cpu-coolers

Best CPU Coolers for i7 10700K in 2023

by Perfect Tech Reviewer

The Intel Core i7 10700K is a powerful CPU, and it can get very hot when under load. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a good CPU cooler for your i7 10700K.

A cooler is important because it helps regulate the temperature of your CPU. It works to dissipate heat away from the CPU, preventing it from overheating. An overheated CPU can lead to reduced performance, damage to the CPU, and even system crashes.

There are numerous types of coolers available on the market, and choosing the suitable one depends on several factors, including the size and power of your CPU, the type of case you have, and your budget.

If you’re going to build a PC around this chip, you’ll need a quality CPU cooler to keep it running cool. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best CPU coolers for the i7 10700K. We’ll also discuss some factors to think about when picking a cooler for your system. So if you’re in the market for a new CPU cooler, read on!

At A Glance:

Best pick

Best Premium CPU Cooler for i7 10700K

NZXT Kraken Z73

NZXT Kraken Z73

Low idle processor noise

Built with high-quality tubing material

Ultimate cooling with extended life-span

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Staff Pick

Best RGB CPU Cooler for i7 10700K

Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P

Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P

Fine sleeved FEP tubing

Smooth operation with high functionality

Vibrant, Programmable, & Sync Enabled RGB

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Budget Pick

Best Budget CPU Cooler for i7 10700K

Corsair A500

Corsair A500

Offers variable mounting height

Dual Fan Setup with replaceable fans

Pre Applied thermal paste & screwdriver

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There are massive cooling solutions for this high-end processor, but we have listed the top 8 CPU coolers that vary in price, quality, and functionality. The purpose is to help our readers go through all the options and gather enough knowledge to make an educated decision. Overclockers should target liquid cooling kits in our list as they are capable of handling larger heat loads. Simultaneously, people who will be using i7 10700k on stock clock speeds can go for air-fin-type coolers to reduce running costs and ensure long term components’ reliability. Let’s have a look at some of the shopping tips that might come in handy while deciding on a purchase:

Quick Shopping Tips

Dimensions: Dimensions are an essential aspect in selecting cooling solutions. The liquid cooling kits require a lot of space for the radiator. Air-based coolers also have massive heatsinks, which can block your DIMM slot. So be sure that your RAM height can fit under the heatsink dimensions.

Socket: Intel and AMD use different socket sizes for their processor operation. You will have first to check which socket your processor has and cross verifies with specs of the cooler to ensure that you make a compatible purchase.

TDP: Air coolers usually mention TDP in their specification to support a limited heat removal under loaded conditions. So make sure your cooler has a higher TDP than 125W required for the processor under discussion.

Noise: Desk workers love to work with a quiet PC to focus on their work. The noisy coolers are often annoying and cause distraction from work. So make sure your cooler has low operational noise before purchasing.

Our Recommendations For Best CPU Cooler for i7 10700K

Award Modal Design Retailer
Best Premium CPU Cooler for i7 10700K NZXT Kraken Z73 NZXT Kraken Z73 View on amazon
Quietest CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 View on amazon
Best RGB CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P View on amazon
Best Air CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Noctua NH-D15S Noctua NH-D15S View on amazon
Best Budget CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Corsair A500 Corsair A500 View on amazon
Best 280mm AIO for i7 10700K ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 View on amazon
Asus's Best AIO for i7 10700K Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB View on amazon
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Deepcool CASTLE 360EX Deepcool CASTLE 360EX View on amazon

NZXT Kraken Z73

Best pick NZXT Kraken Z73 View on amazon

Brand: NZXT | Cooling Type: Liquid | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1200 / 115X & AMD AM4 / AM3 / AM2 | Material: Copper / Aluminum | Max. Fan RPM: 2000 | Max. Noise: 36 dBA | Max. Airflow: 73.11 CFM | Weight: 1.95 lb. | Dimensions: 18.75 x 7 x 5.75 inches

NZXT comes up with the most unique and stunning products that make sure your chassis looks clean from the outside and the inside. The NZXT Kraken Z73 is made for users looking to boost their overclocking capability, reduce their idle working noise to dead silent and make their hardware look stunning from the inside. It has customizable lighting effects and a full 2.36” customizable LCD with 24-bit colors. You can display anything from clips, logos, or diagnostics, all with the CAM software that NZXT provides.

