The Intel i9-9900K may note the latest CPU from intel, but it sure is still one of the best CPUs for gaming available on the market. Therefore, if you want to push it to its maximum, consider getting the best CPU cooler for i9 9900K so that it can have a potent cooling system.
A good CPU cooler will ensure that you don’t face any performance issues. Therefore, we conducted research and compiled this article to help you research the best coolers to avoid getting confused and make the best choice when purchasing.
What is the best CPU Cooler?
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What is a CPU Cooler?
The CPU or the Central Processing Unit is more like the brain of a computer. It exists in almost all your devices, including smartwatches, thermostats, or a computer. This part of a computer is responsible for processing and executing instructions. It is a small device in a motherboard, with pins on it facing down. So now that you know what a CPU is and where it is found, what is a CPU cooler?
A CPU cooler is a device constructed to draw away heat from the CPU and other components within the enclosure. Lowering the CPU temperatures with a cooler improves the stability and efficiency, but with added noise levels.
Differences Between CPU Coolers-Air and Liquid Coolers
Looking for the best CPU cooler for i9 9900K, you have yet to decide which one to go for, whether you should buy an air cooler or a liquid cooler. Before you decide, let’s go through each to see the differences first.
a). Air Cooler
If you get the best air cooler, your PC will need graphics card fans, a CPU fan, and case fans. You do not need important things to install an air cooler as the manufacturer has already installed what you need. In addition, the processor and the graphics card come with stock fans.
The efficiency of air coolers differs depending on factors like materials used (for example, copper is more conductive, but it is also more expensive than aluminum) and the capacity and unit of the attached fans. Of course, you can buy a bigger and better rig. However, fans are inefficient, and the heat sink can get bigger and louder with intensive usage.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
Cons
- Can be loud
- Not very efficient
b). Liquid Cooler
If you want to use a liquid cooler, you will need a radiator, a pump, and radiator pumps. The pump is then connected to the radiator using tubes that let the coolant circulate from the pump to the radiator and vice versa.
Pros
- You can cool different components to greater degrees
- Requires less space
- The liquid cooling system is noiseless
- Very efficient
Cons
- It is expensive
- It is not very easy to set up
With a clearer understanding of the two types of CPU cooling systems, I bet you’ll have an easier time deciding which cooler to buy. So let us dig deeper into the best CPU coolers for i9 9900k.
Five Best CPU Coolers for i9 9900K
1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Air Cooler
- Direct contact technology: 4 Heat Pipe with exclusive direct contact technology effectively provides excellent heat dissipation; Air flow: 57.3 CFM; Noise level: 26.0 decibels
- Precise air flow: Stacked fin array ensures least airflow resistance which allows cooler air flow into the heat sink
- RGB LED controller: The wired RGB LED controller allows for customizable colors and effects with just the touch of a button
- Smart Fan sensor for jam protection: Never worry about your cables getting snagged or components being mucked up ever again
- Snap and play: Intuitive fan bracket design makes upgrading and removing the fan a breeze
This cooler master will top our list of the best CPU cooler for i9-9900K. It is an air cooler with four heat pipes with exclusive direct contact technology, which provides outstanding heat dissipation. In addition, it has a stacked fin array that ensures there is no airflow resistance, hence allowing cooler air into the heat sink.
With this CPU cooler, you can customize colors and effects due to the RGB LED controller. It also features a smart fan sensor for jam protection, your cables will always have the protection they need, and you will not have to complain about your components being mucked up or even about cables getting snagged.
You can easily remove and upgrade a fan as it is simple. This Hyper cooler for i9-9900k is compatible with various intel, making it a great choicer for the CPI cooler. In addition, this new Hyper 212 is outfitted with a water block that makes heat dissipation more efficient.
2. Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, CPU Cooler
- Socket compatibility AMD: AM5 / AM4
- Socket compatibility Intel: 1700 / 1200 / 2066 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 2011(-3) Square ILM
- Two virtually inaudible silent Wings PWM fans
- Funnel-shaped frame of the front fan for high air pressure
- Achieves only 24.3Db(a) at maximum fan speed
If you were looking for the quietest CPU cooler for i9 9900K, you just found it. It features two virtually inaudible silent wings PWM fans with smooth six-pole motors, advanced fluid-dynamic bearings, and airflow optimized fan blades. The front fan also has a funnel-shaped frame for high air pressure, making this CPU cooler more efficient in cooling.
