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Best CPU Cooler For Core i5 13600K in 2023 | ErrorBook’s Picks
ByAnthony Adewuyi- Read Time16 mins
This guide is an insight into the best CPU coolers you can find in the market for the core i5 13600K processor in 2023. There are plenty of CPU coolers available, but in this guide, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 to make it easier for you to choose.
Table Of Contents
Last month, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) released their latest series of Ryzen CPUs; the Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 7 7700X, Ryzen 9 7900X, and Ryzen 9 7950X. Likewise, their rival big giant in the CPU industry, Intel Corp. also rolled out their latest 13th generation of processors; the Core i5-13600KF, Core i5-13600K, Core i7-13700KF, Core i7-13700K, Core i9-13900KF, and Core i9-13900K.
That said, let’s compare the Intel Core i5 13600K and the Ryzen 5 7600X processors so you can see some of their features.
The Intel core i5 13600K has 14-cores and operates at a high single-core boost clock of 5.1GHz, while the Ryzen 5 7600X features 6-cores with its highest frequency peaking at 5.3GHz. Comparing the maximum power draw between the two high-end processors, the 13th Gen. Core i5 13600K packs 181 wattage power draw, while its counterpart – Ryzen 7600X boasts an upper limit of 142W. Looking at the cache memory of the two processors, the Ryzen 7600X packs a 32MB memory cache, while the 13th Gen. Core i5 13600K features a shared L3 20MB cache.
Now that you have seen a few features of the Intel Core i5 13600K and Ryzen 5 7600X processors, let’s dive into the main aim of writing this article, which is to discuss the best 5 CPU coolers for the Intel Core i5 13600K processor.
Best CPU Coolers For i5 13600K Processor In 2023
It was difficult for us to pick the best CPU coolers from the numerous options we found. However, after a series of research and studies, we found these coolers we will list shortly to be more compatible with the core i5 13600K processor. Nonetheless, if new CPU coolers are launched anytime from now, we will check them out. If we find one that is better than the ones we have now, we will update this post again.
Best Air Cooler For i5 13600K
1
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
Specifications
- Max Cooling Capacity: 225W
- Max Rotational Speed: 1500 RPM
- Noise Level: 19.2 dB
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Best RGB Cooler For i5 13600K
2
Zalman CNPS20X
Specifications
- Max Cooling Capacity: 300W
- Max Rotational Speed: 1500 RPM
- Noise Level: 29 dB
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Best Liquid Cooler For i5 13600K
3
Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite
Specifications
- Max Cooling Capacity: 290W
- Max Rotational Speed: 2000 RPM
- Noise Level: 36 dB
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Best Budget Cooler For i5 13600K
4
DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark
Specifications
- Max Cooling Capacity: 260W
- Max Rotational Speed: 1850 RPM
- Noise Level: 28 dB
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Reliable CPU Cooler For i5 13600K
5
Cooler Master ML240L V2
Specifications
- Max Cooling Capacity: 200W
- Max Rotational Speed: 1800 RPM
- Noise Level: 27 dB
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1
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.blackBest Air Cooler For i5 13600K
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is one of the best CPU coolers on the NH-D CPU coolers series from Noctua – a renowned manufacturer of CPU coolers. The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black has a black design with a black coated heatsink, black fan clips, and black anti-vibration pads. All the components of this Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is black, which makes it easier to blend with other color schemes.
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler has a black double NF-A15 140mm fan that keeps the core i5 13600K processor cool while it functions. Not only that, the fan works in a near-silent mode that you will hardly hear any noise while it blows. Compared to other single tower heatsinks, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black has a six heatpipe dual tower design that efficiently distributes heat. This CPU cooler operates on a 12V voltage range. The dual NF-A15 140mm fans on the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler blows at a speed of 1500 RPM and has a maximum airflow of 140,2 m³/h, which also provides proficient airflow for other surrounding components on the motherboard.
This CPU cooler has padding beside it that helps reduce the vibrations that occur when the cooler’s fan is working, thus making it blow quietly. Also, the superb NF-A15 140mm double fans on the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler has a low noise adaptor that reduces the fan speed from 1500 to 1200 RPM when necessary for a quieter operation. It also has PWM support that makes it possible to control the fan speed automatically through the motherboard.
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler works with the core i5 13600K processor smoothly. It does not heat much when cooling the core i5 13600K processor, even when the processor runs within its 60 to 70 degrees temperature range. The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black has a TDP rating of 225W, which keeps the temperature down when it is cooling the Core i5 13600K processor on stock clocks, making it the best CPU cooler for the Core i5 13600K processor.
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Specs
Pros / Cons
2
Zalman CNPS20XBest RGB Cooler For i5 13600K
The Zalman CNPS20X is one of the best CPU coolers from Zalman. The Zalman CNPS20X has a black design with an RGB fan cover which gives RGB color illumination when the fan is working. The components of Zalman CNPS20X are not assembled at the factory, so you have to set up the parts and tighten the screws before you use them.
