Introduction
Intel 13th-Gen CPUs are a very strong lineup of processors, but just which coolers are the best for taming their temperatures? This is a question on lots of minds at the moment, especially with the added heat output from Intel’s 13th-Gen generational processor upgrades.
In this article we’ll be evaluating just which CPU coolers are best for those looking to upgrade from an existing CPU to 13th Gen. We’ll also be breaking down whether you need a liquid cooler for 13th Gen, or whether an air cooler will suffice. All of our recommendations support the LGA1700 socket out of the box, while providing good value for money metrics and impressing in our in-house testing. All of the recommended coolers in this line-up have been tested by the GeekaWhat Team in-house.
Suggested Article: Do You Need an Expensive CPU Cooler? (Air vs Liquid vs Custom Loop Cooling!)
Our Recommendations
1. Deep Cool AK620
👑 The best budget CPU cooler.
Introduction
Deep Cool‘s AK620 is a relatively large dual-tower air cooler with two heatsinks and two 120mm fans. The dense fin array and six copper heat pipes disperse the heat efficiently and quickly ensuring your CPU stays nice and cool under load. The mounting hardware supports multiple platforms and makes the install process quick and simple minimising any frustrations that come with building your PC.
Deep Cool’s AK620 is one of the more budget friendly options, and has become very popular in recent months. The dual-tower heatsink design provides excellent thermal capability dispersing heat very efficiently. Although we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for one of the top-end Intel SKUs, we feel the majority of consumers will be happy using the AK620 in a mid-range system.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Deep Cool AK620 |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1850RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | No |
| Heat Pipes | 6 |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
| Ideal For | Core i5 13600K or below |
Things We Like
Excellent for mid-range systems: Despite the very reasonable price point, the AK620 is actually ideal for current mid-range systems. It can easily outperform cheaper AIO options, and is perfect for a 13600K or below.
Competitively priced: The AK620 is one of the best priced options in the current market. The extremely competitive price point and strong performance makes it a better option than some AIO options that we’ve seen released in recent years.
Modern and older socket compatibility: The AK620 is also one of the best supported coolers when it comes to socket compatibility. Although we’re focusing on 13th-Gen in this article, if you’re upgrading from an older option, you can use the same cooler with no issues!
Things We Don’t Like
Doesn’t offer much for aesthetic: Although the performance of the AK620 is undoubtedly strong, it is a little bit weak on the design front. If you’re wanting a cooler that balances form and function with some night lighting options, the AK620 won’t be ideal for this.
Not ideal for top-end CPUs: Unexpectedly, as we start to look at the more power 13th-Gen SKUs, the AK620 starts to become less ideal. If you’re looking at picking up a Core i7 or above, potentially with some overclocking involved, we’d recommend looking at a more powerful cooler option.
Summary
Deep Cool‘s AK620 is one of our favourite CPU coolers on the market right now due to it’s strong mid-range performance, along the excellent price point. If you’re looking to be a bit more price conscious when it comes to your cooling options, the AK620 is a great bet.
Pros
- Ideal for mid-range CPUs.
- Excellent price point.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Not a particularly attractive design.
- No RGB.
Where to Buy
Buy the Deepcool AK620 on:
2. Deepcool GAMMAXX L240 RGB V2
👑 The best mid-range CPU cooler.
Introduction
The GAMMAXX L240 by Deepcool is an excellent low-cost AIO CPU cooler perfect to keep a mid-range CPU nice and cool. The anti-leak tech improves reliability so consumers can enjoy high performance without any leakage concerns. The hydro-bearing fans will assist in blowing away any hot air while keeping noise levels to a minimum reducing any annoying buzzing or whirring sounds.
