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Best CPU Cooler For Intel Core i7 7700K (High Performance)

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PC gaming can be tough to get into, mostly because of all of the different computer parts you need to look out for, as well as knowing how to compile them together.

When you build a gaming rig, you might give all your attention to the CPU unit or the graphics card, which is usually the way most people think.

However, it only makes sense if it all runs smoothly, and that is where CPU coolers come in. Sure, you have a top of the line processor such as an i7 7700k, but do you have the best CPU Cooler for the i7 7700k?

Unless you do, you are going to have a tough time ensuring that everything is working properly, as the CPU may be susceptible to overheating or slowing down if it is not cooled properly.

I am here to walk you through all the available CPU coolers on the market right now, as well as advise you on which one to get depending on your specific needs.

Fact: Air cooling is an efficient and cheaper way to achieve CPU cooling. A good CPU air cooler comes with a bulky heatsink that takes up plenty of space in the pc casing.

As long as you follow this guide thoroughly, you will never have to deal with an overheating rig or a burnt CPU.

Let us get right into the list of CPU coolers and decide which one is the best for you!

Best CPU Coolers For i7 7700k – In-Depth Table

Image Name Price Rating Specs
NZXT Kraken X72
  • Fan Speed: 1,600~2,800 +/- 300 Rpm
  • Noise Level: Min 21 – Max 36 dBA
  • Dimensions: 15.50 x 1.06 x 4.70 Inch
  • Type: Liquid Cooler
Noctua NH-D15
  • Fan Speed: 300 – 1500 RPM
  • Noise Level: Min 19.2 – Max 24.6 dBA
  • Dimensions: 5.91 x 6.34 x 6.50 Inch
  • Type: Air Cooler
Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro
  • Fan Speed: 1600 RPM
  • Noise Level: Min 10 – Max 25 dBA
  • Dimensions: 18.66 x 5.75 x 7.28 Inch
  • Type: Liquid Cooler
Cryorig R1 Ultimate
  • Fan Speed: 700 – 1300 RPM
  • Noise Level: Min 19 – Max 23 dBA
  • Dimensions: 5.51 x 5.61 x 6.63 Inch
  • Type: Air Cooler
EVGA CLC
  • Fan Speed: 500-2400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Min 16 – Max 39.5 dBA
  • Dimensions: 7.00 x 7.70 x 14.00 Inch
  • Type: Liquid Cooler
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
  • Fan Speed: 650-2000 RPM
  • Noise Level: Min 6 – Max 30 dBA
  • Dimensions: 15.5 x 4.7 x 1.1 Inch
  • Type: Liquid Cooler

A Quick Look At The Best CPU Coolers For i7-7700K:

  1. NZXT Kraken X72 (NeoGamr’s Pick)
  2. Noctua NH-D15 (Best Air CPU Cooler)
  3. Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro (Premium Pick)
  4. Cryorig R1 Ultimate (Best Performance Air Cooler)
  5. EVGA CLC (Best Budget AIO)
  6. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R (Great Cooling)

Best CPU Coolers For i7 7700k

#1- NZXT Kraken X72 (360mm)

– Specifications:

  • Supported Intel Sockets: 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066
  • Supported AMD Sockets: TR4, AM4, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2
  • Pump Speed: 1,600~2,800 +/- 300RPM
  • RAM Height Clearance: 35mm
  • Dimensions: Radiator; 394 x 120 x 27mm, Pump; 80 x 80 x 52.9mm
  • Customize The Pump RGB Lighting Effects
  • Fan Noise Level: Min 21 – Max 36 dBA

– Advantages:

  • Attractive, minimal design featuring an infinity mirror pump base design.
  • Excellent cooling performance under high stress.
  • Support for a wide variety of AMD and Intel chips, including the AMD Ryzen Threadripper series.
  • Unique RGB lighting features.
  • User-friendly software for pump/fans configuration.

– Drawbacks:

  • A bit pricy than its alternatives.
  • Fans generate noise under full RPM.

NZXT has been providing high-end aesthetically pleasing casings, quality liquid cooling solutions, power supplies, LED lighting, and even a motherboard. Though, the company got recognition for its PC cases and AIO coolers.

Kraken X72 features a 360mm black metallic radiator made from aluminum paired with a re-designed and re-engineered pump that offers the type of performance most people would expect. Build for heat-generating, high-end Intel and AMD chips.

