Introduction
Since releasing in the latter stages of 2022, Intel’s 13th-gen processors have been the most popular choice amongst PC builders. The landscape of the CPU market has changed slightly after the release of the Raptor Lake SKUs and AMD’s Ryzen 3D variants, but the original 13th-Gen processors still hold their place to offer a strong value for money offering.
One of the most popular choices from Intel’s original line-up is the Core i7 13700K, a powerful CPU which acts as a luxurious choice for mid-range gamers wanting some extra processing power for productivity tasks such as editing or streaming. Because of this, it is important to keep the keep the i7 13700K nice and cool, as this will allow it to run as intended.
In this buyers guide, we’ll be walking you through our picks for the best CPU coolers for the Intel Core i7 13700K. On top of this, we’ll be discussing the key factors to consider when picking up a new CPU cooler and answering all the important questions about cooling solutions for Intel’s latest generation of processors.
Suggested Article: Best CPU Coolers for Intel Core i9 13900K
Our Recommendations
1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
👑 The best Budget CPU cooler
Introduction
We’re starting things off at the affordable end of the CPU cooler scale, with the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition. This budget air cooler has been a staple within the budget market for quite some time, with Cooler Master releasing multiple variants of the Hyper 212 over the years. However, we’ve opted for the RGB Black Edition, as this model offers a sophisticated look when placed into a mid-range system.
Also, the RGB fan adds enough colour to brighten up the internals of any gaming PC, which is bound to please the RGB lovers out there. This lighting can be customised through various software depending on your motherboard of choice, allowing you to match the effects with the rest of the build. Whilst air cooling is often considered an inferior choice compared to liquid coolers, it is still a viable choice for any gamers looking to save some money when building a mid-range system.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Fan Size | 1 x 120mm |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366 / AMD – AM4, AM3, AM2 |
Things We Like
Cheap price: Most air coolers are available at a lower price point than their liquid counterparts, but this particular option is very affordable. As a result, the Hyper 212 RGB Black is a good option for anyone looking to build a i7 13700K gaming PC on a tight budget.
Easy to install: One of the main advantages of picking up an air cooler for your CPU is that it removes a lot of the complications that are required for a liquid CPU cooler. This is a great choice for novice builders, as it helps to relive some stress when assembling a PC for the first time.
Things We Don’t Like
Case clearance issues: Due to the positioning of this cooler compared to the other components within a PC, it is more likely to cause problems when attempting to slot it into a smaller PC case. Because of this, it’s important to check the dimensions of your PC case of choice before picking this cooler up.
Lower cooling efficiency: Whilst the Hyper 212 will provide enough airflow to support an i7 13700K gaming PC, it may struggle to keep the temperatures down during intense loads, making less than ideal for a productivity-based build.
Summary
As one of the cheapest options on the market that will be able to withstand the power of the i7 13700K, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition is a solid choice for anyone looking to save some cash. The metallic black exterior and RGB fan will contribute nicely to the aesthetic of any modern gaming PC, whilst providing sufficient airflow for a gaming-orientated 13700K build.
Features: 3.8/5
Design: 3.8/5
Performance: 3.5/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- Budget pricing
- Easy to install
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Struggles with higher loads
- May not fit in smaller cases
Where to Buy
Buy the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition on:
2. Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync
👑 The best compact CPU cooler
Introduction
For those gamers looking to put their i7 processor into the smallest build possible, you may want to consider a 120mm liquid cooler, as these designs will have no issues slotting into mini-ITX PC cases. Whilst there are a number of 120mm AIO coolers on the market, our pick this time around is the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync because this cooler manages to place a lot into its reduced form factor.
As the name suggests, the TH120 ARGB Sync crams a solid amount of RGB into the design, appearing on the single 120mm fan and on the water pump. In addition, this lighting can be customised using a range of RGB software, including ASUS Aura Sync and Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0. In terms of performance, the TH120 provides the improves heat dissipation methods of liquid cooling whilst being available at a reduced price compared to larger liquid coolers, striking a strong balance between price and performance.