The waterblock and fans also feature a 12V RGB lighting system which allows you to add some extra flair to your build and sync up any lighting effects with a variety of RGB software. Deep Cool is making another appearance in this roundup again because of price to performance metrics. If you’re looking for an excellent mid-range cooler for a reasonable price and temperature is a big concern, the GAMMAXX L240 RGB V2 is an excellent option.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Deep Cool GAMMAXX L240 RGB V2 |
|---|---|
| Pump Speed | 2400RPM |
| Max Fan Speed | 1800RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
| Ideal For | Core i7 13700K or below |
Things We Like
Great RGB lighting: One of the things you’ll immediately be able to notice about Deep Cool‘s GAMMAXX L240 is the excellent RGB fans and CPU pump. If you’re a fan of customisable RGB, this is definitely an ideal cooler for you.
Simple installation method: A major benefit of using an AIO is that they tend to be easier to install. The Deep Cool GAMMAXX is no exception with a very simple mounting system, reducing the frustration that comes with building a PC.
Socket compatibility: Much like the AK620, the Deep Cool GAMMAXX also shares great compatibility when it comes to older and newer sockets. If you’re upgrading from an older model you’ll just need to change the bracket and install the cooler in a very similar fashion onto your new CPU.
Things We Don’t Like
Slightly louder than other options: The biggest downside to the Deep Cool GAMMAXX L240 V2 is the noise levels. This cooler isn’t the quietest option due to the pump and fans, so if you prefer silence, this cooler won’t be for you.
Not as cheap as air coolers: Although the price is pretty competitive compared to other coolers, this particular model will set you back a fair bit more contrasting to popular air cooling options.
Summary
Deep Cool’s GAMMAXX L240 RGB V2 is a great looking cooler with strong enough performance to handle Intel’s Core i7 13700K. This AIO is ideal for a mid-range system with some legs to handle some of the more powerful 13th-Gen options.
Pros
- RGB lighting looks excellent.
- 240mm will be perfect for mid-range and some high-end options.
- Relatively easy to mount.
Cons
- More expensive than air cooling options.
- Louder than some other coolers.
Where to Buy
Buy the Deepcool GAMMAXX L240 RGB V2 on:
3. Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
👑 The best air cooler.
Introduction
Noctua‘s NH-D15 is one of the best air CPU coolers that you can buy outperforming a variety of liquid coolers even when overclocking is thrown into the mix. The sleek all-black design allows the NH-D15 to blend in well with any system while also staying nice and quiet. Despite the large design, the NH-D15 is incredibly easy to install and has updated mounting hardware for Intel’s LGA1700 socket. This CPU cooler is perfect to handle the thermals of higher-end Intel CPUs whilst remaining cool and quiet under intense duress.
Noctua’s NH-D15 is the definitive go-to option for consumers with a high-end 13th-Gen CPU. The D15 has been one of the most popular coolers for as long as we can remember, so much so that it has been constantly updated in terms of socket compatibility to fit the latest options. If you’re not a fan of liquid cooling, Noctua’s NH-D15 is definitely a great option to utilise.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black |
|---|---|
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | No |
| Heat Pipes | 7 |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4 |
| Ideal For | Core i7 13700K or below |
Things We Like
Holds up to modern performance: Despite the Noctua NH D-15 being a slightly older cooler, it still holds up very well today even with the significant performance improvements and higher clock speeds we’ve seen.
Near silent: One of the best features of the NH D-15 is the fact that this CPU cooler is incredibly silent. It compares extremely well to modern AIOs which are equally quiet in their operation.
Easy to install: The NH D-15 is one of the easiest coolers to install. The mounting mechanisms are very simple, and the fans are easy to remove and put back on if you don’t have enough clearance.
Things We Don’t Like
Somewhat pricey: Although the NH-D15 is not the most expensive option, especially when we compare to liquid cooled options, it is still pricey. Consumers may need to spend upwards of $100 to secure this beast of a CPU cooler.
Not great for overclocking/top-end options: As we start to move towards the Core i7 and Core i9 options, air cooling becomes a somewhat weaker option. Noctua’s titan may hold up well in certain instances, but liquid AIOs will be a better option for those with a workstation PC, or those prioritising thermals.
