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May 04, 2023

6 BEST CPU Coolers For i7

A complete guide going CPU Coolers For i7-13700k to help you choose the perfect

A complete guide going CPU Coolers For i7-13700k to help you choose the perfect cooler for your processor. We look at all factors alongside benchmarks and finally giving them a specific type award which will make it the best fit in that category.

Following the overwhelmingly positive response on the Intel 12th gen Series of processors, Intel strikes yet again, this time with their Raptor Lake 13th Generation processors. With AMD's latest Ryzen 7000 series of processors shattering world records, we expected an answer from Intel sooner or later.

Taking the incredibly high boost frequencies of these newer processors into consideration, it comes as no surprise that these newer 13th Generation Raptor Lake processors also run at significantly higher temperatures. This is why we have a complete buying guide for the Best CPU Coolers For Core i7-13700k. For starters, the Intel 13th Gen Supports Z790, H770, and B760.

Here are our picks portrayed in a comparison table.

Last update on 2023-06-09

All of the 13th gen processors come with a massive performance uplift compared to the previous generation. However, before moving on to our list of the best i7-13700k Coolers, let us take a closer look at the Core i7-13700k's specifications.

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As expected, Intel's Raptor Lake 13th-generation processors provide significant performance improvements over the previous generation, thanks to their blistering fast clock speeds and higher core count. Intel has decided to stick with the 10nm manufacturing process with the 13th-generation processors.

The i7-13700k, codenamed Raptor Lake-S, is Intel's mid to high-end processor, designed to compete with team red's Ryzen 7 7800x. While both of these tech giants continue to go head-to-head with each other, let's take a look at what Intel has brought to the table with the i7-13700k.

Starting with the clock speeds, which have seen a huge improvement throughout the entirety of the 13-generation lineup of processors. The intel i7-13700k boasts a boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz; for reference, that is a 300 MHz increase over the 12700.

Perhaps the biggest change with the 13700k is the addition of four more physical cores compared to the i7-12700k. The 13700k comes equipped with a total of 16 Cores (8Efficiency Cores + 8 Performance Cores) and 24 threads.

All of the 13th-generation processors now come with support for DDR5 memory up to 5600 MHz. Furthermore, the 13700k also features an increased memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The 13700k comes with a rated TDP of 125W, which is about the same as the previous generation; however, the max TDP has been increased to 252W.

The integrated graphics have remained the same for the most part, with the 13th generation i7 using the same UHD Graphics 770 as the previous generation. However, there has been a 100 MHz improvement in terms of the GPU boost clock; the 13700k now comes with a boost clock speed of 1600 MHz.

Unlike AMD, Intel has chosen to stay on the same socket for their newer 13th gen processors, Which is nothing surprising, given Intel's past record of changing sockets every 2 years. Naturally, That also means people using 12th-generation processors can upgrade to the 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs without the need to completely replace their motherboards.

LGA 1700 offers plenty of upgrades over the previous sockets, starting with memory compatibility. With LGA 1700, Intel also brought support for DDR5 memory. Furthermore, the 13th generation processors support DDR5 clocked at 5600 MHz as well. Another big change with the LGA 1700 Socket was the addition of PCIe Gen 5 compatibility, which doubles the speeds provided by PCIe gen 4.

The launch of the Raptor Lake 13th generation processors has also marked the debut of their brand-new 700 series chipset. Much like the previous generation, The 700 series is divided into four separate chipsets: the B710, B760, H770, and the Z790, with the Z790 being their top-of-the-line chipset. While the naming conventions have remained the same as the previous generation, we see huge upgrades in terms of the PCIe lanes and connectivity.

Interested in other CPU Coolers compatible with the LGA 1700 socket? Make sure to check out our guide on the Best LGA 1700 CPU Coolers.

Here are our 6 picks for the Best CPU Coolers For i7-13700K:

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications: Type: Dual Tower Air Cooler | Colors: Black | TDP: 205W | RGB: Yes | Dimensions: ‎160x150x135mm | Fan: 140mm | Fan Speed: 1500 RPM | Noise: 24.6 dBA | Socket Support: LGA2066, LGA2011-0, LGA2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1200 | AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ (backplate needed), AM4).

Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black lies among the most popular CPU coolers by Noctua and is a solid option for Core i7-13700k considering its heat generation. The Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is a dual tower cooler and features a premium 140mm NF-A15 PWM Noctua fan which is designed aerodynamically and is considered the best in the market.

This NF-A15 fan can rotate at a maximum speed of 1500 RPM. With a decent RPM, this cooler also has a good airflow of 82.5 CFM allowing more air to pass and cool down the system. The fan noise is also very less, as low as 24 dBA, giving us another reason to choose this cooler for i7-13700k to keep it on the quieter side.

This 140mm fan is not only aerodynamic but also aluminum plated. Dimensions for this cooler are ‎160x150x135mm, and the cooler weighs around 6.34 pounds. There are also 45 fins for the heatsinks. This cooler also has a copper base, which is 38x39mm in size, and 6 heat pipes on both towers of the cooler for heat sinking purposes; the heat pipes are 6mm thick. Also, the joints on the circuits are soldered and the circuit is nickel plated too.

This great-performing CPU cooler is not only great at cooling, but its RAM clearance features are appreciable too. It can provide RAM clearance up to 65mm due to its recessed lower fans and the due to the division of the heatsink tower, which is divided into two stages, each with 38 and 7 fins. This ultimately makes it compatible with most high-end modules.

Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is black in color, chrome black to be precise as the name suggests; the cooler is also color customizable. Its heat pipes are placed in front of the fans and are also black. The aluminum plating on the fans also adds to the aesthetics of the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black.

What we liked

This cooler offers a great number of likable things including premium quality. Apart from that, quieter fans and the RAM clearance is amazing too. The cooler is also unexpectedly very light despite a large heat sink; the easy installation is yet another good thing about this cooler. The amazing aesthetics are also worth a check; the chrome black color and the beautiful design make the cooler pleasing for your eyes. The color customization for the cooler also levels up the aesthetics.

What we disliked

Although there are many great things about this cooler, there is one thing that might itch some users. That is the size of this cooler. It might not be problematic for everyone but it can be a disadvantage for some setups.

What sets Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black apart from its competitors?

There is no doubt that the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is the Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k, and it is true for many reasons. The thing that makes this cooler stand out the most is its premium quality. There is no denying that Noctua has put all its efforts into making this cooler worth the buyer's money. The aluminum-plated fans, a copper base, heat pipes, and soldered joints along with nickel plating make the cooler's foundation strong.

Verdict

In our final words, we must say that the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is the best choice in the market for i7-13700k due to its premium quality and amazing fan features. The aesthetics and color customization also add to its traits. Though the size may be a problem, it still is the perfect choice for the i7-13700k considering the overall performance. The fan noise is also very less compared to other top-rated coolers in the market. The NF-A15 fan of this cooler is designed to be as silent as they come. The amazing RAM clearance is also an advantage for the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black. And last but not the least, the easy installation also is a plus point for many users as they won't have to go through the hassle of setting up the cooler.

Read our full review on Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black.

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications : Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Colors: Black | TDP: 241W | RGB: Yes | Dimensions: 121×394×27mm | Fan: 120mm | Fan Speed: 2200 RPM | Noise: 36.5 dBA | Socket Support: 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2011-3, 2066

When it comes to PC products, ASUS is a name that comes to our minds among the others. ASUS has been a producer of PC goods for many years now, and they have also kept their customers satisfied with their services. Their cooling devices for PCs have also kept a high profile among consumers.

When talking about CPU coolers produced by ASUS, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB is an amazing 360mm AIO Cooler which you can use for your Core i7-13700k; there are many reasons for that. Ryujin II 360 RGB has a three-section aluminum heatsink unit with 121×394×27 mm dimensions.

Dimensions of a cooler play a huge part in its performance and the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB does this job very well as a bigger sized cooler means a bigger fan, which can allow more airflow. But before you buy a cooler with a heat sink of this size, make sure that it can fit in your PC case.

The connection between the pump and the heatsink is made by rubber hoses with nylon braiding.; the hoses are 380mm in length. A 27mm aluminum radiator is also included in the cooler.

For the fans’ specifications, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB has 3x NF-F12 IndustrialPPC 2000 PWM–3 pin-120mm fans capable of keeping your i7-13700k cooled down at all times. These are 7-blade model fans, and their connecting rings are on the outer radius. The rotation for these fans’ speed is 2200 RPM which is more than enough to keep a beastly CPU cooled down; the rotation speed of the fans can be controlled with PWM modulation.

