Best CPU Coolers For i7 8700k (Air & Liquid)

Your PC needs to stay cool to perform as expected because your system generates a specific amount of heat that needs to be kept away from it, or else the dissipation can overheat your computer. Your PC will allow thermal throttle and gradually lose its performance. This article is all about the best cpu cooler for i7 8700k. A powerful processor like 78700k would want a cooler that won’t let it overheat. It will need a cooler that will provide an adequate amount of cooling for smoothing computing tasks and other multitasking operations. The processor is still considered the best choice in the current year; those who have it would have wanted the best out of it too. We have a list of eligible coolers in this guide; one can choose a cooler that meets their PC needs to keep their system operating like the wind.

The respective processor is built for gaming; it has got enough chores to run your PC smoothly, also; it comes with many advanced technologies. Game lagging is a phenomenon that could be a gamer’s worst nightmare; they would want a seamless gaming experience without any hindrance. Overheating can not only cause game lagging but also be responsible for game crashing. It damages the overall performance of the GPU as well, which can cause screen tearing, Stuttering, black screen of death, and other GPU errors, which will ultimately ruin your gaming. Reaching unsafe temperature levels can damage or destroy any PC component. Not to worry, you can install a CPU cooler and can save yourself from experiencing such situations.

Quick Shopping Tips:

CPU Socket Compatibility: The first thing to be kept in mind is the compatibility of your CPU socket with the cooler you wish to install. Primarily, the CPU coolers are manufactured to fit in almost all CPUs, but there are few coolers in the market with compatibility specifications. Both Intel and AMD have multiple socket ranges available. Despite the brand preference, you surely need to check the compatibility of a cooler you will install.

Liquid/Air Cooling: The second preference would be the source of cooling; either you want air cooling or water cooling. Both methods come with their perks. Most people prefer the water cooling method because it can provide better cooling and is considered adequate and noiseless. But there will be a chance of leakage, and they would need high maintenance. In contrast to that, the air cooling method is low maintenance, and they are more reliable. It comes with fan noise that might irritate the user. The choice is yours.

Radiator Size: If you chose the liquid cooling method, then the size of the radiator would matter because it will affect the performance of the AIO cooler you are going to install. Usually, the size of the radiator ranges from 120 mm to 240 mm. You can install a larger-length radiator, too, but it would affect your cooling performance. The type of AIO cooler you will be choosing won’t support all lengths of the radiators, so you have to be careful in this regard. You have to follow up the instructions or the manual that comes with the AIO cooler radiator and check for yourself that it would fit in it or not.

Noise Levels And Air Cooling: As mentioned earlier, you will be experiencing fan noises with air cooling. Air coolers come with pre-installed fans; if the fan size is large, the probability of making noise decreases. Fans of smaller sizes are most likely to make noises because of rapid fan spinning. But for better cooling, you can install additional multiple fans in your cooler, but you would have to compromise your comfort over betterment. One can prefer the water cooling method if one does not want any acoustic levels.

Aesthetics: If you are a passionate gamer and a computer enthusiast, aesthetics are essential for you. But they have nothing to do with the performance so far. Just for a glowy appearance and eye-catching look, people prefer installing RGB fans and RGB LED Lights to make their system unique and appealing. To take this experience to the top levels, you can install RGB LED controllers and customize your cooler. Additional installments mean additional costs. The RGB Light system is genuinely fascinating, and many users are obsessed with it.

Best CPU Coolers For i7 8700k (Air & Liquid) at a glance:

  1. Noctua NH-D15
  2. Corsair iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT
  3. NZXT RL-KRX Kraken Liquid
  4. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB
  5. Noctua NH-U12S
  6. Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
  7. DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 400Wh
  8. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition

The Best CPU Coolers For i7 8700k (Air & Liquid) You Can Buy Today

Noctua NH-D15 (Image credit: Amazon)

