Does your Intel Core i7-8700K processor feel like it’s running a little too hot, even when you’re just browsing the web? You’re not alone! This powerful CPU is a fantastic performer, but it can also generate a good amount of heat, especially when you push it to its limits. Finding the right cooler isn’t just about keeping things cool; it’s about unlocking your CPU’s full potential and ensuring your computer runs smoothly and reliably.
Choosing the perfect CPU cooler can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different types – air coolers, liquid coolers – and then there are all the brands and features to consider. Will it fit in your case? Is it quiet enough? Will it actually keep your 8700K from overheating during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads? These are the questions that keep PC builders up at night, and we’re here to help you find the answers.
In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what you need to know to pick the best CPU cooler for your i7-8700K. We’ll look at the different cooling technologies, what makes a cooler effective, and the key features to watch out for. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to select a cooler that keeps your 8700K running at its peak performance without breaking the bank or your eardrums. Let’s dive in and find the perfect chill for your powerful processor!
Our Top 5 Cpu Cooler For I7 8700K Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cpu Cooler For I7 8700K Detailed Reviews
1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 9.4/10
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black is a great CPU cooler. It keeps your computer running cool and smooth. This cooler works with many AMD and Intel processors. It’s a good upgrade for your PC.
What We Like:
- Cool for R7 | i7: Four heat pipes and a copper base help keep your AMD R7 and Intel i7 processors cool.
- SickleFlow 120 Edge: This fan moves a lot of air. It helps your CPU stay at a good temperature.
- Dynamic PWM Fan: You can change the fan speed. This lets you choose between quiet operation or maximum cooling.
- Simplify Brackets: Putting this cooler on your motherboard is easy. The new brackets make it simple.
- Versatile Compatibility: It fits in most computer cases because it’s only 152mm tall.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers good cooling, extremely high-end CPUs might push its limits.
- The fan can get a bit loud at its highest RPM.
This Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black is a solid choice for anyone needing better CPU cooling. It offers good performance and easy installation.
2. Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 8.6/10
Keep your computer running cool and quiet with the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler. This cooler from Thermalright, a brand with over 20 years of experience, is designed to handle your CPU’s heat. It features four heat pipes and a special fan to ensure efficient cooling. Plus, its design fits well in many computer cases.
What We Like:
- Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology help your cooler work well no matter how your computer is positioned.
- The TL-C12C PWM fan is quiet, keeping noise levels at 25.6dB(A) or less while moving air effectively.
- It works with many Intel and AMD processors, including the latest AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets.
- The aluminum heatsink cover adds to its good looks and cooling ability.
- Metal fasteners make installation easier and more secure.
- Thermalright is a well-known brand in the computer parts world.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fan speed is capped at 1550 RPM, which might not be enough for extreme overclocking.
- While good for many cases, its 148mm height could be an issue for very slim PC builds.
The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE is a solid choice for anyone needing reliable and quiet CPU cooling. It balances performance and affordability for a great user experience.
3. ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler ARGB Light Sync with Motherboard(5V 3-PIN Connector) CPU Fan for Intel/AMD
Rating: 8.9/10
Keep your computer’s brain cool and looking awesome with the ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler. This cooler uses a special design with four heat pipes to move heat away from your CPU quickly. It also has a bright, colorful light show to make your computer look amazing. Plus, it’s easy to set up and works with many different computer parts.
What We Like:
- It has four heat pipes that help your CPU stay cool.
- The 120mm fan moves a lot of air to keep things from getting too hot.
- The RGB lights look really cool and can change colors.
- You can sync the lights with your motherboard for a unified look.
- It works with most Intel and AMD computer processors, including the newer LGA 1700.
- The fan is quiet, so it won’t bother you while you’re gaming or working.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation might be a little tricky for beginners.
- The included thermal paste is basic; enthusiasts might want to use their own.
This cooler is a solid choice for anyone wanting better cooling and a stylish PC. It balances performance and looks well.
4. Cooler Master 240 Core II AIO CPU Liquid Cooler
Rating: 9.2/10
Keep your powerful computer cool and looking good with the Cooler Master 240 Core II AIO CPU Liquid Cooler. This cooler is designed to handle high-performance processors like AMD Ryzen R9 and Intel Core i7. It features a special pump that pushes water efficiently to the hottest parts of your CPU. Plus, its cool infinity mirror design with colorful lights adds a unique look to your build.
What We Like:
- Keeps R9 and i7 CPUs very cool with its special pump.
- The infinity mirror design looks awesome and lights up your PC with vibrant colors.
- The fans are quiet but move a lot of air to keep things cool.
- You can adjust fan speeds to find the right balance between cooling and noise.
- It’s easy to install on the latest AMD and Intel motherboards.
- The long tubing makes it simple to fit in different computer cases.
What Could Be Improved:
- The infinity mirror lighting might be too much for users who prefer a simpler look.
- While installation is simplified, some users might still find AIO coolers a bit more complex than air coolers.
The Cooler Master 240 Core II is a fantastic choice for gamers and creators who demand top-notch cooling and a stylish PC. It delivers excellent performance and a stunning visual upgrade.
