The CPU is one of the most essential pieces of equipment of your build. It controls all the communication and data processing and sends instructions to all parts of the PC. It’s the brain of your computer. Since it’s so compact yet so powerful, it generates a lot of heat that needs to be dissipated to prevent burn up or slowdowns. Here comes the need for a CPU cooler. CPU coolers come in basically two types, liquid-cooled and air-cooled, both having their pros and cons. Whichever cooler you buy, make sure it meets all your requirements and budget and adequately cools your CPU to prevent damage.
Intel Core i5 10600K ( Amazon ) is a six-core 12 thread CPU that boasts a top speed of 4.8 GHz. It is a high-end gaming CPU that is popular among the gaming community due to its stable overclocking, higher single-core performance than the previous-gen, and superior multi-core performance. Being a high-performance CPU, its TDP ranges between 125W to 220W at peak loads that require a suitable high-performance CPU cooler to tame this beast and let you enjoy the ultimate experience 10600K has to offer.
Now that we fully understand the importance of a CPU cooler, let’s look into some quick shopping tips for buying the best CPU cooler for i5-10600k that fits your requirements.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Clearance: CPU coolers come in all sizes, so be sure to check its dimensions match your PC case allowed tolerances, and it isn’t too big for the case. Moreover, the size of the cooler also limits taller RAM sizes to be installed. So make sure to opt for a CPU cooler with sufficient RAM clearance to fit your favorite high-performance RAM on the slot.
Thermal Performance: It is the most essential factor to look out for, as it will make or break your CPU. Always buy a cooler with sufficient cooling capacity to match your CPUs maximum TDP (Thermal Design Power). Moreover, if you plan on overclocking your CPU, then the heat dissipation can be twice as much at peak frequencies, so choose accordingly.
Noise Level: With more powerful CPUs in the market and increased cooling demands, CPU coolers usually use multiple fans or higher speed fans to increase airflow and promote better cooling. This results in more noise, which can be annoying. Numerous options are available for silent operation lovers, from quieter fans to low noise liquid coolers that are barely noticeable.
Aesthetics: Who doesn’t want their build to look good? Nowadays, manufacturers offer state-of-the-art designs with numerous charming features like customizable RGB fans, enlightened CPU blocks, etc., to make their product stand out. If you want to make your build classy and elegant, you can look out for these features for additional value.
Best CPU Coolers for i5 10600K at a glance:
- Noctua NH-D15
- DeepCool AS500
- be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
- Scythe Big Shuriken 3
- Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240
- EVGA CLC 280
- Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
- Corsair H150i PRO RGB
The Best CPU Coolers for i5 10600K You Can Buy Today
Noctua NH-D15
Best Overall Air Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 165 x 150 x 161 mm | Fans: 140 x 150 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 300-1500 RPM | Socket Support: Intel LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 & AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4 | Weight: 1.32 Kg | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ LDA (Low Noise Adapter)
✓ Multi socket mounting system
✓ Two high speed large 150mm fans
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Lower RAM clearance (32mm)
✗ Due to taller heatsink may not fit in some compact rigs
Noctua NH-D15 is the newest iteration of the popular NH-14 version that was famous for its excellent performance. NH-15 comes with larger (150mm as compared to 140mm) high-speed fans and even better performance than before. These fans are specially designed to offer better airflow without a significant increase in noise level. NH-15 produces a massive 82.5 CFM of airflow as compared to the 64.9 CFM of its predecessor.
NH-15 offers a striking balance between performance and noise. It also offers a low noise adapter (LDA), optimizing the fan speed to even quieter operation at slightly reduced airflow. So you can enjoy serenity during your moderately higher workloads or casual gaming or put on the performance mode when you need every bit of juice sucked out of your CPU to get the best possible FPS playing an action-packed game.
NH-15 offers a mediocre RAM clearance of 32mm, sufficient for standard height RAMs, but it would not accommodate taller RAM modules. Although, you would probably never use those. Conclusively it’s a nice, well-balanced heat pipe CPU cooler with excellent performance, broader compatibility, and lower noise than most high-end CPU coolers and is undoubtedly the best CPU cooler for i5 10600k overall.
