The more powerful the CPU, the more heat it generates during operation, and excessive heat adversely affects performance and can damage the CPU. Speaking of the Intel Core i7-11700K, it’s from Intel’s 11th generation, having 8 cores and 16 threads, making it suitable for some serious amount of computing power, primarily gaming. It’s built on the 14nm architecture and has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125W, so it’s definitely a high-performance CPU.
For such a performer, a quality CPU cooler is essential for efficient heat dissipation, allowing for more stable overclocking and maximizing potential performance gains. More than that, a CPU cooler extends hardware life by controlling temperature, reducing the risk of premature failure, and maintaining overall system reliability.
It’s an investment that pays off, especially if you’re doing demanding tasks, gaming or overclocking. A reliable CPU is essential for any system; it ensures heat dissipation and contributes to a smooth computing experience.
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Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4:
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Noctua NH-D15:
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The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
However, coolers come in different categories and types; AIO coolers are often a priority by users as they have better cooling performance than traditional air coolers, especially for high-end CPUs such as the i7-11700K.
If you are confused about the best cooler for the i7-11700K, you are definitely at the right place. Below we have listed the top-notch performing coolers:
Top 8 BEST CPU Cooler for i7 11700k
Here I have reviewed the top CPU Coolers for i7 11700k:
Best Pick
Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4:
Features:
| Brand | Be quiet! |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 125 |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
The Dark Rock Pro 4 is truly an impressive CPU cooler from be quiet!; perfect for those who want to keep their processor easy and calm, especially if you plan to overclock or have a high-end processor such as the Intel Core i7-11700k.
If we talk about the Core i7-11700k, it’s Intel’s true 11th-generation processor. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, which makes it suitable for a fair amount of computing power. The base clock speed is 3.6 GHz, but if you need more boost, you can boost it up to 5.0 GHz. It is based on the 14nm architecture and has a TDP of 125W, so it definitely performs better.
Well, now, if you combine the Dark Rock Pro 4 Cooler with the Core i7-11700k, it will be a killer combination. The Dark Rock Pro 4 features a stunning dual heatsink design that combines aluminium fins with copper heat pipes. With dual towers and a large fan, it can efficiently handle all the heat your CPU generates. And what’s the best? All of this is done while the noise level remains well and low.
The Dark Pro 4 is quite big, so make sure you have enough space in your case for it to fit. You want to avoid clearance issues, right? Also, apply the thermal paste correctly and follow the installation process to get your desired performance and compatibility. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a CPU cooler with flashy lights, there may be a better CPU cooler than the Dark Rick Pro 4.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Staff Pick
Noctua NH-D15:
Features:
| Brand | Noctua |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
Noctua’s flagship model, the NH-D15, builds on the legendary NH-D14 and continues its quest for the ultimate in quiet cooling. A dual tower cooler for the highest demands with 6 heat pipes and two quality fans that work together to dissipate heat from the CPU effectively.
When it comes to cooling the CPU, the NH-D1 really excels. Whether doing demanding tasks or overclocking your CPU, this cooler covers you. And what’s the best part? It does all of that without making a sound. Noctua takes quiet computing seriously, and the NH-D15 is a great example. Fans are designed to balance cooling efficiency and the noise level so that you can enjoy quiet computing and a gaming experience.
Durability is key for Noctua coolers, and the NH-D15 is no exception. With an emphasis on build quality and the use of premium materials, you can be confident that this cooler will stand the test of time. As for compatibility, you don’t have to worry at all. The NH-D supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA 1200 socket used by the Core i7-11700K.
Now, here are a few things to consider. The NH-D15 is big, so make sure your case has enough space. Also, due to the height and placement of the fan, accessing the RAM slots can be difficult.
Not to mention, Noctua’s has a unique colour scheme. Some people like it, some people may not like it very much. But guess what? Noctua has responded to the feedback and now offers a chroma—the black version of the cooler, including the NH-D15. So, if you prefer a more elegant all-black look, you are definitely in luck.