4 PWM fan headers for the fan controllers of the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB are also included, these fan headers can be tweaked via FanXpert4. A 6mm embedded pump fan is also included that keeps blowing air into the M.2 slots, CPU VRMs, and its surroundings which allows the CPU to give better performance.

The airflow for this CPU cooler is also impressive as it allows an airflow of 70.1 CFM. Despite a powerful airflow, the noise that the cooler makes is still less than expected with a peak noise of 36.5 dB. It also has a 3-pin cable attached for you to control the ARGB lightning. Not only that; there is also a 3.5-inch LCD screen in the cooler; this LCD also screen supports AIDA64's sensor panel feature which allows you to design personalized logos and layouts. You can also check the real-time system stats. 3.5-inch LCD further adds to the looks of the cooler and also allows personal tuning for the cooler. There is also a convenient 6-year warranty for the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB.

What we liked

There are so many likable elements too about the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB. One of those things is the high performance it offers, and it's no surprise when we look at the brand it's made by. The amount of air this cooler can pass per minute and the speed at which the fans can rotate while making as low noise as possible is worth appreciation. It is good looking too which is another reason why we chose this cooler. The option for the ARGB lightning with an LCD screen is very eye pleasing.

What we disliked

There is no doubt that the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB is a great cooler, but there is still one thing that we disliked about it. That thing is its high price. Though it's performing, the price might be an issue for some users. It will cost you around $300 which is a lot for a cooler, but you will get all the amazing features discussed above.

What sets The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB apart from its competitors?

This cooler is a great choice for your i7-13700k in general. But if you are a fan of aesthetics, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB has a specialty for that. Its ARGB lights are considered the best in the market with color customization and will surely level up your PC's looks.

Verdict

ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB is truly a phenomenal cooler. Apart from its expensive price, the features that it offers, high performance, great aesthetics, and LCD screen, make it the Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Core i7-13700k in the market.

We reviewed the older generation of ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 RGB, so make sure to read that as well.

Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications : Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Colors: Black| TDP: 250W| RGB: Yes| Dimensions: 277 mm x 120 mm x 38 | Fan: 2x Arctic P12 PWM RGB 120mm | Fan Speed: 200–1800 RPM| Noise: 32.6 dBA | Socket Support: Intel:LGA-1200, LGA-115X, LGA 2011-v3, R4 LGA-2066 | AMD: AM4, AM5

Arctic is a renowned german brand mainly known for its excellent cooling solutions. Throughout recent years, their Liquid Freezer series of AIO coolers have seen a huge rise in popularity. Designed to provide immaculate thermal performance at reasonable prices, the Liquid Freezer series still remains one of Arctic's most popular and well-received lineup of coolers.

The Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB has been featured countless times in our articles, and for good reason. Trading blows with even the higher-end 360mm coolers; it is undoubtedly one of the best 240mm coolers one can purchase. Not only that, but it has [also been featured as the Best Overall 240mm AIO Cooler.

It features two of Arctic's P12 PWM fams, which can spin at speeds ranging from 500 to 2000 RPM. In addition to that, they have an airflow of 48.8 CFM and maximum air static pressure of 1.85 mm H20. As suggested by the name, these fans also feature A-RGB, compatible with software such as ASUS Aura Sync and MSI's Mystic Light.

Furthermore, a separate 40mm fan for the VRM can also be found on the pump unit. The fan operates at speeds ranging from 1000 to 3000 RPM and is a great addition for anyone dealing with high VRM temperatures.

As far as noise levels are considered, even with the 40mm VRM fan spinning at maximum speeds, the Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB operates at extremely low noise levels. Arctic has stated that their all-new in-house pump design plays an important role in further decreasing its noise output.

Compared to other coolers from Arctic, they have significantly increased the warranty with their Liquid Freezer II series of CPU coolers. The Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB comes packed with 6 years of warranty. We recommend you check out our review on the Liquid Arctic Freezer II 240 A-RGB for a much more detailed look at the cooler.

There is a lot to like about the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB; from its great aesthetics to the solid build quality, Arctic has gotten a lot right with the Freezer II 240. Coming in with two of Arctic's P12 PWM A-RGB fans, this 240mm Liquid Cooler delivers exceptional cooling performance.