5. Cooler Master i70C LGA1700 ARGB Intel Low-Profile CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 8.5/10
The Cooler Master i70C LGA1700 ARGB is a sleek, low-profile CPU air cooler designed for Intel processors. It boasts an anodized black aluminum fin design for a modern look and excellent heat dissipation. This cooler is built to keep Intel Core i3 and i5 CPUs running cool, even under a 95W TDP. Its 120mm ARGB fan adds a splash of customizable light to your build, and the fan speed can be adjusted for quiet operation or maximum cooling. Installation is made easy with redesigned brackets, and its 70mm height makes it a great fit for smaller PC cases.
What We Like:
- The black aluminum fins look really cool and modern.
- It uses a copper insert to help keep your CPU from getting too hot.
- The fan is quiet but still moves a good amount of air.
- You can change the fan’s colors to match your setup.
- It’s easy to install, even if you’re new to PC building.
- Its small size means it fits in many different computer cases.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s only recommended for Intel Core i3 and i5 processors, not the highest-end ones.
- The ARGB fan has a 3-pin connector, which might limit some motherboard compatibility for full control.
This Cooler Master i70C is a solid choice for anyone building a compact PC that needs reliable and stylish cooling for their Intel i3 or i5 CPU.
Choosing the Best Cooler for Your Intel Core i7-8700K
Your Intel Core i7-8700K is a powerful processor. It can get quite warm, especially when you’re gaming or doing demanding tasks. A good CPU cooler keeps it from overheating, making your computer run smoothly and last longer. This guide will help you find the perfect cooler.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a CPU cooler, keep these important things in mind:
- Cooling Performance: This is the most important feature. A good cooler will keep your CPU temperature low, even under heavy load. Look for coolers with high cooling capacity (measured in TDP – Thermal Design Power).
- Noise Level: Nobody likes a noisy computer. Most good coolers have quiet fans. Check reviews for how loud the cooler is when it’s working hard.
- Size and Clearance: Make sure the cooler will fit in your computer case. Some coolers are very large and might block your RAM slots or side panels.
- Mounting System: A good cooler has an easy-to-use mounting system. This makes installation much simpler.
- Aesthetics: Some coolers look really cool! If you have a case with a window, you might want a cooler that matches your style.
Important Materials
CPU coolers are made from different materials that affect how well they cool and how long they last.
- Base Plate: Most coolers have a copper or aluminum base plate. Copper is a better heat conductor, so it cools more effectively.
- Heatpipes: These are copper tubes that move heat away from the CPU. More heatpipes usually mean better cooling.
- Fins: These are thin metal sheets, usually aluminum, that increase the surface area for heat to escape into the air.
- Fans: Fans are crucial for moving air. Look for fans with good airflow and quiet operation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a CPU cooler better or worse.
- More Heatpipes: Coolers with more heatpipes can transfer heat faster.
- Larger Heatsink: A bigger heatsink with more fins has more surface area to dissipate heat.
- Higher Fan Speed: Fans that spin faster move more air, which helps cool the heatsink. However, they can also be louder.
- Good Thermal Paste: Thermal paste helps fill tiny gaps between the CPU and the cooler, improving heat transfer. Good quality thermal paste is important.
- Fan Quality: Cheap fans might not last long or can be noisy.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your computer matters when choosing a cooler.
- Gaming: If you’re a gamer, your CPU will work hard. You need a cooler that can handle high temperatures to prevent stuttering or performance drops.
- Productivity Tasks: Video editing, 3D rendering, or running virtual machines also put a strain on your CPU. A robust cooler ensures consistent performance.
- Overclocking: If you plan to overclock your i7-8700K to get even more speed, you’ll need a high-performance cooler.
- Silent Builds: If you prefer a quiet computer, focus on coolers with low-noise fans and good cooling efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will a stock cooler work for my i7-8700K?
A: The i7-8700K does not come with a stock cooler. You must buy one separately.
Q: What is TDP, and why is it important for CPU coolers?
A: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power. It shows how much heat your CPU can produce. You want a cooler with a TDP rating that is equal to or higher than your CPU’s TDP.
Q: Air cooler vs. Liquid cooler: Which is better for the i7-8700K?
A: Both can work well. Air coolers are generally simpler and more affordable. Liquid coolers (AIOs) often offer better cooling performance and a sleeker look, but they can be more expensive and complex.
Q: How do I know if a cooler will fit in my case?
A: Check the cooler’s specifications for its height. Then, check your computer case’s specifications for its maximum CPU cooler height clearance.
Q: Is a bigger heatsink always better?
A: Usually, yes. A larger heatsink has more surface area to dissipate heat, which generally leads to better cooling. However, fan quality also plays a big role.
Q: How often should I replace the thermal paste?
A: It’s a good idea to reapply thermal paste every few years, or if you notice your CPU temperatures are getting higher than usual.
Q: What does “mounting pressure” mean?
A: Mounting pressure is how tightly the cooler is pressed against the CPU. Good mounting pressure ensures efficient heat transfer.
Q: Are there any coolers that are too quiet?
A: While quiet operation is good, extremely quiet fans might not move enough air to cool a powerful CPU like the i7-8700K effectively under heavy load.
Q: Can I overclock my i7-8700K with a mid-range air cooler?
A: It depends on the specific cooler and how much you want to overclock. For significant overclocking, a high-end air cooler or an AIO liquid cooler is recommended.
Q: Do RGB lights on a cooler help with cooling?
A: No, RGB lights are purely for looks. They do not affect the cooling performance of the CPU cooler.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.