Introduction
Intel’s 13th-Gen range has been an astounding success in the PC gaming space. Intel have launched an entire new set of CPUs that offer significant generational improvements whilst maintaining very competitive prices, despite all of the new hardware. The 13th-Gen set of CPUs offer exceptional value, especially for first-time builders.
Even at the low-end, consumers have plenty of choice, such as Intel’s Core i5 13400F, or the 13500 SKUs, that offer solid core and clock speed improvements. This makes them perfect for a 1080p or 1440p gaming system, with some decent legs in workstation applications.
When building a PC, consumers need to pickup a CPU cooler that can handle the thermal output of their chosen CPU. However, if you’re a first-time builder, you’re faced with a plethora of varying air and liquid options that come in different shapes and sizes, with contrasting price points.
In this article we’ll be alleviating any stress that comes with picking out components, by rounding up the best CPU coolers for the Core i5 13400F. We’ll be delving into why the 13400F is a competitive option, alongside compatibility, and of course, some CPU cooler recommendations!
Suggested Article: Intel Core i5 13400F Review – Architecture, Thermals & Performance
Our Recommendations
1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo
👑 The best looking air cooler.
Introduction
First up in our roundup is Cooler Master‘s Hyper 212 Halo. This cooler is a familiar but revamped version of a cooler that we love and hold dear – the Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition. The Hyper 212 Halo takes all of the awesome features that came with the original Hyper 212, but mixes it up a little with a revitalised and refreshed design.
As you can probably imagine, the ‘Halo’ part of the of the Hyper 212 is the biggest change. Cooler Master have opted to use a circular style MF120 Halo fan which offers an RGB ring surrounding the entire fan, and the fan blades themselves. Cooler Master have also made the entire heatsink pipes, and block, a stealthy black colour. This further adds to the aesthetic, and will allow the cooler to blend in relatively well with a black build. Gone are the days of silvery aluminium heatsinks with ugly copper heat pipes.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Product Name |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 2050RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Heat Pipes | 4 |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 115# / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
Things We Like
Offers a well-rounded aesthetic: The Hyper 212 Halo offers a pretty solid design overall. The sophisticated all-black design will blend in well with a darker case, and the RGB provides some extra customisation options for those that like to change lighting effects and colours.
Solid price point: The 212 Halo is one of the cheaper air coolers on the market sitting around $50 all in all. This is pretty competitive versus other options on the market, and is a great choice for a more budget-oriented PC build.
Things We Don’t Like
Quite loud: Although the Hyper 212 Halo offers pretty solid performance all around, but noise levels can get quite loud. If you’re wanting a silent system this might not be the cooler to go for.
Not ideal for high intensity workloads: The biggest caveat to this cooler, is that it is very much designed for budget systems. Consumers may want to look at an upgrade if you plan on picking up a more powerful CPU.
Summary
Cooler Master‘s Hyper 212 Halo is a refreshing and revitalised design that we’re a big fan of at the GeekaWhat office. Cooler Master has updated the older look of the Hyper 212 with a new fan, and some fancy RGB. This cooler should be perfectly fine for a 13400F build, but we would advise looking at better coolers if you plan on upgrading in the near future.
Features: 3.9/5
Design: 4/5
Performance: 3.8/5
Value for Money: 3.8/5
Pros
- Competitive price point.
- Great aesthetic.
- Customisable RGB is awesome
Cons
- Won’t be great for anything above the 13400F.
- Quite loud overall.
Where to Buy
Buy the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo on:
2. Deepcool AK620
👑 The best performing air cooler.
Introduction
Next up in our roundup is a returning favourite that we’ve featured in a number of other buyers guides, the AK620 from Deepcool. This cooler is one of the best air coolers on the market right now, offering incredible performance in budget and mid-range builds. This dual-tower option can keep up with a plethora of mid-range liquid coolers, all whilst keeping noise levels relatively low across the board.
The biggest upside is that this cooler is also super cheap, sitting around the $50 mark the majority of the time, with prices dropping below this dependent on stocking. The AK620 isn’t the best looking cooler on the market, lacking RGB for the most part, but Deepcool do provide a Zero Dark version which ups the aesthetic with an all-dark look similar to the Hyper 212 Halo above.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | DeepCool AK620 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1850RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | No |
| Heat Pipes | 6 |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 115# / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
Things We Like
Excellent all-round performance: The AK620 is one of the best coolers on the market when it comes to efficiency and heat dispersion. This cooler has great legs as a budget option and can also withstand the higher performance that mid-range CPUs offer, making it perfect for mid-range builds too.