Overall, paired with an Intel Core i7-11700K, the Nsoctua NH-D15 is an absolute powerhouse. It has excellent cooling performance, quiet performance, quiet operation, durability, and compatibility. Make sure you have space and consider RAM access.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Scythe Fuma 2 Rev.B
Features:
| Brand | SCYTHE |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Noise Level | 28.6 dB |
| Cooling Method | Air |
The award-winning Scythe Fuma 2 Rev.B is a twin-tower cooler, having dual heatsinks and fans that accelerate and improve heat dissipation for best-in-class peak performance. First, this cooler knows how to deal with heat; it features a dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes and two fans working in unison to draw heat from the CPU. Whether you are straining your CPU with intensive tasks or trying to overclock, you can rely on this cooler to keep temperatures under control.
And what’s incredible is that it delivers excellent cooling performance without occupying space inside your PC case. Its balance of performance and compatibility makes it an applicable option even on systems with limited space. With the Scythe Fuma 2 Rev.B, you don’t have to worry about compatibility because it supports a variety of CPU sockets., including Intel’s LGA 1200 socket used by the Core i7-11700K, so it can be the best cooler for your Core i7-11700K.
But remember to consider a few things. The Scythe Fuma 2 Rev.B has excellent cooling capabilities but can be slightly noisy compared to other coolers. Therefore, considering the noise level during operation is worth considering if you value a quieter computing environment. Moreover, the compact form factor can also limit RAM clearance. If you have RAM modules with a tall heat spreader, it may not fit with the cooler well and may need adjustment to fit correctly.
And let’s not forget aesthetics; if you’re a fan of RGB lights and want an eye-catching cooler, the Scythe Fuma 2 Rev.B takes a more classic approach. It doesn’t contain RGB elements. So, if aesthetics is your priority, other options are also available. In summary, the Scythe Fuma 2 Rev.B CPU air cooler is a good match with the Intel Core i7-11700K. It offers efficient cooling, a space-saving design, and a pocket-friendly price. However, consider potential noise level, RAM clearance, and simple aesthetic design
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ARGB
Features:
| Brand | Cooler Master |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 12 |
| Cooling Method | Water |
The Ml360R ARGB is well known because of its eye-catching addressable RGB lighting that can also be customized to match the overall look of your system and synchronized with other compatible RGB components. It adds a visual glamour to your build.
You might have heard the saying that all glitters are not gold, but that’s not the case here because the MasterLiquid ML360R ARGB shines with not only amazing RGB lights but also a great liquid CPU cooler that works well and is designed to meet the demands of high-performance processors such as the i7-11700k.
Equipped with a large 360mm radiator and three 120mm fans, it provides excellent cooling performance; the heat is dissipated effectively, ensuring that the CPU stays cool even during extreme workloads and overclocking sessions. You can push your processor to its limits without the fear of overheating.
Liquid cooling has several advantages. The ML360R ARGB’s liquid cooling system provides superior heat transfer compared to regular air coolers. This means heat can be efficiently extracted from your CPU, resulting in more productive cooling performance overall.
As for compatibility, this cooler also supports the Intel LGA 1200 socket that the Core i7-11700K uses. So you can easily install it without worrying about compatibility. Still, you have to keep in mind that it needs a case with enough space to accommodate its larger size as it has a 360mm radiator and three fans.
To sum it up, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R ARGB is an excellent choice to pair with the Intel Core i7-11700K. Powerful cooling performance, liquid cooling benefits, compatibility and stunning RGB lighting make it a top choice for those who value both performance and aesthetics in their PC builds.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Budget Pick
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
Features:
| Brand | Cooler Master |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 2.64 |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
If you’re on a budget and need a CPU cooler, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is a viable option. It provides excellent cooling performance without breaking the bank; it’s affordable price and reliable design make it a popular choice for budget PC builders.
The Hyper 212 Evo’s tower heatsink and direct-contact heat pipes efficiently dissipate heat from the CPU and keep temperatures stable during demanding tasks. Equipped with a 120mm fan with a good airflow and noise level balance, it is suitable for performance and quiet computing.
As for compatibility, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU cooler is compatible with the Intel Core i7-11700K processor. Paired with it, the i7-11700K improves cooling efficiency, allowing it to control temperatures during demanding tasks. But if you plan to overclock or push your i7-11700K to its limits, you should look into a quality cooling solution, such as a liquid cooler or a larger air cooler with more heat dissipation capacity.