It is clear Arctic has gone all out with the Freezer II 240 A-RGB. Although what surprises us the most is its extremely attractive price. Arctic has packed all of these features at a very reasonable price, making it a budget-friendly option that is capable of outperforming even the higher-end AIO Coolers in the market.

Thanks to its incredible performance and great price, Arctic has not left us with a lot to complain about with the Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB. However, what might bother some people is the lack of metallic fittings on both the pump and the radiator. In addition to that, there is no manual included in the box.

Its incredible value is what makes the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB a great deal for consumers. Its cooling potential far surpasses that of most 240mm coolers, and it provides that performance at a comparatively lower price than the competition.

Another thing that stands out about the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 is the 40mm VRM fan. While most AIO Coolers come with standard pump units, Arctic has gone out of its way to equip the Liquid Freezer II 240 with a separate VRM cooling fan. In addition to that, the fan also manages to remain fairly silent even under load.

If you are looking for a well-designed 240mm AIO cooler capable of cooling high-end processors, then the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is just the cooler for you. That, coupled with its attractive price and its easy installation, makes the Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB the Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler For i7-13700k.

Best White CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications : Type: Single tower air cooler | Colors: Black, White| TDP: 220W| RGB: Yes| Dimensions: 142 x 102 x 164 mm | Fan: 2 x TF 140s | Fan Speed: 500-1200 RPM | Noise: 31.5dBA | Socket Support: Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA2066 & AMD AM4, AM5

DeepCool has yet again made it on our list for the Best Core i7-13700k Cooler, with the AS500 Plus White being their second product on this list. The AS500 Plus, as the name suggests, is an upgraded version of DeepCool's AS500.

While most of the design has not seen a drastic change compared to the original AS500, the DeepCool AS500 Plus White brings upgrades regarding its fan setup and color scheme. It comes equipped with two TF140s fans, which provide speeds ranging from 500 to 1200 RPM and a maximum airflow of 70.81 CFM.

On top of that, the fans also remain fairly silent under load, with a noise level of 26 dBA. A subtle RGB strip can be seen on top of the cooler, near the edge of the heatsink cap. DeepCool has included an A-RGB controller with the AS500 Plus, allowing you to manually switch between the different RGB lighting modes.

The DeepCool AS500 Plus White features a single heatsink, with the aluminum fin stack coming with a total of 56 fins. It also comes with five copper heat pipes, each with a diameter of 6mm. The copper heat pipes are soldered directly to the base plate; this method of contact ensures better performance compared to direct contact heat pipes, which are usually seen in budget offerings.

The AS500 Plus White is rather slim, which is surprising considering its exceptional cooling performance. It provides uncompromised RAM and GPU clearance thanks to the slim design. As far as socket compatibility is concerned, the DeepCool AS500 Plus White is compatible with both the LGA 1700 and the AM5 socket.

In typical DeepCool fashion, a tube of DeepCool branded thermal paste is present inside the box, along with all of the necessary mounting hardware. If you are interested in purchasing the cooler, make sure to check out our detailed review of the DeepCool AS500 Plus White. Anyone interested in building an all-white PC can check out our article on the Best White PC Build.

The clean white coating on all of the components, coupled with the sleek RGB present on top of the cooler, adds a lot to its design. The high-performance 140mm TF140s fans provide impressive cooling performance while also looking aesthetically appealing at the same time. Moreover, the fans also remain inaudible for the most part.

While the DeepCool AS500 Plus White is by no means a cheap CPU cooler, it provides great features that justify its high price. Additionally, the hassle-free installation process further increases its overall value. If the AS500 Plus White's design catches your attention, then we recommend reading our articles on the Best White CPU Coole & Case.

What We Disliked

PC case compatibility seems to be the AS500 Plus White's biggest issue. Standing at a height of 164mm, an adequately sized PC case will be required to house this monstrous air cooler. However, that kind of height is expected from a cooler with dual 140mm fans. Apart from that, there is not much to complain about with the AS500 Plus White.

Related: If you are into the higher-end intel processor, go get familiar with Best CPU Coolers for i9-13900K instead.