Great price point: Much like the Hyper 212 Halo, the AK620 also comes in at a more than reasonable price point. If you’re on a more restrictive budget, this cooler will be ideal to save some money.
Things We Don’t Like
Doesn’t offer much for aesthetic: Although I’m a big fan of this cooler, I can understand how the aesthetic might not fit in for a large variety of builds. Consumers looking to spice up their system with some RGB or a fancy looking cooler may want to consider other options.
May cause clearance issues: The AK620 is one of the bigger coolers we’ve looked at in quite some time, offering a dual-tower design with two fans. You may want to take a look at your case and other components to make sure everything can be installed without any clearance or airflow issues.
Summary
Deepcool’s AK620 is the go-to for the majority of consumers looking to build a budget or mid-range PC. The excellent price point coupled with strong all-round performance makes this cooler great for those on a budget. There are limitations to this cooler as a whole, but it serves as a great entry point for those looking to get started with their first PC build.
Features: 4/5
Design: 3.8/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- Very competitive price.
- Great performance across the board.
- Perfect for a mid-range or budget PC.
Cons
- Won’t be ideal for overclocking.
- Size may cause clearance issues.
Where to Buy
Buy the Deepcool AK620 on:
3. Thermaltake TH120
👑 The best 120mm AIO cooler.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a liquid cooling option, but you’re on a budget, or you’d rather avoid picking up a 240mm radiator, what are your choices? Well, 120mm options serve as a great option for those with limited space, or those with less money to spend on cooling. This is where Thermaltake‘s TH120 comes in.
This ARGB cooler offers a very simple CPU pump block, attached to a 120mm radiator that can be mounted wherever you see fit. The TH120 offers a high efficiency radiator delivering great heat dissipation, while offering some flair in the form of RGB. Alongside some other 120mm (or bigger) fans, this cooler will be able to provide solid performance, with plenty of room to upgrade in the future.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Fan Size | 1 x 120mm |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 115#, 1366, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, AM3, AM2 |
Things We Like
Better than some air coolers: The TH120 ARGB is ideal for those prioritising thermals. The pump and radiator work in harmony to disperse and dissipate heat as effectively as possible with minimal noise.
Great RGB lighting: Both the fan and RGB pump feature vibrant and fully customisable RGB lighting. This can be synced up with your motherboard RGB software, or configured using Thermaltake‘s application too.
Things We Don’t Like
More expensive than air coolers: This isn’t the most expensive cooler that we’ve looked at, but the TH120 is pricier than other options in this roundup. If you’re on a restrictive budget, this cooler won’t be a great choice.
Some air coolers are better: The biggest caveat to 120mm AIOs is that they often can’t outperform some of the various air cooling options. It may be worth spending a little bit more to secure a cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 to ensure your system is cooler, quiet, and has some upgrading room.
Summary
Thermaltake’s TH120 is a solid option for those looking to build a thermally efficient PC on the cheap. This cooler offers a well-rounded design, with plenty of customisable RGB. It is a pricier option comparative to some air coolers, but it serves as a good entry point for those wanting a liquid cooled PC.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4.1/5
Performance: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- RGB lighting looks awesome.
- Efficient heat dissipation.
- Shouldn’t pose clearance issues.
Cons
- Some air coolers perform better.
- Price isn’t amazing.
Where to Buy
Buy the Thermaltake TH120 on:
4. NZXT Kraken X53 RGB
👑 The best looking liquid cooler.
Introduction
For our next cooler, we’re taking a look at the NZXT Kraken X53 RGB, which is a 240mm liquid AIO. The Kraken X53 is a cooler we’ve looked at numerous times in different buyers guides, and in various YouTube videos on the GeekaWhat channel. Needless to say, the X53 is a favourite of ours in the GeekaWhat office.