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, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, AM3, AM2 |
Things We Like
Compact design: Along with being the smallest liquid cooling option, the water pumps on 120mm AIOs provide less clearance issues with PC cases compared to the bulky air coolers. This makes these coolers the best choice for compact systems, as they are pretty much guaranteed to fit into any small form factor gaming PC.
Great value: As one of the cheapest liquid CPU coolers on the market, the TH120 is a great choice for those wanting the benefits of liquid cooling on a restricted budget.
Things We Don’t Like
Not ideal for workstations: Whilst this cooler should be more than capable of keeping a mid-range gaming PC at an ideal temperature, it will struggle to keep a system cool during more stressful loads. This makes this cooler a less than ideal option for anyone looking to use their system for productivity tasks.
Case compatibility: Even though this CPU cooler will have no issues slotting into most builds, it will take up barely any of the allocated fan space within more traditional PC builds. Adding extra fans will help fill this space, but it will look awkward compared to just buying a CPU cooler with a larger radiator.
Summary
Overall, the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync is a great option for gamers looking to place their Core i7 13700K into a compact gaming PC. The smaller form factor is reflected in the price tag, making this one of the cheapest ways to access the benefits that come with liquid cooling. And despite the budget pricing, this CPU cooler includes plenty of RGB, adding plenty of vibrant colours to any build.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- Great value for money
- Compact design
- Lots of RGB lighting
Cons
- Not good for workstations
- Not ideal for larger PC cases
Where to Buy
Buy the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync on:
3. DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark
👑 The best air CPU cooler
Introduction
Moving onto one of the most powerful air cooling solutions available for the latest CPUs, we have the DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark. This dual-tower design offers a high amount of airflow to move heat away from the CPU during even the most demanding tasks. As a result, the thermal regulation of this cooler is able to rival a lot of liquid alternatives at a significantly reduced price, making it a great value for money option.
Featuring two silent FDB fans and six copper heat pipes, this design will remain quiet during the most demanding tasks, which is particularly impressive for an air cooler. As for the aesthetics, this variant of the AK620 opts for a predominantly black colour scheme. This lets the bulkier design to stand out less within a gaming PC, allowing the other components to take the spotlight.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1850RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | No |
| Fan Size | 2 x 120mm |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
Things We Like
Reduced noise: One of the main reasons that most builders stay clear of air coolers is due to the amount of noise they make in systems that possess more powerful components. However, this cooler breaks the mould by remaining fairly quiet when paired with high-end gaming components.
Reasonable pricing: Available for a similar price to the previous options on this list, the AK620 Zero Dark is a great option for those looking to keep their i7 13700K cool on a restricted budget.
Things We Don’t Like
Bulky size: Substantial clearance for components is a common issue with PC builds that utilise air cooling, so the bulky design of the AK620 will likely raise concerns with experienced builders. Along with the typical PC case issues found on air CPU coolers, the AK620 could restrict the installation of additional RAM or M.2 storage.
No RGB lighting: Some builders will like the stealthier approach adopted on this particular design. However, the lack of any RGB lighting on this cooler does make the design seem simplistic compared to the other options in this roundup.
Summary
DeepCool’s AK620 Zero Dark is quite simply one of the best performing air coolers available right now, making it the best option for any i7 13700K users looking for the best deal possible. Featuring a dual-tower design that doubles up on silent fans, this CPU cooler will keep most gaming PCs cool and quiet without any issues, making it a great alternative to the pricier liquid coolers. Plus, the darker colour scheme provides a subtle yet premium aesthetic which looks great in stealthy gaming PCs.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Pros
- Great value design
- Provides optimal airflow
- Reduced noise pollution
Cons
- Lack of RGB lighting
- Can obstruct other components
Where to Buy
Buy the DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark on:
4. MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2
👑 The best mid-range CPU cooler
Introduction
Whilst the previous entries on this list have offered solid thermals for the 13700K at a budget price point, the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 provides the additional power needed to make the most of Intel’s mid-range processor while maintaining a reasonable price. Possessing a 240mm radiator, this liquid AIO cooler acts as somewhat of a middle ground between size and cooling efficiency.
