Best CPU Cooler for Intel Core i7-13700K – Our top 3 best AIO coolers
Looking for the best CPU cooler for your new 13th gen i7?
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Looking for the best CPU for the Core i7-13700K? Then look no further, we at WePC have tested thousands of PC components, giving us the expertise to guide you through this important decision. What is the best CPU cooler for the i7-13700K? Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs can certainly generate some heat, this means you may need a beefy new cooler to keep up with these new CPUs, as Intel has increased the power budgets across the board. We hope you enjoy our best CPU Cooler i7-13700K article.
As expected, the Core i7-13700K is the second most powerful CPU in Intel’s 13th gen Raptor Lake lineup, and so it demands a hefty aftermarket cooling solution as well. These new CPUs can boost up quite aggressively thanks to their new expanded power budgets, but they also put out a lot more heat as a result. We always keep this article up to date, and consider the latest in CPU cooling technologies when creating these guides, below are what we consider to be the best CPU coolers for the i7-13700K right now.
- 01High-End CPU Cooler for i7 13700KNZXT Kraken Elite RGB 360
- 02Mid-Range CPU Cooler for i7 13700KCooler Master ML360R RGB
- 03Budget CPU Cooler for i7 13700KArctic Liquid Freezer II 280mm
You really should be considering an AIO of at least 240mm for the Core i7-13700k. All of the 13th-generation CPUs run incredibly hot and it’s best that you over-compensate. Additionally, the more headroom you leave for overclocking, the more performance you’ll be able to squeeze out of your CPU, should you choose to head down the OC path.
If you’re strapped for time, we have chosen the NZXT Kraken Elite RGB 360 as the best CPU cooler for the i7-13700K, thanks to its stunning looks and even better performance. Do bear in mind, however, that this is a 360mm AIO, and will require a lot of room to install.
Best CPU Cooler for i7-13700K – NZXT Kraken Elite RGB 360
NZXT Kraken Elite RGB 360
Radiator size
360mm
Fans
3x 120mm
Product dimensions
4.76 x 15.51 x 1.06 inches
- Colorful and unified design with LCD display and RGB fans
- High performance pump and cooler
- Large range of compatibility
- A more expensive AIO
The Kraken series from NZXT is incredibly popular among enthusiasts, and for good reason. We recommend the Kraken Elite RGB 360mm AiO if you are looking for a premium cooling solution for the i7 13700K.
The Kraken Elite RGB has extraordinary cooling performance as well as a unique design that is sure to elevate your build to the next level. NZXT includes three F120 high airflow fans with this cooler that are specifically designed to move a large volume of air through radiator fins. The Elite RGB uses an Asetek pump running 800-2,800 RPM.
With this AiO, you can expect to run the Core i7 13700K without any limitations to its boosting behavior whatsoever. You can even overclock the CPU to extract even more performance out of it, should you see fit. The fan curve may have to be adjusted to compensate in that case.
Speaking of the fans, the NZXT’s F120 fans are also incredibly quiet in addition to being excellent static pressure fans. They operate silently through most of the temperature range and are only barely audible when operating at their maximum speed of 1,800 RPM with the spec suggesting a 33.88 dBA noise level.
The Kraken Elite 360 AiO pump has a really iconic design that is very popular among enthusiasts. The housing of the pump has a supremely customizable LCD screen with various unique features. You can use the screen to display unique GIFs or just the regular CPU/GPU temperature readings.
All things considered, the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB cooler should be on the top of your list if you want to buy a premium CPU cooler for the i7 13700K. Despite its hefty price tag, the combination of impressive thermal performance and unique design makes it a worthwhile purchase.
Runner up best CPU Cooler for i7-13700K – Cooler Master ML360R RGB
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
Air or Liquid?
