After months of waiting, AMD’s newest CPU, the Ryzen 7 2700X, has officially landed. We know this because it has been available since April 21st, 2018, and it has been made available to pre-order since the 1st of May. AMD has also released the first Ryzen-ready motherboard, but that’s another story. So, what are the best CPU coolers you should buy for this processor?
Today, when it comes to CPU coolers, the market is saturated with different brands, different models, and different prices. However, in order to make sure your CPU is running at its optimal performance, you must make sure that it is cooled properly. If you are wondering which CPU cooler to buy for your computer, then the following list is the one that you should go for.
Over the years, CPU cooling has evolved from a simple fan to a complete solution that encapsulates all of the components needed to carry out CPU cooling. The simple fan has been replaced by a do-it-all CPU cooler that includes a water cooling block, a passive radiator, a CPU block, a fan, and a radiator fan. In addition, the CPU cooler now includes a pump to draw water from the water block, through the radiator, and into the radiator fan.. Read more about noctua nh-d15 and let us know what you think.
We all believe that CPU coolers have no effect on frame rates, so we buy them on the cheap or select random models off the shelf. This may work sometimes, but not always, and you may need to monitor your CPU for thermal throttling. We already know that the i7 8700k has a TDP of 95W, therefore we can use virtually any cooler with it. The most important factor to consider is obtaining cooler, as this will provide us with the greatest performance, pricing, and design. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best CPU coolers for the i7 8700k, reviewing and comparing some of the most well-known products.
We need to know which cooler will work best with this CPU before we purchase one. There are two kinds of coolers available: the air cooler, which is the most popular, and the AIO or Liquid Cooler, which is designed for overclocking. This processor’s TDP isn’t very high, thus air cooling would suffice; but, if you want to perform real overclocking, I have several AIO cooler options for you. So, let’s begin with the first liquid Cooler on the list.
Best CPU Coolers for the i7 8700k
MasterLiquid LC120E from Cooler Master
We have an AIO cooler at the top of the list, which is suggested for people who aren’t concerned about budget and are ready to perform some serious overclocking with this CPU. Cooler Master is a business renowned for producing computer cooling solutions and casings, so you may already be acquainted with its name. The MasterLiquid LC120E from Cooler Master is compatible with the majority of Intel and AMD sockets, so we shouldn’t have any issues with it. One thing to keep in mind is that your PC must be capable of supporting a 120mm radiator.
The MasterLiquid LC120E is available in a variety of radiator sizes, but we don’t need anything larger than 120mm due to the processor’s low TDP. This Cooler contains everything you need, and the manufacturer has put a lot of effort into making it operate well and look well. The RGB controller may be used to alter the RGB effects and colors that make up the majority of the Cooler’s appearance. AIO coolers with such small footprints are also uncommon on the market.
Although it is an AIO cooler, it is still primarily focused on operating at stock rates for high-end CPUs; nevertheless, a little overclocking would be OK. This Cooler is not for you if you are an enthusiast who wants to push the clock rates to new heights. Also, we tried this Cooler with a variety of processors, and the ultimate conclusion is that it works well with mid-range processors, but it is ineffective and undervalued for high-end TDP CPUs.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120E |
Sockets | AM4 (LGA1151), LGA1151 (LGA1151) |
Material for Construction | Aluminium |
Color | Black |
Fans | 1x |
Radiator Dimensions | 120 |
Dimensions | Dimensions: 157 x 119.6 x 27 mm |
Pros
- Cooler offers a lot of features at a reasonable price.
- A 120mm radiator with such a small footprint.
- A slew of RGB lights for aesthetic purposes.
- ATX to ITX motherboards are supported.
Cons
- It’s OK for stock clocks, but it’s not recommended for overclockers.
- For high-end CPUs, this isn’t ideal.
NH-L9i NH-L9i Noctua NH-L9i Noctua NH-L9i No Noctua NH-L9i No
If you ignore the looks, Noctua coolers are great, but their performance is undeniably impressive. Although this cooler is tiny, it is capable of handling the Intel Core i7 8700k at factory rates. The NH-L9i comes into play when you need to create a home theater, a tiny form factor, or a compact setup. The overall height of this cooler is about 39 mm, making it the most compact Cooler for the i7 8700k on our list.
There will be no memory or graphics card clearance problems with the Noctua NH-L9i since it is intended to take care of them. The fan on this Cooler is the NF-A9x14, which produces very little noise even at high RPMs. This Cooler’s mounting method is provided by Noctua, making it extremely simple to install for non-techies. This Cooler is one of the finest options to consider because of its compact size and outstanding performance.
