Thermal Requirements of the Core i5-13600KF CPU
A CPU cooler's Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating refers to its ability to dissipate heat in watts. Selecting a CPU cooler with a TDP that matches or exceeds the peak TDP of the Core i5-13600KF is crucial for efficient heat management.
The Core i5-13600KF has a TDP range of 125–181 watts, depending on the workload. To maximize your CPU's performance, you should use a cooler that can handle the peak TDP (PL2) of 181 watts. PL2 is an Intel processor's short-term maximum power draw when the CPU runs at its maximum short-term speed (max turbo frequency). Intel CPU specifications list the base TDP (PL1) as "Processor Base Power" and the peak TDP (PL2) as "Maximum Turbo Power."
While testing CPU coolers, I witnessed the importance of adequate cooling for achieving and maintaining maximum turbo speeds. If the CPU cooler fails to maintain an optimal temperature for the CPU, it may cause the CPU to slow down, a process known as throttling. In some cases, the cooler may operate continuously at full speed. Even if the CPU cooler has a lower TDP rating than the CPU, it can still function, but, as I've experienced, the CPU will eventually reduce its frequency to cool down.
Types of Coolers
Air Cooler
Air coolers utilize a combination of heatsinks and fans to dissipate heat. While they are the most budget-friendly option available, I've observed that they can sometimes produce a lot of noise, which may not be ideal for everyone. However, I can say that air coolers have been a reliable option for me over the years, despite that, and remain a popular choice for many PC enthusiasts.
Closed-Loop Cooler
A Closed-Loop Cooler, also known as an all-in-one (AIO) cooler, is a type of liquid cooler. Through testing and analyzing different cooling systems, we have concluded that the AIO coolers are our favorite option when designing a cool and quiet PC setup. I have found that pre-built liquid cooling systems offer a more straightforward setup and can provide better TDP performance at lower noise levels than air coolers. With that said, I have observed that the cooling performance and noise levels greatly depend on the radiator size and the number and size of the fans.
Find LGA 1700 AIO Coolers on Amazon
Open-Loop Cooler
We have tried open-loop cooler systems and observed that they offer more flexibility for building a customized cooling setup. However, setting them up can be more complicated than closed-loop coolers. Using open-loop coolers also meant dealing with maintenance, such as coolant flushing, which was a downside I experienced.
Despite this, we were able to take advantage of the additional cooling capabilities that these open-loop systems offer, allowing us to cool not just our CPU but also our graphics card's GPU.
Mounting Brackets Compatible With the Core i5-13600KF
Ensure that your cooler includes a compatible mounting bracket for your CPU. CPU coolers come with various mounting brackets to accommodate multiple CPU socket sizes. For the Intel Core i5-13600KF CPU, you'll need a CPU cooler that supports the LGA 1700 socket.
In cases where a new socket size is released, you can often purchase a separate mounting/
Check out our Recommended LGA 1700 Coolers for the Core i5-13600KF
below.
Considerations When Choosing a Cooler for the 13600KF CPU
Noise
When it comes to noise, more fans typically mean better cooling but also more noise. However, larger fans are generally quieter because they can move the same amount of air at lower speeds. If you're like me and value a quiet workspace, larger fans are the way to go.
Configuring your motherboard's BIOS to use specific fan speeds at particular temperatures can help maintain a near-silent computer while idle. This feature is especially useful if you're someone who appreciates a peaceful environment while working or gaming.
Size
When selecting a CPU cooler, it's crucial to verify that your case and motherboard have enough space to accommodate it. Potential interference with other components, such as tall memory modules, should also be considered.
Dual-fan air coolers often require substantial space on top of the motherboard, while liquid cooler radiators take up space but can be mounted in dedicated fan locations on different parts of the case, such as the front, top, sides, or bottom.
Lighting
Lighting is a feature that can add a lot to the aesthetics of your build. Some coolers come with LED lighting on the fans or pump heads, which can be a nice touch if you're into that. However, not everyone wants or needs lighting, so it's important to consider whether this feature is worth the extra cost. Personally, I prefer a more minimalist design, so I look for coolers that either don't have lighting or allow me to turn it off easily.
Price
Air-based coolers are generally more affordable than liquid cooling systems. However, higher TDP support and advanced lighting features can increase costs. It's important to balance your budget according to your needs, choosing between practical, low-cost solutions and more visually striking options. Consider your priorities, whether they are performance, silence, or aesthetics, to make the most cost-effective choice.