Noctua NH-D15

Best Air CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: ‎5.91 x 6.34 x 6.5 Inches (LxWxH) | Base Height: 6.5 Inches | Weight: 2.86 Pounds | Fans: 2 | Socket Support: LGA 2066 / LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 / LGA1200 / LGA1156 / LGA1155 / LGA1151 / LGA1150 / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / AM3+ / FM1 / FM2 / FM2+ / AM4 | Warranty: 6 Years

REASONS TO BUY

Multi-socket mounting system

Two pre-installed 140mm fans

Premium quality thermal paste included

REASONS TO AVOID

No RGB lights

No Top PCI-Express Slot support

Noctua NH-D15 is manufactured by an Austrian firm and is one of their most innovative products. The product comes with excellent packaging, containing all the components and accessories of the system. The product is the best air CPU cooler for i7 8700k as it shows commendable performance with the following processor. The product comes with an asymmetrical design; the compatibility of slots increased due to this layout. This cooler is known for its silent working; although it is an air cooler, the pre-installed fans work quietly. A few heated copper pipes are installed at the cooler’s base for a better cooling experience, along with the CFM fans. As compared to the previous series, the product is comparatively evolved and full of excellent features.

In terms of aesthetics, it does not get much appreciation. The color scheme of beige and brown might not be appealing for many people. But looks always do not matter; along with the classic color scheme, the product does not have an RGB LED light system. Despite lacking aesthetics, the product shows excellent compatibility with the slots, using the Secufirm 2.0 mounting system. The product also has pulse width modulation support which controls the speed of the pre-installed fans, which proves to be convenient for the users. The product comes with a low noise adapter and good quality thermal paste for users looking for a silent operation and is fully eligible and worth trying.

Corsair iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT (Image credit: Amazon)

Corsair iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT

Best Liquid CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.72 x 1.18 Inches (LxWxH) | Base Height: 1.18 Inches | Weight: 2.68 Pounds | Fans: 2 | Socket Support: LGA 2066 / 2011-3 / 2011 / 1156 / 1155 / 1151 / 1150 / 1200 / AM4 / AM3 / AM2 / sTRX4 / sTR4 | Warranty: 5 Years

REASONS TO BUY

Zero RPM mode

Fan & Pump controller

A thermally optimized cold plate

REASONS TO AVOID

No anti-vibration pads

Runs hot under heavy loads

If you are looking for a cooler full of aesthetics and excellent performance, Corsair iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT would be a reasonable option. The product is an AIO that comes with two fans. It also comes with a radiator and with a combination of 120 mm fans, running from 400 to 2,400 RPM, so the cooling reaches immaculate levels. The cooling features of this product have made it the best liquid CPU cooler for i7 8700k. The copper heatsinks installed do wonder with the cooling system. But as we try to overclock the system, it will dissipate more heat, and hence more cooling is needed, but the product got it all covered. PRO XT also comes with the 3-pin Aansluiting ventilator, so rest assured about cooling down your system. However, if you want to install additional fans, this product does not come with that availability.

The following astonishing feature of this cooler is the RGB light system. It comes with sixteen addressable RGB LED Lights, giving this product a reason to be called aesthetically pleasing. This product is overall the best cpu cooler for i7 8700k one is looking for in their system. Adding more information to the RGB section, PRO XT comes with the Corsair iCUE software, and via this, the RGB Lights are in your control; you can change them and synchronize them the way you like. Via this software, you can also control the speed of fans and the pump. Pretty convenient, right? This cooler is a suitable option for people looking for convenience and attractiveness in a single product.

NZXT RL-KRX Kraken Liquid (Image credit: Amazon)

NZXT RL-KRX Kraken Liquid

Best Premium CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: ‎18.66 x 7.17 x 5.75 Inches (LxWxH) | Base Height: 5.75 Inches | Weight: 4.6 Pounds | Fans: 3 | Socket Support: LGA 1151/ 1150 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011 / 2011-3 / 2066 / AM4 / sTRX4 / TR4 | Warranty: 6 Years