DeepCool AS500
Best Budget Air Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 142×98×164 mm | Fans: 140 x 140 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 500-1200 RPM | Socket Support: Intel LGA2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 | Weight: 1.03 Kg | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ A-RGB controller
✓ Slim profile for maximum RAM clearance
✓ Super silent 140mm high-performance fan
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ May limit expansion slot in older motherboards
✗ Taller heatsink design(164mm) that may not fit in smaller PC cases
Deepcool is famous in the gaming industry due to its reliable and sturdy heatsinks, AIO liquid coolers, power supplies, and fans. DeepCool AS500 is another iteration of its top-quality coolers suitable for the enthusiast market. It has one of the slimmest heatsinks and is attached to a smart 140mm fan for maximum RAM clearance and utmost compatibility.
The heatsink consists of 6 heat pipes that can cool up to an impressive 220W of heat generated by the CPU. It is the best CPU cooler for i5-10600k as it can quickly cool the i5 10600K even at the maximum overclocked speed without a hitch. Although it has excellent RAM clearance in older motherboards, it slightly blocks the first expansion slot, but that won’t be a problem in newer motherboards as this slot is reserved for M.2 drives, which are smaller in size.
The cooling fan is a unique high-performance fan with a low noise profile built into the design. It delivers a massive 70.81 CFM of airflow while keeping the noise under 26 dB. Moreover, an A-RGB controller is provided to control the top plate LEDs and add to the style. Overall it’s an excellent heat pipe cooler near to liquid coolers performance and quiet operation and is best for people who want a bit of both at a bargain price.
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Best Silent Air Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 74 x 136 x 160 mm | Fans: 1 x 135 mm | Fan Speed: 600-1400 rpm | Socket Support: 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1366, 2011(-3), 2066, AM2(+), AM3(+), AM4, FM1, FM2(+) | Weight: 0.92 Kg | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Low noise operation
✓ An extra fan can be attached
✓ Superior design and classy looks
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Mounting could be easier
✗ Reduced AMD CPUs compatibility
Be quiet is a well-known brand in the air cooler industry with an excellent reputation for making one of the quietest CPU coolers. It offers a respectable 200W of heat dissipation capacity suitable for most high-end CPUs performing at peak loads with moderate overclocking. It is the most suitable choice for high-end Intel CPUs with decent performance and quieter operation.
The be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 has a dual heat sink design with a super silent 135mm fan in the middle. The fan is specially designed for maximum airflow with a maximum noise level of 21.6 dB at full speed. This exceptionally lower noise profile is achieved by optimizing blades, motors, and bearings. Although it offers significant cooling flow, an additional fan is attached for greater airflow if you plan for extreme overclocking.
It performed as expected in our testing, and delivered consistent performance, and maintained the CPU temp within limits at higher loads. However, it starts to struggle a bit with overclocking above a certain level. It is mainly focused on high-end but not extreme gaming rigs and workstations. Its main selling point is its super low noise profile coupled with a decent performance and a competitive price that makes it the best CPU cooler for i5 10600k.
Scythe Big Shuriken 3
Best Low-Profile Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 122 x 69 x 122 mm | Fans: 120 x 120 x 17 mm | Fan Speed: 300-1800 RPM | Socket Support: Intel LGA 755, 115x, 1366, 2011(v3), 2066, AMD AM2(+), AM(3+), AM4, FM1, FM2(+) | Weight: 0.475 Kg | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Best for general purpose builds
✓ High-precision mounting system
✓ Offset Cutout to increase RAM clearance
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Noisy at peak speeds
✗ Not for overclocked CPUs
Scythe Big Shuriken 3 belongs to the third generation of Big Shuriken heat pipe coolers. It is the lowest profile CPU cooler we have ever seen to fit in the mini-ITX motherboard. With a maximum height of only 69mm, It offers extreme suitability for compact-sized home theatre PCs. Due to the smaller form factor, noise can be a little higher at peak fan speeds.
The cooler consists of a five-pipe heatsink with a super slim 17mm PWM fan that delivers a reasonable 50 CFM of airflow, making it suitable for up to mid-range rigs. It can sufficiently cool a high-end CPU if not pushed to overclocked speeds. If space allows, you can easily replace the fan with a regular 25mm fan for better performance and quieter operation.
