Introduction
CPU coolers are used to dissipate the thermal energy created by circuits in a CPU, which is essential to ensure proper functionality. The heat is transferred from these components to the heat sink, which has a large surface area and is composed of an array of metal fins. The thermal energy passes through these fins via convection and is dissipated into the air.
“CPU Cooler” can refer to one of two components: a heatsink or a water-cooling radiator. The most common heatsink is metal construction, often copper or aluminum, but other metals such as gold can be found. The heat from the CPU is dissipated at a high rate into the air, and this can rapidly increase operating temperatures in poorly ventilated cases.
The heat-sink transfers the thermal energy from the CPU to the air via a heat pipe or a metal heat spreader, which is generally in contact with the CPU. The heat is transferred from the heat sink using thermal conduction, which moves some of the energy as kinetic energy of the particles in the heat sink.
The principle of a CPU water-cooling radiator is essentially the same as that of any other water-cooling radiator: the thermal energy from components is transferred to a fluid, which is then moved away and dissipated into the air.
The water-cooling radiator is generally larger than a heatsink as it needs to be able to dissipate a higher amount of thermal energy from multiple components (CPU and GPU, for example). Furthermore, the CPU water cooling radiator often has a larger surface area; this is due to the greater surface area of water compared to air, which increases the rate at which thermal energy is transported.CPU coolers are classified by their size, shape, and cooling technology. A heatsink is classified by its size (i.e., 120mm or 140mm), shape (i.e., tower or horizontal), and cooling technology (i.e., heatsink, water-cooling radiator).
We need the best CPU Coolers for i7 11700K that will reduce the heat and we can get to know about all CPU Coolers for i7 11700K about the rate of heat reduction and other additional information like small budget, medium budget, or luxurious budget CPU Coolers for i7 11700K.
Here in this article we have collected and listed the top best CPU Coolers for i7 11700K at one place with comparison, Pros, and cons. But before we start we have to consider some important things before buying the best CPU Coolers for i7 11700K; So, lookt at them first.
Tips Before Purchasing
Usage:
Usage of CPUs is different for each user, so consider the usage before buying a CPU Cooler. If you are a gamer or frequently use your PC for rendering then go for high-budget CPU Cooler, best-performance CPU coolers. But if you are a casual user and don’t use it very frequently then low budget CPU Cooler will do the job for you.
Cooler Type:
Different CPU Coolers have different cooling technologies. Air coolers use fans to dissipate the thermal energy from CPUs. Liquid-cooled CPU Radiators use liquid to dissipate the thermal energy from CPUs. Air coolers are cheaper and easier to install, but liquid CPU coolers tend to be more effective and can dissipate larger amounts of thermal energy, at the cost of increased noise. Air coolers may also impede adjacent expansions slots in your case, depending on their design.
TDP Rating:
The TDP rating is the maximum amount of power a cooling system needs to dissipate. Before buying check your CPU and see its TDP. If the TDP is large and if you buy a CPU Cooler with a low TDP rating then it can damage your CPU due to overheating, so be careful about this point.
Clearance:
Not to be confused with TDP, the Clearance tells you how much space your cooler needs. For example: If your case has a 120mm fan mount, but your cooler is larger than 120mm, then you won’t be able to install it.
Noise:
The noise level of the best CPU Coolers for i7 11700K is another important factor. The quietest air coolers are typically less than 18dB. Liquid-cooled CPU radiators tend to be much quieter, but are also more expensive and harder to install.
Additionally, you should consider the aesthetics of your CPU Cooler. Air coolers are generally less obtrusive than liquid-cooled CPU radiators.
Best CPU Coolers for i7 11700K:
- 1. Noctua NH-D15
- 2. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280
- 3. Scythe Fuma 2
- 4. be quiet! Pure Loop 280
- 5. Scythe Mugen 5 Rev B
- 6. Noctua NH-U12S
- 7. Phanteks PH-TC14PE
- 8. Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
The Best CPU Coolers for i7 11700K You Can Purchase Today!
Noctua NH-D15
Best Air Cooler for i7-11700K
Specifications
Brand: EVGA – Chipset Brand: Nvidia – Boost Clock: 1800 MHz – Memory: 24GB GDDR6X – Power Consumption: 350W – Dimensions: 15.12 x 9.57 x 4.41 inches
Noctua NH-D15 is the best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K and also the most expensive one and it is specially designed for overclocking and silent performance. It has a huge surface area of copper heat pipes and aluminum fins, which allows it to dissipate large amounts of thermal energy.