REASONS TO BUY

Infinite Mirror Display

Light-weight Radiator

User-Friendly LCD Configuration

REASONS TO AVOID

No RGB Fans

No TRA bracket included

Many people do not favor heavier and bulkier coolers; they prefer lightweight and slim ones convenient and user-friendly. NZXT RL-KRX Kraken Liquid is a suitable product for people having lightweight preferences. Kraken X73 series are known for their powerful cooling performance and reliability. Such features make this product the best premium CPU cooler for i7 8700k. The product comes with a sleek black design made with aluminum and plastic. It comes with 400mm long nylon tubes, protected with rubber against mishandling and injury. The product supports a wide range of both Intel and AMD sockets. Moreover, the installation of this product is easy, convenient and goodness comes in the same product.

Kraken X73 comes with the infinity mirror ring LED, providing you with clear visuals of RGB Lights. The product has Aer RGB V2 radiator fans for more aesthetics, giving a better cooling performance and beautiful aesthetics. The product provides full CAM integration for accuracy. Spicy features like these make it the best cpu cooler for i7 8700k. Via NZXT CAM BETA allows you to have complete control over HUE 2 RGB fans and a pump installed in the product. Level up your computing experience with this under glow lighting cooler with a purplish RGB glow.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB (Image credit: Amazon)

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB

Best AIO CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 10.9 x 4.7 x 1.1 Inches (LxWxH) | Base Height: 1.1 Inches | Weight: 4.35 Pounds | Fans: 2 | Socket Support: LGA2066 / LGA2011-v3 / LGA2011 / LGA1200 / LGA1151 / LGA1150 / LGA1155 / LGA1156 / LGA1366 / LGA775 / AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1 | Warranty: 2 Years

REASONS TO BUY

Static Pressure PWM Fans

Low-resistance 240MM radiator

Include Wired RGB Controller & Splitter

REASONS TO AVOID

Higher noise level

No Asetek technology

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB is a valuable product of Cooler Master Technology, built with dedication and promising remarkable features. Having a hybrid design with premium built makes it the best AIO CPU cooler for i7 8700k. For ventilation, the product has dual fans with Smart Fan Sensor and Silent Cooling Fan Technology. For thorough airflow in the system, the manufacturers’ built-in Air Balance fans, via this the airflow becomes direct and is available for every other component. A low resistant radiator is pre-installed for a better water cooling system, which controls the heat dissipation to adequate levels.

The product comes with a dual dissipation pump for better service and cooling maximization. The RGB Light program installed in it gives off a beautiful outlook to the product. Wired RGB controllers are present, which allows the user to have control over the light show. This cooler deserves to be on the list of the best cpu cooler for i7 8700k. With so many innovative features, the product is compatible with Intel and AMD sockets. The product is designed for the user who wants adequate thermal performance and a low noise cooling experience.

Noctua NH-U12S (Image credit: Amazon)

Noctua NH-U12S

Best Silent CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: ‎6.22 x 1.77 x 4.92 Inches (LxWxH) | Base Height: 1.25 Inches | Weight: 1.28 Pounds | Fans: 1 | Socket Support: LGA2066 / LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 / LGA1200 / LGA1156 / LGA1155 / LGA1151 / LGA1150 / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / AM3+ / FM1 / FM2 / FM2+ | Warranty: 6 Years

REASONS TO BUY

100% RAM compatibility

Low-noise adaptor included

Custom-designed PWM IC with SCD

REASONS TO AVOID

No FM2+ bracket

Single pre-installed fan

Noctua brand is famous for its cooling components; located in Austria; the brand is trustworthy. One of their products, Noctua NH-U12S, results from the hard work of manufacturers and their dedication. With the excellent build quality and pin-drop silent service, it is the best silent CPU cooler for i7 8700k. The product is compatible with Intel, and AMD sockets also show compatibility with all the RAM. The brown body is slim, with a single 158 mm cooling tower built for maximum cooling. A singular NF-F12 120mm PWM fan is pre-installed in the cooler; however, you can mount a second fan. For silent operation, Low noise adapter is used along with the Aluminium focused flow fans. With a low noise adapter, the acoustic levels range between 6,18 dBA.

