Best CPU Coolers for the Intel Core i5-13600K

Introduction

The Intel Core i5 13600K is one of the best mid-range CPUs on the market, offering an excellent value-proposition versus other SKUs available at a similar price point. The 13600K is perfect for gaming, and can handle a variety of workstation applications.

So what does this mean for consumers looking to pick up a CPU cooler? In this article we’ll be answering this very question with a roundup of the best CPU coolers for the 13600K. We’ll be breaking down cooler compatibility, which type of cooling is best, along with all of our recommendations.

First up in our test of CPU coolers is Deepcool’s AK500. The AK500 is a bit of an underdog in the cooler space, as it often ends up being pushed out of the limelight by it’s larger sibling, the AK620. Nonetheless, the AK500 is still an excellent option if you’re looking for an excellent budget cooler for the i5-13600K. Coming in at around $50, this cooler is excellent for those with a restrictive budget to work with. Performance wise, this cooler is also pretty quiet overall, with a max decibel rating of 31.5. That means, even at load, this cooler should run quiet. It is a little bit lacking when it comes to aesthetic, but I’d argue that the price and performance will be the main determiner for the majority of consumers when shopping for the top cooler.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo is one of the best CPU coolers for the i5-13600K, especially for those looking for a sleek design with RGB and multiple colour options. The Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition has been a well known feature on the GeekaWhat YouTube channel and website, and for this reason we decided to offer up the alternative ‘halo’ edition to spice things up a bit. The Hyper 212 Halo builds upon the success of the original Hyper 212 offering solid thermal capability, a sleek design, and easy installation. The Hyper 212 Halo is one of the more competitive options on the market sitting at $50 or so. Based on the performance metrics, this makes it pretty comparable to the Deepcool AK500 and AK620.

Noctua’s NH-D15 is one of the best high-end coolers for the i5-13600K, due it’s large dual tower heasink and sleek aeshtetic. We’ve featured this incredible cooler a significant number of times in various buyers guides. Noctua have retained the ‘top-dog’ spot for quite some time when it comes to air coolers and remains one of the best CPU coolers for the Intel i5-13600K available. The Nh-D15 has been updated a number of times to match the current socket mounting, with Noctua including AM5 and Intel’s LGA 1700 sockets. The NH-D15 is one of the best performing options, giving many Liquid AIOs a run for their money. This cooler can easily handle overclocking on the lower-end chips, and has decent tolerance with multi-core programs.

Next on our testing roundup for the 13600K is the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240L Core ARGB. This 240mm AIO CPU cooler has proven to be a reliable choice within the office, featuring in a number of different mid-range gaming PC builds. Using a newer duel chamber pump, this CPU cooler keeps the liquid flowing to make sure that the heat is removed before the i5-13600K gets too hot to handle. Unlike the previous Cooler Master product featured in this roundup, the MasterLiquid 240L Core ARGB includes two 120mm ARGB fans, which provide a whopping amount of airflow that will be able to keep the temperatures of most CPUs down. In terms of design, this CPU cooler adopts a fairly conventional design, so there won’t be much issues when slotting this cooler into your next gaming PC.

Corsair’s iCUE H100i RGB Elite is a great liquid cooled option for the i5-13600K. Even though this model is one of Corsair’s least expensive 240mm AIO coolers, it still provides the high-quality features we’ve come to expect from Corsair products. We’re always impressed with the consistent blend of style and substance that Corsair provides throughout their selection of products, and the H100i RGB Elite is no exception. As the name suggests, this CPU cooler includes RGB lighting on the water pump, but it bizarrely excludes any colour on the fans. The resulting appearance when placed into a build is bound to divide opinions, but we enjoy the distinct look this cooler provides.

Core i5-13600K – Air or Liquid cooling?

If we have to be blunt, you don’t need a liquid cooler for a PC that includes an i5-13600K processor. But like most considerations when building a gaming PC, the truth is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Both air and liquid coolers have their advantages, with the best choice often coming down to the needs of the consumer.

Do I Need a CPU Cooler for the Core i5 13600K?

Yes. A cooler will stop this CPU from getting too hot, which helps to avoid any catastrophic damage to the CPU or any other components within a gaming PC.

Is the Core i5 13600K Worth Buying?

Intel’s i5 13600K is a great CPU for a mid-range gaming PC, as it will have no problems running all the latest titles at both 1080p and 1440p.

Can I Overclock the Core i5 13600K?

Yes! Any Intel CPU that includes a ‘K’ within its name can be overclocked, allowing for improving performance. However, anyone looking to overclock their i5 13600K should pick up a powerful CPU cooler to keep temperatures down.

Best Overall CPU Cooler for Intel Core i5 13600K: Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite

Corsair’s iCUE H100i RGB Elite is one of the best options for AIO’s to pair with the Intel Core i5 13600K, as it offers excellent thermal regulation, runs very quiet and is RGB customisable with Corsair’s leading iCUE technology. While it may be more expensive for a budget build, it’s one of Corsair’s cheapest AIO’s available at the moment.