The Zalman CNPS20X comes with a standard set of nickel-plated installation screws, nuts, a backplate that can fit most AMD and Intel CPU sockets, and bridging hardware. On the Zalman CNPS20X, there is not a separate RGB controller; therefore, you will have to use the 3-pin (5v) RGB header on your motherboard or find an alternative lighting option that works. The Zalman CNPS20X must be appropriately positioned on the CPU and lined up with each screwed hole in the cross bracing clamps below to lock the tension screws.
While assembling the Zalman CNPS20X CPU cooler, the dual ZM-SF140 RGB fans are first clamped into position, and the tension screws tightened, then the aRGB (3-pin, 5v) connector is hooked into an aRGB controller or suitable motherboard header. With the ability to clip the fans into position at any point along the height of the cooling fins, memory DIMMs can be adjusted for RAM with longer heat spreaders.
The Zalman CNPS20X CPU cooler’s six heat pipes emerge from the cooler’s base via the layers of cooling fins, one side adjacent to the other. The application of RDTH(Reverse Direct Touch Heatpipe) and IHD(Interactive HeatPipe transfer Design) improves the performance of the Zalman CNPS20X with minimum heat resistance. The cooling tower’s diagonal construction and fin arrangement create wide pathways for airflow. The baseplate and fixing collar combine to form an integral component for heat capacity and cooler setup. The fastening collar loops around the head of the heat pipes are fastened to the baseplate with a pair of drill screws.
The Zalman CNPS20X has a 300W TDP rating, which keeps the temperature cool when the CPU cooler is cooling the Core i5 13600K processor, making it one of the best CPU coolers for the Core i5 13600K processor.
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Pros / Cons
3
Corsair iCUE H115i RGB EliteBest Liquid Cooler For i5 13600K
The Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite Series liquid CPU coolers offer first-class CPU cooling, integrated RGB lighting, and refined aesthetics. The body of the Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite is black, but the dual Corsair AF140 elite PWM fans have an RGB color.
The Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite has a high-performance RGB pump head that provides powerful and low-noise cooling for your CPU. This RGB pump head design has 16 RGB LEDs, which helps the Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite CPU cooler to deliver super CPU cooling with a nice look to match. The Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite comes with iCUE software that helps users set up the CPU cooler’s various commands. Commands like adjusting fan and pump speeds, controlling and synchronizing the CPU cooler RGB lighting with all iCUE-compatible devices, and monitoring CPU and coolant temperatures, all from a single intuitive interface.
The Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite has a Corsair iCUE Commander Core Smart RGB Lighting and Fan Speed Controller that precisely controls the fan speed and lighting of up to six RGB fans at a go. The zero RPM and variable pump speed specialized cooling modes in iCUE keep noise to a minimum when your system is idle or under light loads. The AF-140 Elite Series fans on the Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite outperform the competition. The dual AF-140 Elite fans, with eight RGB LEDs per fan, have an AirGuide technology that will elevate your CPU performance with all-in-one liquid cooling.
The Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite CPU cooler has a high-performance pump and cold plate equipped with a thermally optimized copper cold plate and pre-applied thermal compound, which delivers high-performance and quiet cooling with low noise. With a tool-free mounting bracket, wider compatibility for the latest AMD and Intel motherboard sockets convenient, and a USB Type-C port connection, the Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite CPU coolers are designed for a quick and stress-free installation.
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Pros / Cons
4
DeepCool AK620 Zero DarkBest Budget Cooler For i5 13600K
The DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark is black, with a matte black finish that coats every surface in a premium all-black luster for a bold look in any system setup.
The DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark has premium quality materials that feature a dense dual-tower heatsink, and two 120mm PWM silent FDB fans with fluid dynamic bearings for better friction reduction. This friction reduction feature enables high-performance cooling in the DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark CPU cooler.
The DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark also features a precision-machined convex copper base and six copper heat pipes that deliver improved heat transfer capabilities. The dense matrix fin array in a dual tower heatsink layout offers better efficiency for high-performance systems.
With the 260W TDP rating on the DeepCool AK620 Zero Dark CPU cooler, you can achieve higher overclocking performance to cool demanding CPUs. The all-metal mounting bracket kit provides a sturdy and easy installation process for both Intel and AMD platforms with additional tools included.
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Pros / Cons
5
Cooler Master ML240L V2Reliable CPU Cooler For i5 13600K
The Cooler Master ML240L V2 CPU cooler comes in either white or black color, and its finish looks aesthetic. The Cooler Master ML240L V2 CPU cooler raises the bar higher for quality liquid coolers with its more vivid RGB lighting, significantly low-noise performance, and enhanced cooling. The RGB lighting on the Cooler Master ML240L V2 CPU cooler lights up your system build with vibrant colors using the RGB fans and pump.