Liquid
Max RPM
2000 RPM (+/- 10%)
Max Noise
37.7 dBA
Dimensions (with fan/height x width x depth)
394 x 119 x 27.2mm (radiator)
- Great cooling ability
- Slightly cheaper than most 360mm AIOs
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Good clearance around the CPU socket
- Great build quality
- RGB is controlled via software and hub
- Supports PWM
- Appearance takes over performance
- Cooling performance could be better
- Slightly loud when at max RPM
- The controller/cable management could be better
For a more mid-range budget, we recommend the Cooler Master ML360R RGB liquid cooler. This AiO features a very elegant design with solid cooling performance, as well as decent acoustics.
Cooler Master claims that the rated TDP for the ML360R is 220W, but that means little in the real world. In effect, the Cooler Master ML360R provides excellent thermal performance and will allow you to use the i7 13700K without any limitations to its boosting behavior. You can even try some light overclocking with this liquid cooler.
We do find that the included Cooler Master MF120R fans get a bit loud when under high load. The radiator of the ML360R is a bit thinner than competitors, so the fans have to compensate by increasing their speed with a more aggressive fan curve. Still, the noise is completely bearable if the cooler is installed in a closed case.
One big downside of the ML360R is that its installation process is a bit complicated. Specifically, the cable management for the RGB fans is a bit of a mess and should definitely be simplified by Cooler Master in upcoming iterations. You can connect the AiO cooler to your motherboard through a USB header, which is a nice touch.
The aesthetics of the ML360R are quite impressive, especially when you look at the customized AiO pump block. However, the RGB lighting in the included fans could have been better. There is a lack of diffusion in the LED lights within the fans, and you can see the hotspots which is never a good sign. The pump block, on the other hand, is very attractive and has smoothly diffused lighting.
Certainly, the Cooler Master ML360R is one to consider if you are looking for a great bang-for-the-buck option.
Best Budget CPU Cooler for i7-13700K – Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280mm
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280
Radiator size
280mm
Fans
2x 140mm
Product dimensions
13.39 x 7.09 x 6.3 inches
- Good mid range cooler
- Clean aesthetic
- large range of compatibility
- Older
The Liquid Freezer II from Arctic Cooling is a great choice for those who are looking for a competent cooler in a limited budget. This cooler may not have all the bells and whistles or fancy RGB, but it delivers great cooling performance at a reasonable price.
We selected the 280mm variant for this recommendation since it provides a balance between the more affordable 240mm variant and the more expensive 360mm radiators.
The thermal performance of the Liquid Freezer II is good enough for stock operation of the i7 13700K, but you cannot expect a lot of overclocking headroom with this cooler.
A unique feature of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II is that the pump has been custom-designed by the Arctic, and they have installed a tiny fan on the pump itself. This fan can help circulate the air over the CPU block and it may even keep VRM temperatures down.
The fans are also reasonably quiet and they are rated up to 1700 RPM in terms of speed. We would have liked to see a splash of RGB lighting on the fans or the pump block, but it is understandable why the Arctic has omitted that from a value-oriented cooler.
In essence, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280mm AiO provides enticing value for money and should be on your list if you are working with a relatively limited budget.
Things to consider when picking the best CPU cooler for i7 13700K
Choosing the best CPU cooler for an Intel Core i7-13700K, a high-performance processor, is crucial to ensure optimal cooling and system stability. Here are some factors to consider when picking the right CPU cooler:
- Cooling Performance: Look for a CPU cooler that provides adequate cooling performance to keep the i7-13700K within safe temperature limits, especially during demanding tasks and overclocking. Consider coolers with large heatsinks and multiple heat pipes, as well as liquid coolers with large radiators for efficient heat dissipation.
- TDP Rating: Ensure that the CPU cooler’s Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating matches or exceeds the TDP of the i7-13700K. The TDP indicates the cooler’s ability to dissipate heat effectively. A higher TDP cooler is usually better for high-end processors.
- Air vs. Liquid Cooling: Decide whether you prefer an air cooler or a liquid cooler. High-quality air coolers are often quieter and can be effective for most users. Liquid coolers, on the other hand, typically offer more efficient cooling, making them a good choice if you plan to overclock your CPU.
