Intel’s Core i9 10900K processor is one of the market’s most powerful and capable CPUs. It’s capable of handling the most demanding tasks efficiently, and with its ten cores and 20 threads, it’s an excellent choice for gamers, video editors, and other power users. But with all that power comes heat, which is why it’s essential to invest in one of the best CPU coolers for Intel Core i9 10900K.
This comprehensive guide will look at the top 5 best CPU cooler for i9 10900K, so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your processor. We’ll discuss their pros and cons and provide a buying guide to help you make the best decision for your setup. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect CPU cooler for you.
Top 5 Best CPU Coolers for Intel Core i9 10900K
- NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB
- Noctua NH-D15
- CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix
- Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition
- Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
1. NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB
NZXT Kraken Z53
The NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB is a powerful, RGB-enabled CPU cooler that adds significantly to any setup with a Core i9 10900K. It features a 240mm RGB transparent pump and can sync with other Z-series components, making your build look great with or without lighting.
Pros: Cons:
This cooler also features a cold copper plate, high-quality Z-axis brackets, and a three-pronged mounting system that ensures a secure fit in most setups. It also sports a quiet operation and has high-end software controls, making it a great all-around choice.
The only downside to this cooler is that it could be pricey and may not be ideal for smaller systems, though it will fit any modern motherboard. But if you want a powerful, RGB-enabled CPU cooler for your i9 10900K, this is the one for you.
2. Noctua NH-D15
Noctua NH-D15
The Noctua NH-D15 has long been a top choice for CPU coolers, and it works seamlessly with the i9 10900K. It has a classic design and a tried-and-true mounting system, so you can rest assured it will fit your plan and stay there securely. Its dual fans are adjustable and quiet, and it has a copper core that efficiently draws heat away from the CPU and toward the heat exchangers.
Pros: Cons:
This cooler is ideal for systems with ample room for cooling, so it’s not an excellent choice for smaller builds. It also isn’t RGB-enabled, so you’ll need another way to customize your build. But, overall, the NH-D15 is a great, durable CPU cooler that adds to any i9 10900K system.
3. CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix
CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix
The CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix makes a great CPU cooler for i9 10900K setups thanks to its RGB lighting, efficient cooling, and silent operation. You can control the RGB lighting via CORSAIR iCUE software, or you can choose to turn it off completely. It also features iCUE software that monitors your CPU and coolant temperature and gives insight into your system’s overall health.
Pros: Cons:
This cooler is also compatible with CORSAIR Hydro Series CPU water blocks so that you can add water cooling to any part of your system anytime. Its mounting system is secure, easy to use, and moderately priced, so it’s an excellent choice for most builders.
CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix offers little noise reduction, so it’s not ideal for those who want a quiet system. It also isn’t as efficient as some of the other coolers on this list, so it may not be the best choice for those with a high-end setup. But, overall, the H100i is a powerful cooler that makes a great CPU cooler for i9 10900K systems.
4. Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition
Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition
Scythe is a well-known computer hardware company that primarily produces CPU cooling devices. Their cooling solutions distinguish themselves from others by having sharper blades. The Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition is $10 more expensive than the ordinary version yet has many additional features.
Pros: Cons:
The cooler fan is powered by a Kaze Flex 120 Black with a maximum rotation speed of 1500 rpm. It circulates a lot of air and provides 66.37 CFM, keeping the CPU cool and well-ventilated.
The cooler fan has an all-black E-coating that protects it from oxidation. It also features an asymmetrical design that causes it to lean forward. When viewed from the sides, it appears to be hunched. The asymmetrical design serves the primary goal of keeping the fan facing forward and away from the memory sticks. The unit is only 154.5 mm high and will fit inside the majority of tower cases.
Scythe Mugen has an H.P.M.S. IV mounting system for simple installation. Some fittings, such as heat pipes, feature simple black caps that complement the aesthetic. The convex base plate gives a mirror-like touch.
Overall, the CPU cooler has excellent fan speed and ultra dense, high-quality fin arrays. The cooler fan is Intel LGA 1700-compatible and provides performance.
5. Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 makes a great CPU cooler for i9 10900K setups thanks to its powerful cooling, durable build, and quiet operation. This cooler has two fans that you can control via be quiet! ‘s custom software, and it includes a built-in LED fan that can be turned on or off via software.
Pros: Cons:
It also offers various mounting accessories and durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty tasks. This cooler is also compatible with other be quiet! CPU water blocks, so you can add water cooling to any part of your system at any time. Its mounting system is secure, easy to use, and moderately priced, so it’s an excellent choice for most builders.