It supports all Intel and AMD chips, including support for AMD’s TR4 socket, meaning it can also be paired with AMD’s Threadripper series of processors. It is one thing that NZXT is known for is the build quality and aesthetics of their products, plus RGB.

The product does have RGB in the pump head that features an infinity mirror design; besides the RGB on the pump head, the rest of the product is lighting-free. Which, if you ask me, looks way better than the RGB setups.

RGB setups are cool and stuff, but I believe in minimalistic builds, and if you are like me, you will love this AIO. To utilize this AIO to its full potential, you can connect the USB Mini-B-to-9-pin cable in case you want to install the NZXT CAM software.

The fans on this cooler are rated up to 2000RPM. Under full rotation, the fans generated louder noise than the competitors, but overall the temperatures were lowest. Then again, the Kraken x72 is one of the most expensive AIO coolers.

– Author Note:

It is hard to find an AIO that has excellent cooling performance, stays silent mostly, has the aesthetics, and does not cost a fortune. NZXT tries to tick most boxes with their Kraken x72 AIO liquid cooler.

For the most part, this cooler is one of the popular AIOs in the market despite its high price. It has excellent cooling performance even for the hottest chips like AMD Ryzen Threadripper etc. Though, at full RPM, the radiator fans do generate audible noise, which might bother some people.

The pump base features an infinity mirror design that honestly looks amazing and is customizable. You can remove the logo in the middle and let the rings inside the display do their thing.

The AIO does not feature RGB fans, unlike most of the AIOs, but that’s the good part. It adds way more value to the minimalism of the casing. Unless the price of the Kraken X72 does not bother you, going with it is not a bad idea.

#2- Noctua NH-D15

– Specifications:

  • Supported Intel Sockets: LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150
  • Supported AMD Sockets: AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / AM3+ / FM1 / FM2 / FM2+ (backplate required) / AM4 with NM-AM4
  • Fan Speed: 300 – 1500 RPM
  • 6 Heatpipe Dual Tower Design
  • Dual NF-A15 140mm Fans
  • Dimensions With Fan: Height 165mm, Width 150mm Depth 161mm
  • Fan Noise Level: Min 19.2 – Max 24.6 dBA

– Advantages:

  • Exceptional cooling performance that rivals AIO coolers to some extent
  • Surprisingly generates less noise
  • Outstanding build quality
  • Easy to install, user-friendly mount system
  • Comes with two 140mm fans.
  • Support most Intel and AMD sockets.
  • 6-year warranty

– Drawbacks:

  • The color scheme is not for everyone
  • Relatively expensive
  • A bulky design might not fit into compact systems.

You might likely have heard about Noctua if you have ever built a computer before or if you are familiar with the computer building hardware in general. These guys are not your regular CPU cooling hardware manufacturers.

Their components are for the enthusiast, and they are known for these ridiculous CPU coolers with two heatsinks on a single air cooler, which the company released in 2009, and then their name blew up.

Noctua manufactures one of the best air coolers in the world, but their design and color scheme is not for everyone. Like their previous heatsinks, the NH-D15 feature two iconic cream and brown-colored fans combined with two thick heat sinks.

Upon first glance, one might think there are two coolers, but instead, what people will find is it is a single CPU cooler. The cooler features two massive heatsinks, with six copper heat pipes per heatsink and 140mm gigantic fans.

The cooler supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. Sadly you will not find support for the Threadripper series. Performance-wise, this thing slays. It sets the bar higher for air cooling and can even go toe-to-toe with some liquid coolers.

Though the noise might get bothersome when the fans spin at maximum RPM. These fans are rated for 1500 RPM. Luckily, these fans can be controlled through the motherboard.

– Author Note:

The PC market has a lot of options if you decide to build a system by yourself. There are several choices to choose from, and chances are most components that you will end up buying will be by a well-reputed and popular company.

Unlike most options, Noctua products are relatively easier to spot due to their bizarre colors. Except for the eccentric colors, the NH-D15 is a beast, both physically and performance-wise.

Out of several CPU coolers’ benchmarks that I have observed, this beast eventually made its way on the top. Its performance is outstanding that can come close to popular AIOs.

The colors scheme on Noctua coolers is not for the majority of people. Despite their outstanding performance, the colors would prevent several people from purchasing Noctua products.

