Best CPU Cooler for i7 9700k in 2024
In this article, we take a look at five of the most popular CPU coolers currently available on the market that are compatible with the Intel Core i7-9700K.
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Back in October of 2018, Intel began rolling out their coveted 9th generation of processors, which are still one of the fastest and most advanced processors that Intel has within their catalog.
Out of the lineup of Intel’s 9th generation processors, the i7 9700K is one of the fastest within the range and, if you’ve landed on this article, chances are you already know how powerful it is.
Although the i7-9700K is getting on a bit now, it still makes a formidable CPU. You can pick one of these LGA 1151 bad boys up for a reasonable price and they can be incorporated seamlessly into any budget build.
If you’re looking to get the very most out of your processor, a CPU cooler is a great addition to invest in. However, with so many choices out there, it can be difficult to choose the right one, which is where we come in.
To help you cut through the vast sea of options out there, we’re here to lend you a helping hand. Below, you’ll find a review of 5 of the best CPU coolers suited to your i7 9700K processor, including a helpful buying guide to ensure you make the right choice for you.
If you’re looking for a CPU upgrade then look no further than our ‘best intel 12th gen CPU‘ article. Then check out our ‘best Intel 12th gen motherboard‘ article, for a fitting mainboard to pair it with.
Our Top Picks
How We Choose
Here at WePC, we take pride in our ability to recommend the finest products on the market. In order to ensure that you are able to not only make the best decision for you, but also the one that will offer you the best value for your money, we take a number of considerations into account while selecting our products.
While choosing the CPU coolers that made it onto our list, we made sure that we only selected the coolers that were suitable for your Intel i7 9700K processor, as well as taking into account their performance quality, durability, and price point.
Things to Consider
Before we jump into our reviews, first we’ll take a look at some of the most important features that you should keep in mind when selecting your cooler:
Installation
Who wants a CPU cooler that will be difficult to install and remove? Where possible, we recommend selecting a CPU cooler that will offer simple and easy installation, so you can get it up and running as soon as you get it out of the box. You’ll also want to consider whether or not your cooler will be able to be installed into your current system without affecting any other components. To help avoid any issues, we recommend double-checking the dimensions of the cooler and cross-checking.
Noise Level
Another important factor to consider before making a selection is the noise level. Even though all of the CPU coolers we have selected offer a quiet performance, it’s still something to think about, especially if you prefer a quiet workspace. The easiest way to figure out how quiet you can expect a CPU cooler to run is by checking its decibel level.
If you’re in the market for some quiet yet stylish RGB fans, check out our ‘best RGB case fans of 2022‘ guide.
Appearance
Are aesthetics important to you? Now more than ever, people are taking into account the appearance of their PC components, which is why CPU cooling manufacturers are placing more emphasis on the designs of their models. Examples of this are customizable features and colourful LED lights, all of which will help to add a stylish and eye-catching touch to your PC set-up.
The Best CPU Cooler For i7 9700k
In-depth Review
- Efficient cooling - featuring a 6 heat pipe dual-tower design, the NH-D15 offers more surface area, excellent airflow, and more efficient heat distribution, so it’s a great choice for those looking to overclock their CPU on the regular.
- All-Black - the stylish all-black design ensures that this cooler will slot itself neatly into your current PC-setup.
- Less RAM compatibility in dual-fan mode - in dual fan mode, the NH D-15 can only be used with standard-height RAM, which is up to 32mm.
To kick things off, first, off we have selected the Noctua NH-D15, which is a CPU cooler that blends affordability with premium performance, not to mention being an all-black version of the Noctua’s award-winning flagship!
Boasting a sleek all-black design, the Noctua NH-D15 will go well with a range of color schemes, as well as LEDs and RGB. It features an extra-wide 140mm dual tower design that has 6 heat pipes and dual-fans. When combined together, these will be able to keep the CPU from overheating, all while providing a consistent airflow.