With the AS500 Plus White, DeepCool has addressed one of the biggest issues with dual-fan air coolers, the RAM and GPU clearance. While PC case compatibility might still be an issue, the AS500 Plus White manages to provide great RAM and GPU clearance without compromising on the actual performance. Alongside that, the DeepCool AS500 Plus White boasts two of DeepCool's high-performance 140mm fans, which deliver great results.

Ultimately, the AS500 Plus White brings a lot to the table; we are talking five-heat pipes, visually appealing RGB, and excellent thermal performance. All of that in combination with its white design, makes it an excellent pick as the Best White CPU Cooler For i7-13700k.

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications : Type: Single-Tower Air Cooler | Colors: Black, White| TDP: 150W| RGB: Yes| Dimensions: 123 x 77 x 158.8 mm | Fan: 1 x SF120R RGB | Fan Speed: 650-2000 RPM | Noise: 30 dBA | Socket Support: LGA2066, LGA2011-v3, LGA2011, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1

Over the years, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 has received numerous upgrades with each new iteration of the cooler. Famous for its extremely low price, the Hyper 212 has been re-released several times, with cooler such as the Hyper 212 Evo and the Hyper 212 Turbo.

Thanks to its incredible price-to-performance ratio, its position as one of the best budget CPU Cooler of all time still remains undisputed to this date. With the black variant of the Hyper 212, Cooler Master has breathed new life into this now decade-old cooler.

Apart from the obvious design changes, the actual performance has not seen a huge improvement over the original version of the cooler. Much like the rest of the coolers in this price range, the Hyper 212 Black Edition also comes with four heat pipes in direct contact with the base plate.

Cooler Master has equipped the Hyper 212 Black Edition with the Silencio fan, which features a nine-blade design. While the black RGB edition of the cooler does feature RGB, Cooler Master has also released a separate all-black variant for anyone not interested in the RGB bling.

The Silencio fan has a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, which can be lowered to 650 RPM to reduce the noise levels. The Silencio FP120 fan also has a maximum noise output of 30 dBA, which is decent, especially for a budget cooler like this one. The 120mm fan also provides a maximum airflow of 57.3 CFM along with an air pressure of 2.0 mm H20.

RAM clearance is not an issue with the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black RGB. Coming with a small four-heat pipe design, the cooler itself does not take up a lot of space in the case. Furthermore, its height of only 158mm increases its PC case compatibility, allowing it to fit inside almost every mid-tower case out there.

If you want to take a look at coolers in a similar price range, then make sure to give our article on the Best CPU Coolers Under $50 a read.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black RGB Edition still holds its own against most modern coolers, living up to its title of the best budget CPU cooler. The Hyper 212 Black RGB is a great upgrade over a stock cooler, providing you with sufficient cooling performance while also being easy on the bank.

While the all-new black aesthetic does look visually appealing, it falls short when it comes to the actual cooling performance. Its four-heat pipe design delivers subpar cooling performance, which can be an issue, especially for high-end processors. Alongside that, it also comes with a warranty of only 2 years, which is a bit disappointing.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black RGB Edition is undoubtedly one of the cheapest air coolers you can currently get your hands on. It also manages to perform fairly well, outperforming the majority of the competition in a similar price category. Alongside that, Cooler Master has also equipped this version with an RGB Silencio P120 fan. All of that, in combination with its simple all-black design, leaves us with little to complain about.

In conclusion, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition is a great pick for beginners thanks to its easy installation and affordable price tag. Despite its underwhelming performance, it comes at an extremely low price. It also provides great RAM and GPU clearance along with decent performance, making it the Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k.

Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications : Type: Low Profile Air Cooler | Colors: Black| TDP: 150W | RGB: None | Dimensions: 95 x 95 x 37 mm | Fan: NF-A9x14 | Fan Speed: 600-2500 RPM | Noise: 23.6 dBA | Socket Support: LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155

Noctua has solidified its standing as one of the best manufacturers of coolers within the industry. From the release of the monstrous NH-D15 to the well-built NH-U14S, throughout recent years, Noctua has continued to impress us with its robust lineup of CPU coolers. This time, Noctua has re-released the NH-L9i C with support for the new LGA 1700 interface.