Being the best cpu Cooler for i7 10700k, it is one of the most suitable liquid cooling products in the market, but it has its downside. While you pay premium bucks for the product, it includes three non-RGB fans in the box. Running an i7 10700k wouldn’t be a problem for this cooler, but the noise level at 100% loaded condition is quite loud. Users have reported that cable management is tricky to handle as the pump cables are challenging to hide.

The CAM software is easy to handle, and any beginner can easily take the display’s customization. The performance and material used are premium, which is why NZXT offers a 6-year warranty. The radiator is 360 mm made from aluminum material. The cooling kit is compatible with the latest LGA 1200 and AM4 sockets to ensure long term relevancy. The tubing is made from rubber strengthened by nylon mesh sleeves to ensure long term operation.

The Pros

Low idle processor noise

Built with high-quality tubing material

Ultimate cooling with extended life-span

The Cons

No display on the water block

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Gigabyte AORUS ATC800

Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 View on amazon

Brand: Gigabyte | Cooling Type: Air | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1200 / 115X & AMD AM4 / AM3 / AM2 | Material: Copper / Aluminum | Bearing Type: 2‎ Ball Bearing | Max. Fan RPM: 2000 | Max. Noise: 31 dBA | Max. Airflow: 51.7 CFM | Weight: 2.64 lb. | Dimensions: 5.24 x 2.17 x 5.87 inches

Gigabyte claims that their air-fin-based cooler can completely dissipate the heat of i9 10900k running at 5.1 GHz, which gives a significant headroom for overclocking. The i7 10700k has a similar TDP, and it can also run at 5.1GHz maximum. Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 can easily handle the produced heat while the processor runs at the recommended maximum clock frequency. The temperatures remain below the 85C limit for processors. Gigabyte has done an excellent job making sure their air-fin cooler looks stunning. It is one of the few air-based coolers that feature RGB lighting.

Among the best CPU Cooler for i7 10700k, this one is also a bit tricky to install due to its size. It does have a maximum noise level of 31 dBA, which is slightly higher for 250W TDP support, as the specs state. They have significantly improved their fan blade design to increase 33% airflow for a similar noise level. Some air coolers provide unique features to ensure proper space underneath the heatsink for high profile RAMs, but Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 only has 37.4 mm available space to fit a 43mm or less heightened RAMs.

Gigabyte has added some features that make it outstanding than other air coolers. The RGB is not just for looks. It has 5 bars of LED indicators that light up as the RPM increases with the load. Each represents >500,>800,>1100,>1400,>1700 RPM, respectively, and the temperature is indicated using colors. The color changes of all 5 bars together represent your processor’s temperature condition. It t is a great way to easily monitor your CPU temperature without having to clutter your screen while gaming or working with hardware statistics. This Cooler is one of the best choices for people looking for a bit of headroom for overclocking and who want to avoid liquid cooling kits.

The Pros

Excellent RPM indicator

Diagnostic LED and RGB

Unique multi-layered design

The Cons

No programmable buttons

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Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P

Staff Pick Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P View on amazon

Brand: Cooler Master | Cooling Type: Liquid | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1200 / 115X & AMD AM4 / AM3 / AM2 | Material: Aluminum | Max. Fan RPM: 1800 | Max. Noise: 30 dBA | Max. Airflow: 45 CFM | Weight: 5.28 lb. | Dimensions: 17.52 x 9.17 x 5.67 inches

Are you tired of your CPU running hot? Are you looking for an uncompromising liquid CPU cooler to keep your system running smoothly? You can’t go wrong with the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360P. It has a 360mm radiator to dissipate excess heat quickly and efficiently, plus integrated three 120mm fans for maximum airflow. Plus, it’s designed with dual dissipation technology to improve performance and durability. Easy cable management makes installation a breeze, so you can get up and running in no time.

The top-of-the-line 360mm radiator removes excess heat from your CPU and cools with maximum efficiency. The integrated fan design provides 45 CFM of airflow, and the dual-chamber pump enhances performance and durability. With just two connectors for easy cable management, the ML360P is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their PC cooling setup. Make your system unique and stand out from the rest with the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360P Silver Edition!