The Big 3 performed well above average in our benchmarks and maintained the CPU temp below 64C at stock speeds. The CPU hit thermal limits in overclock test, deeming it unsuitable for overclocking rigs. But that’s beyond the point as this cooler is meant for general-purpose compact-sized rigs suitable for casual gaming or entertainment usage and is the smallest and the best CPU cooler for i5 10600k if you don’t plan to overclock it. It has one of the slimmest heatsinks and is attached to a smart 140mm fan for maximum RAM clearance and utmost compatibility.
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240
Best Overall AIO Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38 mm | Fans: 2 x 120 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 200-1800 rpm | Socket Support: 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066, AMD4 | Weight: 1.191 Kg | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Practical design
✓ Extra RAM clearance
✓ Extended six-year warranty
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Higher than expected noise
✗ No support for AMD Thread Ripper
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 belongs to enthusiast-centered AIO liquid coolers famous for their superior performance and silent operation. Liquid Freezer II has five variants depending on the radiator size and cooling fans, the smallest with a single fan and a 120mm radiator. The largest is with a 420mm radiator and three cooling fans. The most popular is Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240, offering a balance between performance and size.
Liquid Freezer II 240 packs a dual-pass radiator design with crossflow for highly efficient thermal performance. It connects to a durable dual nylon hose that extends to the CPU block. The CPU block is unlike what you have seen in other coolers. It offers a 40mm VRM fan to cool the power stage modules and motherboard circuitry. The radiator fans can reach a max of 1800 RPM at peak loads, and each one delivers a massive 56.3 CFM of airflow.
Liquid Freezer II 240 is the most sensible choice for enthusiasts and extreme gamers. It is the best CPU cooler for i5 10600k due to its excellent cooling performance at extreme overclocking speeds. It keeps the CPU within a suitable temperature range (below 58C) even in the most demanding scenarios.
EVGA CLC 280
Best Budget AIO Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 312 x 139 x 27 mm | Fans: 2 x 140 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 600-2200 rpm| Socket Support: LGA20XX, 1200, 115X, 1366, AM2, AM3, AM4, FM1, FM2, TR4 | Weight: 0.997 Kg | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ RGB Illumination
✓ Massive cooling capacity
✓ Customizable/replaceable fans
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Large size radiator
✗ Noise slightly above expectation
EVGA is a renowned and respectable gaming equipment manufacturer with products ranging from graphics cards, power supplies to CPU coolers. EVGA CLC is one of the best AIO (All in One) coolers offering two variants, 120mm radiator and 280mm radiator, the former featuring a single fan while the latter a dual fan. For extreme rigs and enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one solution, EVGA CLC 280 is the most reasonable choice.
CLC 280 offers excellent cooling performance that we usually find in custom liquid cooling solutions. It has sufficient capacity to tame even the best CPUs pushed to their maximum limits. It packs dual 140mm low noise fans that deliver a massive 113 CFM of airflow to cool the radiator. The radiator via CPU block keeps the CPU below 55C even in the most intense workloads and extreme overclocked speeds.
The main selling point of CLC 280 is its massive cooling power that can cool even the most powerful CPUs and doesn’t cost too much. Moreover, it offers exceptional compatibility for Intel and AMD CPUs and maximum RAM clearance owing to a smaller CPU block, making it the best CPU cooler for i5-10600k offered within a reasonable price tag.
Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
Best RGB AIO Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 322 x 137 x 27 mm | Fans: 2 x 140 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 400-2000 RPM | Socket Support: Intel 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066, AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4 | Weight: 0.98 Kg | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Hassle-free installation
✓ Wider Intel and AMD processors compatibility
✓ Customizable RGB and AIO monitoring with iCUE software
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No USB Type-A adapter for PWM pump
✗ Marginally better performance than 240mm coolers
Corsair has launched its newer AIO liquid coolers in the market, one having a 240mm radiator(H100i) while the other has a 280mm radiator and is known as Corsair H115i RGB Platinum. The H115i is the bigger and better version owing to its 27% larger radiator than the 240mm radiator and bigger 140mm dual fans. H115i features an Astek generation 5 pump, famous in the industry for many years due to its robust performance and customizable RGBs.