With the Noctua NH-L9i Chromaxc.black, Noctua has deviated from their original brown color scheme, going with a much more minimalist black coating on all of the components. Not only does the black coating look aesthetically pleasing, but it is also a huge upgrade from their original dull brown colors.

The Noctua NH-L9i 17xx Chromax.black is the re-released version of the original NH-L9i chromax.black, built to support the LGA 17000 socket. It is a low-profile cooler, ideal for small form factor builds. This extremely compact cooler comes equipped with Noctua's NF-A9x14 fan, which has a height of 90mm.

Moving on to the fan's specifications, it features Noctua's SS02 bearing and comes with 9 blades in total. The NF-A9x14 provides speeds ranging from 600 to 2500 RPM along with a noise output of 23.6 dBA. Noctua has also included a low-noise adapter with the NH-L9i Chromax.Black, which reduces the fan speeds to 1800 RPM in order to further lower its already low noise levels.

You can also check out our full review on the Noctua NH-L9i, which covers the product in detail and also includes temperature benchmarks.

Being a low-profile cooler, the Noctua NH-L9i provides remarkable RAM and GPU clearance thanks to its extremely slim and compact design. As far as low-profile coolers are concerned, Noctua has done a phenomenal job with the NH-L9i, packing a lot of performance in an extremely small form factor. Not only that, but the NH-L9i is available at a relatively lower price, making it an even better deal.

Since the Noctua NH-L9i is an extremely compact cooler, it comes only comes with a two-heat pipe design along with a small 90mm fan. While it provides sufficient cooling performance for day-to-day tasks, Its performance can get a bit lacking, especially in CPU-intensive scenarios. Naturally, that also means any kind of overclocking is simply not possible with the L9i Chromax Black.

With a height of 34mm, the Noctua NH-L9i 17xx Chromax Black is without a doubt, one of the smallest coolers one can currently purchase. Its insanely compact form factor is what makes it ideal for small form factor builds. Even with that compact heatsink, it still manages to provide decent cooling performance.

The biggest change we have seen with the newer Chromax.Black version of the Noctua NH-L9i is its all-new black design. Additionally, a low-noise adapter is also present in the box, allowing you to significantly lower the noise levels by sacrificing some of the performance.

If you are in need of a decent cooler for your small form factor build, then the Noctua NH-L9i should be your go-to choice. Taking its lower price and decent thermal performance into consideration, we have crowned the Noctua NH-L9i 17xx Chromax Black as the Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k.

Runner Up 360mm AIO Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications : Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Colors: Black| TDP: 260W | RGB: Yes| Dimensions: 394 x 120 x 27mm | Fan: 3 x 120mm | Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM | Noise: 34.3 dBA | Socket Support: LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700LGA 1366/2011/2011-3/2066 | AM5/AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 Socket TR4/sTRX4/SP3

MSI is one of the most prominent figures in the PC industry, known for manufacturing some of the highest-quality products we have seen to date., Throughout the years, MSI has maintained a solid reputation within the community, manufacturing a huge number of products ranging from desktop graphic cards all the way to all-in-one liquid cooling solutions.

Their CoreLiquid 360R has recently been re-released with a newer V2 version, and it falls into the mid-range category of liquid coolers. While it does have "V2" in its name, MSI has not improved upon anything with the newly released variant, with the only difference being the inclusion of the LGA 1700 socket in the new version.

One thing that immediately stands out about the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 360R V2 is the pump mounting mechanism used. Instead of using a separate CPU block for the pump, MSI has mounted the pump on the back of the radiator, which is not something we get to see in a lot of AIO Liquid Coolers.

The CoreLiquid 360R V2 comes completely loaded with RGB lighting, with all three of the 120mm fans being fully ARGB. The three fans and the MSI logo on top of the CPU block are compatible with MSI's Aura Sync software as well. Furthermore, The MAG CoreLiquid 360R V2 comes with a rotatable CPU blockhead, allowing you to rotate it up to 270 degrees.

Taking a closer look at its specifications, the CoreLiquid 360R V2 comes with three ARGB 120mm fans, which are capable of spinning at speeds ranging from 500 to 2000 RPM. These fans come with two ball bearing and have a maximum airflow of 78.73 CFM. Moreover, the fans operate at relatively low noise levels.

