Introduction
Since launching back in October of last year, the Intel Core i9 13900K is a popular choice for gaming enthusiasts. This powerful processor offers top-tier gaming performance on 4K max settings and will be able to handle intense productivity tasks alongside it.
But in order for this power-hungry CPU to consistently perform in its optimal state, it needs to be cooled efficiently. One of the main concerns with Intel’s latest generation of CPUs has been that they tend to run at higher temperatures, so picking up an adequate cooling solution is vital to ensure i9 13900K builds remain nice and cool.
In this buyers guide, we’ll be running through the best CPU coolers to pick up alongside Intel’s Core i9 13900K, providing overviews of each product and some insight into our selection process.
Our Recommendations
1. DeepCool LS520
👑 The best budget CPU cooler.
Introduction
To start off, we have an affordable offering from DeepCool, the LS520. As their name suggests, DeepCool puts a focus on keeping the temperatures of PCs down, with the LS520 being a prime example of this. This 240mm liquid cooler provides plenty of airflow thanks to the high speed fans that can reach a maximum RPM of 2250 and the powerful motor used inside the water pump quickly transfers the heat away from the CPU socket.
These systems combine to create a cooling method that is more than capable of keeping the most power hungry processors, including the i9 13900K. On top of this, the LS520 includes plenty of RGB lighting to brighten up any gaming PC, with both fans and the pump head providing a hint of colour. The face of the pump can also be customised to show off a custom logo, which is a nice way to make your build stand out.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Deepcool LS520 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 2250RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, sRTX4, sRT4 |
Things We Like
Powerful fans: The 2250RPM of the fans featured in this cooler are very powerful compared to the competition, offering plenty of airflow for high-end systems despite the lack of a third fan.
Excellent price point: The LS520 is available for a very reasonable price point, especially when you take the included features into consideration. This makes it a great options for anyone looking to stick to strict budget that may want to spend their funds elsewhere.
Things We Don’t Like
Size restrictions: Whilst 240mm AIO coolers are normally powerful enough to prevent the most demanding processors from overheating, a larger radiator provides a more efficient method that will be better at handling intense productivity loads
Case compatibility: Though most PC cases will be able to support a 240mm radiator, it is less common to find a design tailored towards these coolers. As a result, these coolers tend to sit in an awkward position in a lot of larger cases, which may be worth considering if you want your build to be picture perfect.
Summary
The DeepCool LS520 is a great way to access liquid cooling on a restricted budget. This 240mm option should be able to handle the most intense loads, making it an ideal pick for i9 13900K users. With a feature-set that ticks most of the boxes for a reasonable price, the LS520 offers great value in a high-end system.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Plenty of airflow
- Lots of customisation
Cons
- May struggle under intense loads
- Not the best fit for most cases
Where to Buy
Buy the DeepCool LS520 on:
2. Noctua NH D-15
👑 The best air CPU cooler.
Introduction
Within most modern gaming PCs, air cooling is somewhat overlooked, as liquid cooling is generally considered the most efficient option. However, there are a few air-cooled options that offer similar thermal regulation for a more affordable price point. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the Noctua NH D-15, an air cooler that is notorious amongst PC building enthusiasts.
Featuring two 140mm fans in the dual-tower design, this cooler offers plenty of airflow to push heat away from the CPU and out of the case. Also, this cooler’s form factor plenty of clearance to avoid obstructing other components such as RAM and M.2 storage. Available in black or the traditional Noctua brown, gamers can pick whether they want this cooler to blend in or stand out.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Noctua NH-D15 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
Things We Like
Easy to install: Generally, air coolers are a lot easier to install compared to liquid options as you don’t have to deal with radiators and additional fans, making them a better choice for consumers.
Reasonable price point: One of the main advantages to a air cooler like this one is the reduced price point compared to the liquid-cooled alternatives. Because of this, the NH D-15 is a great pick for those on a tight budget.