Noctua came out of nowhere and slew the competition like nothing. The company proved with NH-D15 that they are still the best CPU air cooler manufacturers.

#3- Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO (360mm)

– Specifications:

  • Supported Intel Sockets: Intel 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066
  • Supported AMD Sockets: AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, (Need Additional CW-8960054 Bracket For sTR4/sTRX4 Support)
  • Radiator Dimensions: 396mm x 120mm x 27mm, Fan Dimensions: 120mm x 25mm
  • Fan Speed: 1600 RPM
  • Corsair iCUE Supported
  • Fan Noise Level: Min 10 – Max 25 dBA

– Advantages:

  • Outstanding cooling performance.
  • Sleek, attractive, minimalistic design
  • Solid build quality
  • Magnetic levitation fans
  • Corsair Link provides high customizability regarding fan speeds, RGB, monitoring, and more.
  • 5-year warranty

– Drawbacks:

  • A huge radiator size might not fit in every case
  • No support for AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPU out of the box

Microprocessors are getting advanced, faster and the number of cores is increasing every generation. These CPU chips improve every generation and feature a faster clock speed and data transfer in-between smaller CPU components like cache and registers.

Faster data processing is cool but requires concrete cooling solutions. Corsair Hydro Serie H150i PRO is here for this job. The H150i is a direct successor of the old school H100i. It is an upgrade to its predecessor in several aspects.

H150i features a 360mm aluminum radiator with three 1200mm PMW fans. The maximum fan speed rating for the H150i is 1600 RPM. For the pump head, it features a multi-color RGB lighting pump head flexible with the lighting effects of your system.

I would not be surprised if Corsair would tell everyone to buy their AIO cooler because of the many great features it comes with.

Take its software, for instance. Corsair Link allows the user to customize the AIO as per their needs. You can adjust the RGB lighting, monitor CPU, coolant temperatures, control individual fan speed to keep the temps in check.

The fans on this AIO are smart, and they start with the lowest possible RPM when you boot your system. A user can also set a Zero RPM cooling profile that will halt the fans from spinning, eliminating noise generated by the fans.

Users can choose three different performance profiles to meet the requirements; Performance profile will make the fan spin at the maximum RPM to keep the radiator pumping cooled coolant to the pump head, ensuring the best possible cooling performance.

Balanced makes the fans spin at almost half of the speed at Performance mode. Lastly, in Quiet profile mode, you can put the fans at a halt eliminating extra noise generated by fans during spinning.

– Author Note:

Corsair is a famous PC hardware manufacturing company that goes all out with its products. Though sometimes, their products are not the best but offer great value and durability.

Corsair products cost more, and H150i is no different. With the build quality and cooling performance of this gigantic beast literally, the price could be justified. The radiator is made out of aluminum and is one of the biggest compared with radiators of AIOs in the competition.

The H150i is a direct successor to the popular H100i and is worth an upgrade no matter which angle you look it from. It has a sleek-looking pump head design with a multi-color RBG lighting system that changes color to match the lighting on your system, which is a neat and cool feature.

The cooler can be customized with the help of the Corsair Link software, which might feel cluttered but does the job nonetheless.

If you have more than enough room in your casing, and money is not an issue, going with the H150i will put you at peace of mind regarding temps and not to mention its ease of installation.

You can open the box and install it in your system by yourself in no time. The H150i is a solid and worthy addition to the gigantic arsenal of the Corsair product catalog.

#4- Cryorig R1 Ultimate

– Specifications:

  • Supported Intel Sockets: 2066, 2011(-3), 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200
  • Supported AMD Sockets: FM1, FM2/+, AM2/+, AM3/+, AM4
  • Dimensions With Fan: Length 142.4 mm x Width 140 mm x Height 168.3 mm
  • Fan Speed: 700 – 1300 RPM
  • 7x 6mm Heatpipes
  • Fan Noise Level: Min 19 – Max 23 dBA

– Advantages:

  • Excellent heat dissipation and cooling performance.
  • Adjustable fans for DIMM clearance.
  • Supports several Intel and AMD sockets.
  • Decent build quality.
  • Easy-to-install if followed manual carefully.

– Drawbacks:

  • Fans can get noise at maximum RPM.
  • Bulky and heavy, need care when moving PC.

Cryorig has been manufacturing PC cooling solutions, including fans, AIOs, air coolers, for a while now. Cryorig means business and wants to compete with Noctua, Corsair, Cooler Master, etc.