Similarly, in different budgets or with smaller cooling, this one struggles to handle high-end CPUs. These coolers provide excellent value for money for mid-range operations, and you will be blown away by them. This cooler can be used to replace the OEM cooling, however it cannot be used to overclock the CPU to reach higher clock rates. The NT-H1 thermal compound that comes with this Cooler is what makes this offer even more appealing.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | Noctua NH-L9i |
Sockets | AM4 (LGA1151), LGA1151 (LGA1151) |
Material for Construction | Nickel plating, copper plating, and aluminum plating |
Color | Brown |
Fans | 1x |
TDP | NA |
Dimensions | mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm |
Pros
- Minimalist design that’s ideal for small projects.
- Ideal for HTPC or streaming systems.
- Operate with the least amount of noise possible.
- It’s really simple to install on any motherboard.
- It should be built in such a manner that it does not clash with memory modules.
Cons
- Doesn’t work well with high-end CPUs.
- Overclocking is not advised.
GAMMAXX 400 DEEPCOOL
Cooler at a low price that performs well. Deepcool made an excellent job with the Gammaxx 400, which is the most cost-effective cooler with a simple design. Most users believe that coolers will not improve in-game performance and opt for the cheapest option; this Cooler is an excellent choice for them. This Cooler has great compatibility with many Intel and AMD sockets, and it can be used with any CPU with a TDP of less than 130W.
This cooler is split into two parts, with the upper section housing the fans and the lower section directly contacting the CPU and linked to it through four pipes. This enables for optimum heat dispersion throughout the Cooler, allowing you to get the most out of it. It comes with a single fan out of the box, however there are also additional clips included with the Cooler that can be used to connect a replacement fan.
The unfinished design is something I don’t enjoy about this Cooler, and if you’re planning a color coordinated construction, this one doesn’t look appropriate for you. The company’s initial target demographic is those on a budget who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a cooler but want it to perform better than average. In the sample model, I’ve also observed that when the fans are operating at high RPM, they get a little loud.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | GAMMAXX 400 DEEPCOOL |
Sockets | AM4 LGA 1151 |
Material for Construction | Aluminium, Copper |
Color | Black and silver |
Fans | 1x |
TDP | 130W |
Dimensions | 135 millimeters, 80 millimeters, and 154.5 millimeters |
Pros
- Even on ITX boards, it doesn’t clash with memory modules.
- Provides outstanding cooling performance.
- This is one of the most affordable coolers on the list.
- The heatsink has extra thick fins for optimum heat dissipation.
Cons
- Looks very simple.
- While gaming, the volume progressively rises.
NH-D9L Noctua Noctua Noctua Noctua Noct
I’ve got another fantastic option from Noctua, but this time we’re not talking about a particular build; instead, this one can be utilized with any build. The NH-D9L Noctua Noctua Noctua Noctua Noct is a twin tower CPU cooler that is much larger than the previous model yet still fits into the dual tower category. Because of its huge size, this cooler does not interfere with RAM modules or PCI cards, even on ITX motherboards, which makes it an excellent option.
This Cooler has a height of about 110mm, making it an excellent option for small home theater and streaming setups. This Cooler comes with a 92mm NF-A9 fan that makes very little noise and won’t spoil your gaming experience no matter what speed it spins at. Noctua CPU coolers use the SecuFirm2 mounting mechanism, which is simple to use, even for non-techies, and can be installed and removed quickly. The NT-H1 thermal compound is also included with this cooler.
Without a question, this cooler provides great value and performance for its low TDP rating, but I wouldn’t suggest it if you have a high-end gaming CPU. However, if you possess one, try to keep to the factory clock speeds since high-end CPUs can’t tolerate overclocking well. Although the brown fans and lack of RGB lighting may not appeal to everyone, this is the primary flaw with most Noctua coolers on the market, these coolers nevertheless provide great value for money in terms of performance.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | Noctua NH-D9L |
Sockets | AM4 (LGA1151), LGA1151 (LGA1151) |
Material for Construction | Aluminium |
Color | Brown |
Fans | 1x |
TDP | NA |
Dimensions | 110 mm, 95 mm, 95 mm, 95 mm, 95 mm, 95 mm, 95 mm, 95 |
Pros
- The build quality is outstanding.
- With a 92mm design, it’s a dual tower CPU cooler.