Gaming
An air cooler may suffice for a gaming PC if you don't plan to overclock your CPU. However, from my experience and testing, not all CPU air coolers can handle the same amount of heat. Examining coolers' supported heat dissipation (TDP) in watts (e.g., 180 watts) is crucial for choosing which cooler to purchase.
Games and other CPU-intensive tasks can keep the Core i5-13600KF CPU at the higher end of its TDP range (181 watts). From my experience, it's best to opt for a larger air-cooled heatsink with one to two fans or even consider a liquid cooler, which I've found to be generally quieter than air coolers and offer better cooling performance.
Overclocking
We've learned from our own experiences that if you plan to overclock your CPU, your success will depend on how effectively you can maintain adequate cooling. As we have learned, inadequate cooling can cause the CPU to throttle itself to a lower speed or even damage it. However, it can also result in system instability while gaming or working. System instability has led to frustrating instances where we've lost progress and encountered interruptions during gaming sessions.
You may achieve some level of overclocking with a good air cooler. However, if the cooler is struggling to keep the CPU cool enough, your fans will remain at their maximum speed, which could be a little noisy.
Liquid cooling can generally achieve better TDP levels compared to air cooling. Additionally, liquid cooling allows for a quieter system, depending on the radiator size, fan size, and the number of fans used.
Recommended LGA 1700 Coolers for the Core i5-13600KF
A CPU cooler that is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket will be required. Several manufacturers introduced upgrade kits to accommodate the LGA 1700 socket size that allows LGA 1200 coolers to be used. So be sure to verify that any cooler you choose is compatible with your CPU.
Best LGA 1700 AIO Liquid Coolers
Enermax Liqmax III 360
Enermax Liqmax III 360 Supports LGA 1700: YES Max TDP: 360 watt Type: Liquid Cooler I was very impressed with the cooling capability of the Enermax Liqmax III 360, which boasts an excellent 360-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 2066, 2011-3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 and AMD AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1.
I found that the Enermax Liqmax III 360 operates quietly and unobtrusively, with a noise level of just 14-27 dBA, making it a great choice for anyone who values a quiet computing environment.
You can get the LGA 1700 Enermax Mounting Kit for LIQMAX III on Amazon or request a free LGA 1700 mounting kit via the LGA 1700 Mounting Kit Request Form.
If you are considering the Enermax Liqmax III 360, it's important to note that it will take up a decent amount of space in your computer case, so make sure to check the dimensions before purchasing.
The Enermax Liqmax III 360 has an impressive cooling capacity, providing efficient heat dissipation even under heavy workloads.
The quiet operation of the cooler made for a more comfortable and distraction-free computing experience.
Best LGA 1700 Dual-Fan Air CPU Coolers
Noctua NH-D15
Noctua NH-D15 Supports LGA 1700: YES Max TDP: 220 watt Type: Heatsink & Fans I found the dual 140 mm fans to be incredibly powerful, providing an impressive 220-watt TDP (183 NSPR) of cooling capability.
With support for such a diverse range of CPU sockets, I found the Noctua NH-D15 to be a very flexible and adaptable cooling solution. Its supported socket types include Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM2+.
In my experience, the Noctua NH-D15 operates very quietly, with a noise level of just 24.6 dBA.
I am extremely satisfied with the Noctua NH-D15 cooler and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high-performance and versatile cooling solution.
Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510
Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 Supports LGA 1700: YES Max TDP: 180 watt Type: Heatsink & Fans As someone who isn't a big fan of flashy LED lights, I appreciated the simplicity of the Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510, which doesn't have any fancy lights but still looks great in my system.
I found that the dual 120 mm fans on the TOUGHAIR 510 did an excellent job of keeping an LGA 1700 CPU cool, even under heavy workloads.
If you're worried about the TOUGHAIR 510 taking up too much space in your system, Thermaltake offers a few single-fan variants that use different orientations, so you can choose the one that works best for your setup.
With a max speed of 2000 RPM, the TOUGHAIR 510 provides optimal cooling performance when you need it most.
With a 180-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power), the TOUGHAIR 510 offers solid cooling performance and is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their CPU.
Learn More About the Intel Core i5-13600KF
- Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for Intel's Core i5-13600KF
- Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i5-13600KF CPU?
- Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-13600KF
- Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i5-13600KF
- RAM: Best RAM for the Intel Core i5-13600KF CPU
- TDP: What Is the TDP of the Core i5-13600KF CPU?
- Gaming: Is the Core i5-13600KF CPU Good for Gaming?