The R1 Ultimate features a similar design as the Noctua NH-D15 CPU cooler. It features two heatsink towers combined with two fans. The fan orientation can be altered as per the system requirement.

The heatsink tower height is 140mms bigger than the height of most memory sticks. The fans are adjustable and can be pushed downwards until the height matches the DIMMs.

Let me tell you, this cooler is massive, and unless you have extra space in your system for airflow, you might want to get an AIO. The bulky design is there for solid reasons, which are none other than ensuring heat dissipation.

The R1 Ultimate is not the best air cooler when you talk about the noise levels against some of its competitors and extremely cheap Gammaxx 400 air cooler, which caught me by surprise.

The cooler slew the competition by reaching a maximum of 79 degrees Celsius temperature with maximum RPM, which is rated around 1400RPM for both fans with a minute difference. The CPU stays at around 39 degrees Celsius during an idle state.

This type of performance is only possible with fans under greater pressure. Ultimately, under high stress, you might observe audible noise in a quieter environment. The noise is justifiable considering its top-notch cooling performance.

– Author Note:

Cryorig R1 Ultimate is a solid CPU cooler for people serious about gaming, including overclocking enthusiasts. R1 Ultimate is a premium product to give serious competition to products manufactured by Noctua, Corsair, and other popular PC cooling hardware manufacturers.

It is a solid choice for people who are looking for a CPU cooler with a moderate budget, including people who are not going to touch overclocking or experts that use the CPU overclocked, alike.

There are several competitors of the R1 Ultimate with a few advantages and disadvantages over this beast air cooler. One of the best things that would make the majority of the people go for the R1 ultimate is it can fit with the style of the system, unlike Noctua NH-D15.

The Cryorig R1 Ultimate has cemented its name against the competition as one of the fine and solid air coolers with a premium price.

Sure, the price might sound ridiculous at first, but after analyzing the cooling benchmarks, the price seems fair, and not to mention you can potentially get six years of manufacturer warranty (if you register the product online)

#5- EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler (240mm)

– Specifications:

  • Supported Intel Sockets: LGA20XX, 1200, 115X, 1366
  • Supported AMD Sockets: AM2, AM3, AM4, FM1, FM2, TR4
  • Dimensions: Lenght 276mm x Width 122mm x Height 28mm
  • Speed: 500-2400RPM
  • 100% Copper Base Gives Maximum Heat Transfer
  • Fan Noise Level: Min 16 – Max 39.5 dBA

– Advantages:

  • Compact design that can fit inside most PCs.
  • Incredible cooling performance
  • Affordable price tag
  • Customizability and temperature monitoring with EVGA Flow Control software.
  • 5-year warranty

– Drawbacks:

  • Fans get noisy at maximum RPM

EVGA is a prominent computer hardware manufacturer known especially for its GPUs, motherboards, and power supplies. The company has started manufacturing computer components cooling hardware a couple of years ago.

EVGA has released its cooling products for CPUs and GPUs. EVGA products need no introduction when we talk about durability and performance. Though, EVGA might have to work on the aesthetics of their products.

CLC features a 240mm radiator with 2x 120mm fans. These fans are rated for 2400 max RPM. These fans are controlled via the PWM motherboard headers, fan controller, or linking it directly with the EVGA pump fantail, which will be controlled by the pump unit.

EVGA products ooze quality, and CLC 240 is no different. The tubing pipes are fully sleeved from the pump head to the radiator. The radiator features two new EVGA fans built with the Teflon Nano Bearing ensuring longevity.

CLC 240 features the Asetek pumps, one of the leading liquid cooling solutions providers in the world. Talking about the pump, it features a glossy look with RGB and the EVGA logo highlighted at the center of the pump.

If you are wondering about customizability with the EVGA Flow Control software, you have full access to customizing the cooler as per your tastes. You can also monitor your computer components’ temperatures with Flow Control.

CLC 240 is a compact AIO liquid cooler that will potentially fit in the majority of the systems. Decent cooling performance, compact design, solid build quality, affordable than most AIOs, it has everything that a person is looking for in a perfect closed-loop CPU liquid cooler for their rigs.

– Author Note:

The CLC 240 is a solid CPU cooler with attractive features like high customizability through the EVGA Flow Control software. Not only can you control the RPM of the fans, but you can also change the RGB of the pump head, it also helps in monitoring the temperatures of the system.

