A high-end PC builder can’t resist spending money on CPUs, motherboards, GPUs, and other flashy components that make their machine fast and unique. Even the most powerful computers will fail if they aren’t paired with the proper CPU cooling.
During processing, the CPU is prone to overheating. The hotter it gets, the more labor you have to do. The CPU can shut down or decrease its clock speed if not adequately cooled. Consequently, the necessity for a cooling system for the CPU emerged to keep it operating at its peak efficiency.
More powerful systems with more competent CPUs like the Intel Core i5-11600K ( Amazon ) are developing due to the recent computer hardware progress to meet the utmost performance requirements demanded during strenuous gaming.
Increasingly, manufacturers are providing methods for overclocking the CPU to even higher rates than the basic speeds, which even the standard cooling could not manage.
To keep these high-performance computers working smoothly and prevent the CPU from overheating, they need cooling power. As a result, a CPU cooler may assist in extending the life of the processor by reducing the effects of heat stress.
If you’re looking for the best CPU cooler for your i5 11600k, here are some simple recommendations to assist you.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Dimension and Clearance: The most important factor while searching for a CPU cooler is to check its compatibility with your CPU, and its dimensions match your system’s available margins. You must also see that the cooler fits comfortably on the CPU without touching any other component like RAMs or VRM heat sinks, or the case panels. If the dimensions are out, it will cause more harm than benefit.
Cooling Capacity: The next important thing is the cooling capacity of the CPU cooler. The heat dissipation capacity of the cooler must be greater than the maximum TDP of the CPU for optimum performance. For extreme overclocking, this requirement is even greater. The air-based CPU cooler’s cooling capacity depends on the number of fans and flow of air. In liquid coolers, it is dependent on the number of radiators.
Noise: As the CPU load increases, the heat generation increases, which signals the cooler to work harder by increasing its fan speed. Higher fan speed equates to higher noise, which may be a problem for some people. If you are anxious about noise, you may opt for quieter liquid coolers or find air coolers with low noise fans.
RGBs: Nowadays, performance or productivity is not the only thing people look for while building their rig, and aesthetics is one big part. If you admire the art within designing your rig, you can find appealing CPU coolers with customizable RGB fans or lighting for a pleasant appearance and unique expression.
Best CPU Coolers for i5-11600K at a glance:
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition
- Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
- be quiet! Dark Rock 4
- Corsair Hydro H100x
- Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240
- EVGA CLC 280
- DEEPCOOL Castle 280EX
- Arctic Freezer 50
The Best CPU Coolers for i5-11600K You Can Buy Today
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition
Best Value CPU Cooler for i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 120mm x 79.6mm x 158.8mm | Fans: 1 x 120 x 25 mm RGB | Fan Speed: 650 - 2000 RPM | Weight: 0.7 Kg | Socket Support: 115x, 1366, 2011x, 2066, FM2, FM1, AM2, AM3, AM4 | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ An additional fan can be installed
✓ 4-pin RGB and speed control fan header
✓ FP120 Silencio fan for lower noise levels
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ A bit noisy with RGB fan variant
✗ Struggles in extreme overclocking
It’s no surprise that heat pipe coolers have been a popular option for overclockers and high-end gamers for the last decade.
M Hyper 212 Black Edition is a high-end CPU cooler from Cooler Master. Nickel-plated cooling fins and a brushed aluminum top plate make it appear and perform better than any other cooler in Corsair’s hyper series.
RGB and Stealth versions are available. There are two versions: one with an RGB fan and a 120mm Silencio quiet fan for a low-profile footprint. To keep the temperature of the 11600K CPU below 100 degrees celsius at all times, we ran our test using a fan that delivered an impressive 57.3 CFM of airflow per minute.
The cooler is a good fit; however, being a heat pipe cooler, it has its limits in severe overclocking. Generally speaking, though, the best CPU Cooler for i5-11600K can give an acceptable performance with most high-end CPUs while also being the best value for money.
Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
Best Air Cooler for i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 160 x 150 x 135 mm | Fans: 1 x 120 x 25 mm| Fan Speed: 300 to 1500 RPM | Weight: 1.15 Kg | Socket Support: Intel LGA 775 – LGA 2066; AMD AM2 – AM3+, FM1 – FM2+ | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Low noise adapter
✓ Extended RAM clearance of up to 65mm
✓ One of the most prolonged warranty period
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Large in size
✗ Single fan as compared to NH-D15 version
Noctua NH-D15S Chromax Black is a blacked-out version of the famous Noctua NH-D15S high-performance silent coolers. Except for the color, there isn’t any performance difference between the two.
In addition to the fan in the center, it has an asymmetrical dual-tower heatsink design to accommodate a more extensive range of motherboards. Additionally, it may be used in circumstances where traditional dual-tower coolers would not, such as micro-ATX and tiny ITX systems
Because of its greater heat spreader clearance of 65mm, it can also accommodate high-performance RAM modules. The NH-D15S only has a single fan compared to two fans in the NH-D15 model; a modest drop in thermal performance may be predicted. Because of this, the low-noise adaptor restricts the fan’s rotational speed to 1200 revolutions per minute (rpm).
The performance of this cooler is outstanding, however. In the Intel Burn test, the CPU temperature was maintained below 60C at full load and peak clock speed, substantially better than what most heat pipe coolers can accomplish. It is the Best CPU cooler for the i5 11600K because of its attractive design, outstanding cooling performance, and ease of installation.
be quiet! Dark Rock 4
Best Overall CPU Cooler for i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 74 x 136 x 160 mm | Fans: 1 x 135 mm | Fan Speed: 600-1400 rpm | Weight: 0.92 Kg | Socket Support: 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1366, 2011(-3), 2066, AM2(+), AM3(+), AM4, FM1, FM2(+) | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Super quiet operation
✓ 200W TDP Cooling capacity
✓ Support additional fan installation
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Slightly reduced RAM compatibility
✗ It doesn’t support some AMD processors
As the name suggests, Be quiet! Dark Rock 4 is a high-end, top-of-the-line super silent CPU cooler, stacking just below the Dark Rock Pro 4 version. It offers an outstanding cooling of 200W TDP and is more suitable for high-end workstations and hardcore gaming rigs with high-end CPUs and is the best CPU Cooler for i5-11600K.
It offers a super quiet operation with just 21.4 dB noise (just like the rustling of leaves) even at the highest fan speed. This outstandingly low noise level is achieved by optimizing airflow, contoured fan blades, and anti-vibration pads for the fan. Due to its symmetrical design and a protruding fan outside the CPU boundary may limit some RAM sizes.
In our benchmark testing (Prime95), the Cooler kept the CPU below 64C at maximum load and fans at full speed. This temperature goes up to 79C if the fan is reduced to 50% speed. The results indicate that the cooler offers superior cooling performance and keeps the CPU at very reasonable temperatures at higher loads while maintaining a whisper-quiet operation.
Corsair Hydro H100x
Best 240mm AIO Cooler for i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 275 x 120 x 27 mm | Fans: 2 x 120 mm x 25 mm| Fan Speed: 600-1700 rpm | Weight: 0.675 Kg | Socket Support: 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066, AMD AM4, AM3, AM2 | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Extreme performance
✓ AIO (All in One) solution
✓ Fans can go up to 1700 rpm
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Noisy at high speeds
✗ No In-built RGB lighting
Corsair is famous for its All In One liquid cooling solutions due to their excellent performance in extreme builds, superior build quality, and competitive prices. Corsair Hydro H100x is the latest edition in the H100 legacy and offers even superior thermal performance than before, and is the best CPU Cooler for i5-11600K in a top-performing gaming rig with extreme overclocking.
The cooler comes with a massive 240mm aluminum radiator with a dual 120mm fan attached, which does all the magic. The CPU block is relatively compact than the previous iteration and offers better RAM clearance than before. The coolers performed as expected in our overclocking tests and maintained the CPU around 57C at peak speeds, which is better than most high-end coolers.
Although its cooling performance is undoubtedly the best, this comes at the cost of a higher noise level during operation (around 37dB). It isn’t a deal-breaker, but if you are bothered by the noise, it can easily reduce that by simply replacing the stock fan with a silent one. Overall, this cooler puts many premium and more expensive coolers to shame and is worth buying when it comes to raw thermal performance.