Things We Don’t Like
Noisy: A pretty big weakness of air coolers is the amount of noise they produce in order to keep a system cool. This will be exposed a lot in a build using the i9 13900K, as this CPU will put the NH D-15 through its paces.
Struggles under intense loads: The Noctua NH D-15 offers enough airflow to keep most gaming PCs cool, this cooler is tailored towards budget-oriented systems instead of high-end options, so it may be worth considering a alternative better suited to productivity-based builds.
Summary
As one of the best air coolers on the market, the Noctua NH D-15 is the best alternative to liquid coolers. The dual-tower fans offers sufficient heat distribution within most builds whilst providing a significant reduction in price. Because of this, the NH D-15 will be a solid choice for a gaming-focussed i9 13900K PC, which opens up funds for other components.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Budget pricing
- Great for a gaming PC
Cons
- Noisy in high-end systems
- Struggles to handle intense loads
Where to Buy
Buy the Noctua NH D-15 on:
3. NZXT Kraken X53 RGB
👑 The best mid-range CPU cooler.
Introduction
Moving back to the liquid cooling, the NZXT Kraken X53 RGB is another 240mm cooler that provides a strong combination of design and performance. Like most NZXT products, this CPU cooler maintains somewhat of a minimalist approach, providing a clean look when paired with other NZXT products. However, this cooler does include RGB fans and an infinity mirror on the pump head to spice things up.
In terms of performance, the Kraken X53 RGB is able to handle fairly intense loads thanks to the dual fans on the radiator and powerful motor, which can reach an RPM of 2800RPM out of the box. Along with a wide range of compatibility with a variety of motherboards, this cooler should be fairly easy to install, with feature like the rotatable pump head helping builders to avoid common CPU cooler installation errors.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | NZXT Kraken X53 RGB |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156 / AMD – AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 |
Things We Like
Easy to install: This CPU cooler has a number of features such as a rotatable pump head to improve the installation process. As a result, the X53 RGB is a great choice for less experienced builders.
Minimalist design: In typical NZXT fashion, this CPU cooler provides a clean aesthetic throughout its design, with the hints of RGB adding a nice contrast to highlight certain areas. Available in black and white, this cooler will look great in most gaming PCs.
Things We Don’t Like
Pricing: Even though this CPU cooler is by no means expensive, it does possess a slightly higher price point compared to other 240mm cooler. This makes this cooler less than ideal for those looking for best value.
240mm limitations: Like the previous 240mm AIO featured in this roundup, the X53 RGB offers a happy medium between the size and performance. However, this makes it less ideal for those looking for their cooler to fit perfectly into their case.
Summary
Overall, the NZXT Kraken X53 RGB offers a unique blend of performance and aesthetics for a high-end gaming PC. The minimalist design will add a premium feel to any gaming PC, whilst also offering thermal performance strong enough to cope with more powerful CPUs like the i9 13900K.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Easy installation process
- Perfect for gaming rigs
Cons
- Pricier 240mm option
- Will struggle with productivity loads
Where to Buy
Buy the NZXT Kraken X53 RGB on:
4.MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360
👑 The best high-end CPU cooler.
Introduction
Onto a more traditional pick for a CPU cooler to pair with a high-end CPU like the i9 13900K, the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360. As a 360mm liquid cooler, this is a choice that is typically associated with high-end builds due to its greater efficiency compared to the previous options on this list. The larger radiator can accommodate three of MSI’s SILENT GALE P12 fans, which offer plenty of airflow while keeping noise levels to a minimum.
In addition, the water pump has an embedded fan which enhances heat dissipation for the CPU and surrounding components. As for the aesthetics, this cooler has a stealthy design that pairs up nicely with the silent fans to create a more sophisticated look. Because of this, there isn’t much in terms of RGB, but the IPS display on the pump can be used to display media or a certain statistic, including the weather!