- Clearance and Compatibility: Check the CPU cooler’s dimensions to ensure it fits in your PC case without interfering with other components like RAM, motherboard components, or the graphics card. Additionally, make sure it’s compatible with your motherboard’s socket, which for the i7-13700K would likely be LGA 1700.
- Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the CPU cooler, especially if you prefer a quiet system. Check reviews and user feedback to gauge the cooler’s noise performance. Some coolers come with variable fan speed controls to balance cooling performance and noise.
- Overclocking Considerations: If you plan to overclock your i7-13700K, you may want to opt for a high-performance cooler with extra headroom for heat dissipation. Liquid coolers with larger radiators or premium air coolers can be excellent choices for overclocking.
- Build Quality: Look for a well-built and durable cooler. Quality construction materials, such as copper heat pipes and a robust pump in the case of liquid coolers, can extend the cooler’s lifespan and effectiveness.
- Aesthetics: If aesthetics matter to you, choose a CPU cooler that complements your PC’s overall look and design. Some coolers come with RGB lighting options to match your system’s color scheme.
- Ease of Installation: Consider how easy the cooler is to install. Some coolers come with complex mounting systems, while others offer straightforward installation. Ensure the cooler’s installation process matches your technical skills.
Why is cooling your i7-13700K so important?
CPU coolers are important because they help to dissipate the heat generated by the processor during operation. As the CPU processes data, it generates heat, which can cause the processor to slow down or even become damaged if not properly cooled. A CPU cooler helps to remove this heat from the processor and keeps it at a safe operating temperature.
There are several types of CPU coolers, such as air coolers and liquid coolers, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Air coolers use a heatsink and fan to dissipate heat, while liquid coolers use a liquid coolant to absorb heat and transfer it to a radiator where it is dissipated. Liquid cooling is considered to be more efficient than air cooling, as it can provide better cooling performance while being quieter.
Additionally, a good CPU cooler can also extend the life of your processor by keeping it cool and running at lower temperatures. This in turn will help to ensure stable and consistent performance. It’s worth noting that the choice of the CPU cooler will depend on the CPU TDP and the cooling requirements of the system, as well as personal preference and budget.
FAQs
Do Intel i7 CPUs heat up quickly?
Well, any CPU without a cooler can reach maximum temperatures (Tjmax) in a matter of seconds. As long as you have sufficient cooling (which we feel is 240mm AIO or more) you should be able to keep high temperatures at bay under normal circumstances.
You can monitor your CPU’s temperature using a system monitoring tool like HWinfo, if you notice your 13700K temperature climbing to unsafe levels, your cooling is likely insufficient.
Is a stock cooler good enough for Intel I7?
No, the Intel Core i7-13700K does not come with a stock cooler, because all standard Intel stock coolers have an insufficient cooling capacity.
The i7-13700k has a TDP of up to 253W, for comparison, the best Intel stock cooler only has the capacity to cool up to 65W, so your poor 13700k would cook in seconds when paired with the Intel Laminar RM1 (stock cooler).
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Final Word
No matter what CPU cooler you choose on this list, we assure you that you’re in good hands. All of the CPU coolers on this list are capable of keeping your i7-13700K cool and functioning correctly. We’d recommend staying away from high overclocks on air coolers or coolers with less than 240mm radiators. That’s something that should be done with ample cooling, not something that JUST scrapes over the CPU’s TDP.
Keeping high temperatures at bay is second most important to making sure your CPU is powered correctly, exposure to high temperatures for long periods can seriously lessen the longevity of the 13700K. It can even lead to system instability, thenal throttling, and shutdowns due to spiking temperatures. This is a failsafe, and one of the easiest to read signs that things might be getting too hot for your CPU. We hope you learned something from our best CPU Cooler for the i7-13700K article. You’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to keep high CPU temperatures at bay.