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240
Best CPU Cooler for Overclocking the i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38 mm | Fans: 2 x 120 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 200-1800 rpm | Weight: 1.191 Kg | Socket Support: 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 Square ILM, AMD4 | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Large RAM clearance
✓ Two-pass Cross Flow design
✓ CPU block boasts a 40mm fan for VRM cooling
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ A little Louder
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 won the best CPU cooler award for 2020 by the European Hardware Awards. It is an enthusiast-level AIO cooler that effortlessly performs even with the most powerful CPUs and dissipates over 200W of heat smoothly and efficiently. The Freezer II comes in 240 and 420 variants, the number denoting the radiator size.
The Freezer II 240 comes with a 240mm radiator with a two-pass cross-flow design and two fans, which provides better thermal performance than one can ask. Even in the most extreme overclocking, the cooler never struggles to cool the CPU. In our Intel CPU Burn test, the temp averaged around 50C while never going beyond 58C and easily outperform its competitors.
The noise level of this cooler is a bit on the higher side (around 35 dB) which is expected as it’s essentially a high-performance cooler and silent operation is not its primary feature. The CPU block is different from competitors as it contains a 40mm small fan for cooling motherboard circuitry, including VRMs. Due to its high performance in overclocking setups, it is the best CPU Cooler for i5 11600K.
EVGA CLC 280
Best 280mm AIO Cooler for i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 312 x 139 x 27 mm| Fans: 2 x 140 x 25 mm | Fan Speed: 600-2200 rpm | Weight: 0.997 Kg | Socket Support: LGA20XX, 1200, 115X, 1366, AM2, AM3, AM4, FM1, FM2, TR4 | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Large 280mm radiator
✓ Customizable RGB lighting
✓ Super speed 2200 rpm fans
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Extra clearance required for the larger radiator
If you don’t have the money to build yourself a custom-loop liquid cooling system for your high-performance rig, then EVGA CLC 280 All in One (AIO) liquid cooler is the right choice for you. It provides ample cooling to cool an overclocked CPU without breaking a sweat and is very easy to install.
As the name suggests, it packs a comprehensive 280mm radiator with dual FX13 140mm fans attached to it. The fans can reach an impressive 2200 rpm depending on the CPU temperature, ensuring optimum cooling even in the most intense workload or extreme overclocking. As the fans speed up to keep the CPU below 55C under full load, it makes the noise, but it is capped at around 39dB and doesn’t make you very uncomfortable.
It offers wider compatibility for most of the latest Intel as well AMD CPUs. RAM clearance is sufficient due to a smaller CPU block, though its bigger radiator needs more space and may be a problem in some smaller case sizes. Overall it is a reasonable and cost-effective alternative to custom cooling loops for high-end performance rigs and is the best CPU Cooler for i5-11600K.
DEEPCOOL Castle 280EX
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 322 × 138 × 27 mm | Fans: 2 x 140 x 25 mm| Fan Speed: 400-1600 rpm | Weight: 1.6 Kg | Socket Support: LGA20XX, LGA 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, LGA1366, TRX4, TR4, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Massive fan output of 97 CFM
✓ Skived fins for higher thermal efficiency
✓ Anti leakage technology promotes safety
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Fans are loud
✗ Bulky pump housing
Deep cool is famous for its enthusiast-centered, reliable, and robust heat sinks, fans, power supplies, and AIO liquid coolers. DEEPCOOL Castle 280EX is another example of its craftsmanship, furnished with the patented Anti leakage technology that, with the help of its pressure relief device, prevents leakage and ensures operational safety at all times. It packs a 280mm radiator made with heat resistant and anti-corrosive material ensuring reliability and longevity.
Its 140mm dual fans are specially designed to ensure maximum flow and heat extraction and deliver a massive 97 CFM of airflow at the maximum speed of 1600 rpm. Noise is an issue with high-efficiency coolers with dual fan designs, but it manages to keep it below 38dB even under the highest loads. Moreover, the radiator uses the skived fins manufacturing, ensuring the best thermal conductivity between the CPU and the radiator.
The Castle 280EX is easy on the eyes with customizable RGB lighting compatible with most motherboard brands. It also kept the CPU (8700K) temp below 55C at full loads and 73C at the maximum overclocked speed of 4.8 GHz. Its exceptional performance, state-of-the-art anti-leakage technology, and beautiful RGBs make it the best CPU Cooler for i5 11600K in all AIO coolers.
