Choosing The Best CPU Cooler For Intel's Core I7-12700K

Check another CPU: 15th Gen Core Ultra 9 285K 15th Gen Core Ultra 9 285 15th Gen Core Ultra 7 265KF 15th Gen Core Ultra 7 265K 15th Gen Core Ultra 5 245KF 15th Gen Core Ultra 5 245K 15th Gen Core Ultra 5 235 15th Gen Core Ultra 5 225F 15th Gen Core Ultra 5 225 14th Gen Core i9-14900KS 14th Gen Core i9-14900K 14th Gen Core i9-14900KF 14th Gen Core i9-14900 14th Gen Core i9-14900F 14th Gen Core i7-14700K 14th Gen Core i7-14700KF 14th Gen Core i7-14700 14th Gen Core i7-14700F 14th Gen Core i5-14600K 14th Gen Core i5-14600KF 14th Gen Core i5-14600 14th Gen Core i5-14500 14th Gen Core i5-14400 14th Gen Core i5-14400F 14th Gen Core i3-14100 14th Gen Core i3-14100F 13th Gen Core i9-13900KS 13th Gen Core i9-13900K 13th Gen Core i9-13900KF 13th Gen Core i9-13900F 13th Gen Core i9-13900 13th Gen Core i7-13700K 13th Gen Core i7-13700KF 13th Gen Core i7-13700F 13th Gen Core i7-13700 13th Gen Core i5-13600K 13th Gen Core i5-13600KF 13th Gen Core i5-13600 13th Gen Core i5-13500 13th Gen Core i5-13400F 13th Gen Core i5-13400 13th Gen Core i3-13100F 13th Gen Core i3-13100 12th Gen Core i9-12900KS 12th Gen Core i9-12900K 12th Gen Core i9-12900KF 12th Gen Core i9-12900F 12th Gen Core i9-12900 12th Gen Core i7-12700K 12th Gen Core i7-12700KF 12th Gen Core i7-12700F 12th Gen Core i7-12700 12th Gen Core i5-12600K 12th Gen Core i5-12600KF 12th Gen Core i5-12600 12th Gen Core i5-12500 12th Gen Core i5-12400F 12th Gen Core i5-12400 12th Gen Core i3-12300 12th Gen Core i3-12100 12th Gen Core i3-12100F 11th Gen Core i9-11900K 11th Gen Core i9-11900KF 11th Gen Core i9-11900F 11th Gen Core i9-11900 11th Gen Core i7-11700K 11th Gen Core i7-11700KF 11th Gen Core i7-11700F 11th Gen Core i7-11700 11th Gen Core i5-11600K 11th Gen Core i5-11600KF 11th Gen Core i5-11600 11th Gen Core i5-11500 11th Gen Core i5-11400F 11th Gen Core i5-11400 10th Gen Core i9-10900K 10th Gen Core i9-10900KF 10th Gen Core i9-10900F 10th Gen Core i9-10900 10th Gen Core i9-10850K 10th Gen Core i7-10700K 10th Gen Core i7-10700KF 10th Gen Core i7-10700F 10th Gen Core i7-10700 10th Gen Core i5-10600K 10th Gen Core i5-10600KF 10th Gen Core i5-10600 10th Gen Core i5-10505 10th Gen Core i5-10500 10th Gen Core i5-10400F 10th Gen Core i5-10400 10th Gen Core i3-10325 10th Gen Core i3-10320 10th Gen Core i3-10305 10th Gen Core i3-10300 10th Gen Core i3-10105F 10th Gen Core i3-10105 10th Gen Core i3-10100F 10th Gen Core i3-10100 9th Gen Core i9-9900K 9th Gen Core i9-9900KF 9th Gen Core i9-9900 9th Gen Core i7-9700KF 9th Gen Core i7-9700K 9th Gen Core i7-9700F 9th Gen Core i7-9700 9th Gen Core i5-9600K 9th Gen Core i5-9600KF 9th Gen Core i5-9600 9th Gen Core i5-9500F 9th Gen Core i5-9500 9th Gen Core i5-9400 9th Gen Core i5-9400F 9th Gen Core i3-9350K 9th Gen Core i3-9350KF 9th Gen Core i3-9320 9th Gen Core i3-9300 9th Gen Core i3-9100F 9th Gen Core i3-9100

Thermal Requirements of the Core i7-12700K CPU

A CPU cooler's Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating refers to its ability to dissipate heat in watts. Selecting a CPU cooler with a TDP that matches or exceeds the peak TDP of the Core i7-12700K is crucial for efficient heat management.