Finally, the Hyper 212 Evo may not offer the same cooling performance as high-end or liquid cooling solutions, but it still significantly improves over standard coolers. It’s ideal for anyone looking to improve their system’s cooling performance without breaking the bank. So, if you’re on a tight budget and want a reliable CPU cooler, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is worth considering. It strikes the right balance between affordability and performance and will definitely cool your processor without killing your wallet.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO RGB
Features:
| Brand | Corsair |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Noise Level | 25 dB |
| Cooling Method | Water |
If you’re looking for a cooler that combines best-in-class cooling performance, RGB lighting, easy installation, and elegant design, the Hydro Series H150i Pro RGB is a fantastic choice. It is a premium cooling solution that offers a wide range of advanced features. The H150i PRO RGB primarily features a 360mm radiator with a large surface area for efficient heat dissipation, making it very effective at cooling down powerful CPUs.
It can be the best AIO cooler for the Core i7-11700K as it is built for high-performing CPUs, and the liquid cooling mechanism is excellent at keeping CPU temperatures low, ensuring flawless performance and system stability even in heavy workloads and overclocking scenarios.
Regarding noise levels, the H150i Pro RGB uses ML-series low-noise fans. These fans ensure efficient airflow while running quietly, ensuring quiet computing even for high-end gaming. Fan speeds can be dynamically adjusted, giving you the flexibility to find a proper balance between cooling performance and noise level.
Another standout feature of the Corsair H150i Pro is its customizable RGB lights. The pump head and fan feature vibrant RGB lighting that can be customized using Corsair’s iCUE software. Create stunning light effects and sync with other Corsair RGB components to add a visually stunning touch to your build. Moreover, this cooler is compatible with the Core i7-11700K LGA 1200 socket and is pretty easy to install; it comes with a comprehensive mounting kit and clear installation instructions, making the setup process way easier for users.
So, the Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro RGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler offers a range of advanced features, superior cooling and customizable RGB lighting. Combined with the Intel Core i7-11700K, it delivers fantastic cooling performance, ensuring optimal CPU temperature and system performance; we highly recommend it for both gamers and enthusiasts.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280
Features:
| Brand | ARCTIC |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 1.44 watts |
| Cooling Method | Water |
With an all-in-one liquid cooling design, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 is designed to efficiently dissipate heat and keep the CPU running at its optimum temperature. It is an excellent and reliable cooling solution for your i7 11700K. The 280mm aluminum radiator gives a vast surface area for effective heat dissipation. This cooler is prepared for quiet operations. Its unique blade fans and rubber dampener features reduce the noise level.
The Liquid Freezer II 280 uses an efficient pump with a copper baseplate that directly contacts the CPU for maximum heat transfer. The designed pump operates softly while maintaining high coolant flow. Its Dual-fan configuration guarantees optimal airflow and heat dissipation for better cooling performance. Furthermore, it features a small heatsink on a tube connected to the CPU block to dissipate heat from the motherboard’s voltage regulation module (VRM), which helps maintain a stable power supply and prevents overheating of critical components.
If you’re thinking about its compatibility, then don’t worry. This cooler supports Intel socket types such as LGA 115x, 1200, 2011(-3), 2066, and AMD AM4. The Intel Core i7-11700K uses the LGA 1200 socket, fully compatible with the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 cooler. You can confidently use this cooler to cool your Intel Core i7-11700K processor and reap the benefits.
The Liquid Freezer II 280 uses a simple mounting mechanism that supports various CPU sockets, making installation easy. Fans and radiators are shipped pre-assembled, further simplifying the installation process. It could be the common choice among high-end gamers and PC enthusiasts.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
Features:
| Brand | Corsair |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Noise Level | 37 dB |
| Cooling Method | Water |
Most gamers or multitaskers like RGB lighting on a CPU cooler, making the Corsair H115i RGB Platinum stand out. But RGB isn’t the only thing. Instead, this all-in-one liquid cooler provides robust cooling performance for high-end processors. A high-performance pump with a copper baseplate for efficient heat transfer from the CPU. The designed pump minimizes noise and ensures reliable cooling.