It has two fans with PWM connectors so you can attach them directly to your motherboard if it supports PWM, otherwise you will have to use the supplied Low-Noise-Adaptors.
It idles at a very low noise level of 13.2 dB(A) and it is not too loud when fully loaded (28.6 dB(A)). It is very easy to install. Its base height is 165mm, so make sure your case has enough clearance or you want to buy a new case. It comes with two fans with speed variation from 300 to 1500 RPM, so you can regulate the cooling performance and noise level according to your requirements.
It is available in only one color: Except for the price, there is nothing wrong with this CPU Cooler. However, if you are not an enthusiast and don’t overclock your processor often then you may not need the best CPU coolers for i7 11700K.
The fans are mounted on anti-vibration rubber corners which reduce the noise even more. Noctua NH-D15 also comes with a tube of custom thermal compound, known as NT-H1, that has a very low thermal conductivity, making it ideal for overclocking. It is compatible only with Intel sockets. Check the Clearance before buying it. It comes with a comprehensive six-year warranty.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280
Best Cooler for Overclocking the i7-11700K
Specifications
Dimensions: 317 x 138 x 38 mm – Base Height: 173 mm – Socket Support: AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 – Weight: 4.58 pounds – Fans: 2 – Fan speed: 200 – 1700 RPM – Warranty: 6 Years
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 is the second-best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K. It has a very compact design and it has 2 pre-installed fans with PWM connectors for easier speed regulation. It is designed to work silently and it is easy to install.
The aluminum radiator dissipates heat via eight high-performance copper heat pipes, so the CPU is cooled efficiently, even at high loads. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 can be installed in any direction as it comes with a backplate and the fans can be mounted on all four sides of the radiator using case screws.
It has two PWM connectors so you will not have problems attaching it to your motherboard, but if your motherboard does not support PWM then you will have to control the fan speed through the supplied Low-Noise-Adaptors.
As It comes with two pre-installed high-performance fans so, it can be regulated automatically through the motherboard or manually according to your requirements.
It is available in only one color: The base of the CPU Cooler is made of copper, which has a very good heat transfer capability, but it would have been better if it was made of nickel-plated copper. It comes with a six-year warranty and it is compatible with all Intel sockets, but not AMD sockets. Check the Clearance before buying it.
Scythe Fuma 2
Best Overall CPU Cooler for i7-11700K
Specifications
Dimensions: 137 x 131 x 154.5 mm – Base Height: 154.5 mm – Socket Support: AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 – Weight: 2.2 Pounds – Fans: 2 – Fan speed: 300-1200 RPM – Warranty: 5 Years
Scythe Fuma 2 is the third-best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K. It has a dual-tower design that allows it to dissipate more thermal energy than smaller coolers. It has compact dimensions and the weight of the Scythe Fuma 2 is only 2.2 pounds, which makes it very easy to install on the motherboard.
It has two pre-installed fans with PWM connectors and the blades of the fans are designed to generate a high air pressure while maintaining a very low noise level. The new Fuma is also compatible with all new Intel sockets, including LGA1151 and LGA1200. For older sockets like LGA775 and LGA1366, you can use the supplied spacers.
Additionally, it supports a wide range of TDPs, from 35 watts to 180 watts. It is very easy to install and it will not occupy too much space in your case.
The tall heatsink and the pre-installed fans make this CPU Cooler very stylish and you can install it in your case without any problems. There is a little problem with the installation process, as the radiator has only four screws and you have to attach it from inside of the case.
The Scythe Fuma 2 is one of the few coolers that are truly compatible with all Intel sockets, which is why it deserves a spot on our list. It has a very compact design, but it is still bulky enough to keep your CPU cool under heavy loads. It comes with a 5 Years Warranty.
be quiet! Pure Loop 280
Best 280mm AIO for i7-11700K
Specifications
Dimensions: 317 x 140 x 52 mm – Base Height: 100 mm – Socket Support: AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 – Weight: 4.58 pounds – Fans: 2 – Fan speed: 300-1600 RPM – Warranty: 3 Years
As the name shows that be quiet! Pure Loop 280 is the best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K. and noiseless Best CPU Cooler. It has a very compact design and it offers low noise levels and high performance. It is designed for use in HTPCs and it can be placed next to your VGA card without any problems.