Your overlocked systems and the demanding graphics applications are not compromised as this Dark Rock achieves low temperatures even when the CPU is under peak performance. The highly advanced design of dark rock makes it super-efficient. It has seven copper heat pipes to minimize heat conductance. In addition, the wave contoured cooling fins have small dots on their surfaces to optimize airflow, hence increasing air circulation.
It is black coated with ceramic particles, which makes a perfect heat transfer possible. This CPU cooler has two pre-installed fans. However, you can add another 120mm fan to increase cooling efficiency.
3. Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler
- State-of-the-art dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes and 2 fans provides class-leading cooling performance for overclocking or near-silent systems
- Successor of the classic NH-D14; more than 250 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines
- 2 highly optimised NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1700 (LGA17xx family) LGA1200, LGA115x, LGA2011, LGA2066 and AMD AM4 & AM5
- Renowned Noctua quality backed up by 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, deluxe choice for Intel Core i9, i7, i5, i3 (e.g. 12900K, 12700K, 12600K) and AMD Ryzen (e.g. 7950X, 7900X, 7700X, 7600X)
This Noctua NH-D15 CPU cooler has a dual tower design with six heat pipes and two fans to provide the most outstanding cooling performance for near-silent systems or overlocking. The two fans are optimized NF-A15 140mm with PWM support and adaptors with low noise for automatic speed control.
If you want to buy the best CPU cooler for i9-9900K, try this Noctua NH D15, and you will love it. Although it is bulky and heavy, the level of its performance demands a thick heatsink with wide heat pipes. In addition, it is designed to allow for RAM modules higher than 32mm, with the removal of the front fan.
The heatsink of this Noctua CPU cooler allows the fans to be tilted, improving the system’s cooling efficiency and making the fans’ operation run smoothly.
4. Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro RGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
- Customizable RGB backlit pump head produces vivid lighting effects to match your build. Air flow - 47. 3 CFM. Noise level - 25. 0 decibels
- Powered by magnetic Levitation: three Low-Noise 120mm ML series magnetic Levitation PWM fans deliver incredible airflow and produce just 20 dB of noise at full speed
- Powerful software: Corsair iCUE software allows you to adjust RGB lighting, individual fan speeds, and pump speed while monitoring CPU and coolant temperatures
- Zero RPM mode: zero RPM cooling profiles allow fans to stop entirely at low temperatures, completely eliminating fan noise
- Compatible Sockets: Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 and AMD AM2, AM3, AM4, FM1, FM2.
Corsair liquid CPU cooler is powered by Magnetic Levitation (ML); it uses three low noise 120mm ML series PWM fans that deliver amazing airflow and produce only 20dB of noise when running at full speed. In addition, Corsair liquid cooler features powerful iCUE software that allows you to adjust RGB lighting, pump speed, and individual fan speeds while monitoring CPU and coolant temperatures.
This AIO cooler features a customizable RGB backlit pump head that produces incredible lighting effects to match your build. In addition, the zero RPM mode allows fans to stop completely at low temperatures, hence eliminating fan noise.
The fans measure 4.7 by 0.9 inches, while the AIO liquid cooler measures approximately 19 by 6 by 7.5 inches and weighs only 5.4 pounds.
5. Scythe Fuma 2 Air CPU Cooler
- 15% better in performance to noise ratio, FUMA2 has reached itself to next level. Dual heatsinks and fans accelerate and enhance heat dissipation for top-tier performance. 6 x 6mm heatpipes and copper plate base ensure heat from CPU and drop temps. Ideal for mainstream, gaming PC, even overclocking with high TDP processor(9900k, 9700k, 9600k,3700x, 3800x, 3900x, 3950x).
- Asymmetrical design allows unrestricted use of any front RAM slot, and cut-out fin design gives clearance(55mm) of rear RAM slot(LGA2011/2066). Standing only 155mm tall, the cooler fits most PC case on the market.
- Using Kaze Flex 120mm quiet fan(Fluid Dynamic Bearing), FUMA2 use two different thickness(25mm & 15mm) PWM fans rotating in opposite direction. This generates higher static pressure as well as stable airflow thus pushing cooling performance to maximum while keeping silent operation. Addition fan clips is included to add 3rd fan.