The reason why the Kraken X53 is a common appearance in our buyers guides, because it is perfect for a mid-range build. It is a pricier option this needs to be established, but if you’re looking to provide some better cooling for your PC, with some additional flair in the form of some RGB lighting, this AIO is a brilliant option. NZXT are renowned for designing and manufacturing minimalist components, and the Kraken X53 definitely fits this description. The infinity screen CPU block, and Aer 2 RGB fans contrast very well and will pair nicely with an NZXT case and other components.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | NZXT Kraken X53 RGB |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| Radiator Size | 240mm |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 115# / AMD – AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 |
Things We Like
Solid performance across the board: Although the Kraken X53 might be a little bit overkill for the 13400F, this cooler offers excellent performance and air pressure and is great for a mid-range build. This cooler also offers plenty of room for upgrades in the future if consumers decide to pick up a more powerful CPU.
Infinity mirror looks awesome: The infinity mirror is one of the major reasons why we’ve designated the X53 RGB as the best looking cooler. This just adds some unique flair to the cooler that I feel many manufacturers are missing out on. This is definitely a ‘wow factor’ component to add to your build!
Things We Don’t Like
Rather expensive: NZXT tends to offer quite a premium on all of their products and components. The Kraken X53 RGB is one of the most expensive 240mm RGB coolers on the market. If you’re being a bit more restrictive with your budget, it could be worth waiting for this AIO to drop in price.
Can’t control temperature with NZXTCam: NZXT unfortunately reserve cooling control for their more expensive options. This means you’ll have to play around with fan curve settings in your motherboard BIOS in order to optimise cooling.
Summary
NZXT’s Kraken X53 RGB is one of the best looking coolers on the market, and is perfect for those building a mid-range or top-end PC prioritising aesthetic. However, this cooler is not cheap in any way, shape, or form. We’d only recommend picking up this cooler if you’re looking to future proof your PC with the intent of picking up a more powerful and intensive CPU later down the line.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4/5
Value for Money: 3.7/5
Pros
- Excellent aesthetic.
- Great performance makes it ideal for mid-range or top-end builds.
- NZXTCam allows you to configure RGB lighting with ease.
Cons
- Very very expensive.
- Can’t control fans or pump within NZXTCam.
Where to Buy
Buy the NZXT Kraken X53 RGB on:
5. Deepcool LS520
👑 The best budget AIO cooler.
Introduction
For our final recommendation in this buyers guide roundup we’ve picked out Deepcool‘s LS520, which is another favourite at the GeekaWhat office. The LS520 is an awesome budget cooler sporting a 240mm radiator with plenty of RGB across the fans and CPU cooling block. Much like the Kraken X53 RGB, this cooler also features an infinity mirror design which provides some additional flair to your build.
The LS520 offers a great value proposition because it is both very quiet and performs extremely well, whilst keeping cost at a reasonable level. This cooler is pricier comparative to air coolers, but you’re getting what you pay for when it comes to performance. The CPU block also comes with an additional logo plate, which allows consumers to customise their build further. I must admit, I do like this touch from Deepcool as it provides users with some extra design options if you plan on showcasing your build a little bit more.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Deepcool LS520 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 2250RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| Radiator Size | 240mm |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 115#, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, sRTX4, sRT4 |
Things We Like
Awesome price point: I’d say that the LS520 is one of the best priced AIOs on the market sitting well below the $100 mark most of the time. This makes it a great option for those on a more restrictive budget.
Customisable design: The LS520 offers RGB lighting across the entirety of the cooler which can be configured using a range of software. Consumers can also use the additional blank plate to add your own design!
Things We Don’t Like
No independent fan or lighting control software: Much like the Kraken X53 RGB, the LS520 also doesn’t have access to Deepcool‘s software, which means you’ll have to configure lighting through your motherboard software, and cooling through the BIOS.
Summary
Deepcool’s LS520 is one of the best budget liquid coolers on the market right now. This AIO is great for a mid-range build, and provides some additional flair for those that like to showcase their build. We’d definitely urge consumers to consider this option if you’re set on picking a liquid cooler to pair up with your 13400F.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Excellent performance all around.
- RGB lighting is great.
- Super competitive price point.
Cons
- Not ideal for overclocking.
- Doesn’t have any software for lighting or cooling configuration.
Where to Buy
Buy the Deepcool LS520 on:
Is the Core i5 13400F Any Good?
