Intel Core i7 10700K ( Amazon ) is a good value for a money processor. It is still overpowered for most games with 08 core and 16 threads. The support for the latest Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 can take this processor to 5.1GHz frequencies. Running high-end games like Minecraft, Among Us, Valorant, and The Last of Us Part 2 would pose no threat to the Core i7 10700K processor. However, it is a 125W TDP processor, and running at such high frequencies results in massive heat production. The produced heat can lead to thermal throttling if not adequately dispersed. To achieve stable operating temperatures, you would need the best CPU cooler for i7 10700K.
There are two main types of coolers: Air-based and liquid-based coolers. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Air-based coolers are more popular as they are easy to set up and fit in almost any case without any specialized vent cutouts for radiators. They have a lower number of moving parts and offer higher operational life. Air coolers are limited by their size and have lower TDP. Liquid coolers are quiet and have tremendous TDP but require specialized cutouts in PC cases for radiators. The number of moving parts and the warranty period is generally lower in liquid coolers. So it’s the user’s decision, and to make the decision making easy, we have some quick shopping tips:
Quick Shopping Tips:
PC case: Liquid cooling requires specialized cutouts to allow radiators to be installed. They can be installed on the front grill or the top portion depending on the size. Air-based coolers are usually huge and take up a significant space over the CPU. The distance between the top of the CPU to the PC case panel is essential when selecting an Air-based cooler; we will call it base height.
TDP: Thermal design power is the theoretical heat energy that the processor will dissipate when operating within its limits. The thermal load increases with overclocking. If you are looking to overclock your CPU, we recommend you go for liquid cooling for some severe overclocking headspace. Air-based coolers can also provide overclocking, but serious enthusiasts would not have much area to play around.
Expensive vs. Budget: We have tried to add diversity to our list of product reviews so that our readers can come to a logical conclusion as per their requirements. Expensive options in our product list are mostly made from high-end material, produce less noise and offer a more extensive warranty time. Budget options have high value for money but produce marginally higher noise and offer a lower warranty. It depends on the user’s pocket who is making a decision.
Aesthetics: We all know how rapidly the computer came from being a highly work-oriented piece of tech to luxuries that speak out style. Instagram-worthy computers are now becoming common, and companies have come up with very reasonably priced options to make your PC look amazing. RGB lighting and color themes should be something critical for some buyers.
Best CPU Cooler for i7 10700K at a glance:
- NZXT Kraken Z73
- Gigabyte AORUS ATC800
- Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P
- Noctua NH-D15S
- Corsair A500
- ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240
- Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB
- Deepcool CASTLE 360EX
The Best CPU Cooler for i7 10700K You Can Buy Today
NZXT Kraken Z73
Best Premium CPU Cooler for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 18.8 x 7.1 x 5.8 inches inches | Base Height: 2.05 inches | Weight: 1.95 pounds | Fans: Three | Socket Support: LGA 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 Intel Core i9 / Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 / Pentium / Celeron, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 | Warranty: 6 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ 6-year warranty
✓ Aesthetically unbeatable
✓ Customizable 2.36” LCD Display
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No RGB fans for the radiator
✗ Threadripper bracket is not included
If price is not your concern and you desire a powerful cooling system that is also eye candy, NZXT Kraken Z73 should be your top choice. It is the best premium CPU Cooler for i7 10700K. There is no other product on our list that can offer such aesthetics and low noise operation. The three 120mm Aer P120 fans ensure stable 21dBA silent operation. Depending on the processor load, it can vary the speed of the fans from 500rpm to 2000rpm. It can be named the best liquid cooler for i7 10700K.
Everything from material selection, build quality and design is on point by NZXT that deserve premium dollars. However, we believe not including three RGB fans on the radiator at this price point was a stretch. The i7 10700k is a 125W TDP processor, and cooling it won’t make this cooler even budge at base clock speed. If we turn on the processor’s turbo speeds, the fan noise might increase significantly to 36dBA. The cables that come from the pump are easily spotted and challenging to manage, affecting aesthetics.
It includes a head-turner full 2.36” customizable LCD that comes with 24-bit color and brightness that speaks for itself. Z73 can utilize the display to show diagnostics or improve user-based themes like logos and clips. All of it can be customized using CAM software that comes with NZXT products. The software is user-friendly, and as per the customer, the quality of the product is premium with a 360mm aluminum-made radiator. The 6-year warranty speaks to the manufacturers’ confidence in their development.