Now that you have to build a system or you are looking to replace your CPU cooler with an AIO that is easier to install and does perform exceptionally with stock clocks and overclocked speeds, EVGA CLC 240 has got you covered.

Searching for an AIO for compact systems is hard than Standard-ITX builds, and CLC 240 is an excellent AIO if you have a compact build.

Though, if you are living in a peaceful place with little to no noise, the fans on CLC 240, at their maximum RPM, might bother you with all the extra noise. Overall, you will not regret purchasing this compact beast by EVGA.

#6- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R (360mm)

– Specifications:

  • Supported Intel Sockets: LGA2066, LGA2011-v3, LGA2011, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA775
  • Supported AMD Sockets: AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1
  • Dimensions: Length 394 x Width 119 x Height 27.2 mm, Pump Dimensions; 83.6 x 71.8 x 52.7 mm
  • Fan Speed: 650-2000 RPM
  • Fan Noise Level: Min 6 – Max 30 dBA

– Advantages:

  • Stellar cooling performance
  • Full ARGB setup including fans and pump head
  • Cheaper than similar performing AIOs
  • Excellent build quality
  • Attractive design.
  • Easy to install, user-friendly manual.
  • Support for several Intel and AMD CPUs.

– Drawbacks:

  • Too much RGB might not be for everyone
  • Cumbersome cable management could be better

There are many products launch as the perfect product to outsell and outperform the most popular product and highly rated product in the market. There may be many challenges, but only a few can succeed, or sometimes a single product survives from the battle royale of becoming the new fan favorite.

The MasterLiquid ML360R is Cooler Master’s challenger to give the best AIOs in the market a tough time. It features a full-on ARGB lighting system that can match the profile of your system’s RGB and supports RGB technologies like ASUS AURA SYNC, ASRock POLYCHROME SYNC, and more.

The RGB is not limited to the pump head this time, but the fans are loaded with RGB as well. If you cannot stand too much lighting in your system, this product can give you headaches.

But if you love RGB lighting, you are in for a treat. The ML360R RGB is not just fancy lights. Its performance is what makes this product special. It features a 360mm aluminum radiator, double tubing, sleeved pipes.

Compared to the predecessor, the ML360R covers 30 percent more surface area for even better cooling performance. As far as performance is concerned, this AIO knows how to perform and has the best possible cooling results with a double-digit temperature difference than the ML240R RGB.

Against the mighty NZXT Kraken X72, ML360R did not hold back and remained lower. Hence better performance and better price. Thanks to the ARGB MF120R fans, the ML360R dominated the cooling benchmarks against its competitors.

Higher fan speeds lead to loud noise, and although this AIO is possibly the coolest CPU cooler, it is one of the loudest in the charts.

– Author Note:

Cooler Master is out for blood and in the fierce competition of the best AIO coolers, featuring a moderate price tag, the MasterLiquid ML360R RGB is Cooler Master’s finest AIO cooler in a while. It is a direct successor to the popular ML240R and is a worthy upgrade no matter which perspective you look at it.

It features a 360mm aluminum radiator that has over 30 percent more surface area than the predecessor. Cooler Master went overboard with the aesthetics on this one. Either you will love the lighting on this cooler, or you will hate it, though you can control the color to your liking.

It is easier to install, but cable management can make the installation a little tricky and cumbersome if you have never installed an AIO into your system.

The ML360R is the performance leader in the fierce 360 AIO competition right now. It slews the competition and has a convincing lead to almost every other AIO in the competition.

The performance comes as the result of fans with high RPMs, that generate audible noise, that can bother people who like to work in a silent environment. But if you are not going ham with those overclocks, I think you are okay with the noise and low temperatures at high stress.

Which CPU Cooler For i7 7700K Should I Pick?

Now that you have read through this list, you may be wondering which CPU cooler you should consider buying for your i7 7700K. All of these coolers are unique, and you cannot go wrong with whichever one you choose.

I do have a few favorites on this list. If you are looking for a cooler that provides both stunning aesthetics and great cooling, then I would recommend the Cooler Master ML360R, which has amazing customizable RGB lighting.

The EVGA CLC also has a sleek look and provides optimal cooling. The CORSAIR Hydro Series H150i PRO RGB and the Noctua NH-D15 are both amazing picks if you are looking for reliable coolers that deliver. Both coolers provide top-notch results while keeping the noise levels to a minimum.