The Cooler Master ML240L V2 has a SickleFlow 120 RGB fan with optimized air balance fan blades for powerful airflow. The fan on this CPU cooler does not make noise while working because it has a premium rifle-bearing design and a durable fan frame. The copper plate heat exchanger on the Cooler Master ML240L V2 anchors Cooler Master’s 3rd Gen. dual-chamber pump, which has better water volume capacity, high-grade rubber gaskets, and an improved flow rate between various components.
Heat dissipates efficiently along the wider water channels on the Cooler Master ML240L V2 CPU cooler because of the deep internal radiator fins within its simple frame. You can experience quiet cooling on the Cooler Master ML240L V2 CPU cooler due to the enhanced housing impeller on the redesigned pump, which delivers better cooling efficiency at low noise levels.
You can synchronize the Cooler Master ML240L V2 to RGB-compatible 4-pin motherboard systems or assign it manually through a wired controller and 3-to-1 splitter included in the package. With a TDP rating of 200W, the Cooler Master ML240L V2 will cool your CPU efficiently; it features upgraded internal components that improve durability, which ensures long-lasting performance.
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Pros / Cons
Keep These In Mind Before Buying A CPU Cooler For Your i5 13600K
Of course, you cannot purchase PC components blindly. There are several factors you need to keep in mind before buying any of the CPU coolers mentioned in this article. Visit CPU Cooler Buying Guide for more of these factors.
Cooling Capacity
Just like there is a TDP Rating for CPUs that denotes how much heat it would generate; similarly, CPU coolers also have a TDP Rating which is not a TDP Rating but denotes how much heat the CPU cooler can cool. This TDP rate indicates the highest level of heat a CPU chip can use in wattage. Endeavor to check this essential factor whenever you want to buy a CPU cooler. More TDP rating number means better performance, albeit at the expense of more power consumption and higher temperature.
Dimensions
I am sure you cannot go to the market and buy clothes that would not fit you when you put them on. You will not, right? The same applies to CPU coolers which are supposed to fit inside the casing. Your PC or computer motherboard and case need extra space left after installing the CPU cooler so it will not displace or disrupt the position of the RAM. When you want to buy a CPU cooler, get one that can fit perfectly inside your casing so it will not occupy much space, especially if it is closer to your RAM. Find out the type of casing your PC has so you can buy a CPU cooler that will be compatible with it.
Socket Compatibility
Another factor to bear in mind when buying a CPU cooler is CPU socket compatibility. Every CPU/processor – including core i5 13600K processor has pins on them which you use to install the CPU in a CPU socket on the motherboard. Before you buy a CPU cooler for your PC processor, ensure that the CPU cooler you want to buy is compatible with your CPU socket (mostly LGA 1700). You will not be able to install the CPU cooler if it is not compatible with your CPU socket.
Cooling Technology
The primary goal of using a CPU cooler on your PC is to maintain low heat and prevent spikes while working or playing games with your computer. The cooling technology of a CPU cooler is also a vital factor you should check when you want to purchase a CPU cooler. There are mainly two types of coolers namely, Air Coolers and Liquid Coolers. The CPU technology you should go for among these two CPU cooling technologies depends on whether you want to overclock your processor or not. Overclocking increases the speed of a processor but also makes it generate more heat. If you plan to overclock your processor, we recommend you go for liquid coolers, and if you do not want to overclock, you can choose an air cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rounding up, let’s address and explain some important frequently asked questions some people ask when they want to purchase a CPU cooler for the core i5 13600K processor.
What cooler should I get for the i5 13600K?
The CPU cooler you should get for your core i5 13600K processor depends on your personal preference, budget, and whether you want to overclock the processor. Any CPU cooler with at least a TDP rating of 200W should serve you. However, we recommend that you get either the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler, or the Zalman CNPS20X CPU cooler.
Does the i5 13600K run hot?
The core i5 13600K processor has a TDP of 125W and a 181W TDP when running on boost. So yes, the core i5 13600K processor can get quite hot when running at its maximum factory speed.
Does the i5 13600K have a stock cooler?
No, the core i5 13600K processor from Intel Corp. does not have a stock cooler because it is a K series chip.
What’s the Best CPU Cooler for i5 13600K?
Our top choice for the Best CPU Cooler for Core i5 13600K is the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black. One of the features it has which made us choose it is its 225W TDP rating, which is beyond standard for a Typical Air CPU Cooler.
Another feature which made us pick the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black as the best CPU cooler for Core i5 13600K is the dual NF-A15 140mm fans which keeps the Core i5 13600K processor cool while it processes data during use. The dual NF-A15 140mm fans maximum speed of 1500 RPM also helps the CPU cooler to cool the processor efficiently.
The low fan noise is another feature we like about the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler. The CPU cooler does not make noise while in use, which makes it a better option for users.
Sources And Test Details
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