Best CPU Coolers for Intel Core i5-11600KF?

Started by tangapormi on May 20, 2024

I'm looking for the best CPU cooler for my new Intel Core i5-11600KF. Can anyone recommend some options? I've heard that it's important to choose a cooler with a high TDP rating.

Solved by IgnisDeveloper in post #2
The Enermax Liqmax III 360 is an excellent liquid cooler for your i5-11600KF. It has a TDP of 320W and offers better cooling performance than air coolers while being relatively quiet. You can find more information on TechReviewer article Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-11600KF.

The Enermax Liqmax III 360 is an excellent liquid cooler for your i5-11600KF. It has a TDP of 320W and offers better cooling performance than air coolers while being relatively quiet. You can find more information on TechReviewer article Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-11600KF.

Solution

@IgnisDeveloper. The Enermax Liqmax III 360 sounds interesting. What about air coolers? Are there any good options for people on a budget?

If you're looking for an affordable air cooler, the Noctua NH-D15 is a great option. It has a TDP of 220W and comes with two fans that are known for their low noise levels. The only downside is that it might be a bit noisier under high load.

That's good to know. Thanks @OlympianDWill. What other factors should I consider when choosing a CPU cooler?

Besides TDP, you should also take into account the size of the cooler, noise levels, and whether it fits your case and motherboard. For example, some coolers might be too tall for certain cases or have incompatible mounting brackets.

@michaelnabil makes a good point about compatibility. I don't want to end up with a cooler that doesn't fit in my PC. Also, noise is an important factor for me since I'm building this computer for gaming and watching movies.

It's essential to ensure your cooler has the right mounting brackets for the LGA 1200 socket. As for noise levels, you could set your motherboard BIOS to use specific fan speeds at certain temperatures to keep your PC quiet while idle.

That's useful advice. Thanks @IgnisDeveloper. I think I'll go with the Enermax Liqmax III 360 based on its high TDP and lower noise levels. It seems more suitable for my needs.

The Enermax Liqmax III 360 should serve you well then, @tangapormi. Just make sure to check your case and motherboard compatibility before ordering.

Another option worth considering is the Corsair H80i V2 liquid cooler. It offers a good balance between performance and noise levels with its 120mm radiator and low-profile design. You can find more information in our TechReviewer article Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-11600KF.