However, this will be more than enough to cool any mid-range system that uses an i7 processor. To change things up from the other CPU coolers on this list, we’ve opted for the white version, but the CoreLiquid 240R V2 is also available in black. No matter which colour you choose, both coolers include RGB lighting and pump head to provide a accent to the key design aspects. Also, the head of the water block is rotatable, meaning builders don’t have to worry about the position of the logo when installing the cooler into their PC.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 2000RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Fan Size | 2 x 120mm |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
Things We Like
Efficient cooling: Thanks to the larger radiator on this AIO cooler compared to the previous options featured in this roundup, the CoreLiquid 240R V2 is able to move heat away from the CPU at a better rate. This means that more powerful CPUs like the i7 13700K will remain cooler under greater loads.
Versatile design: Along with this 240mm AIO cooler being able to fit into most gaming PCs without any problems, the design choices like a rotatable blockhead makes it easy to install this cooler in a way that suits your demands. Plus, the choice of black or white makes this cooler a good option for all types of PC builds.
Things We Don’t Like
Pricing: Whilst the CoreLiquid 240R V2 isn’t that expensive as far as liquid coolers are concerned, it does come at a significant bump in price compared to most air cooled options.
More complicated to install: Even though the installation of this cooler won’t be too difficult for experienced builders, anyone building their first gaming PC may struggle with the additional steps required to install a liquid cooler.
Summary
Despite being a pricier option compared to the previous coolers featured in this roundup, the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 arguably offers the best value for Core i7 13700K users. The improved thermal regulation that comes with the larger radiator is better equipped to handle the loads possible with the more powerful i7 processor, whilst the medium size makes it compatible with a builds of various form factors.
Features: 4.2/5
Design: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Strong thermals
- Lots of RGB lighting
- Available in black & white
Cons
- Increased price tag
- More difficult to install
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 on:
5. Corsair H150i Elite LCD
👑 The best high-end CPU cooler
Introduction
Rounding off our list, we have a more luxurious option in the form of Corsair’s H150i Elite LCD. This 360mm liquid cooler will have no issues preventing even the most power-hungry CPUs from getting to hot, allowing them to perform optimally at all times. And the additional features included lets the H150i Elite LCD cool your system in style.
On top of the conventional RGB that can be found on each of the ML Elite series fans, the water pump includes an IPS display that can be used to display information or custom images and animations. This dashboard can be customised fully in Corsair’s iCUE software, which also offers a number of additional settings to monitor the performance of a build.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Corsair H150i Elite LCD |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 2000RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Fan Size | 3 x 120mm |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, sTRX4, sTR4 |
Things We Like
Optimal cooling: Due to 360mm coolers being one of the largest options available, they are the best options to pair up with high-end processors. Whilst the i7 13700K sits between high-end and mid-range, a 360mm is the best way to ensure that temperatures stay as low as possible.
Custom IPS display: The main design feature that separates this cooler from the others on this list is the IPS display. Not only does this provide a sense of luxury to a gaming PC, but it also opens up the potential to monitor key statistics such as CPU temperatures in real time.
Things We Don’t Like
Very expensive: Anyone looking to benefit from the larger form factor and luxurious nature of this CPU cooler should be prepared to empty their pockets, as this cooler does not come cheap! Whilst the top-tier cooling makes this option worth considering for high-end systems, it will be too expensive for most consumers.
Difficult to install: Due to the larger size of the radiator and additional fans that come with this cooler, the installation process can be quite complicated. As a result, this option won’t be a wise choice for novice builders who are prone to making an expensive mistake.
Summary
As one of the most luxurious options on the market, the Corsair H150i Elite LCD is reserved for i7 13700K users that are willing to splash the cash on a CPU cooler. Though this 360mm option does offer top-tier thermal regulation, as well as some eye-catching design features like a custom IPS display, the large price tag will be too much for most builders to justify the purchase.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 3.8/5
Pros
- Strong thermal regulation
- Custom IPS display
- Corsair iCUE compatibility
Cons
- Very expensive
- Difficult to install
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair H150i Elite LCD on:
Air Cooling – Will it Support the Core i7 13700K?