- Premium HPMS III is easy-to-install and secure for socket INTEL LGA 775, 1150/1151/1155/1156, 1200, 1366, 2011(V3)Square ILM, 2066 Square ILM & AMD AM2(+), AM3(+), AM4, FM1, FM2(+). This mounting system gives precise contact pressure to CPU and support most popular sockets and motherboards on the market.
- Product dimension: (W)137 x (D)131 x (H)154.5mm, Weight: 1000g. Included thermal compound paste and Y fan cable for installing both fans on one CPU fan header.
Scythe CPU air cooler is one of the best for i9-9900K, and it is compatible with other processors like 9700, 9600, 3700, 3800, 3950, and 3900. Its dual heatsinks and fans accelerate and enhance heat transfer for exemplary performance. The temperature drop is achieved by the 6 by 6 mm heat pipes and copper plate base.
It is asymmetrically designed, allowing unrestricted use of any front RAM slot, and the cut-out fin design gives clearance of the rear RAM slot. In addition, this cooler fits most PC cases on the market as it stands only 155mm tall.
Scythe air cooling device uses a Kaze flex quiet fan and two PMW fans with a different thickness that rotates in opposite directions, leading to the generation of higher static pressure. It also creates a stable airflow, thus maximizing the cooling performance in a quiet operation. It also has fan clips that add a third fan.
It is easy to install and secure, and it gives precise contact pressure to the CPU and supports the most popular sockets and motherboards on the market. It weighs 1000g and measures 137 by 131 by 154.5mm, width by depth by height.
What to Consider When Getting the Best CPU Cooler for i9 9900K
a). Air or Liquid?
We already discussed the types of CPU coolers available, and we saw the differences. Therefore, if you are still unsure about buying, remember that liquid CPU coolers are more efficient and quieter. However, they are also more expensive. In addition, the air coolers are not as great as liquid coolers, and they are a little louder. Nevertheless, they are more affordable than their liquid counterparts.
b). Fit
Regardless of the type of cooler you select, the fit is an important factor to consider. Ensure that the cooler and the processor are compatible to give you an easy time when installing it. You can easily tell if they are compatible as manufacturers list the upper limits for CPU coolers, so before buying the cooler, check for compatibility. The manufacturers also indicate their product dimensions to know the exact size of the product before buying it.
c). Dimensions
Fans have different dimensions and different clearance requirements. For example, CPU coolers with low profiles require little clearance, and they do not block RAM slots, neither will they rest too close to the walls. On the other hand, dual-tower fans are very efficient. However, they are also extremely bulky. Therefore, it is only wise to measure the clearance space available if you plan to buy one of them.
d). Noise Levels
Liquid coolers are loop and quiet, and you don’t have to worry about noise levels. If you have many fans running at a high RPM, you won’t have to worry about your CPU, it will be okay, but the case won’t. A larger and quieter fan can help you avoid such problems. However, most gamers use headphones, so the noise may not be an issue to them. To listen to standard audio, you will need to ensure your fan is not excessively loud.
e). PMW vs. DC vs. Molex
The functionality of a fan is described using the terms mentioned. PMW is an acronym for pulse width modification, and it can be adjusted to your liking, and you can change the RPM to lower the volume. DC fans are a version of PWM that barely slows down to 40% of the maximum volume RPM. On the other hand, Molex fans do not allow customization; they run at maximum capacity or remain stationary. Generally, they are the loudest. However, they are also the least expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best CPU Cooler for i9 9900K.
1. Is the i9 9900k good for streaming?
The Core i7-9700K and i9-9900K CPUs are great streaming choices even when streaming videos up to 1080p.
2. Is the Intel i9-9900K a powerful processor?
The Intel i9-9900K processor is extremely powerful. It is a 14nm chip with 14 threads and eight cores. However, this processor runs hot, and that is why you need a CPU cooler to ensure the temperatures are under control. It is only then that the processor will work with maximum efficiency.
3. Do you need thermal paste for core i9-9900K?
If you want better thermals during stock speeds and extreme overclocking, you should always use a good thermal paste with core i9-9900K.
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