Related Articles:

Size & Noise: How Much Is It Important?

Size is a crucial factor for AIO liquid coolers as well as air coolers. Usually, the bulky size of the premium AIO radiators, pump heads, and heatsink of air coolers are to ensure excellent heat dissipation due to their larger surface areas.

You will find a lot of air coolers and AIO liquid coolers in the market ranging from cheap, budget-friendly, and lastly premium versions. The size also increases, as you increase your budget.

Fact: CPU cooling is necessary as without it you cannot use your computer. A lack of a CPU cooler puts the CPU at risk of burning. CPU cooling also relies on high-quality thermal paste that can help in dropping a few degrees in temperature.

In rare cases, you might find the best CPU cooler with an impressive price tag. As per benchmarks, air coolers or liquid coolers with bigger pump heads, radiators, and heatsink sizes have the best cooling performance than cooler having smaller components.

image of a gaming pc running msi gaming x GPU

Scientifically speaking, it is easier to cool stuff with a bigger surface area than objects with smaller surface area, simple. But to achieve even better results, most companies pair their AIO or air coolers with high-end fans with over 2000 RPM in liquid coolers and around 1500 RPM in air coolers, which at their full speed are noisy.

Next time you think about upgrading, keep this little tidbit in mind. If you like to overclock your CPU to insane clock speeds, you can get premium coolers but will have to say your goodbyes to the quiet environment, if you have one.

On the contrary, compact systems or CPUs running at stock clock speeds does not require the liquid or air cooler fans to run at their maximum RPM. If you fall in this category, you are most suited for either a compact air cooler with two fans wide radiator or, better yet, get a premium air cooler.

Air CPU Cooler Or AIO CPU Cooler

Whether to go with an air cooler or AIO liquid cooler?

It is one of the frequently asked questions when people decide to buy a cooling solution for their CPUs, which is nothing surprising, considering how powerful chips have become and how crucial is it to have a decent cooling solution for the system.

The answer to this question lies in two factors. The most obvious answer is budget. The second answer is your workload. Contrary to the popular belief that entry to medium budget builds should get an air cooler while higher and enthusiastic builds are better off with liquid cooling.

Air CPU Cooler Or AIO CPU Cooler

I believe you can select from both of these choices. In the end, it all depends on your workload. If your CPU does not have to process huge chunks of data like 4K gaming, rendering, or more, it is better to get an air cooler as they are cheaper and can fit in almost any case.

Now, if you have a high-end system and love to overclock your CPU, AIO liquid coolers are the best for the best possible temperatures. However, there are some high-end air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15, and you will be just fine.

Fact: Liquid cooling is more efficient than air coolers but they cost more and are at constant risk of leaking that can potentially permanently harm any system component if the leaked liquid happens to drop on the component.

The senseless arguments that air coolers are not for high-end chips, etc. are old. There are several decent options to get cooler. It highly depends on the consumer and their needs not to forget the budget and the workload.

Compatibility And CPU Sockets

Without the knowledge of your CPU and the socket it requires, you will be either wasting your money, or it will be a waste of time because the coolers are not going to get assembled themselves.

The coolers come in attachable components, and the user assembles the components and attaches them to the motherboard unless you beseeched someone to assemble the CPU cooler parts for you. Either way, it would be a waste of money and time.

image of The noctua cpu cooler

But there is one good piece of news. The majority of the CPUs manufactured by AMD and Intel have had a handful of sockets in the last ten years. Intel has a few more than AMD.

In case you have a CPU from the past ten years, either by team blue or team red. Whichever cooler that you will choose, it will work with your CPU, with a few exceptions.

I am not suggesting visiting the PC market and choosing a CPU cooler based on looks good or its popularity. Google your CPU model first and check the socket. Go to the market, and you will find its compatibility with your dream cooler.

In case you have a unique CPU like the Ryzen Threadripper, for instance, you might not find a decent CPU cooler right away. It is always a wise decision to do the necessary research first before purchasing a CPU cooler, especially the CPU and its socket.

My Final Verdict:

Every year or two, AMD and Intel release their new lineup of processors from some years now. These chips are getting more powerful and faster for every new generation. These CPUs generate heat due to their quick processing prowess and require an equally good cooling solution.