Summary
Noctua’s NH D-15 has stood the test of time, and is still one of the best CPU coolers on the market right now. it is pricier, but if you’re building a mid-range or somewhat high-end system, it is a very competitive option for 13th-Gen CPUs.
Pros
- The best air cooling option on the market.
- Near-silent operation.
- Very simple installation.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
- Won’t outperform top-end liquid coolers.
Where to Buy
Buy the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black on:
4. NZXT Kraken X73 RGB
👑 The best looking cooler.
Introduction
The Kraken X73 RGB from NZXT is an awesome looking cooler and great for a high-end build sporting a powerful CPU. The Aer RGB 2 fans are designed to keep airflow and pressure to the maximum to ensure that your build and CPU stay nice and cool. The RGB lighting on the fans and infinity mirror is fully customisable which can be changed and synced up with any other NZXT products using the NZXTCam software.
NZXT’s Kraken X73 is one of the best coolers when it comes to aesthetic. NZXT are renowned for creating components that have a signature minimalist design, and this cooler definitely follows suit on that front. Not only that, but the infinity mirror on the pump looks awesome, providing some extra lighting options for those wanting to max out their RGB.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | NZXT Kraken X73 RGB |
|---|---|
| Pump Speed | 2800RPM |
| Max Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 |
| Ideal For | Core i7 13900K/Core i9 13900K |
Things We Like
Awesome aesthetic: NZXT certainly know how to get one thing right with their components, and that is the design. If you’re building an all NZXT PC, we definitely recommend this cooler, because it looks awesome.
Customisable RGB: NZXT’s Kraken X73 has plenty of RGB all of which can be customised in the NZXTCam software. Here you can change lighting patterns, colours, and sync up any other NZXT products you might have.
Perfect for high-end options: The Kraken X73 features a 360mm radiator which is perfect for dissipating heat from a hot CPU as quick as possible. This makes it perfect for some of Intel‘s top-end 13th-Gen options such as the 13900K and 13700K.
Things We Don’t Like
Not cheap: As you can probably imagine, a 360mm radiator from NZXT is not going to be cheap, and you’d be correct. Although this is a strong option in the CPU cooler market, it is rather expensive, and not ideal for a price conscious buyer.
Large case may be required: Due to the size of the radiator, consumers will need to be mindful of their case choice. If your case doesn’t support 360mm radiators, you may have to purchase another chassis to install this option.
Summary
NZXT’s Kraken X73 is another one of our favourite coolers, and we’ve featured it a number of times in various top-end builds due to its aesthetic and strong thermal capability. It is an expensive option, but well worth the money if you can afford it.
Pros
- Infinity mirror looks excellent.
- RGB can be fully customised.
- Ideal for top-end CPUs.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- 360mm radiator will limit case choices.
Where to Buy
Buy the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB on:
5. Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix
👑 The best RGB cooler.
Introduction
Corsair‘s iCUE H150i Elite Capellix is one of the best looking CPU coolers we’ve got in the office while also being one of the best performing too. The proprietary magnetic levitation fans that Corsair uses are quiet and efficiency providing optimal airflow to keep your CPU nice and cool, but also silent. The unique Capellix technology that Corsair uses for the RGB LED lighting is also extremely vibrant giving you plenty of customisation options and lighting up your build like a Christmas tree!
In terms of performance metrics, consumers can expect strong thermal efficiency from the H150i, providing an option to pair up with a top-end CPU. We tend to use the H150i for the Core i7 and Core i9 CPUs, because they are nearly unrivalled when it comes to thermal performance. And with the awesome aesthetic, its difficult to argue with how good this cooler is.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix |
|---|---|
| Pump Speed | 2400RPM |
| Max Fan Speed | 2400RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | Yes |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 |
| Ideal For | Core i7 13900K/Core i9 13900K |
Things We Like
Excellent RGB lighting: The most standout area of the iCUE H510i is the incredible RGB lighting. Corsair uses their patented Capellix lights which are especially vibrant and fully customisable.
