Best CPU Cooler for Intel Core i5-9400F?

I'm building a new PC and I need some advice on the best CPU cooler for my upcoming Intel Core i5-9400F. Can anyone suggest any top-quality coolers that work well with this processor? I've heard liquid cooling is more efficient, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money.

If you're looking to keep costs down, an air cooler like the be quiet! BK022 Dark Rock Pro 4 could be a great option. It has a TDP of 250 watts and operates quietly at around 12.8-24.3 dB. I've used it in my PC for a while now, and it's been working really well.

@GodspeedGlory, if you're interested in a liquid cooler, the Enermax Liqmax III 360 is an excellent choice. It has a TDP of 360 watts and operates at noise levels between 14 to 27 dBA. Plus, it's mentioned in this TechReviewer article Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-9400F that discusses the best CPU coolers for various processors.

@SlayerSystems and @Imaginebeingamish, thank you both for your recommendations! I'm leaning towards a liquid cooler since my case has plenty of room for it. However, I'm still a bit concerned about the noise levels. Can anyone share their experience with the Enermax Liqmax III 360 in terms of noise?

I've been using the Enermax Liqmax III 360 for a couple of months now, and I must say it's been surprisingly quiet. You might want to check out some user reviews online for more perspectives on its noise levels.

@Zeberlicious, that's good to know! I'll definitely look into some user reviews. By the way, does anyone have experience with open-loop coolers? I'm curious to see if they offer any advantages over closed-loop solutions like the Enermax Liqmax III 360.

I've used an open-loop cooler in my previous build, and it did provide better cooling performance than a closed-loop solution. However, it was more complicated to set up and required some maintenance like coolant flushing. It really depends on your preference for cooling efficiency versus ease of setup and maintenance.

@CardiacCatFan, thanks for sharing your experience! I guess I'll have to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In the meantime, does anyone know if there's a CPU cooler that comes pre-installed with Intel processors? Are they good enough for my i5-9400F?

@GodspeedGlory, locked Intel CPUs usually come with a stock CPU cooler. These coolers are adequate for preventing overheating but may limit the processor's performance during demanding tasks. Additionally, they might produce noticeable noise when running at maximum speed.

@SlayerSystems, that makes sense. I guess if I want to fully utilize my i5-9400F's potential, investing in a higher TDP cooler would be the way to go. Thanks again for all the advice, everyone!