It has a single high-pressure 120mm PWM fan, which can push up to 70.69 CFM at maximum speed. The fan is mounted on the aluminum radiator that dissipates heat via four high-performance copper heat pipes. It comes with two Low Noise Adaptors so you can lower the noise levels if they are too loud. It is compatible with all Intel sockets, including LGA1151 and LGA1200. Check the Clearance before buying it.
The dimensions of this CPU Cooler are 317 x 140 x 52 mm and it weighs 4.58 pounds, which means that it not only cools your CPU but also adds some weight to your system. It is compatible with most cases, but check its dimensions before buying it.
The Pure Loop 280 comes with two pre-installed fans and it is available in two different colors. It is covered by a three-year warranty, which is the longest one in this product range out of all products reviewed on this list.
Scythe Mugen 5 Rev B
Best Mid-Tier Budget Cooler for i7-11700K
Specifications
Dimensions: 130 x 154.5 x 110mm – Base Height: 154.5 mm – Socket Support: AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 – Weight: 2.9 pounds – Fans: 1 – Fan speed: 300-1200 RPM – Warranty: 2 Years
Scythe Mugen 5 Rev B is the upgraded version of Mugen 5 the best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K. Highest performance and compatibility with all sockets. It has a large tower heatsink, which makes it perfect for overclocking or if you want to keep your CPU cool even under heavy loads. It has a single high-pressure 120mm PWM fan, which pushes up to 93.45 CFM of air at maximum speed.
It comes with an L.N.A., so you can reduce its noise levels if needed. It is compatible with all recent Intel sockets, including LGA1151, LGA1200. There are some smaller compatibility issues with the AM4 socket. It does not have any RAM compatibility issues.
Its dimensions are 130 x 154.5 x 110mm and it weighs 2.9 pounds, which means that it is heavier than most coolers in this price range, but it is still within the tolerable limits. It has a 2-year warranty, which is less than some other products on this list.
You can install the Mugen 5 Rev B on your Intel or AMD motherboard with no problems. It has a very stylish design and is one of the biggest heatsinks in its price range. It is covered by a two-year warranty.
Noctua NH-U12S
Best Value Cooler for i7-11700K
Specifications
Dimensions: 158 x 125 x 71 mm – Base Height: 158 mm – Socket Support: AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 – Weight: 2.24 pounds – Fan: 1 – Fan speed: 300-1200 RPM – Warranty: 6 Years
Noctua NH-U12S is the Best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K. with Medium noise levels and compatibility with all sockets. It has a very compact design, but it is still bulky enough to keep your CPU cool under heavy loads. It has a single high-pressure 120mm PWM fan, which can push up to 98.11 CFM at maximum speed.
Its dimensions are 158 x 125 x 71 mm and it weighs 2.24 pounds, which is very light for a CPU cooler with such a high performance. It comes with two of the Low Noise Adaptors, so you can reduce its noise levels if needed. It is compatible with all recent Intel sockets, including LGA1151, LGA1200. It is compatible with all Ryzen sockets.
It has a six-year warranty on parts and labor, which is one of the longest ones in this product range. It comes with a Noctua NT-H1 thermal compound pre-applied, which is one of the best ones on the market. The company also provides a very detailed installation guide to make your life easier. It is covered by a six-year warranty, which is the longest one on this list.
Phanteks PH-TC14PE
Best All-Round Cooler for i7-11700K
Specifications
Dimensions: 159 x 140 x 171mm – Base Height: 140 mm – Socket Support: AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 – Weight: 2.13 pounds – Fans: 2 – Fan speed: 700-1200 RPM – Warranty: 5 Years
Phanteks PH-TC14PE is the Best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K. with the Highest performance and compatibility with all sockets. It is a large and bulky CPU cooler, which means that it will provide the best cooling in almost any case. However, this also makes it very bulky. It has a unique twin tower design, which is quite complicated to install, but it is absolutely worth the effort.
It comes with two high-pressure 140mm PWM fans, which push up to a combined 126.69 CFM of air at maximum speed. You can control them from 700 to 1,200 RPM. Its dimensions are 159 x 140 x 171mm and it weighs 2.13 pounds. This makes it one of the biggest CPU coolers on the market, but it still fits within tolerable limits.
