away.
Can you use an air cooler for the Intel Core i9-13900k?
Certainly, but be prepared for a potential explosion. In all seriousness, using an air cooler is not recommended for the i9-13900K.
This CPU has the highest TDP of any desktop CPU we have ever tested, and we were able to make it throttle during a stress test even with a 360mm AIO.
Given the i9-13900K’s massive TDP of 253W at boost, it is recommended to use AIO CPU coolers that are above 240mm or full custom loops. For now, it is best to avoid air cooling altogether. We will keep you informed if this changes in the future.
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Final word
Cooling the monstrous 13900K is no easy feat. We have chosen the ASUS ROG RYUJIN ii 360mm as our top contender for the best CPU for 13900K. However, should you not fancy the mean aesthetics of the Ryujin, everything on this list is more than capable of cooling a 253W peak TDP CPU. All of the principles outlined in this article are the same when choosing a CPU cooler for any CPU. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge, you should be able to determine a top-pick CPU cooler no matter the CPU. However, if you get stuck, we’ll always be here to help.
Keep your eye out for new CPU coolers hitting the market, as the CPUs we have now all have their work cut out for them. We need some new cooler technology soon, we’re cooking in a desert of scorching CPUs this generation. We’ll keep this article up to date with the latest CPU cooling technology, rest assured.
