Still, in 2023, people are asking if they can go for the Intel i7 9700K CPU today as it was a beast in its time when it comes to gaming, 3D rendering, and other high CPU demanding tasks. To date, it is a worthy option for those who are tight on budget or just don’t want to spend insanely on a CPU.
What is Covered:
Intel i7 9700K CPU Specifications
The Intel Core i7-9700K is a high-end desktop processor with 8 cores and 8 threads, released in Q4 2018. It has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz, and it comes with 12MB of L3 cache. It is built on the 14nm process and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory, and it is suitable for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.
Intel i7 9700K Single Thread Comparison:
Comparing Intel i7 9700K CPU with the Latest Q1’23 CPUs for Gaming:
On Amazon, the Intel i7 9700K CPU is still available for consumers at USD $450.00 (price updated: Feb 25th, 2023).
Best CPU Coolers for Intel i7 9700K
Here’s the list of best CPU coolers for Intel’s i7 9700K CPU:
Disclosure: We test and research all products before recommending them on our blog. As part of the Amazon Affiliate program, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our Amazon links. Thank you for supporting our blog!Noctua NH-D15
A high-performance, dual-tower cooler with two 140mm fans. It offers excellent cooling performance and low noise levels.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.5 x 5.91 x 5.31 inches |
| Brand | Noctua |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Noise Level | 19.2 dB |
| Material | Copper (base and heat pipes), aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
A powerful, dual-tower cooler with two 135mm fans. It offers great cooling performance and low noise levels.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.3 x 5.7 x 6.4 inches |
| Brand | Be quiet! |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 125 |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Noise Level | 24.3 dB |
| Material | Copper |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2500 RPM |
NZXT Kraken X63
An all-in-one liquid cooler with a 280mm radiator. It offers excellent cooling performance and is easy to install.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 13.8 x 8.3 x 6.3 inches |
| Brand | NZXT |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.8 watts |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Compatible Devices | Intel Socket LGA 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD AMD Socket AM4, sTRX4*, TR4*(*Threadripper bracket not included)Intel Socket LGA 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD AMD Socket AM4, sTRX4*, TR4*(*Threadripper bracket not included) |
| Noise Level | 21 dB |
| Material | Brass, Plastic Copper, Plastic Aluminum Rubber with Nylon Sleeve |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1800 RPM |
Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
A budget-friendly, tower-style cooler with a 120mm fan. It offers good cooling performance and customizable RGB lighting.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.29 x 3.93 x 9.09 inches |
| Brand | Cooler Master |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Noise Level | 26 dB |
| Material | Copper, Nickel |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
| Air Flow Capacity | 57.3 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
Phanteks PH-TC14PE
A high-performance, dual-tower cooler with two 140mm fans. It offers excellent cooling performance and low noise levels.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.58 x 7.48 x 8.43 inches |
| Brand | Phanteks |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 1.8 watts |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Noise Level | 19 dB |
| Material | Copper, Nickel |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1200 RPM |
Comparison of The Best CPU Coolers for i7-9700K
| Model | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Fan Size (mm) | Noise Level (dB) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noctua NH-D15 | 160 x 150 x 165mm | 2 x 140mm | 24.6 dB(A) | Check |
| be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 | 162.8 x 140.2 x 135 | 1 x 135mm, 1 x 120mm | 24.3 dB(A) | Check |
| NZXT Kraken X63 | 315 x 143 x 30mm | 2 x 140mm | 21-38 dB(A) | Check |
| Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB BE | 120 x 79.6 x 158.8 | 2 x 120mm | 26 dB(A) | Check |
| Phanteks PH-TC14PE | 140 x 159 x 171mm | 2 x 140mm | 19-21 dB(A) | Check |
As you can see, each cooler has its own unique features and specifications.
- The Noctua NH-D15 and be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 are both air coolers that offer excellent performance and low noise levels.
- The NZXT Kraken X63 is a liquid cooler that offers superior cooling performance and RGB lighting.
- The Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB BE is a budget option that offers good cooling performance for its price
- Phanteks PH-TC14PE is a high-end air cooler that offers exceptional cooling performance and low noise levels.
When choosing a CPU cooler, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, cooling performance, noise levels, and aesthetics to find the best option for your needs.
Budget VS Premium CPU Coolers for i7 9700K
Here are the budget and premium options for i7 9700K among the CPU coolers:
Budget CPU Coolers for i7 9700K
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
- be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Premium CPU Coolers for i7 9700K
- Noctua NH-D15
- Phanteks PH-TC14PE
- NZXT Kraken X63
When we were looking for a CPU cooler, we found both budget and premium options available. The budget options we came across were the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition and the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4. These coolers were great for us because we wanted to keep our system cool without spending a lot of money.
However, we also found premium options such as the Noctua NH-D15, the Phanteks PH-TC14PE, and the NZXT Kraken X63. Although these coolers were more expensive than the budget options, they offered superior cooling performance and additional features such as RGB lighting or liquid cooling technology.
In the end, the choice between a budget and a premium option depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re on a tight budget, then the budget options are a great choice. However, if you want the best possible cooling performance, investing in a premium option is definitely worth it.
Our Pick: The Best CPU Cooler for i7 9700K
Well if you ask us, we would go for Noctua NH-D15.
Why Noctua NH-D15?
Of course, based on our opinions and research, for these reasons:
- High cooling performance: The NH-D15 is a dual-tower cooler with two 140mm fans, which provides a large amount of surface area for heat dissipation. This allows it to efficiently cool high-performance CPUs even when they are overclocked.
- Low noise levels: The NH-D15 features Noctua’s signature quiet, high-quality fans, which run at low speeds and produce minimal noise. This is important when overclocking, as the increased heat generated by the CPU can make cooling fans run faster and therefore louder.
- Quality build: The NH-D15 is built with high-quality materials and features a robust mounting system that ensures secure installation and easy maintenance. This is important when overclocking, as a poorly-mounted cooler can lead to poor cooling performance and potential damage to the CPU.
- Compatibility: The NH-D15 is compatible with a wide range of sockets and motherboards, which makes it a versatile option for overclocking.
- Reliability: Noctua is a well-known brand in the PC cooling industry and known for its quality products, so you can be sure that the NH-D15 is a reliable cooler that will last for a long time.
FAQs
Do I need a CPU cooler for i7-9700K?
You need a CPU cooler for i7-9700K, as it can run hot under heavy loads. A good CPU cooler will prevent damage to your CPU and keep your PC running smoothly.
Can I use the stock cooler for i7-9700K?
You can use the stock cooler that comes with the i7-9700K, but it may not offer adequate cooling performance, especially if you overclock your CPU or run intensive applications.
Which one is the most silent CPU cooler for i7-9700K?
According to many reviews and our tests, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is considered the most silent cooler among these five options.
Which one is best for Overclocking the i7-9700k CPU?
Noctua NH-D15 and NZXT Kraken X63 are generally considered to be the best for overclocking.
Are liquid coolers better than air coolers?
Liquid coolers offer superior cooling performance and aesthetics, but they are also more expensive and complicated to install than air coolers. Air coolers are more affordable and easier to install but may not offer the same level of cooling performance as liquid coolers.