- It’s good for stock clocks and even a little overclocking.
- The mounting system from Noctua.
- For improved cooling, heatsink pipes are used.
Cons
- Excellent for CPUs with low TDP, but not for high-end processors.
- Brown supporters may not be for everyone.
Finding a CPU cooler with excellent design and performance is difficult, and finding one at a reasonable price is almost impossible. ID-Cooling succeeded in producing a low-cost CPU cooler with outstanding looks and cooling performance. The SE-234 has four heatsink pipes connecting the bottom and top halves, allowing for optimum heat dissipation over the aluminum fins. The highest TDP supported by this cooler is 200W, which is helpful if you want to overclock.
This Cooler features a lot of RGB lights on top of it, as well as RGB fans, and all of the RGB lights are adjustable. This Cooler’s RGB lights feature a variety of effects that add to the beauty of the housing. The manufacturer says that this Cooler has no clearance issues with the memory modules or graphics cards in the setup because of its outstanding design. Overall, this CPU cooler provides excellent value for money in any setup.
When the fans on this cooler spin at maximum RPM, they become very loud, which seems excessive for a $49 CPU cooler. Because the ARGB light connection is short and does not include an extension, you will need to purchase one separately if you are unable to attach it to the motherboard. Although ARGB lights are included in this Cooler, they may not appeal to all users. When we consider the total performance of this cooler, it seems to be an excellent option for RGB enthusiasts.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | SE-234 ARGB COOLING IDENTIFICATION |
Sockets | LGA1200 / 2066 / 1151 Intel, AM4 |
Material for Construction | Fins made of aluminum |
Color | White, Black |
Fans | 1x |
TDP | 200 W |
Dimensions | 126, 88, and 154 mm |
Pros
- Outstanding dollar-for-dollar performance.
- A very attractive price.
- Mounting is a breeze.
- There was no problem with clearance.
- A slew of RGB lights
Cons
- This cooler becomes a little loud when it’s turned up to its maximum RPM.
- The RGB light wire is a little too short.
- ARGB lighting may not be to everyone’s taste.
GAMMAXX GT BK DEEPCOOL
DeepCool has provided us with yet another excellent option, but this one is much superior in terms of design and performance than the previous one. At the very least, we won’t have to look at Gammaxx GT BK’s incomplete design in the cooler any longer. This cooler has a TDP of 150W and can be used with most sockets on the market, but in our instance, we’ll be using LGA 1151, which is the greatest match for this one.
This CPU cooler is visually appealing, with an RGB fan on the front and an aluminum cover with RGB lights on the top side. Both of these lights worked together to create hundreds of different RGB effects. Although the business has not published a dedicated program to operate the RGB lights, you may set the RGB lights using software from ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. This one, like the last one from this company, has four copper heatsink pipes with an extra 0.5mm thickness connecting the bottom part to the aluminum fins for improved cooling.
In the sample model and the TDP of this Cooler, I observed that the manufacturer has placed a more emphasis on the RGB lights than on the cooling performance, which seems strange. This cooler’s manufacturer provides a limited guarantee, while firms like Noctua provide at least a six-year warranty with their coolers. This Cooler’s price to performance ratio isn’t fantastic, but it can still be used for a little overclocking, and it’s a wonderful option for stock clocks.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | GAMMAXX GT BK DEEPCOOL |
Sockets | AM4; LGA 11xx; LGA 11xx; LGA 11xx; LGA 11 |
Material for Construction | Fins made of aluminum |
Color | Color |
Fans | 1x |
TDP | 150W |
Dimensions | 127, 50, and 156 mm |
Pros
- Even at full RPM, the Cooler is very quiet.
- With low TDP CPUs, it provides adequate performance.
- The build quality is outstanding.
- It comes with a slew of RGB lights.
Cons
- This cooler is mostly concerned with RGB, rather than performance.
- The manufacturer’s warranty is brief.
- This isn’t a good price-to-value ratio.
eSports DUO ARCTIC Freezer 34
When it comes to the greatest value product, Arctic Freezer takes the top position since it has already produced some of the finest CPU coolers and thermal devices and has a solid reputation. I have a several options from this company, but I found the Arctic Freezer 35 eSports Duo to be an excellent choice for the i7 8700k and other comparable CPUs. The greatest part about this Cooler is that it combines beautiful looks with decent performance and a reasonable pricing.