This cooling design is also a step up from conventional single tower heatsinks. This is because the NH-D15’s fine-tuned six heat pipe dual-tower design will be able to offer more surface area, exceptional airflow, and much better heat dissipation.
So much so, that the Noctua has a cooling efficiency on par with that of all-in-one water coolers, making it a fantastic choice for those that want to overclock their CPU without breaking the bank. In addition to that, the Noctua NH-D15 runs super quietly, so you can be confident that your CPU will stay cool without any noise.
In addition to that, the Noctua NH-D15 also comes complete with huge RAM compatibility. Thanks to the recessed lower fins, the NH-D15 offers 64mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks in single mode, this means that it will be compatible with nearly all RAM modules on the market currently – so you have plenty of versatility.
It doesn’t end there, either. The Noctua NH-D15 also comes backed up by a 6-year warranty, so you can select this CPU cooler with the peace of mind that your purchase will be protected. Give the price and premium features, the Noctua NH-D15 is excellent value for money, and certainly worth consideration.
- Optimized for liquid cooling - this CPU cooler will be able to keep your CPU from overheating, whether you’re using it to overclock or run the latest games.
- Simple to install - the installation will take no time at all, so it’s great for those that have little experience with setting coolers up.
- High price point - if customization isn’t overly important to you, you may get better value for your money with a different CPU cooler we’ve listed.
Looking for customizability? If you answered yes, then you might want to pop the Kraken Z73 on your CPU cooler shortlist. Part of the all-new Kraken Z series lineup, the Z73 will allow you to personalize your liquid cooler like never before.
Featuring a bright, 2.36” LCD screen that is capable of rendering vibrant 24-bit color, the Kraken (besides having a really cool name) gives you the opportunity to completely transform the look of your CPU cooler, depending on your preferences and current PC set-up.
Not only that, but it’s a great choice for those creating their first PC build. Boasting plenty of functionality, this CPU cooler is very easy to use. Ensuring your stay in control, CAM’s sleek and user-friendly software will allow you to operate the cooler via simple and intuitive controls, all while being able to customize the design via your PC.
As far as performance goes, the Kraken Z73 doesn’t disappoint. It features a chamfered intake, as well as fluid dynamic bearings that will not only be able to withstand regular use but also operate with little to no sound. For this reason, it’s a great choice for those that prefer a quiet performance.
In addition, the Kraken Z73 also features integrated fans. Formally referred to as Aer P radiator fans, these built-in fans have been specifically optimized for liquid-cooling, and will help to ensure that your CPU is given the consistent cooling help it needs. It’s a great choice for those that want to keep their PC set-up looking cool, all while keeping their CPU cool, too!
- Near-silent performance - ideal for those that want a quiet performance from their chosen CPU cooler, the Dark Rock Pro 4 ensures a silent performance that won’t distract you from your work or gaming.
- Large RAM compatibility - as the heatsinks feature strategically placed cutouts, it means that this CPU cooler is compatible with nearly all RAMs on the market, and will be compatible with your i7 9700K.
- Difficult to install - some users have reported that this CPU cooler can be a little tricky to install.
As you might have already guessed from the name, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU cooler is one of the best CPU coolers to consider for your i7 9700K if quiet operation is important to you,
Built with quiet performance in mind, the Dark Rock Pro 4 features two nearly inaudible Silent Wings PWM fans that each feature advanced fluid-dynamic bearings, as well as smooth six-pole motors and fan blades that have been optimized to offer exceptional airflow.
In addition to that, its highly advanced design has been equipped with seven innovative 6mm copper heat pipes that will be able to offer an additional level of heat dissipation, while wave-contoured cooling fins with little dots across their surface will be able to help to increase the airflow.
Thanks to all of this, you can be confident that the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 will be able to offer your CPU reliable and impressive cooling power, especially as the special black coating with ceramic particles will be able to deliver the most efficient heat transfer possible.