Simple to install: Corsair’s iCUE coolers have some of the easiest installation methods streamlining the building process. CPU coolers can be notoriously complicated at times to install, but Corsair cuts out any of that frustration for first-time builders with a simple mounting mechanism.
Ideal for top-end system: The H150i is an excellent 360mm option and can move heat away quite quickly due to the excellent pump and brilliant magnetic levitation fans, making it perfect for those with a top-end system.
Things We Don’t Like
Very expensive: Much like the Kraken X73 RGB from NZXT, the H150i Elite Capellix shares a similar price tag. 360mm radiators are rather expensive as a general rule, so consumers will need to spend a fair amount to secure this cooler.
Summary
Corsair’s iCUE H150i Elite Capellix is one of the best coolers we have in the GeekaWhat offices. The design is awesome, and consumers can expect strong performance from this option. It is relatively pricey, but you get what you pay for.
Pros
- Ideal for those that love RGB lighting.
- Corsair iCUE is simple to use.
- Comes with an included RGB and fan controller.
Cons
- One of the more expensive options.
- Larger radiator can be harder to install.
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair H150i Elite Capellix on:
6. MSI MEG LiquidCore S360
👑 The best CPU cooler for overclocking.
Introduction
The MSI MEG LiquidCore S360 is an excellent top-end AIO designed to handle the most powerful CPUs with excellent legs in overclocking. The MEG Silent Gale P12 fans are designed to provide ample airflow to the radiator while keeping your noise levels nice and quiet. The 2.4 inch IPS display allows you to accurately monitor system temperatures, or customise it with a range of GIFs, a system clock, or even live weather.
The performance control of this CPU is entirely in your hands giving you the option to optimise temperatures for an extremely powerful system. The MEG S360 is perfect for a high-end system, especially if you’re planning unlocking some extra performance with better clock speeds.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MEG LiquidCore S360 |
|---|---|
| Pump Speed | 2800RPM |
| Max Fan Speed | 2000RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| RGB | No |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel – LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 2011, 2066 / AMD – AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 |
| Ideal For | Core i9 13900K |
Things We Like
Awesome LCD display: The LCD display located on top of the CPU pump allows consumers to view system temperatures, play funny memes or GIFs, or even view the live weather.
Effectively silent: If you’re the kind of consumer that prefers a quiet system, the MEG S360 is ideal as this cooler barely makes a noise. The P12 Silent Gale fans and excellent pump design ensures a near-silent PC.
Ideal for overclocking: The CoreLiquid S360 is one of the best coolers when it comes to overclocking. The pump and fan design allows the MEG CoreLiquid to quickly and efficiently disperse heat with no hindrances.
Things We Don’t Like
Very very expensive: As you can expect, the CoreLiquid S360 comes with a significant premium due to the LCD screen and cooling capability. This won’t be the go-to option for many consumers due to the pretty high price tag.
No RGB option: Unfortunately, for those that prefer RGB this cooler doesn’t come with any RGB lighting. Although the LCD display does provide some lighting, if you’re looking to create a disco in your PC case, this cooler might not be ideal.
Pros
- Perfect for overclocking.
- Comes with an LCD display.
- Near-silent operation.
Cons
- One of the most expensive options.
- No RGB fans.
Buy the MSI MEG LiquidCore S360 on:
Air vs Liquid Cooling – Which is Better For 13th-Gen?
Unfortunately, this question isn’t as easy as just saying ‘Air’ or ‘Liquid’, and like many things, is very nuanced. With the increased thermals of the new CPUs, the answer more often than not is liquid, especially for top-end i9 and i9 CPUs. this will likely shift as more 13th Gen chips are released, with the humble stock cooler likely to make a return when the i3 CPUs drop into retailers.