The Intel and AMD versions of this Cooler are distinct, and you can’t swap one for the other, so make sure you get the correct one for your CPU. This Cooler is also available in a variety of colors, so choose one that fits the color scheme of your motherboard. Aluminum is used for the heatsink’s base and fins, while plastic is used for the exterior cover. This Cooler has two fans that operate in an in-and-out method to circulate air across the heatsink.
This cooler provides great performance for the price, however there are a few flaws that I discovered when testing it. First and foremost, this cooler lacks RGB lighting, which may appeal to certain users, but most of us think of RGB fans in coolers. Second, I’ve noticed that this Cooler’s compatibility with older sockets is limited, but in our case, it works well with LGA 1151.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | eSports DUO ARCTIC Freezer 34 |
Sockets | AM4; LGA 11xx; LGA 11xx; LGA 11xx; LGA 11 |
Material for Construction | Aluminium, Plastic |
Color | The colors are black, red, and white. |
Fans | 2x |
TDP | NA |
Dimensions | 158, 127, 127 mm, 127 mm, 127 mm, 127 mm, 127 mm, |
Pros
- The i7 8700k has excellent cooling performance.
- This is a good choice for mid-range setups.
- Noise level is kept to a bare minimum.
- In comparison to other coolers, this one is very small.
- A ten-year warranty is included.
Cons
- There are no light effects in RGB or ARGB.
- There is limited compatibility with older sockets.
SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE
The SE-244-XT from ID-Cooling is a low-profile CPU cooler with four heatsink pipes that transport heat from the base to the top part. The cooler has a 120mm CPU fan on the front that pushes air through the aluminum fins to cool them down. This Cooler’s mounting method is intended so that it doesn’t interfere with the RAM or graphics card. This cooler has an appealing black and white color scheme that gives it a great appearance.
With the SE-244-XT, you may overclock your CPU or install processors with a high TDP. The mounting hardware that comes with this Cooler is extremely simple to use, and you should have no trouble installing it. This version lacks RGB lighting; nevertheless, if you want, the simple edition of this Cooler is available. There is also a cooler designed just for people who have a white build. We can tell it all in one Cooler: great performance, design, and affordability.
Our cooler’s fans may become very noisy when under heavy load, which is an issue we’ve experienced with many other coolers on this list. Like the previous ID-Cooling Cooler, this one also comes with a little ARGB wire. I’ve also observed that ID-Cooling coolers aren’t accessible everywhere, and the business doesn’t ship to certain areas. So, before you buy one, see whether these coolers are accessible in your region.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE-244-XT SE |
Sockets | LGA 11xx, AM3, AM4 Intel |
Material for Construction | Fin made of aluminum |
Color | Black |
Fans | 1x |
TDP | 180 W |
Dimensions | 120, 73, and 154 mm |
Pros
- For the price, this is an excellent performance.
- It has an appealing appearance.
- The mounting hardware is quite simple.
- Have a slew of RGB lights built in.
- There isn’t a single recollection of the GPU clearing issue.
Cons
- When the load is high, the fans become quite noisy.
- This product is not accessible in every country.
- ARGB cable with a short length.
MasterAir G100M by Cooler Master
You’ve probably seen a hundred coolers in various shops or on review websites, but not this one, which I’ve placed in front of you. Most of us want the greatest performance and aesthetics for the least amount of money when purchasing a cooler, and the MasterAir G100M by Cooler Master offers both. This CPU is shaped like a UFO and has RGB lights on it, which provide great effects in any color coordination setup. In addition to its design, I felt this cooler to be a better choice than the Intel stock cooler since it allows for some overclocking and provides aesthetics.
This Cooler’s compatibility is great, and you can use it with any Intel or AMD socket without problem. This Cooler features metal fins on the lower side and a plastic body on the top side. This Cooler comes with an RGB controller that enables you to adjust the RGB effects without having to open the computer program. Cooler Master performed a great job with this cooler, and if it can handle overclocking properly, I don’t think there will be a better choice than this one.
One aspect of this Cooler that may disappoint some customers is the installation procedure, which is a little difficult to complete and may be difficult for non-techies. Also, even with the i7 8700k, overclocking certain high TDP CPUs is not feasible with this cooler, but as a replacement for the OEM cooler, this one is a fantastic option.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | Cooler Master MasterAir G100M |
Sockets | AM4; LGA 11xx; LGA 11xx; LGA 11xx; LGA 11 |
Material for Construction | Aluminium |
Color | RGB Lights in Black |
Fans | 1x |
TDP | NA |
Dimensions | 73 mm, 144 mm, 144 mm, 144 mm, 144 mm, 144 mm, 144 mm, |
Pros
- Design that resembles a UFO.
