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By: Robert Llarves | Date Posted: November 28, 2022
Raptor Lake CPUs have arrived and the Core i7-13700K is a great example of what the newest Intel processors have to offer. This chip offers 95%+ of the gaming performance that the more powerful Core i9-13900K provides but with a much lower price tag.
And because it’s overclockable and supports either DDR4 or DDR5 memory, you can tailor your system to reach maximum performance while also benefiting from superior platform pricing.
The Core i7-13700K also delivers strong performance in productivity apps like video editing software and 3D rendering programs, allowing you to take full advantage of its 8 cores and 16 threads. In addition, the processor comes with Intel’s latest hybrid architecture, combining 8 performance cores and 8 efficient cores.
You can expect up to 5.30GHz max turbo frequency on the performance cores and 4.20GHz max turbo frequency on the efficient cores along with 3.40GHz base frequency on the performance-core side and 2.50GHz on the efficient-core side.
The Core i7-13700K is indeed a great processor, however, it doesn’t come with a stock cooler, and for most PC builders, the stock cooler is just not enough. In order to reach the maximum performance of this processor, you will need a good aftermarket cooler.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the best aftermarket coolers that are out there, so you can get the best performance from your Core i7-13700K processor. We’ll look at both air and liquid coolers, as well as price points to suit all budgets.
But before we get into the individual reviews, let’s take a look at our quick buying guide so you can find the best cooler for your Core i7-13700K.
When it comes to aftermarket coolers, air, and liquid are the two main choices. Air coolers are a great budget option that provides excellent cooling performance, while liquid coolers offer superior performance and can be used with overclocked CPUs. However, liquid coolers tend to be more expensive and quite complicated to install.
It’s important to decide on a budget before you start looking for an aftermarket cooler. Air coolers are usually cheaper than liquid coolers, but both types offer models that range from low-priced units to those with premium features. Consider the performance-to-price ratio when making your choice. Although our list of CPU coolers here will work great and provides adequate to excellent cooling, there are budget types as well.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a cooler is case compatibility. You’ll want to make sure that the cooler you choose fits your case, both physically and aesthetically. Some larger coolers block access to memory slots or other components, so pay close attention to the dimensions of each cooler before making a purchase. Additionally, some coolers have specific RAM compatibility requirements—pay attention to these as well.
Now that we’ve gone through our quick buying guide, let’s dive into our individual reviews of the best aftermarket coolers for Core i7-13700K processors.
 | Noctua NH-U12S Redux |
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 | Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black |
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 | Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 |
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 | ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 |
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 | Corsair iCUE H150i RGB Elite |
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 | Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black |
| Check On Amazon |
Budget CPU Cooler Option for Core i7-13700K
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is our budget CPU cooler recommendation.
Despite being low in price, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux is a great option for cooling your Core i7-13700K. It features a slim 120mm size which allows it to fit into most tower cases, while also not blocking any RAM slots and PCIe on ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards.
The cooler comes with an NF-P12 redux 1700 fan that can be controlled automatically via PWM. This ensures that you get full cooling performance when needed while keeping noise levels low at idle times.
In terms of its looks, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux has a very distinct and appealing design. It comes in a sleek grey color scheme that is sure to match any build.
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is a great budget option for cooling your Core i7-13700K. It has an attractive design, comes with a good fan, and offers adequate cooling performance.
Although it may not be the best choice when it comes to overclocking, it should still provide more than enough power for stock speeds. Overall, this cooler is worth considering if you’re on a tight budget but still want decent cooling performance from your CPU.
High-Performance Air Cooler for Core i7-13700K
Crowned as the king of CPU air coolers, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is a powerful dual-fan design that comes equipped with six heat pipes and an extra-wide 140mm dual-tower design to ensure maximum cooling performance.
Utilizing the renowned, award-winning NF-A15 140mm fans, this CPU cooler provides unbeatable air cooling performance for overclockers and enthusiasts alike. In addition, these fans feature Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM for automatic speed control, allowing you to enjoy full cooling performance under load as well as whisper-quiet operation at idle.
Design-wise, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is an all-black version of the original NH-D15, making it a perfect match for almost any PC case and color scheme. In addition, the black fan frame also provides increased dust resistance to keep your cooler running at peak performance without needing frequent cleaning.
However, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black also comes with a few downsides. It is one of the largest and bulkiest coolers on the market, so it may not fit inside some cases, and at around $110 USD, it can be quite pricey for an air cooler.
With its whisper-quiet operation at idle and full cooling performance under load, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black offers phenomenal cooling power without compromising on your comfort or system noise levels.
The high price tag and bulky design might be a turn-off for some, but if you’re looking for the ultimate cooling solution without any compromise, then the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is well worth your consideration.
Silent CPU Cooler for Core i7-13700K
For our silent CPU cooler recommendation, we have the Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510. This single-tower duel fan-designed air cooler has four heat pipes running through the fins, allowing for increased heat circulation and better heat dissipation in your system.
With its support of U-shape heat pipes and high static pressure fans, the TOUGHAIR 510 can leverage the TOUGHFAN 12 design and boost the fan speed to as much as 2000 RPM.