Cooler Master has given it their best in making the Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P. It is a piece of art and engineering. The use of silver color from pump casing, radiator, and fans is an absolute treat to aesthetics. If you have a white and grey chassis look going around, this is the best thing you can buy to enhance your rig looks. This cooler does not just look great; it works at a decent noise level. The compatibility for the i7 10700k is 100% easy to install and suitable for its TDP. The kit also supports AM4 processors, which is an added advantage from a futures perspective.

The Pros

Fine sleeved FEP tubing

Smooth operation with high functionality

Vibrant, Programmable, & Sync Enabled RGB

The Cons

No RPM control

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Noctua NH-D15S

Noctua NH-D15S View on amazon

Brand: Noctua | Cooling Type: Air | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1200 / 115X & AMD AM4 / AM3 / AM2 | Material: Copper / Aluminum | Bearing Type: SS02 | Max. Fan RPM: 1500 | Max. Noise: 24.6 dBA | Max. Airflow: 82.52 CFM | Weight: 2.5 lb. | Dimensions: 5.32 x 5.91 x 6.3 inches

If you’re looking to take your PC gaming to the next level, you need the best cooling system possible. That’s where Noctua comes in. With their top-of-the-line NH-D15S CPU cooler, you’ll get unmatched performance and silence. Plus, it’s easy to install on Intel or AMD systems!

The Noctua NH-D15S is a proven premium heatsink that offers excellent cooling performance for your PC. It has been awarded more than 150 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites. It is now available in an all-black design that goes great with many color schemes and RGB LEDs. The asymmetrical, single-fan design provides dual-tower performance with high compatibility, and the 160mm height fits most tower cases. The 65mm RAM clearance ensures that it does not block the PCIe slot on most ATX or Micro-ATX boards.

Its asymmetrical design makes the NH-D15S compatible with most µATX and ATX motherboards while still providing 100% RAM compatibility, even with 65mm memory modules. The single fan setup also ensures that the cooler will not interfere with any tall RAM modules you might have, and the recessed lower fins give you even more clearance for your PCIe cards.

Noctua NH-D15S features 6 heat pipes to dissipate the heat from the processor. It has a single 140mm fan, PWM supported, and an LNA can reduce the noise to pin-drop silence with a resistor’s help. Using the LNA minimizes the noise and reduces the heat dissipation capability, so be sure that your processor temperatures are unaffected by low noise adapter usage. The overall body also allows the installation of a second fan to make a dual fan setup.

The Pros

Flexible mounting system

Best overclocking headroom for i7 10700k

Wast compatibility for both AMD and Intel sockets

The Cons

No threadripper support

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Corsair A500

Budget Pick Corsair A500 View on amazon

Brand: Corsair | Cooling Type: Air | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1200 / 115X & AMD AM4 / AM3 / AM2 | Material: Copper / Aluminum | Bearing Type: Magnetic Levitation | Max. Fan RPM: 2400 | Max. Noise: 36 dBA | Max. Airflow: 75 CFM | Weight: 3.27 lb. | Dimensions: 6.81 x 5.65 x 6.64 inches

Corsair is known for high quality and long-lasting products. Corsair A500 is a dual-fan CPU cooler with quad heat pipes. The fins are made from aluminum, and the heat pipes are copper material coated with nickel to give it an over silver look. The top of the heat sink has a copper-colored plate with a corsair logo, and the rest of the body is black colored to hide away inside your chassis. The heat pipes come in direct contact with your processor to allow direct heat transfer and rapid response to changing processor loads.

This heat sink is huge, giving it excellent heat transfer properties, but it leads to an allowed height of 45mm for RAMs. It will enable you to adjust the height of the fans to allow higher profile RAMs. It comes at a lower heat transfer cost since the air will not only pass a partial portion of the heat sink. However, the fans may face some resistance in the airflow path causing additional noise but remains very quiet under the idle mode. Like all the air coolers, the loaded conditions take the noise up to 36 dBA from 10 dBA.

The package can go from 400 RPM ultra-quiet operation to 2400 RPM to cope with the maximum supported 250W TDP. The package comes with a 5-year warranty that is way above Corsair’s liquid cooling kits’ warranties. The fans are PWM controlled, which easily manipulate their RPM as per requirement. The fans are free to move with a locking function to keep their place under operation. The setup comes with a pre-applied thermal paste in an optimized pattern, so you don’t have to worry about the application’s accuracy; that is why we have recommended it as the best cpu Cooler for i7 10700k.