Speaking of noise levels, MSI has also included a low-noise adapter with the CoreLiquid 360 V2, which guarantees a 20 percent reduction in the overall noise output. While the low-noise adapter will lower noise levels, you will have to sacrifice a bit of performance in order to achieve that.

Moving on to the pump specifications, the pump mounted on the radiator is capable of providing speeds up to 4200 RPM, all the while maintaining low noise levels. As mentioned previously, the water block can also be rotated up to 270 degrees. The MSI CoreLiquid 360R V2 is compatible with a wide range of sockets, including the LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets.

We recommend checking out our article on the Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers if you are interested in purchasing a 360mm Cooler.

Out of all the offerings from MSI, the CoreLiquid 360R V2 is definitely the one that stands out the most in terms of its performance. Moreover, it offers all that performance at a considerably lower price. The rotatable pump block was also a nice inclusion, giving you more customizability over the cooler.

Speaking of customizability, all of the RGB can be controlled using MSI's Mystic Light software. Another thing worth mentioning is its balanced design. MSI has equipped the CoreLiquid 360R V2 with just the right amount of RGB lighting, which is by no means excessive or over the top. The clean and shrunk-down blockhead further enhances its overall design.

Even with the refreshed variant of the MAG CoreLiquid 360R, MSI seems to have not fixed the issues of the older variant, which is a shame, given its great value proposition. The pump still operates at relatively higher noise levels, and the build quality has a lot of room for improvement. That said, there are no major issues with the CoreLiquid 360R V2.

MSI has moved away from the Asetek pump design with the CoreLiquid 360R V2, taking a slightly different route than other AIO Coolers in the same price category. While anything other than the Asetek pump design is not completely unheard of, it is still a rare occurrence, especially coming from a renowned brand such as MSI.Of course, this change has also resulted in overall lower noise levels for the pump. The inclusion of a low-noise cable further reduces the noise output, resulting in an extremely silent operation. The change in the pump's position has also led to a smaller CPU block which makes installation extremely simple.

MSI has also included a low-noise adapter with the CoreLiquid 360R V2, which is ideal for people working in quieter environments.

While the MAG CoreLiquid 360R V2 is not the magnum opus of all Liquid Cooling solutions, it certainly does a great job in keeping the i7-13700k cool. Thanks to its incredible cooling performance coupled with its elegant aesthetics, we have given it a spot as the Runner Up 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler For i7-13700k.

Runner Up Overall CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k

Specifications : Type: Dual Tower Air Cooler | Colors: Black, White| TDP: 260W | RGB: None | Dimensions: 129×138×160 mm | Fan: 2x FK 120 120mm | Fan Speed: 500-1850 RPM | Noise: 28 dBA | Socket Support: LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 |AMD AM5/AM4

Over the course of the past couple of years, DeepCool has cemented its position as an excellent manufacturer of CPU coolers. Not only are they responsible for bringing some of the best coolers to the market, but they have also branched out into manufacturing other products, such as power supplies and cases.

The AK620 is one of DeepCool's most popular offerings, competing with the likes of Noctua's NH-D15, thanks to its extremely competitive price. This behemoth of a CPU cooler features a rather simple dual-tower design and comes with two 120mm fans.

Speaking of fans, DeepCool has gone with a pair of their FK120 fans for the AK620, which come with a maximum speed of 1850 RPM along with an airflow of 68.99 CFM. Surprisingly, the fans operate at extremely low noise levels, with a maximum noise output of 28 dBA.

As expected, both of the 120mm fans are also equipped with fluid dynamic bearings. Furthermore, the AK620 features a total of six copper heat pipes soldered to the baseplate, as well as 49 aluminum fins on each heatsink.

While DeepCool has added no RGB with the DeepCool AK620, its design still manages to stand out from the competition. It comes with a clean gray and black design, along with black heatsink covers on top. In addition to that, the unique pattern on the aluminum fins further adds to its overall design.

The DeepCool AK620 also provides adequate RAM clearance, which is surprising especially considering its massive dual-tower design. DeepCool claims that the AK620 is capable of providing up to 43mm of RAM clearance, which can be further extended up to 59mm if you are willing to remove one fan.

It is important to note that removing a fan will have a negative impact on the overall performance. As far as CPU compatibility is concerned, you will not have to worry about that with the DeepCool AK620. As listed on DeepCool's official website, the AK620 comes with support for both the latest AM5 and LGA sockets.