Brown is not for everyone; the color scheme is the company’s signature color scheme and might not be likable for all users. Moreover, the product lacks an RGB Lighting system, so the aesthetics levels are pretty much nil. But quality over aesthetics is applied here, and that is why one can say that it is the best cpu cooler for i7 8700k. The installation of this particular cooler is easy with the SecuFirm2™ mounting system. Users are surely going to like the product due to its compatibility and ease of installation. PC users with low-noise and classic design preferences should add this cooler to their buying list.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO (Image credit: Amazon)

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

Best Heat-Conductor CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.1 x 6.3 inch (LxWXH) | Base Height: 1.49 Inches | Weight: 1.3 Pounds | Fans: 1 | Socket Support: LGA2066, LGA2011-v3, LGA2011, LGA1366, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 | Warranty: 2 Years

REASONS TO BUY

All-in-one mounting solution

Four direct-connect heat pipes

Well-balanced cooling system

REASONS TO AVOID

No Anti-Stall Knobs

No AAO Frame included

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is a prestigious addition to cooling products of the cooler master company. The product is a non-RGB cooler with an SF120R RGB fan to give an excellent performance. Not only the superb performance, but the product is also the best heat-conductor CPU cooler for i7 8700k, which proves to be one of the outstanding traits. This product has an asymmetrical layout, and no provision of water cooling is present in it. For ventilation, a singular SickleFlow PWM fan along with a 4-fin PWM fan header is pre-installed. However, one can install another fan to enhance the cooling experience. Hyper 212 EVO V2 is an excellent choice for air cooling and is worthy of trying.

The product shows adequate acoustic levels, 30 dBA, which enhances the silent operation. Overclocking of the CPU is possible here, with the controllable fans. The manufacturers do not build the product based on complex installation processes; instead, the overall assembly is user-friendly. Hyper 212 EVO V2 comes with dual chambers, brushed with aluminum, and there are plates over the towers made with the same element, having a company logo over them. The availability of these tasty features at an affordable price is heavenly. We would recommend this product to people with minimal computer usage.

DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 400Wh (Image credit: Amazon)

DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 400Wh

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 7 x 6.7 x 5.1 inches (LxWxH) | Base Height: 6.10 Inches | Weight: 1.41 Pounds | Fans: 1 | Socket Support: LGA20XX / LGA1366 / LGA 1200 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / LGA775 AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1 | Warranty: 2 Years

REASONS TO BUY

Semi-transparent Fan

Universal socket compatibility

4 sintered metal powder heatpipes

REASONS TO AVOID

No polychrome LED

No SSO-Bearing technology

Deepcool PC hardware company is famous for its cooling PC components. Their products show remarkable outcomes. The company has established a quality gaming performance via its products, which is the reason for a rise in popularity. DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 400Wh is loaded with many practical features that can enhance the performance of your PC overall. It is the best budget CPU cooler for i7 8700k, which adds more to its goodness. The cooler came with a singular fan, four metal powder heated pipes, blue LEDs, and many other unique features. Additional fan clips are added for those who want to add another fan inside the cooler for better cooling.

Monochrome LED Light has been used in the cooler, which might not attract a few people, but users with performance preferences will ignore this. The tool-free installation is another plus point of the product. The acoustic levels are lower (21.4~32.1dBA) even when the cooler is working with max speed. The installation of Hydro bearing works wonders for silent operations. PC users with noise irritation need this product. We would surely recommend this super quiet, excellent performing reasonable product.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition (Image credit: Amazon)

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition

Best Black CPU Cooler For i7 8700k

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: ‎4.7 x 3.1 x 6.3 Inches (LxWxH) | Base Height: 1.49 Inches | Weight: 2.06 Pounds | Fans: 1 | Socket Support: LGA2066 / LGA2011-v3 / LGA2011 / LGA1200 / LGA1151 / LG1A1150 / LGA1155 / LGA1156 / LGA1366 / AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1 | Warranty: 2 Years