Gigabyte AORUS ATC800
Quietest CPU Cooler for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 5.24 x 2.17 x 5.87 inches | Base Height: 6.42 inches | Weight: 2.23 Pounds | Fans: Two | Socket Support: LGA 2066, 2011, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 1200, AM4, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Air cooling with RGB
✓ Overclocking headspace
✓ Speed and temperature indicator LED
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No low noise adapter
✗ Difficult installation
Gigabyte AORUS ATC800 is a unique product in terms of its function and heat dissipation property. Two 120mm fans come with RGB lighting; both work in a push and pull configuration. It is capable of handling 250W of CPU heat production. The i7 10700k is a 125W TDP processor, which means that you get a significant headspace for overclocking with this cooling. ATC800 is an RGB-based air cooler that gives unique temperature and speed indications. It produces 18 dBA noise at baseload conditions. We believe that it’s the quietest CPU cooler for i7 10700K.
It is a very efficiently designed CPU cooler, but we believe that there are some things which manufacturers should have considered compared to other air-based CPU cooler designs. This air-based cooler does not allow a fan offset technique, and neither incorporates a slight offset of the heatsink that allows higher RAM profiles. The width of PCIe cards is also limited due to the massive size of CPU air coolers. These cons do not harm the reputation of this CPU cooler, and we consider it the best CPU cooler for i7 10700K that is also the best air cooler for i7 10700K.
The specific feature which makes this air-based CPU cooler a great choice is the aesthetics. The RGB functions to improve the overall look and also plays a role in diagnostics. It indicated the temperature using colors and the number of bars showing the fan’s RPMs. The five indication bar allows the user to get the complete picture of the CPU temperature condition directly. It is an excellent choice for users who don’t want to occupy screen space for diagnostics.
Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P
Best RGB CPU Cooler for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 17.56 x 9.21 x 5.75 inches | Base Height: 2.08 inches | Weight: 5.28 pounds | Fans: Three | Socket Support: LGA2066, LGA2011-v3, LGA2011, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA775, TR4, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Integrated fan design
✓ 100% i7 10700k compatibility
✓ Low-profile dual-chamber pump
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Dazzle RGB
✗ No fan replacement option
Cooler Master has jumped into the premium category of CPU coolers. Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360P is a high-end liquid cooler that is 100% compatible with the i7 10700k. Removing the 125W TDP will not be a problem for this liquid cooler. It is the best RGB CPU cooler for i7 10700K. The RGB lighting is included in the fans and as well as the water block. A dual-chamber water block pump allows the heat to remain within the loop without affecting the motor performance.
The 360mm radiator is fitted with three transparent finned fans with RGB to make it look outstanding that we can title it as the best liquid Cooler for i7 10700K. However, if one of the fans stopped working, replacing them will not be difficult as the replacement is not easy to find, and the size also doesn’t allow any after-market fan fitting. The cable that runs from the three fan radiators is visible, unlike the other manufacturers who hide their cables underneath the tube sheet. Some users have reported the sound of air inside the loop causing the noise.
The water block has been carefully manufactured considering that the tubes might need to be adjusted, and a flexible joint allows the liquid cooling carriers to move around freely. It is made from solid material and maintains tidiness. The RGB is capable of syncing with most motherboards like Asus, Gigabyte, ASRock, and MSI. The dual-chamber pump is designed to operate for 70000 hours, making the product worth the money invested. The tube material is FEP which is high-grade polymer-based for longer operational times.
Noctua NH-D15S
Best Air CPU Cooler for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 5.32 x 5.91 x 6.3 inches | Base Height: 6.29 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Fans: One | Socket Support: LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA2011 (LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3), LGA2066 and AMD (AM4 (since 2019), AM3(+), AM2(+), FM1, FM2(+) | Warranty: 6 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Offset & Asymmetrical Design
✓ PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor
✓ Excellent compatibility with RAM & PCIe
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Large size
✗ No RGB lighting
Noctua is known to make superior products that perform as specified. Noctua NH-D15S is a high-end product that can handle a 167Watt TDP processor. It gives i7 10700k some headspace for overclocking. The lack of moving parts makes it long-lasting. The diverse compatibility with sockets makes it a great choice in the long run. A six-year warranty also shows the confidence of Noctua in its rig’s product reliability. It is the best CPU cooler for i7 10700K.
Like all Noctua products, their beige and brown theme has always been the favorite critique of all reviewers. Not many users find this theme matching with any modern-day aesthetic PC. However, the performance and brand image of Noctua is due to their reliable output. It is the best air CPU cooler for i7 10700K. The size is large, and they cannot fit in small PC cases. Their height is a critical feature that needs to be taken into consideration before purchasing. You would need 6.29 inches above the socket to the PC case panel.