The Pros

Offers variable mounting height

Dual Fan Setup with replaceable fans

Pre Applied thermal paste & screwdriver

The Cons

Noisy at maximum speed

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ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 View on amazon

Brand: Arctic | Cooling Type: Liquid | Socket Compatibility: Intel 1200 (3rd party mounting kit) / 115X & AMD AM4 | Material: Aluminium | Max. Fan RPM: 1800 | Max. Noise: 8.4 dBA | Max. Airflow: 56.3 CFM | Weight: 2.64 lb. | Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.09 x 5.91 inches

The Arctic has done an excellent job adding features to this liquid cooling kit. The noise levels are excellent under idling conditions. The efficiency of a 240 mm radiator is outstanding amongst its competition. The power consumption goes to a maximum of 2.7watt for the VRM fan and pump. The two fans on the radiator are PWM capable of a 200-1800 rpm rotation speed range. The AIO solution contains a sealed water pack so that you do not require any water makeup.

If you are not bothered by the simple looks with no RGB lightning on the liquid cooling kit, this is the best cooler you can buy. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 is relatively simple and does not have any metal shine to it. The tube length is a bit long for a small chassis, but it gives enough length for a more extended chassis to ease installation. The pump assembly or the water block size is slightly bigger than other AIO solutions because of the VRM fan tucked into the assembly.

The cable management is nicely tucked away from view inside the sleeved tubing. The only visible cable is from the pump to the motherboard. The efficiency of the pumps is best amongst its competition consuming 80% less power. The added unique feature of this AIO solution, which no other in our list provides, is the VRM cooling fan. The air coolers allow air to flow over VRMs to keep them cool while overclocking, but liquid cooling kits do not flow air over VRM, so installing. All these qualities make it the best cpu Cooler for i7 10700k.

The Pros

Fine Fluid Dynamic Bearing

Top-performing AIO solution

VRM fan cooling ensures stable voltages

The Cons

Separate mounting kit required for LGA 1200

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Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB

Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB View on amazon

Brand: ASUS | Cooling Type: Liquid | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1200 (user feedback) / 115X & AMD AM4 | Material: Copper/Aluminum | Max. Fan RPM: 2500 | Max. Noise: 37.6 dBA | Max. Airflow: 80.95 CFM | Weight: 4.74 lb. | Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches

Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB is a premium product that makes you part of the republic of gamers. It’s not only a cool group of people to be a part of; the ROG STRIX series products are excellent for gaming applications. This liquid cooling kit’s capability is above what’s required from the i7 10700k running at 5.1 GHz. It has a stunning next level ARGB that can be easily controlled by using the ASUS Aura Sync.

The tubing is made from a rigid material, which makes the manipulation a bit difficult to manage. There are a lot of wires coming out of this best cpu Cooler for i7 10700k. A micro-USB capable, a SATA cable for power, fan wires to be supplied by motherboard headers. The number of wires could have been reduced, also tucked into the sleeves like the other coolers. Since it has a lot of RGBs, the number of wires was expected to be high. The price is also higher than most of the competition, but the product is worth the money.

The RGB on this product is customizable and addressable with a simple click. The gamer logo lights up on top of the pump casing, and the tubing is adjustable, allowing movement of a certain degree. The pump has a unique RGB running from the top front to the casing sides like a blade. The base plate can fit the LGA1200 socket as it’s slightly more significant than the LGA1151 but still manages to cling on as reported by users.

The Pros

Wide thermal dissipation area

Customizable aura sync RGB

PWM control for pump and radiator

The Cons

No VRM cooling

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Deepcool CASTLE 360EX

Deepcool CASTLE 360EX View on amazon

Brand: Deep Cool | Cooling Type: Liquid | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1200 / 115X & AMD AM4 / AM3 / AM2 | Material: Aluminum | Max. Fan RPM: 1800 | Max. Noise: 32.1 dBA | Max. Airflow: 64.4 CFM | Weight: 5.82 lb. | Dimensions: 15.8 x 4.7 x 1.1 Inches

Deep cool is slowly gaining popularity amongst the big names. Their latest product Deepcool CASTLE 360EX can easily handle 220W PL2 of the i7 10700k processor. The quality of the product concerning price is justifiable. It is a 360 mm length and 27 mm standard thickness big radiator designed to keep your noise level under control. It has three 120mm fans to keep the heat-dissipating properly. The tubing is a braided sleeve, thin and slightly flexible to enable movement inside the chassis for a clean look. The fans can be from 500 to 1800rpm.