Arctic Freezer 50
Quietest CPU Cooler for i5-11600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 148 x 150 x 166 mm | Fans: 1 x 120 mm, 1 x 140 mm | Fan Speed: | Weight: 1.26 Kg | Socket Support: 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011(-3), AM4 | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Long 6-year warranty
✓ Quietest cooler out there
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Inability to change fan
✗ RAM larger than 37.5mm cannot be mounted
As the latest CPUs are becoming more and more powerful and overclocking becoming a new norm, the pressure to catch up is immense on the cooler manufacturers. Moreover, enthusiasts are demanding premium features like quieter operation to be part of their cooler in addition to exquisite looks and exceptional performance. Fortunately, Arctic Freezer 50 fulfills all of their needs and then some.
Arctic Freezer 50 claims to be the quietest AIO liquid cooler out there. In our full load CPU test, the cooler managed to take a respectable position among competitors with the lower noise and still managed to perform exceptionally well and kept CPU temp below 65C. Like most CPU coolers, it also comes with minor annoyances. It offers limited RAM clearance of 37.5mm, restricting a few massive RAM sizes like the G-Skill Trident overclocked series, but there are alternatives.
Overall it’s a reasonable choice for most people requiring quieter operation in their high-end rigs for a fully immersive experience while enjoying their favorite action-packed game or doing some highly productive work requiring immense focus. Moreover, its customizable RGBs can add tons of charm to your rig. Conclusively it is the best CPU Cooler for i5 11600K for quieter yet powerful cooling.
Conclusion
Core i5- 11600K is an 11th gen high-end Intel Processor packing six cores and 12 threads. It has faster single-core performance and graphics performance than its predecessors due to higher IPC and PCIe 4.0. It is most suitable for high-end gaming rigs and requires a suitably efficient cooler to cool its immense heat during full-load operation. The most efficient yet reasonably priced heat pipe cooler is none other than Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black offers performance with swag and sufficiently cools the 11600K to keep it up and running optimally.
If you are a delicate and exquisite person and require a quieter yet powerful CPU cooler that sits neatly in your rig, don’t go further than the Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4. It packs a striking balance between performance, noise, and elegance. It can effortlessly cool a massive 200W of TDP load without irritating you with its noise and is the best CPU Cooler for i5-11600K. Most users who want a budget cooler that does its job effectively go for the pocket-friendly Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition that can keep your CPU cool in all scenarios other than overclocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU cooler should I get for i5-11600K?
i5-11600K has a TDP of 125W. A cooler with a higher heat transfer rate than the max TDP of the CPU will do the job. If you get a CPU cooler with lower thermal capacity, it will not adequately cool the CPU and make it resort to lower speeds or even damage it. Corsair Hydro H100x is a no-brainer, as it has a higher cooling capacity and can effortlessly cool the 11600K.
Which cooler is best for i5-11600K?
The best CPU Cooler for i5 11600K is Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 that offers superior cooling performance even during extreme overclocking and ultimate loads. It has a massive 200W of TDP cooling capacity, easily maintains the CPU temperature within limits, and packs a 40mm VRM cooling fan.
Does i5-11600K comes with cooler?
It doesn’t come with a stock cooler. As i5-11600K has an unlocked multiplier, the stock cooler usually comes with CPUs with limited capabilities that don’t entirely cool it at peak loads. So an aftermarket cooler like DEEPCOOL Castle 280EX is required that truly understands its needs and fulfills them accordingly while maintaining safe and reliable operation with its anti-leakage technology.
Does i5-11600K need a cooler?
CPU is sophisticated equipment with millions of high-performing transistors packed in very tiny space. This generates a lot of heat during operation and if not cooled and maintained within limits, may damage the CPU. Similarly, 11600K is a high-end gaming CPU with a TDP of 125W and more during overclocking, requiring a CPU cooler such as EVGA CLC 280 that cools it efficiently even at extreme loads. It is the best CPU Cooler for i5-11600K
Does Intel i5 have stock cooler?
The cooler that comes with the Core i5-12400F looks to be based on the Laminar RM1’s design, at least on first glance. We’re looking at a spiral heatsink with aluminium fins and what looks to be a blue LED strip surrounding the fan. The cooling fan feeds from a normal 4-pin fan connector.