The superior 65mm RAM clearance allows this cooler to fit inside any PC configuration. Noctua has removed one fan installed on the heatsink’s outer side to improve RAM compatibility and efficiency. The offset design also helps PCIe slot clearance for big GPUs, becoming a norm by Nvidia and AMD. It comes preinstalled with a high-quality NF-A15 140mm fan that produces a maximum of 24.6dBA running at 1500rpm. They have included a high-quality NT-H1 thermal compound for accurate heat transfer between CPU and heatsink.
Corsair A500
Best Budget CPU Cooler for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 6.81 x 5.65 x 6.64 inches | Base Height: 6.81 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Fans: Two | Socket Support: AM4, AM3, FM2, LGA 2011, LGA 1155, LGA 1151, LGA 2066 | Warranty: 5 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Efficient heat transfer
✓ Pre-applied thermal paste
✓ Dual magnetic levitation bearing fans
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No RGB lighting
✗ Limited RAM height
Corsair is known to produce products that are for gaming, encoding, and rendering. The Intel Core i7 10700k won’t be a problem for Corsair A500 as it can support up to 250W TDP. It has some of the unique features that others don’t have to offer. It comes with a pre-applied CORSAIR XTM50 in a pattern that allows maximum heat transfer and hassle-free installation. The direct contact heat pipes allow the most rapid response to changing demands of the heating CPU. The best budget CPU cooler for i7 10700K and its overclocking headspace allows higher frequency operation.
A500 has a unique variable mounting height option that allows it to be compatible with high-profile RAMs on both ends of the cooler, and this makes it land in the best air cooler for i7 10700K category. The complete system is easy to install but takes up a huge space inside your PC case. Despite being able to adjust fan height, it allows only 45mm RAM height. The changing height profile would lead to a loss of efficiency in heat transfer since some heat sink portions will not have any air flowing through them.
The fans on this CPU cooler are PWM-based and offer variable speeds as per processor heat production. It can run from 400rpm for a quiet operation and 2400rpm for overclocked conditions. The aesthetics are also immaculate, and the copper frame around the middle with black vents makes the whole cooler stand out. The price is the best aspect of this cooler. It is the best choice on our list for budget builds.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240
Best 280mm AIO for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 7.0 x 14 x 7.7 inches | Base Height: 5.91 inches | Weight: 2.64 pounds | Fans: Two | Socket Support: LGA 115X, LGA 2011-3, LGA2066, Square ILM, AM4 | Warranty: 5 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Best liquid cooling system
✓ Pre-loop venting and filling
✓ Cable runs under tube sheath
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No RGB lighting
✗ No user manual in boxed
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 has always been our best pick for the best liquid cooler for i7 10700K. It is compact and allows a very high potential for overclocking with its efficient design. Incorporating a VRM fan on the water block enables the VRM to remain within temperature range and supply stable voltages to the CPU. It is a very reasonable price and offers a high-end cooling capacity. We believe that this is the best 280mm AIO for i7 10700K. The tubes are made from a rigid material that allows easy routing.
It does not feature any RGB lighting or noise reduction adapters. However, it can reduce the RPM to make it quiet. There are many options with great aesthetics, but this one does take a hit. The tubes also run straight out of the water block, which makes it challenging to manage. No user manual is included in the box, so ensure that you have to take help from the internet if complications occur. The noise level is proper but not the best in the business.
It can efficiently run the i7 10700k at its maximum TDP. The complete system is made from a maintenance-free loop and requires no venting or priming before startup. It is as easy as just plug and play. The temperatures remain within the throttling range of 67C. It is the best solution you can buy for your PC within your budget.
Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB
Asus's Best AIO for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches | Base Height: 4.72 inches | Weight: 4.69 pounds | Fan: Two | Socket Support: LGA 1150, 1151, 1152, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD: AM4, TR4 | Warranty: 5 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ High-quality material
✓ Optimized fan design
✓ Four-pin PWM control
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Addressable header required
✗ Not compatible with 4-pin RGB headers
Asus ROG STRIX LC RGB can easily make you a part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG). We all are fully aware of the Asus high-end products like motherboards and graphic cards. They have ambitiously jumped into CPU cooling. The ROG logo on top of the water block speaks of premium quality, and the RGB that makes it shine can be easily customized using the AURA sync with motherboards. Copperplate is used to provide efficient heat transfer capabilities. It is Asus’s Best AIO for i7 10700K.
