Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-9600KF

Best Liquid Cooler

Enermax Liqmax III 360

Best Air Cooler

be quiet! BK022 Dark Rock Pro 4, 250-watt TDP

Thermal Requirements of the Core i5-9600KF 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 i5-9600KF is crucial for efficient heat management.

The Core i5-9600KF has a TDP range of 95–119 watts, depending on the workload. To maximize your CPU's performance, you should use a cooler that can handle the peak TDP (PL2) of 119 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 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.

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 1151 AIO Coolers on Amazon

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.

be quiet! BK022 Dark Rock Pro 4, 250-watt TDP

Mounting Brackets Compatible With the Core i5-9600KF

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 i5-9600KF CPU, you'll need a CPU cooler that supports the LGA 1151 socket.

In cases where a new socket size is released, you can often purchase a separate mounting/retention kit to fit the new dimensions.

Check out our Recommended LGA 1151 Coolers for the Core i5-9600KF below.

CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler

Considerations When Choosing a Cooler for the 9600KF CPU

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.

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 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.

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.

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 i5-9600KF CPU at the higher end of its TDP range (119 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.

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 1151 Coolers for the Core i5-9600KF

• 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.
• 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.
• We found that 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. Enermax Liqmax III 360

• Quiet operation at 12.8-24.3 dB.
• The dual fans (120 mm and 135 mm) do a great job of cooling LGA 1151 CPUs with a 250-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
• Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011(-3) square ILM, 2066 and AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, FM1, FM2, FM2+.
• Smaller models are available if you don't need as much cooling ability.
• You can even add another 120 mm fan to it for more cooling! be quiet! BK022 Dark Rock Pro 4, 250-watt TDP

• Dual 140 mm fans provide 220-watt TDP (183 NSPR) of cooling capability.
• Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM2+.
• Quiet operation at 24.6 dBA. Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler

Learn More About the Intel Core i5-9600KF

• Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for Intel's Core i5-9600KF
• Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i5-9600KF CPU?
• Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-9600KF
• Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i5-9600KF
• RAM: Best RAM for the Intel Core i5-9600KF CPU
• TDP: What Is the TDP of the Core i5-9600KF CPU?
• Gaming: Is the Core i5-9600KF CPU Good for Gaming?