Not only that but ensuring that the silent performance does not compromise performance, the Dark Rock Pro 4 offers a rating of 250W TDP, ensuring that this cooler will be able to keep your CPU cool, no matter how heavy the workload is. The Dark Rock Pro 4 also contains two aluminum heat sinks with cutouts in order to ensure that it will be compatible with most RAM models on the market.
- Split-flow copper cold plate - this innovative cooling feature comes with built-in micro-skived fins across its surface, which will help to keep your CPU cool, regardless of whether you’re overclocking or playing your favorite latest-gen game.
- 33 Capellix RGB LEDs - besides keeping everything cool, this CPU cooler will also elevate your PC station with a fun and eye-catching touch.
- Potential clicking sound - some users have reported a ‘clicking’ sound from the motor while in operation, which is something to keep in mind.
A favorite in the PC and gaming community, our CPU cooler list wouldn’t have been complete with the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix CPU Cooler.
The coveted Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix Liquid CPU Cooler will be able to deliver a powerful yet quiet cooling solution for your i7 9700K that’s prone to overheating. Its cooler pump head features an impressive 33 vibrant Capellix RGB LEDs, as well as RGB fans.
Guaranteeing the best performance and value for your money, the Corsair iCUE H150I Elite Capellix Cooler features a split-flow copper cold plate, which is a cooling feature that we haven’t seen in other designs. The optimized design of this plate features a high-density stack of 128 micro-fins per inch, which will ensure consistent cooling performance, no matter the workload.
Giving you the opportunity to switch up your PC’s look, the Elite Capellix CPU Cooler comes with two separate pump caps upon purchase. The first one comes pre-installed into the cooler’s construction and is a stylish black, while the additional one is see-through, making it a great choice for times when you want your LEDs to take center stage. It’s a great all-around choice for those that want a cooler that can do it all.
- Budget-friendly - affordable price point makes this CPU cooler ideal for those who are looking to save their money but still want a great cooling system.
- Aesthetic appeal - this all-black design of the favorite flagships ensures that your PC set-up will look stylish, all while guaranteeing your CPU stays cool.
- May require thermal paste - some users have reported that this cooler needs the additional assistance of thermal paste.
Last but not least, we have the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition CPU Cooler, which is a great choice for those who are on a budget.
Don’t be fooled by the price point, because the Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a bestseller and offers a performance that rivals some of the more premium choices we’ve listed today. Alternatively known as the Hyper Blackout, this updated version of the bestselling Master Hyper 212 features an all-black design and easier installation than the original.
Optimized with Direct Contact Technology, the Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition features 4 heat pipes that will be able to ensure excellent heat dissipation with a quiet performance level of 26.0 decibels, no matter how rigorous the workload. Its stacked fins will be able to also offer a consistent airflow, in order to ensure the heatsink stays cool.
On top of that, the aesthetic design of this CPU cooler from Cooler Master also features an aluminum top cover that will offer an additional level of cooling efficiency, while the nickel-plated jet black fins will help to keep the overall temperature of the construction at a minimum. Additionally, the black colorway, besides looking stylish, will also help to increase the cooling performance.
It’s also super easy to install. Featuring a ‘snap and play’ design, the intuitive fan bracket design ensures that installation and removal will be a breeze, while the integrated Smart Fan Sensor technology ensures that you’ll never have to worry about tangled cables. All in all, for the price, it’s a steal.
Final Word
Without a doubt, a CPU cooler will not only help you to get the very most out of your Intel i7 9700K but your computer as a whole. Each CPU cooler that we have included is suitable for your i7 9700K and will ensure that your processor stays cool, no matter how intense the workload is.
If you still need a little help with making a choice, then we recommend the Noctua NH-D15. Out of our top picks, the NH-D15 offers the best value for money and has a reputation of being one of the best CPU coolers currently available on the market. Not only that but as an all-black edition of the bestselling flagship from Noctua, you can bet that your processor will stay cool, all while adding a stylish and elegant touch to your PC build.
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