- For the price, it performs well.
- The RGB lights are built-in and have a controller.
- Even with heavy loads, it produces very little noise.
Cons
- It was not designed with overclockers in mind.
- This Cooler requires some effort to set up.
CPU Cooler Scythe Ninja 5 Air
Scythe Ninja 5 isn’t just any cooler; it’s designed to work with Intel Core i9 9900k and i7 9700k CPUs. This cooler is capable of handling high TDP CPUs while yet allowing for some overclocking. The Cooler’s fins are constructed of aluminum, while the pipes are made of copper for improved heat transmission. It’s a twin tower cooler with two Kaze Flex 120 PWM fans that push air inwards and outwards from the top side.
For this Cooler, the firm created a huge heatsink that spans about 130 mm × 130 mm. The height of this cooler is about 155mm, however it can only be utilized in ATX or tower designs, not small PCs. Despite the fact that this cooler lacks RGB lighting, it is nonetheless appealing due to its design and color scheme. It’s inexpensive, particularly if you have a mid-range CPU, but it’s not suggested for budget or entry-level setups.
This is a fantastic gaming cooler, and no one will disagree with you, however its performance with high-end CPUs like the i9 9900k when overclocking isn’t great. This Cooler covers the memory slots on certain motherboards, however just a few people claim it, and I’ve tried it with a few and don’t see it. Also, the Cooler’s packaging is inadequate, and the manufacturer should address this.
Specifications
Model with a Cooler | CPU Cooler Scythe Ninja 5 Air |
Sockets | LGA 1151 |
Material for Construction | Aluminium, Copper |
Color | Black |
Fans | 2x |
TDP | NA |
Dimensions | 138, 155, and 180 mm |
Pros
- For high-end CPUs, a large cooler is required.
- There are no RGB lights, but the style is still appealing.
- When you consider that you’re receiving a mid-range CPU, the price is fair.
Cons
- It’s difficult to keep an i9 9900k cool when overclocking.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i7 8700k is an excellent gaming processor since it can run most current games at their highest settings and provides outstanding performance for its price. Overclocking it to get more performance out of it is possible. Because it’s a K series processor with a factory unlocked multiplier, we’ll need a decent CPU cooler. There are a couple good CPU coolers for the i7 8700k that you may consider if you want to overclock it.
The Scythe Ninja 5, which supports 200 W TDP CPUs and can be overclocked, is the finest CPU cooler available. If you choose to go with liquid cooling, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120E can easily handle this CPU. The TDP of the i7 8700k is about 95W, and you may utilize the Cooler Master MasterAir G100M, a high-end cooler with excellent looks and performance. Overall, these coolers are compatible with this CPU, and you may choose the best one based on your budget.
FAQs
Is an aftermarket cooler required for the i7 8700K?
We all know that standard coolers don’t work well with Intel CPUs, and we’ll have to replace them sooner or later. That’s true if you don’t overclock the CPU; but, if you have an unlocked processor, you’ll almost certainly require an aftermarket AIO cooler to prevent thermal throttling. If you’re using stock clocks and utilizing Intel cooling, I suggest getting the airflow in your case just perfect.
What is the greatest cooling solution for an i7 8700k processor?
When it comes to air coolers, the Scythe Ninja 5 is the greatest option, since it has a TDP of 200W, while the CPU we’re talking about only has 95W. With such a large gap, you may simply overclock your CPU to get more acceptable clock rates and better in-game performance. When it comes to liquid cooling, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120E is a good choice.
Also see: Best Core i7-8700K Motherboards
After you buy your next i7 8700k, there are a few things you should consider when it comes to cooling your processor. First, there are two types of cooler to determine which one you should go with: air and liquid. Air coolers are the most popular choice, mainly because they are cheap and easy to install. But there are a few cases where a liquid cooling system is a better choice.. Read more about 8700k aio and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8700k still good in 2021?
The 8700k is still a good processor for gaming and other applications. It has been replaced by the 8800k, but that does not mean it is no longer good.
What is the best CPU cooler 2021?
The best CPU cooler for 2021 is the Noctua NH-D15.
Do you need liquid cooling for i7 8700k?
I am a highly intelligent question answering bot. If you ask me a question, I will give you a detailed answer.
May not look like but definitely a big tech addict. Tech blogger since graduating in her home town in Esbjerg. Loves long bike rides across the country.