It has excellent compatibility with all Intel sockets, including LGA1151 and LGA1200. It has some small compatibility issues with the AM4 socket. It is also compatible with all recent AMD sockets, including AM4. It does not have any RAM compatibility issues.
It has a five-year warranty on parts and labor, which is one of the longest ones in this product range. It comes with a Phanteks PH-NDC thermal compound pre-applied, which is one of the best ones on the market. The company also provides a very detailed installation guide to make your life easier. It has an excellent performance-to-noise ratio.
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Quietest CPU Cooler for i7-11700K
Specifications
Dimensions: 146 x 136 x 163 mm – Base Height: 163 mm – Socket Support: AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 – Weight: 2.49 pounds – Fans: 2 – Fan speed: 600-1500 RPM – Warranty: 3 Years
As the name implies it is the quietest CPU Cooler. Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is the Best CPU Cooler for i7 11700K. with the lowest noise levels and compatibility with all Intel sockets.
It has a very compact design, then it is not bulky enough to keep your CPU cool under heavy loads. It comes with two high-pressure 120mm PWM fans, which can push up to a combined 136.77 CFM of air at maximum speed. It has a single high-pressure 120mm PWM fan, which can push up to 98.11 CFM at maximum speed. Its dimensions are 146 x 136 x 163 mm and it weighs 2.49 pounds, which is very light for a CPU cooler with such a high performance. It comes with two of the Low Noise Adaptors, so you can reduce its noise levels if needed.
It is compatible with all recent Intel sockets, including LGA1151, LGA1200. It is compatible with all Ryzen sockets. It has a three-year warranty on parts and labor, which is one of the shortest ones in this product range. It comes with a Noctua NT-H1 thermal compound pre-applied, which is one of the best ones on the market. The company also provides a very detailed installation guide to make your life easier.
Conclusion
Finally, a CPU cooler is the most important component for the CPU to stay within temperature limits and operate at its peak efficiency. An undersized CPU cooler will not be able to adequately cool the CPU in all loading situations, and when it reaches its thermal limitations, the CPU will throttle at higher loads, possibly reducing its lifespan or even damaging it. As a result, the best i7-11700k CPU cooler would be one with a TDP of more than 125 watts and enough space to absorb heat surges up to 250 Watts during overclocking bursts.
The Phanteks PH-TC14PE is the finest CPU for overclocking the i7 11700K, with a well-balanced thermal profile and enough cooling flow to accommodate even the most demanding workloads. It also has great CPU compatibility and may be cooled using up to three fans for additional cooling capacity. If you’re a casual gamer who just wants a high-performance PC that isn’t designed to push your CPU to the limit, we recommend the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev B because it’s ideal for heavy CPU loads in stock condition and eliminates the question of overclocking. It’s about half the price of the Phanteks cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU cooler should I get for my Intel Core i7-11700K?
The optimum CPU cooler for the i7 11700k would be ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 if you use your CPU a lot. It is dependent on how much you use the CPU. If you’re a performance user who constantly pushes your CPU to extremes while gaming or doing high-end productivity work, the best i7 11700k CPU cooler is ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280. It has the finest cooling performance and a supplementary VRM cooling fan, allowing for maximum overclocking potential.
Is it feasible to cool the i7 11700K using only air?
If you just want to use your PC for light work, an average CPU cooler may suffice. Alternatively, if you want to cool your CPU adequately at peak loads and overclocking sessions while maintaining a low TDP of 125W or less, consider purchasing a high-performance air cooler with a higher TDP than 125W. Scythe Fuma 2 provides ample cooling for the 11700K and is reasonably priced.
Is it necessary to use a CPU cooler for the i7 11700K?
The Intel i7 11700K is a high-performance gaming processor with the goal of delivering exceptional performance and gaming abilities. It has an unlocked multiplier that allows for quicker overclocking and peaks as high as 250W (TDP: 125W) when pushed to its limits. Because it does not come with a stock cooler, you’ll need a high-performance cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 to get the most out of it.
What cooler should I use with an i7 11700K?
An air cooler will suffice for most average users seeking high to mid-level performance from their CPU. However, if you intend to stress your CPU to the limit, the best CPU cooler for i7-11700k is ‘be quiet! Pure Loop 280,’ which maintains your CPU within acceptable thermal boundaries while overclocking and action-packed gaming sessions without making too much noise.
Also Read: Low Profile CPU Coolers