One significant advantage of H115i is its customizable and controllable fans, pump speeds, and other peripherals with iCUE software, making it accessible and easier for customizing cooling profiles as per your need. Its cooling is also respectable even though it’s not exceptional. In our CPU stress test, the cooler kept the CPU below 70C at 100% loads at Extreme profile but the cost of greater noise. The noise level is pretty acceptable in silent mode but at the cost of a bit higher CPU temperature.
IT all boils down to the user to tinker and choose the best profile according to his needs for optimum results and the right balance between performance and noise. Conclusively H115i is a well-balanced cooler with good thermal performance, acceptable noise level, and beautiful RGBs. It is a suitable choice for most high-end CPUs due to its excellent compatibility in Intel and AMD alike and is the best CPU cooler for i5 10600k.
Corsair H150i PRO RGB
Best Silent AIO Cooler for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 396 x 120 x 27 mm | Fans: 3 x 120 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 600-1600 RPM | Socket Support: Intel 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066, AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4 | Weight: 0.96 Kg | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Customizable RGBs
✓ Customizable cooling profiles
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Expensive
Corsair H150i PRO RGB is the largest All-in-One liquid cooler by Corsair, famous for its lower noise operation, respectable performance, and good looks. It boasts a 360mm radiator with triple 120mm fans. These fans belong to the ML (Magnetic Levitation) series and are super quiet and efficient, producing just 26dB at full speed.
Although H150i has lower noise levels than most coolers, if you are tired of fans running all the time, then don’t be worried. H150i Pro also features a Zero RPM mode that shuts down the fans when they are not needed, as the radiator is fully capable of dissipating heat at lower loads without fan support.
Customization is never an issue with high-end Corsair coolers. H150i features software-controlled (iCUE), fully customizable fan and pump profiles, and RGB patterns. Overall it’s a nicely balanced package with excellent cooling, lower noise, wider compatibility, and easier customization, making it the best CPU cooler for i5-10600k.
Conclusion
Core i5 10600K is a high-end CPU with an exceptional single-core and superior multi-thread performance. It needs optimum cooling for best performance and requires a high-performance CPU Cooler. The best CPU cooler for i5 10600k with the most premium features and exceptional performance is Corsair H150i PRO RGB with a massive combined flow of 148 CFM and low noise ML fans. It also features a zero-noise mode that is rarely found in AIO coolers. If you are not worried about money, this is the best CPU cooler you can get right now.
The most balanced CPU cooler with sufficient cooling, acceptable noise level, and the medium price tag is Corsair H115i RGB Platinum. It has a large 280mm radiator and two 140mm fans for excellent cooling. With Corsair LINK (iCUE) software, the AIO cooling profiles (Extreme, Balanced, and Silent) can be monitored and customized depending on your requirements. The best budget yet acceptably performing CPU cooler is DeepCool AS500. It features one of the slimmest heatsinks and packs a smart 140mm fan for broader compatibility, max RAM clearance, and lower noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does i5-10600K comes with cooler?
i5-10600K is a high-end gaming processor with an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. The unlocked processors don’t come with a stock cooler as they are exposed to extreme clock speeds and dissipate more heat than their locked counterparts. DeepCool AS500 is the best CPU cooler for i5 10600k that provides sufficient cooling at all loads and clock speeds and comes at a bargain price.
Which cooler is best for i5-10600K?
Noctua NH-D15 is the best CPU cooler for i5-10600k because of its massive 220W TDP and simplified design. It can efficiently cool the CPU even at high loads and maximum overclocked speeds. Moreover, it’s a balanced cooler with excellent cooling, wider CPU compatibility, sufficient RAM clearance, and lower noise operation.
What CPU cooler should I get for i5 10600K?
It depends on your needs and expectation of your build. If you want a general-purpose build for casual usage and occasional gaming, then no need to buy expensive high-end coolers for your 10600K CPU as it will not need it. Scythe Big Shuriken 3 will serve as a compact-sized CPU cooler in this scenario, offering sufficient cooling for up to stock speeds and is very easy on the pocket.
Is i5-10600K good for gaming?
i5 10600K is a high-performance gaming CPU with six core and 12 threads. It is suitable for high-end gaming PCs and requires equally capable hardware like GPU, Motherboard, and CPU Cooler for best performance. Arctic Liquid Freezer II is the best CPU cooler for i5 10600k if you plan to push it to extremes and achieve the best possible performance it can offer.