REASONS TO BUY

Anodized aluminum top cover

Pre-installed shock absorber pads

Optional push-pull fan configuration

REASONS TO AVOID

No powder-coated fans

No low-noise adaptor included

The company, Cooler Master, has improved with this product and installed many evolved features. In comparison with the previous series, Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition performs better and looks better. The product weighs only 700 grams with 1.49 inches base height. Unwrapping the package would let you see the best black CPU cooler for i7 8700k. Nickel and aluminum are used to build this product, and copper heated pipes to ensure the product’s durability. The company has added 4-pin RGB for aesthetics, giving this product an eye-catching appearance. For noise reduction, the cooler came along with a Silencio fan with exclusive Silent Drive IC technology.

PC components with black color have a kind of attraction, no other colored part has. The product is a full sleek black design cooler. It shows a quiet performance with the innovative installed features in it. Apart from classically aesthetic and good performance, the product also shows optimum CPU temperatures, enhancing the product’s overall performance. The accuracy in design and the company’s dedication has made this product the best of the best. Users with classical look preferences and low noise performance fans should add the product to their lists.

Conclusion

We have summed up a list of CPU coolers from well-known brands, promising you features and attributes that make them trustworthy. As mentioned earlier, water cooling has a slight win over air cooling, but it is totally up to the buyer to choose whatever is best for his CPU. Air coolers need a more prominent space significantly inside the case, unlike water coolers. This guide has both a water and air cooler that is the best cpu cooler for i7 8700k. Both cooling sources have their perks. In comparison with the air coolers, liquid coolers use a large radiator with more consumption of power and relatively less noise. As the processor is powerful, you have to choose a PC cooler carefully.

For low-noise operations, one can go for the Noctua coolers; they have used techniques to lower the acoustic levels. However, they lack in the aesthetics department. Cooler Master products take the lead in this matter; they have a unique outlook with a beautiful RGB LEDLight system and RGB fans with controllers so you can have the whole experience. You can go for the CPU cooling products offered by Corsair and NZXT brands to have a cooler with premium aesthetics. Have a look at the list with information about the Best CPU Coolers For i7 8700k (Air & Liquid) in 2021 and scratch up your computing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best CPU cooler for i7 8700k?

With the TDP of 95 W, the respective processor needs a cooler that helps it diminishing the effect of the dissipated heat. As long as the processor is under 100 degrees, it will work fine; more the temperature, more chances of thermal throttling, and more loss in performance. From our listed cooler, we would recommend Noctua NH-D15; the product has all the cooling techniques that its powerful processor needs to overcome heat dissipation. It comes with dual silent CFM fans with pulse width modulation for controlling the speed of the fans. The RGB system is excellent in it as well.

Is stock cooler enough for i7 8700k?

Stock coolers are cooler, having the hardware components like CPU, GPU, etc. These hardware components came along with it as manufacturers added them with it. They are known as small heatsinks with fans attached to them. They will be enough for i7 8700k if you live in an area with moderate climates; however, overclocking would be complicated with such cooling devices. We would recommend Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, a cooler which will provide adequate cooling to your system. It comes with the SickleFlow PWM fan and 4-pin PWM fan header that provides excellent air cooling.

Does Intel i7 come with a cooler?

No, it does not come with any stock cooler; one needs to buy an aftermarket cooler to provide cooling. Processors with this much power consumption and TDP will need a cooler to save everything from burning. DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 400Wh is our recommendation in this regard; it comes with a fantastic blue LED, Hrdo bearing for silent working, additional fan clips for mounting a second fan. The cooler provides the best air cooling in the market; it also has the best budget, which is a great trait.

Is Intel Core i7 8700k good for gaming?

The following processor is an excellent choice for running games with a quality experience. It has enough cores, 4.7GHz maximum Turbo frequency, good overlocking attributes, and much more. As perfect as it is for gaming, one needs a cooler to level up the PC working. If you pair up the processor with the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB, it will provide adequate water cooling and give a good RGB Light show. Air-balanced faans and a low resistant radiator with RGB controllers for a premium level cooler experience.