The fans on the radiator are plain and do not feature RGB lighting. You can easily replace these fans with the RGB ones, but it would have been nice to have them included. The pump is quite large, and it’s because the base plate is quite large to have better contact with the chip. The fans on the radiator are a bit loud when under stressed conditions. The AIO solution comes with a pre-applied thermal paste, which might be a turnoff for some enthusiasts, but it’s a blessing for beginners.

The RGB lighting around the pump is mesmerizing. It blends so well that the colors look fantastic and will make your gaming rig pop up in any competition. The looks of this AIO cooling will make your gaming rig worth uploading on Instagram. The device is an anti-leak with a pressure reducing device. The internal pressure of the device is kept under control, which ensures long-lasting performance. The RGB customization is supported by most motherboard RGB software.

The Pros

Mesmerizing ARGB on the pump

Anti-Leak pressure reducing technology

High-quality cable, tubing, and overall material

The Cons

Big Pump Casing

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Summary For Best CPU Cooler for i7 10700K

Award Modal Design Retailer
Best Premium CPU Cooler for i7 10700K NZXT Kraken Z73 NZXT Kraken Z73 View on amazon
Quietest CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 View on amazon
Best RGB CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P View on amazon
Best Air CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Noctua NH-D15S Noctua NH-D15S View on amazon
Best Budget CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Corsair A500 Corsair A500 View on amazon
Best 280mm AIO for i7 10700K ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 View on amazon
Asus's Best AIO for i7 10700K Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB View on amazon
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for i7 10700K Deepcool CASTLE 360EX Deepcool CASTLE 360EX View on amazon

Conclusion

Intel’s i7 10700k is a decent processor with amazing single-core performance. The processor has PL1 125W and PL2 220W. Considering the amount of heat that the processor produces, we reviewed both cooling solutions liquid and air-cooled in the article Best CPU Cooler for i7 10700k. If we talk about reliability, then the air-cooled solutions are the best option that you could pick. Air coolers have fewer moving components and relatively simple designs, but this comes at the cost of large size. Air coolers have limitations to cooling when it comes to overclocking, while liquid cooling can give you significant headroom for overclocking. The liquid cooling is much cleaner looking and allows quieter working operation. It depends purely on the user to pick the type based on the requirement. Some feature VRM cooling, while others have excellent aesthetics and low noise. Suppose you own high profile rams and are looking for an air-based cooler, then be sure that the length is allowed by the cooler before purchasing. We hope you find the best product as per your requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cooler do I need for i7 10700k?

Depending on your usage, you can go for either liquid or air cooling solution. If you have a wide desktop chassis, you should go for the air cooling solution, i.e., the Gigabyte AORUS ATC800. It has diagnostic LEDs with overall RGB lightning. The package looks fantastic inside a glass-windowed chassis and offers direct temperature and rotational speed information.

Is air cooling enough for i7 10700k?

A high-quality air cooling solution is more than enough for i7 10700k. Consider the Noctua NH-D15S; it has excellent heat transfer properties. This air cooler can easily handle the PL2 power production by the processor. Since air coolers have fewer fans and a small heat plate area, they often run at higher rpm and produce louder noise. So consider noise before purchasing an air type cooler.

Do I need a CPU cooler for i7 10700k?

This processor is a k type processor and does not come with a bundled cooler. It is a good thing as stock coolers don't support overclocked frequencies and may lead to hardware failures when used. The liquid coolers are much quieter and efficient, like the NZXT Kraken Z73. It looks impressive, but it works as advertised, taking away all the heat at max turbo boost frequency of i7 10700k at 5.1GHz.

How do I choose a CPU cooler for i7 10700k?

First, you need to see if the cooler supports the LGA 1200 socket for i7 10700k. After that, consider the PL1 and PL2 consumption. Compare with the sustained maximum heat transfer by the air-cooled solution. Liquid cooling can easily handle this processor like the Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P. It looks stunning and works perfectly for the overclocked frequencies of the processor.

Perfect Tech Reviewer

I write about PC gaming hardware and tech gadgets for gamers and professionals. My mission is to help you build individualized and unique high-performance PCs for your special needs and budget.

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