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1750RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Heat Pipes | 4 |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
Things We Like
Strong thermal regulation: Thanks to the larger radiator and overall design, the CORELIQUID S360 has more capacity to transfer heat away from the CPU. This allows the CPU to remain nice and cool, even when conducting more stressful tasks.
Remains silent: One of the biggest benefits to a larger cooling solution is that loads can be spread out further, which puts the parts under less stress. Not only will this increase the longevity of the cooler, but it lets it remain whisper quiet for longer.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of RGB lighting: Whilst the IPS display is a nice inclusion that helps elevate the aesthetic of a build, the lack of RGB lighting on the surrounding fans and areas of the cooler seems like a missed opportunity. Some may like the more reserved look, but RGB lovers should avoid this option.
Pricing: Though the performance helps to justify a higher price tag, this cooler is very expensive compared to most coolers on the market. Therefore, anyone looking for the best bang for their buck won’t be convinced by the additional expense this cooler requires.
Summary
Any high-end gamers looking for the most efficient AIO cooler possible won’t be left disappointed after picking up the MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360. This 360mm cooler will easily provide the thermals required to keep the i9 13900K performing at its best whilst remaining fairly quiet, which will help to make your PC less distracting during intense gaming sessions. The stealthier look may not be for everyone, but it certainly offers a more sophisticated look to any gaming PC.
Pros
- Easy to install.
- Budget price point.
- Perfect for gaming.
Cons
- Noisy in high-end systems.
- Will struggle with productivity loads.
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360 on:
5. Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i Kit
👑 The best CPU cooler for enthusiasts.
Introduction
Our final pick is a little left field compared to the other AIO options mentioned previously and should only be considered by more experienced builders – or those willing to throw money down the drain! The Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i Kit is a luxurious cooling solution that takes any high-end PC to the next level. This kit has everything needed to create a custom loop, something that separates the PC building enthusiasts from the gamers.
Featuring an XC7 CPU water block, a XD5 pump/reservoir combo, and a XR5 360mm radiator with three QL120 fans, this kit drastically improves the cooling capabilities of a system compared to the more traditional AIO options. This results in any custom loop using this kit having no issues keeping the i9 13900K at a regular temperature, even under the most stressful circumstances. Because of this, we’ve given this cooling solution our GeekaWhat Enthusiasts award.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
Things We Like
Great for enthusiasts: For those builders looking to challenge themselves, it doesn’t get much harder than forging a custom loop for your system. In addition, the implementation of a kit like this one has plenty of performance benefits for high-end systems.
Awesome aesthetic: Without a doubt, adding a custom loop to a gaming PC is a great way to turn heads while acting as a great centrepiece for any gaming setup. Trust us when we say the final product will make all of the time and money spent on this kit worth it.
Things We Don’t Like
Very Expensive: This kit alone is very expensive compared to all the AIO options on the market, meaning this option is reserved for builders with money to spare. Plus, most builders will require additional costs for a larger case and potential mistakes.
Difficult to install: Installing a custom loop is arguably the most complicated steps possible when building a high-end gaming PC, usually leading to some costly errors for less experienced builders. Because of this, we would only suggest this kit for those with previous building experience.
Summary
If an AIO cooler won’t provide the thermal regulation that you’re looking for, or just want a way to make a gaming PC look more luxurious, then Corsair’s Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i Kit is the ultimate pick. Custom loops offer excellent thermals for high-end gaming PCs to allow for consistent top-tier gaming performance. However, building a custom loop PC takes up a lot of time and money, making it a better choice for enthusiasts.
Pros
- Great for enthusiasts
- High-quality thermals
- Looks awesome
Cons
- Very, very expensive
- Complicated to install
- May require additional costs
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i Kit on:
Intel 13th Gen Compatibility
Like most gaming components, choosing a CPU cooler for a brand-new gaming PC can raise concerns in terms of compatibility with other components. New generations often come with new sockets in order to safely install the CPU cooler to a certain type of motherboard and processor, which can often cause complications with previous generation products.