Corsair’s iCUE software lets you control lighting effects and synchronize with other compatible RGB devices. It has a 280mm radiator with dual ML140 RGB magnetic levitation fans that has a wide speed range. With excellent heat dissipation, it can meet the cooling needs of most CPUs, including the i7 11700K and other overclocked processors. Also, the iCUE software allows you to adjust fan speed, noise, and cooling performance.
Moreover, Corsair’s user-friendly design simplifies installation, and as for compatibility, it has broad compatibility supporting a variety of CPU sockets with a wide range of systems.
To sum it up, the Corsair H115i RGB Platinum is a premium AIO CPU cooler that combines fantastic cooling performance, customizable RGB lighting, and user-friendly features. It is not only an impressive cooling solution but also enhances the aesthetics of your system. With all its qualities, it’s suitable for enthusiasts, multitaskers and gamers who want to control CPU temperature while adding light aesthetics to their system.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Buying Guide:
Before buying a cooler for your i7-11700K, it’s essential to consider several factors. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision and choose a cooler that fits your needs and preferences. Acquired with the necessary knowledge, you can finally determine which ones perform and rank higher regarding compatibility, performance, and other factors. This way, you can choose a cooler that will efficiently cool your i7-11700K.
Before picking the Best CPU Cooler for the i7-11700k, here are some factors to consider.
Compatibility: When modelling the CPU cooler, remember the motherboard socket type. The i7-11700K uses the LGA 1200 socket, compatible with Intel 500 series motherboards. This is not for every cooler. Some coolers require different socket types to fit in.
Size: Size is another factor to consider, which some users ignore and regret after buying when it doesn’t fit in their case. Check the dimension of your CPU cooler and make sure it fits your PC case. Also, consider the distance between the cooler and other components, such as RAM modules and GPU, to avoid issues.
Noise level: Some CPU coolers have features such as fan speed control and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), allowing users to adjust fan speed and noise level according to their needs. This flexibility will enable you to balance cooling performance and noise level according to your system’s needs.
Additionally, the noise level of a CPU cooler is a particular concern, especially for users who value a quiet computing environment.
Thermal Dissipation of the CPU:
When a CPU consumes electrical energy and performs heavy tasks, it generates heat. In this regard, TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates how much heat it can dissipate in watts. Higher TDP ratings for CPUs generate more heat, requiring CPU coolers with increased heat dissipation capabilities. High TDP values, larger heatsinks, more heat pipes, or liquid cooling systems are often recommended to ensure efficient heat dissipation of a CPU cooler. Efficient heat dissipation is essential to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent your CPU from overheating.
Aesthetics:
If looks are important to you, consider the design and aesthetics of the CPU cooler. Some coolers come with RGB lights and a gorgeous design that can boost the overall look of your system.
Budget:
Set your CPU cooler budget and choose the best value for money. Consider cooling performance, features, and brand reputation to determine the overall value of the cooler.
By noticing these factors, you can easily find a CPU cooler that meets your cooling needs, fits your system, and is cost-effective.
Conclusion:
Choosing a cooler that can adequately cool your CPU is essential, especially if you plan to overclock or perform demanding tasks that generate more heat, such as gaming. Factors to consider when choosing a CPU cooler are CPU socket compatibility, cooling performance, noise level, size, space available inside the case, budget and personal preference. By reading the above article, it will definitely be easier for you to choose the best cooler for your i7-11700K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CPU cooler affect performance?
Absolutely CPU cooler can significantly affect the performance of a computer. Running at a lower temperature allows the CPU to maintain maximum performance for extended periods. On the other hand, if the CPU overheats, it can start throttling clock speeds to reduce heat output, resulting in slower performance.
Using a good CPU cooler and ensuring proper airflow inside your computer case can optimize performance and maintain stability during demanding tasks.
Is AIO (All-in-one) cooler better than Air cooler?
Yes, An AIO cooler is extra efficient than an Air cooler. AIO coolers offer better cooling performance, compact design, and aesthetics at higher prices. In contrast, air coolers deliver cost-effectiveness, reliability, and easy maintenance. Ultimately, it depends on your needs, budget, available space, and personal preference.
How often should you clean your CPU cooler?
It’s recommended to clean your CPU cooler regularly to remove dust and dirt that builds up on the heatsink and fans. However, it depends on factors such as environment and usage. Generally, it is better to clean every 3-6 months, but it may vary.