The Core i5 chip is the only where we’d say both air or liquid make sense. For those picking up an i5 with the intention of overclocking, liquid makes the most sense, but for a modest i5 build where low temps and maximum clock speeds are not the priority, air will work fine. Which cooler makes sense also leans heavily on your case and airflow. For many, adding a large 360mm radiator and the three 120mm fans that come with it, is a great way to increase overall system airflow, and users of air coolers will need to ensure there is already strong airflow. Much like liquid coolers, all air coolers are certainly not made equal, which has a strong bearing. Some air coolers come equipped with multiple fans and heatsink towers, while others look to cater more closely to a budget buying audience.
| CPU | Cooling Type |
| Core i9 13900K | Liquid |
| Core i7 13700K | Liquid |
| Core i5 13600K | Liquid or Air |
13th-Gen Compatibility
One of the biggest concerns that comes with any new generation of motherboards and CPUs is socket compatibility. When Intel made the leap from 11th to 12th-Gen CPUs, we got an entirely new socket in the form of LGA1700. This meant that some of the existing cooler designs did not fit these new CPUs, with manufactures largely providing aftermarket kits to add in this support. With 13th Gen, this problem is not an issue. Using the same mounting hardware and socket as 12th Gen means pretty much all coolers will now ship compatible with LGA1700 out of the box.
Why You Can Trust Us
Before jumping into our recommendations, we wanted to discuss why you can trust the products that we’ve picked out. Our team of PC hardware experts works hard to ensure that all of the products that we get in our offices are tested thoroughly for gaming, and general use. For those curious about our team, head over to the About Us section where you’ll also find mode detail about our editorial promise.
How We Picked the Best CPU Coolers for 13th-Gen CPUs
We’re lucky enough to get hands-on experience with a variety of products and components that come into the GeekaWhat offices. During this time, we put each product through a variety of tests and procedures to determine whether they’re worth picking up for a PC build. We use all of this information to provide our audiences with a detailed view and explanation of what to expect from a product, along with some of our insights.
For CPU coolers there are a few main considerations we take into account, these are: cooling capability, compatibility, aesthetic, and pricing. After evaluating these factors we provide a more general overview of how these features may or may not affect your gaming setup. For a closer look at our testing and evaluation methods, read our full reviews and buyers guides 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 Overall CPU Cooler for Intel 13th-Gen: Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
Noctua‘s NH-D15 is one of the best coolers on the market right now, and is an excellent option for mid-range and top-end systems. It is on the pricier side, but this cooler has constantly stood against modern options and still comes out on top. Definitely a winner for those prioritising thermals for a mid-range system.
Read our full Intel 13th-Gen CPU coverage in the reviews category, or buy the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is Better – Air or Liquid Cooling?
As a general rule, the more superior option for cooling is going to be a liquid option. Radiators can disperse heat more rapidly resulting in better thermals. But this entirely depends on your use-case. Air cooling is perfectly suitable for budget and mid-range builds, and is often cheaper. Liquid cooling is better temperature wise, but is more expensive.
Do Intel 13th-Gen CPUs Run Hot?
In short – not really. Although the top-end SKUs will run hotter based on their TDP and performance capability, the majority of 13th-Gen CPUs don’t run hotter on average compared to the previous generation and older ones.
How Complicated Are These Coolers To Install?
All of the coolers that we’ve listed above, we believe to be very simple installations. Air coolers are notoriously harder because they require more individual parts, but we’ve taken cooler complexity into account when looking at recommendations.
Do I Need to Worry About Clearance?
Clearance is always a concern with coolers, because of compatibility issues. The only time clearance will play a part is if your components are particularly big, and your case can’t support the size. We recommend checking out the specs of your case on the manufacturer’s website for more information on radiator compatibility, and CPU cooler height clearance.