Its asymmetric fin structure also ensures direct contact with your CPU and thermal paste, providing well cooling performance. Noise levels are kept low at 23.6 dB, so you can expect a quiet computing experience wherever you are.
When it comes to case and RAM compatibility, the TOUGHAIR 510 is very versatile. It fits in cases of all sizes, and its dimensions of 6.28 x 4.87 x 3.98 inches make it compatible with RAM clearance up to 40mm tall.
The Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 is an excellent entry-level yet silent CPU cooler that is best to pair with the Core i7-13700K processor.
It provides adequate cooling performance, has a great design, and comes with 2 fans. However, if you are a hardcore overclocker and need more cooling power, you may want to consider a higher-end cooler. But for most users, the TOUGHAIR 510 will work just fine.
240mm AIO Cooler for Core i7-13700K
The ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 is one of the best 240mm AIO coolers that you can pair with the Core i7-13700K processor.
It comes with a 7th Generation Asetek pump, which has an operating range starting at 840 rpm. Moreover, the ROG-designed ARGB radiator fans provide optimized airflow and static pressure for your system.
The ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 also offers individually addressable RGB lighting on both its pump and fan, allowing for improved aesthetics in your build. It’s reinforced-sleeved tubing further enhances durability and provides plenty of flexibility in routing the tubes to fit any type of rig.
On top of that, the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 is styled to complement ROG motherboards and provides a great center-stage look.
If an AIO cooler is what you prefer for your Core i7-13700K processor, the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 is a great choice. It offers great cooling performance, an impressive power range, and plenty of RGB lighting for improved aesthetics.
360mm AIO Cooler for Core i7-13700K
Another AIO recommendation is the Corsair iCUE H150i RGB Elite AIO Cooler. This one is perfect you are planning to overclock the Core i7-13700K.
The 360mm radiator will definitely keep the processor cool, no matter how hard you push it. It’s designed with an efficient pump head that provides stunning lighting effects, along with 16 individual addressable diffused RGB LED lights.
Moreover, CORSAIR AF ELITE Series AirGuide fans can generate PWM-controlled airflow at speeds between 450 and 1,850 RPM. This helps ensure your CPU stays cool while gaming or while running intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
Aesthetic-wise, the Corsair iCUE H150i RGB Elite AIO Cooler has an eye-catching design that will look great in any gaming PC setup. It offers a sleek, contemporary look with its black and white colors, as well as customizable RGB lighting that will give your gaming rig an extra bit of flare
It also has powerful CORSAIR iCUE software that lets you control and synchronize the cooler’s RGB lighting with all compatible devices. You can also monitor CPU and coolant temperatures as well as adjust fan and pump speeds.
The downside to this is that its large size (360mm) might not be compatible with all cases. Make sure your case supports 360mm radiators before purchasing.
All in all, the Corsair iCUE H150i RGB Elite AIO Cooler is a great choice if you’re looking for an efficient and aesthetically pleasing way to keep your Core i7-13700K cool. The 360mm radiator promises exceptional cooling performance, while the customizable LED lighting will add some style to your gaming rig.
Low Profile CPU Cooler for Core i7-13700K
For users planning to build a compact PC using the Core i7-13700K, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black is an ideal choice for cooling.
This premium low-profile CPU cooler stands a mere 37mm tall and fits in most small form factor (SFF) cases and HTPCs.
It comes pre-installed with a renowned NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan that offers both excellent cooling performance and low noise levels thanks to its Low-Noise Adaptor and automatic speed control via PWM.
Installation is so easy due to the included SecuFirm2 mounting system which is specifically designed for Intel LGA 1700 CPUs. Additionally, the NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black also includes an NT-H1 thermal paste for optimal heat transfer, so you can be sure your CPU will stay cool, even under intense load.
This highly efficient yet compact solution from Noctua makes it a great choice for those looking to build a small, silent PC with a reliable cooling performance at an attractive price point.
You can expect to experience optimal to excellent cooling performance depending on the cooler you choose. This will ensure that your computer’s processor is not only kept at a safe temperature but also works optimally without any issues.
Most CPU coolers on this list come with fans that produce very little noise, even when running continuously. This means you can enjoy your computer without worrying about loud noises disrupting your gaming or work session.
All of the CPU coolers featured in this article are constructed from high-quality materials and are designed to last. You won’t have to worry about replacing the CPU Cooler anytime soon or dealing with persistent issues such as rattling or vibration.
Any of the coolers mentioned in this article are compatible with Intel Core i7-13700K and LGA 1700 sockets. You can rest assured that whichever cooler you choose will work just fine.
The Core i7-13700K is such a great processor, and it deserves to be paired with a CPU cooler and motherboard that is able to keep up with its power requirements.
We do have a separate guide where we talked about the best motherboard for Core i7-13700K, if you are also opting for one, you better check that out as well.
After going through our list of the best aftermarket CPU coolers for this processor, you should now be able to pick the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for optimal cooling performance or a low-profile design, there’s something on this list that will fit your needs.