There is a lot to like about the DeepCool AK620, starting with its design. The brilliantly manufactured AK620 from DeepCool features a simple yet appealing design that immediately sets it apart from other dual-tower coolers in a similar price range. Make sure to read our DeepCool AK620 review for a much more in-depth look at the cooler.

It is clear that DeepCool has not compromised with its performance; featuring a six-heat pipe design, the AK620 is definitely the better-performing air cooler in the market. Its unmatched price-to-performance ratio has allowed it to sweep the competition, and that too by a huge margin.

The DeepCool AK620 stands at a height of 160m; its height can be a problem during installation. While most dual tower coolers come with a similar height, it can still be an issue, especially for people trying to install it inside smaller cases. While DeepCool has made some of the best design choices with the AK620, it still lacks any RGB at all, which can be a letdown for some people.

Overall, the DeepCool AK620 packs a punch when it comes to performance, but what impresses us the most is its price. Following the release of the AK620, we have seen countless air coolers pop up in the market, none of which have been able to compete with the sheer value that the DeepCool AK620 provides.

With a TDP of 260W, the Deepcool AK620 is capable of cooling even the most powerful of processors. While memory clearance seems to be the biggest issue with dual tower coolers, DeepCool has done a fairly good job in increasing both the ram and GPU clearance. DeepCool has achieved this with the help of a cut-out present at the bottom of the heatsink.

To sum up, the DeepCool AK620 is a relatively affordable mid-range air CPU cooler that has been the go-to pick for gamers on a budget, thanks to its incredible cooling performance, dual tower design, and silent operation. All in all, the DeepCool AK620 is a Good CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k.

With the AK620, DeepCool has managed to satisfy both ends of the spectrum by providing a great performing cooler at a comparatively lower price point. All of that in combination with its excellent aesthetics, is what makes the Deepcool AK620 the Runner Up Overall CPU Cooler For Core i7-13700k.

Your cooler's performance determines its value; a better-performing cooler will not only be useful in gaming but also increases overclocking headroom, allowing you to push your processor to its very limits. If you want the most out of your processor and also avoid heating issues, going for a top-of-the-line cooler is always recommended.

Naturally, most high-end AIO Liquid coolers will outperform most air coolers, that too by a huge margin. Liquid cooling has always been a better option when it comes to cooling mid to high-end processors.

While budget offerings have grown quite a lot in recent years, their actual performance can still be underwhelming. Of course, spending more on a cooler is not always necessary. However, if you end up purchasing a monstrous 16-core beast such as the i7-13700k, spending more will guarantee you a better overall experience in real-world use and overclocking.

TDP Rating is a direct measure of your cooler's performance. A processor rated to have a higher TDP consumes a lot more power, generating a lot more heat as a result. On the other hand, a CPU Cooler with a higher TDp rating should be able to cool high-TDP processors as well.

Over the years, TDP has grown to be a rather inaccurate way of measuring your cooler's performance; however, it can still be a useful rating for beginners just getting into PC building.

While noise levels might not be an important factor for some, higher noise outputs can be a deal-breaker for others. For people working in professional and quieter environments, it is important to ensure that low noise levels are maintained at all times.

Companies such as Noctua and MSI have also started including a low-noise adapter with their coolers, allowing you to lower the overall sound output by sacrificing a bit of performance. Low noise adapters usually lower your cooler's fan speeds, resulting in an overall reduction in the noise output.

A cooler's aesthetics completely depend on personal preference; that said, it is easy to overspend on the visual design of the cooler alone. While the cooler's design is important, going for a better-performing cooler is always recommended.; however, it all boils down to one's personal taste and preference in the end. On the other hand, if you have no budget constraints, going all out on the aesthetics should not be an issue.

Much like the rest of the unlocked "k" series of processors from Intel, the 13700k also does not come with a stock cooler.

Since the 13700k comes with 16 cores and 24 threads, you will need a hefty cooler in order to achieve reasonable temperatures. A high-end air cooler or even an AIO Liquid Cooler is recommended.

Being part of the unlocked series of processors, overclocking the 13700k is very possible. However, you will have to pair the processor with a decent cooler in order to reach higher clock speeds without running into thermal throttling issues.

Also read: Best CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7600x

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