In short, yes! The 13400F received quite an upgrade, contrasting to the 12th-Gen iteration, making it perfect for a budget, or mid-range build. This CPU sits mostly on par to the 12600K when it comes to specs, so consumers can expect great 1080p and 1440p performance when paired up with the right graphics card. Although we wouldn’t recommend this CPU as a workstation option, it does have enough cores and threads to be able to handle some lighter workloads too.
However, one point to touch upon, is use-case. Although the Core i5 is a pretty strong contender, you’ll want to consider what kind of things you’ll be doing with your build to ensure that your CPU can keep up. As we’ve established, 1440p gaming will be perfectly fine, but 4K could potentially be a struggle. On the other end of the spectrum, if you plan on doing some 3D modelling work, or other intense productivity workloads, this CPU won’t be able to keep up comparative to other stronger options on the market.
To summarise, the 13400F is a solid CPU for gaming. If you pair CPU up with the right graphics card, 1440p and 1080p gaming is easily achievable without any major hindrances. But we’d urge consumers to stick to gaming, as there are a multitude of better options on the market when it comes to productivity workloads, that can provide the cores and threads needed to handle heavier loads.
Do I Need to Worry About Compatibility?
One of the big questions that we always get asked when a manufacturer brings out a new range of CPUs, is whether the old coolers will work with the new hardware. You should always consider compatibility when picking out components, but consumers shouldn’t need to worry when it comes to the 13400F. Intel have retained the LGA1700 socket for the 13th-Gen SKUs, which means all of the coolers that have 12th-Gen mounting will work on 13th-Gen motherboards, whether you’re using a Z790, B760 or H770 motherboard.
However there are some small caveats. Intel 13th-Gen is the last range of CPUs on this particular socket, which means that when Intel bring out a potential 14th-Gen, the socket will be entirely different. We’re expecting manufacturers to update their most popular coolers, but there are likely to be quite a few older options that won’t work on the next socket iteration. Regardless, you don’t need to worry about compatibility for the time being, as all of the coolers we’ve recommend will work with the LGA1700 socket. But you should always double check what mounting hardware your cooler comes with, just to be sure.
Why You Can Trust Us
After diving into our recommendations for the best cooler to pair up with the 13400F, you’re probably wondering what makes us qualified to recommend these products. Well, our team of PC hardware enthusiasts work hard to ensure that all of the products we get our hands on are tested thoroughly for gaming and productivity use. For those curious about our editorial team, head over to the About Us section!
How We Tested CPU Coolers for the Intel Core i5 13400F
In order to test and evaluate the range of CPU coolers that are compatible with the i5 13400F, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:
- Cooling Performance
- Compatibility
- Design
- Value Proposition
Conclusion
Best CPU Cooler for the Intel Core i5 13400F: Deepcool AK620
To conclude, the best CPU cooler to pair up with the 13400F is Deepcool’s AK620. The AK620 time and time again beats out the vast majority of other options on the market due to its competitive price point, and astounding performance. Yes this cooler doesn’t look the best, but I’d argue that the vast majority of consumers won’t be worrying about this based on the value proposition. Needless to say, if you’re on a budget, or you want a high performing air cooler, the Deepcool AK620 is an excellent option.
Read our full Intel Core i5 13400F review, or Buy the Deepcool AK620 on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Worry About Clearance?
Whenever you’re picking out a cooler, you should always consider clearance before settling. We recommend looking at your case manufacturers website to ensure you don’t run into any installation issues.
Are CPU Coolers Difficult to Install?
Honestly this depends. Most manufacturers have streamlined their mounting hardware to make installation simpler. But some coolers are more complicated to install than others, Google and YouTube will be your friend if you’re not sure how to install your cooler.
Can I Overclock the 13400F?
Unfortunately not. All of Intel’s overclockable CPUs are designated as ‘K’ SKUs. The 13400F has a locked core multiplier, so overclocking the CPU itself won’t be possible.
Can I use My LGA1200 Cooler with the 13400F?
This massively depends! Many popular manufacturers have updated their mounting hardware to accommodate the change to the LGA1700 socket, but all of them have. We recommend checking out compatibility on the manufacturer’s website to ensure you have the correct hardware.