This cooler is more expensive than other options on this list and doesn’t offer much noise reduction. It also may be too large for some smaller builds, though it will fit most modern motherboards. But, overall, the Dark Rock is a powerful cooler that makes a great CPU cooler for i9 10900K systems.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best CPU Coolers for Intel Core i9 10900K
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a new CPU cooler. Look at the CPU Coolers for Intel Core i9 10900K buying guide.
• TDP Rate
The TDP rate of your CPU is critical to keep in mind when shopping for a new cooler. You’ll want to ensure that your cooler can handle your CPU’s TDP. And this is measured in watts and estimates the amount of power your CPU will draw. Knowing your CPU’s TDP lets, you easily figure out which cooler is best for your processor.
For example, the Noctua NH-D15 is a capable cooler, but we do not recommend it for CPUs with a TDP above 150 watts. Intel Core i9 10900K has a TDP of 165 watts, so it isn’t compatible with this cooler. There are a few other CPU coolers capable of handling Intel Core i9 10900K, so don’t worry. To locate one, you’ll have to conduct some research.
• Compatibility
When looking for a CPU cooler, you should take compatibility into consideration as well. Making sure a cooler is compatible with your motherboard is essential. There are, fortunately, a few simple methods for doing this. You might start by checking the mounting holes on your motherboard. If your motherboard has standard mounting holes (round with a diameter of 11 millimeters), it should be compatible with most standard CPU coolers.
Another way to ensure compatibility is to look for a mounting kit for your specific CPU cooler. If you can’t find a mounting kit for your particular cooler, you can also try to find a mounting kit for a similar model. You might still experience problems because this isn’t an exact science. However, it is a simple way to guarantee that the cooler you purchase is compatible.
• Cooling Type
There are three CPU coolers on the market now: air, liquid, and hybrids. For a good reason, air coolers are the most popular form of CPU cooler on the market. For the majority of individuals, they are a great option because they are trustworthy and reasonably priced. They rely on airflow to dissipate heat, which only works well in a small space.
However, they’re very flexible in mounting, so they’re easy to install. Water coolers are the most powerful CPU cooler, handling even the hottest CPUs. They’re also the most expensive and require maintenance so that they could be a better fit for everyone. Hybrid coolers offer the best of both worlds. They combine the cooling power of a water cooler with the simplicity of an air cooler, making them an excellent choice for most people.
• Budget
Budget is the final factor you’ll need to consider when shopping for a CPU cooler. You can find a decent cooler for around $100, but you can find one for less if you shop around. You don’t need to pay a lot because there are many excellent solutions for under $100. All you have to do is decide which is best for you and your requirements. With this in mind, let’s look at the top 5 best CPU coolers for Intel Core i9 10900K.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is liquid cooling required for the i9 processor?
Generally speaking, no, Intel i9 processors do not require liquid cooling. However, liquid cooling may be necessary to prevent overheating and ensure maximum performance if you want to push your processor to the extreme. In this case, an aftermarket liquid cooler would be required to provide adequate cooling for your system.
2. How much heat should an i9 run at?
Generally speaking, Intel recommends keeping the processor temperature below 70°C (158°F) when under heavy load. Although some processors may be able to exceed this temperature, Intel recommends that you keep it below this point, as temperatures significantly higher than this may lead to thermal throttling, which can dramatically reduce performance. Additionally, the processor may experience thermal damage and fail if the temperature rises too high.
3. Does i9 need thermal paste?
Yes, Intel’s 9th generation processors (i9) need thermal paste. One should apply the thermal paste between the processor and the heatsink for optimal performance. Using the right amount of thermal paste is essential, as too little or too much can affect the cooling performance. To guarantee the proper application of thermal paste, it is best to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. What is the finest kind of CPU cooler?
The type of CPU cooler that is best for you depends on your individual needs. Generally speaking, water cooling systems tend to be the most efficient and effective way of cooling a processor, as these systems use liquid to absorb heat and dissipate it away from the processor. However, water cooling systems are usually more expensive than air coolers and require more maintenance.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i9 10900K is a powerful CPU that can easily handle any task. But, with all that power comes heat, so it’s essential to invest in one of the best CPU coolers for Intel Core i9 10900K. And with this guide, you can rest easy knowing that your processor is running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently without overheating. So, what are you waiting for? Pick one of these coolers and keep your processor running cool and efficiently.