Nowadays, with a lot of the focus on CPU coolers being placed on liquid cooling, it can be hard to gauge what processors can run on an air cooled system. Whilst liquid cooling is typically the safer option out of the two, there is still a place for the air coolers on the market, especially when pricing is thrown into the mix. Generally speaking, the most powerful air coolers available are significantly cheaper than the average liquid cooler, meaning you can pick a solid deal if you know where to look. On top of this, air coolers are much easier to install, making them a great option for first time builders.
But should you consider an air cooler for the i7 13700K? It’s complicated. There are a number of powerful air coolers -like the ones featured in our recommendations- that will provide ample cooling for a mid-range gaming system with an i7 processor. However, these CPU coolers will need support from additional fans to keep the airflow in an optimal state, and even that won’t be enough to prevent temperatures rising when the CPU is placed under heavier loads.
Therefore, whether you should pick up an air cooler for the i7 13700K purely depends on your use case and if you are willing to risk CPU temps rising to reduce costs. If you are someone looking to use your system to simply game, a powerful air cooler should do the job. But those wanting to use their PC to complete productivity tasks will be better off picking up a liquid cooler.
Intel 13th-Gen Compatibility
One of the biggest queries that builders have when selecting a CPU cooler for a gaming PC is whether there are any compatibility issues to be concerned about. With the amount of brackets that come with CPU coolers, it can be quite challenging for less experienced builders to know whether they have the right socket for their CPU and motherboard of choice.
Fortunately, Intel’s latest generation of CPUs use the same LGA 1700 socket as the previous generation, which means that most CPU coolers on the market will be equipped with the mounting hardware required to attach directly onto the CPU without any problems. This is also great news for anyone upgrading from an Intel 12th-gen processor, as they won’t have to pay for another CPU cooler to pair up with their shiny new CPU.
Why You Can Trust Us
After reading our recommendations in this roundup, you may still be wondering why you can trust our opinions on the matter? Well, our team of PC hardware and gaming experts spend a lot of time putting the latest products through their paces in a range of tests to see how they hold up against the competition. To ensure each product that comes through our doors is testing fairly, we follow various testing procedures such as inspections and benchmarks to forge an overview of the product in question, commenting on the strengths and weaknesses, along with the ideal use-case.
If you would like to learn more about the GeekaWhat team or editorial promise, head over to the About Us section.
How We Tested CPU Coolers for the Intel Core i7 13700K
In order to test and evaluate the range of CPU coolers that are compatible with the i7 13700K, there are a number of factors that we take into consider, which include:
- Cooling performance
- Compatibility
- Design
- Value for Money
For a more detailed look at our testing and evaluation methods, we recommend checking out the reviews and buyers guides that we’ve provided in the table 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
Best CPU Cooler for Intel Core i7 13700K: MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2
Out of all the CPU coolers that we’ve analysed in this roundup, our top pick to pair up with the is the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2. As a 240mm AIO cooler, it will provide efficient cooling to the CPU and will slot into most PC builds without any problems. Also, this cooler available at a reasonable price for a liquid cooler, providing the best price to performance.
Read our full Intel Core i7 13700K review, or Buy the Core i7 13700K on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need a CPU Cooler for the Core i7 13700K?
A CPU cooler prevents the processor from overheating by conducting heat away from the CPU socket. This helps to avoid damage to the CPU and other components within the PC.
Do I Need to Upgrade My CPU Cooler for the Core i7 13700K?
If your current CPU cooler includes mounting hardware that is compatible with an LGA 1700 socket, then it is possible to use it again. However, you will need to reapply the thermal paste to ensure that cooling remains optimal.
Is the Intel Core i7 13700K Worth It?
Intel’s Core i7 13700K is a great CPU for both mid-range and high-end PCs, offering strong performance in both gaming and productivity based scenarios.
Should I Be Worried About Clearance Issues?
Yes. Whilst most CPU coolers will try to remain compact, they can interfere with other components such as RAM and M.2 SSDs, along with PC cases. Air coolers are especially tricky, so it is always worth checking the dimensions of a cooler before purchasing.