It belongs to the best cpu cooler for i7 10700K category, but the best even has some flaws. The price tag is relatively high for ROG products, but great coolers are available with VRM cooling, better cable management, and lower cost at this price point. The quantity of the wires that run from the radiator is large. Unlike some other options, this one does not cover the wiring within the tube sheath.
The whole water block looks like an impeller blade with RGB bleeding through cuts on the side. Asus has once again outdone themselves with aesthetics. The complete loop is maintenance-free and can be easily installed by newbies. Flexible joints are used on the water block to ease the tube’s manipulation over the motherboard and dark color sheath, making it subtle enough to keep the aesthetically clean look through the PC case window.
Deepcool CASTLE 360EX
Best Liquid CPU Cooler for i7 10700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 15.8 x 4.7 x 1.1 inches | Base Height: 1.1 inches | Weight: 2.56 pounds | Fans: Three | Socket Support: LGA2066/2011 v3/2011/1200/1151/1150/1155/1366AMD, TRX4/TR4/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/F | Warranty: 6 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Maintenance-free loop
✓ Extreme low-power consumption
✓ Smooth, powerful, and quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not easy to fit in small case
✗ No display for customization
Deep cool is not a very well-known brand, but you will need to believe us when telling you about the incredible abilities in store. Their products have premium quality material and superior built quality. Handling a 125W processor will not be a problem for their Deepcool CASTLE 360EX. It comes with a 360mm length radiator made with aluminum material and densely packed fins to improve heat transfer and lower noise production. Three 120mm fans can vary their speed to enhance heat transfer and reduce noise. It is the best liquid CPU cooler for i7 10700K.
It is one of the most expensive options on our list. The RGB lighting is on point and blends beautifully to give a clean look, but the fan on the radiator does not have any RGB lighting at this price point; we wanted to see high-end RGB fans. The pump is enormous compared to other products with a similar price range. Under stress conditions, the cooler makes significant noise which may be a hurdle for some gamers who prefer placing rig on their desktop.
The braided sleeves and high-quality tubes allow a certain degree of freedom during tube management. The RGB lighting is an absolute treat, and none of the users found it annoying or lousy implementation. The complete loop is made with anti-leak technology, and the pressure inside the closed-loop is monitored to keep it under control. It leads to better operational life. Most motherboards in the market support RGB lighting.
Conclusion
Finally, we have rounded up all the best possible cooling options for your smart PC. We have tested and evaluated multiple coolers. After long fishing, we have reviewed some most suitable CPU coolers you ever deserve to keep your system extremely cool for gaming and other tasks. Cooling a 125W TDP processor is not a piece of cake. You will need the best CPU cooler for i7 10700K when it runs under overclocked conditions; the heat production also increases significantly.
We recommend that you go for liquid cooling with a maintenance-free loop. If you do not own a case with vents in the front or top of the case designated for radiators, buying the best air cooler for i7 10700K should be your choice. The air coolers have higher reliability, and liquid coolers offer more increased heat transfer capabilities. If you are a severe overclocker and pushing some more frames out of your system is something you desire, then go for a three fan-based radiator setup. Noise shouldn’t be your concern if performance is vital. If noise is essential to your computer build, buy a CPU cooler with LNA that can drastically reduce noise levels and allow speed to increase under stressed conditions. We hope you find a product that we reviewed suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cooler do I need for i7 10700k?
The perfect combination of cooling kits for i7 10700k would be Noctua NH-D15S. It is a reasonably priced product with high build quality and a TDP that allows turbo frequencies for high-speed operation. The 6-year warranty ensures that your investment remains safe, and Noctuas track record of high compatibility still stands.
Is air cooling enough for i7 10700k?
Air coolers are highly efficient, and some even provide little overclocking headspace. It means you can boost extra FPS from your processor when you feel some bottleneck is occurring. Intel i7 10700k is a 125W TDP processor which falls into most air-based coolers capability, but Corsair A500 takes the lead in price/performance ratio.
Do I need a CPU cooler for i7 10700k?
It depends if you are looking to overclock your i7 10700k. If you are into serious overclocking, then ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 is the best liquid cooler for i7 10700K. Liquid coolers like this can provide you with outstanding cooling during idle conditions and under fully loaded conditions, providing adequate cooling by maintaining stable temperatures.
How do I choose a CPU cooler for i7 10700k?
Intel i7 10700k is a 125W TDP CPU, and any cooler that supports 125W TDP will be enough for this CPU cooler, but if you are looking to overclock your CPU. Then liquid cooling like the NZXT Kraken Z73 should be your best choice. It can manage way above 125 W and at a noise level acceptable for gamers and encoders.