Luckily, all of Intel’s 13th-gen processors use the LGA 1700 socket, which is the same as the previous generation CPUs. This means that gamers upgrading from a 12th-gen processor can use their existing CPU cooler without any issues, allowing builders to save money in the process. It also provides plenty of advantages to those building a system from scratch, as it increases the amount of CPU coolers that can be used with 13th-gen CPUs.
Air vs Liquid Cooling – Which Should You Choose for Intel Core i9 13900K?
When looking for the perfect CPU cooler to slot into a gaming PC, one of the most important things to consider is whether to pick up an air or liquid option. Whilst both have their benefits, liquid coolers are the favoured choice in most builds thanks to their improved thermal regulation.
When picking up a powerful i9 processor like the 13900K, we’d recommend picking up a liquid cooler. Whilst there are one or two air-cooled options that can handle the power of this CPU, they will struggle to cool it as efficiently as a liquid alternative. On top of this, we’d suggest picking up a liquid cooler that has at least a 240mm radiator, as this will provide the airflow required to keep a high-end gaming PC as cool as possible.
Why You Can Trust Us
After looking through our recommendations for the best CPU cooler for the Core i9 13900K, you may be wondering why you should be able to trust our opinions? Well, our team of PC hardware experts work hard to ensure that all of the products that we get in our offices are tested thoroughly for gaming and general use. For those curious about our team, head over to the About Us section, where you’ll also find mode detail about our editorial promise.
How We Picked the Best CPU Coolers for Intel Core i9 13900K
We’re lucky enough to get hands-on with a range of gaming products in the GeekaWhat offices. During this time, we put each product through a variety of tests and procedures to determine whether they’re worth slotting into a current PC build. We then use the information gathered to provide a detailed view and explanation of what to expect from the product in question, along with some of our insights into our experiences and suggestions as to which gamers would benefit from adding the product into their setup.
For CPU coolers there are a few main considerations we take into account. these are: cooling capability, compatibility, aesthetic, and pricing. After evaluating these factors, we offer a general overview as to how these features may or may not affect your gaming setup. For a more detailed look at our testing and evaluation methods, check out our previous reviews and buyers guides on CPU coolers below:
| Brand(s) | Article Link |
|---|---|
| Cooler Master | Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 Review |
| Deep Cool, Cooler Master, MSI, NZXT, Razer, Corsair | Best 240mm AIO Coolers |
| Cooler Master, Deep Cool, Corsair, MSI | Best Budget Liquid CPU Coolers to Buy Under $100 |
| Cooler Master, Noctua, Deep Cool, Corsair | The Best CPU & CPU Cooler Combos to Buy in 2023! |
Conclusion
If we had to select just one of the CPU coolers featured in this guide to slot into a gaming PC with an i9 13900K, then our top pick would be the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360. As a 360mm, this cooler will be able to reduce the temperature of the 13900K during stressful workloads, which helps to keep the system running in optimal conditions. Plus, the silent fans will be less distracting when gaming and the IPS display is a great luxury that allows you to monitor temperatures in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Old CPU Cooler Work With the i9 13900K?
As long as your current cooler includes the mounting hardware for LGA 1700 sockets, it will be able to support Intel’s i9 13900K without any issues.
Does the Intel Core i9 13900K Run Hot?
Whilst the Core i9 13900K will run hotter than most CPUs on the market because of its higher performance capabilities, these increases in temperature are not high enough to raise concerns. When paired with a high-end CPU cooler, the i9 13900K will run without having to worry about overheating.
Is it Difficult to Install a CPU Cooler?
Compared to other components within a gaming PC, the cooler is often the most difficult to install. However, most manufacturers will try to ease the installation process as much as possible, so there is no need to worry about this too much.
What Size CPU Cooler Do I Need for the Core i9 13900K?
We would recommended picking up a CPU cooler with at least a 240mm radiator or 2 fans, as anything smaller will struggle to keep the 13900K cool.