To keep up with the rapid growth and ever-increase in air and liquid coolers, several companies released many attractive CPU coolers in the market for people with varying budgets.

Depending on the workload, a person can only choose from air CPU coolers or a closed-loop, AIO liquid cooler. If a user likes to push their CPUs to the limit, an AIO liquid cooler is recommended for those people.

If a user’s workload is nothing but office work, graphics designing, and gaming without overclocking, we have air coolers for this category of PC users.

Air coolers are cheaper but are safe. AIO coolers are premium and have the best cooling results, but there is always a risk of leakage, minimum, but it is always there.

Few exceptional air coolers are even recommended for people who love overclocking and high-end gaming. This not only saves the risk of destroying the system with liquid leakage, but it will save them money.

In the end, it is better to do research, know your PC and your work type and then go to the market and purchase your dream cooler and you will always have choices to choose from.

I hope so, that the simple answer to your query for the “best CPU cooler for i7 7700k” is answered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Does i7 7700k need liquid cooling?

In case you are going to use the processor without overclocking then you may not need any liquid cooling but I will surely recommend you use one as it is always better to have a chilling system present inside your valuable gaming setup.

Question 2: What is the best CPU cooler for i7 7700k?

As you can see, I reviewed each CPU cooler above to understand better the one you can buy, but still, if you are confused in deciding, then the NZXT Kraken X72 and Noctua NH-D15 should be your first choice. The other four coolers are also good, but in case you want me to pick a number.

Question 3: What temp should my i7 7700k run at?

This question is a bit of a general discussion for many users but as long as you are not reaching the 85℃, you are all good to go. Just stay under 80 – 85C maximum temperatures, and you can enjoy the true performance. Also, make sure that you are not overclocking much.

Question 4: Should I buy an aftermarket CPU cooler for i7 7700k?

Why not? The stock CPU coolers are not good and can’t provide you an outstanding thermal performance whereas on the other side if you are buying an aftermarket CPU cooler for i7 7700k, you will get the full potential.

Again if you are looking for overclocking then the Aftermarket CPU cooler is a must-have for you.

Question 5: Does the i7 come with a cooler?

Yes, older generations of i7 come with Intel’s stock air cooler, which is not extraordinary but does the job for normal workload and moderate gaming.

The stock air cooler, is not recommended, to use if the user is planning to play games for longer durations of time or with overclocked CPU.

As the chips got faster and more powerful, Intel decided to ditch stock coolers as they were not good enough to cool the chips, so if you have the latest-generation Core i7 processor, you will not be getting a stock cooler.

Question 6: Is i7-7700K still good in 2023?

Yes, Core i7-7700K is the from the seventh-generation Core i7 processors and is a beast when it comes to performance. Even in 2023, the processor can handle most tasks with ease, including gaming or overclocking.

The processor is based on Intel’s 14nm process node and features four cores and eight threads. It comes with a base frequency of 4.20 GHz and can be overclocked up to 4.70 GHz.

Question 7: What is a good temp for i7 7700K?

If Core i7 7700K is paired with a decent air or AIO liquid cooler, then for the stock base clock, the processor should be around 28 to 35 degrees Celsius.

The processor is safe up to 89 degrees Celsius. Even with the cheapest air or AIO cooler, the maximum temperature that you might touch is 80 degrees, implying the PC does not have decent airflow.

Question 8: Does the i7-7700K run hot?

Without high-quality thermal paste and a reliable AIO or air cooler, every CPU will run hot even the i7-7700K is no exception.

However, if you have a stock cooler but you are not planning to overclock your i7-7700K, and you live in a cold place, there is nothing to worry about the i7-7700K running hot.

Sources:

https://www.pcgamesn.com/intel/intel-core-i7-7700k-review-benchmarks
https://computer.howstuffworks.com/liquid-cooled-pc.htm
https://blog.nzxt.com/liquid-cooling-vs-air-cooling-a-cpu/
https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/62crsb/what_is_the_safenormal_temperatures_for_i7_7700k/

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Gregory Rosales

Gregory Rosales

I've been building gaming PCs for the last 13 years and purchased my first console seven years ago. My passion for exploring what's inside these things helped me develop professional writing skills. I benchmark the computer hardware first with the right equipment and post them here for you.
My expertise is in Computer Hardware, Gaming Hardware, Computers and Laptops, Gaming Consoles, and Consumer Technology.

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