The Core i7-12700K has a TDP range of 125–190 watts, depending on the workload. To maximize your CPU's performance, you should use a cooler that can handle the peak TDP (PL2) of 190 watts. PL2 is an Intel processor's short-term maximum power draw when the CPU runs at its maximum short-term speed (max turbo frequency). Intel CPU specifications list the base TDP (PL1) as "Processor Base Power" and the peak TDP (PL2) as "Maximum Turbo Power."

While testing CPU coolers, I witnessed the importance of adequate cooling for achieving and maintaining maximum turbo speeds. If the CPU cooler fails to maintain an optimal temperature for the CPU, it may cause the CPU to slow down, a process known as throttling. In some cases, the cooler may operate continuously at full speed. Even if the CPU cooler has a lower TDP rating than the CPU, it can still function, but, as I've experienced, the CPU will eventually reduce its frequency to cool down.

Types of Coolers

Air Cooler

Air coolers utilize a combination of heatsinks and fans to dissipate heat. While they are the most budget-friendly option available, I've observed that they can sometimes produce a lot of noise, which may not be ideal for everyone. However, I can say that air coolers have been a reliable option for me over the years, despite that, and remain a popular choice for many PC enthusiasts.

Closed-Loop Cooler

A Closed-Loop Cooler, also known as an all-in-one (AIO) cooler, is a type of liquid cooler. Through testing and analyzing different cooling systems, we have concluded that the AIO coolers are our favorite option when designing a cool and quiet PC setup. I have found that pre-built liquid cooling systems offer a more straightforward setup and can provide better TDP performance at lower noise levels than air coolers. With that said, I have observed that the cooling performance and noise levels greatly depend on the radiator size and the number and size of the fans.

Find LGA 1700 AIO Coolers on Amazon

Open-Loop Cooler

We have tried open-loop cooler systems and observed that they offer more flexibility for building a customized cooling setup. However, setting them up can be more complicated than closed-loop coolers. Using open-loop coolers also meant dealing with maintenance, such as coolant flushing, which was a downside I experienced.

Despite this, we were able to take advantage of the additional cooling capabilities that these open-loop systems offer, allowing us to cool not just our CPU but also our graphics card's GPU.

Mounting Brackets Compatible With the Core i7-12700K

Ensure that your cooler includes a compatible mounting bracket for your CPU. CPU coolers come with various mounting brackets to accommodate multiple CPU socket sizes. For the Intel Core i7-12700K CPU, you'll need a CPU cooler that supports the LGA 1700 socket.

In cases where a new socket size is released, you can often purchase a separate mounting/retention kit to fit the new dimensions.

Check out our Recommended LGA 1700 Coolers for the Core i7-12700K below.

Considerations When Choosing a Cooler for the 12700K CPU

Noise

When it comes to noise, more fans typically mean better cooling but also more noise. However, larger fans are generally quieter because they can move the same amount of air at lower speeds. If you're like me and value a quiet workspace, larger fans are the way to go.

Configuring your motherboard's BIOS to use specific fan speeds at particular temperatures can help maintain a near-silent computer while idle. This feature is especially useful if you're someone who appreciates a peaceful environment while working or gaming.

Size

When selecting a CPU cooler, it's crucial to verify that your case and motherboard have enough space to accommodate it. Potential interference with other components, such as tall memory modules, should also be considered.

Dual-fan air coolers often require substantial space on top of the motherboard, while liquid cooler radiators take up space but can be mounted in dedicated fan locations on different parts of the case, such as the front, top, sides, or bottom.

Lighting

Lighting is a feature that can add a lot to the aesthetics of your build. Some coolers come with LED lighting on the fans or pump heads, which can be a nice touch if you're into that. However, not everyone wants or needs lighting, so it's important to consider whether this feature is worth the extra cost. Personally, I prefer a more minimalist design, so I look for coolers that either don't have lighting or allow me to turn it off easily.

Price

Air-based coolers are generally more affordable than liquid cooling systems. However, higher TDP support and advanced lighting features can increase costs. It's important to balance your budget according to your needs, choosing between practical, low-cost solutions and more visually striking options. Consider your priorities, whether they are performance, silence, or aesthetics, to make the most cost-effective choice.

Gaming

An air cooler may suffice for a gaming PC if you don't plan to overclock your CPU. However, from my experience and testing, not all CPU air coolers can handle the same amount of heat. Examining coolers' supported heat dissipation (TDP) in watts (e.g., 180 watts) is crucial for choosing which cooler to purchase.

Games and other CPU-intensive tasks can keep the Core i7-12700K CPU at the higher end of its TDP range (190 watts). From my experience, it's best to opt for a larger air-cooled heatsink with one to two fans or even consider a liquid cooler, which I've found to be generally quieter than air coolers and offer better cooling performance.

Overclocking

We've learned from our own experiences that if you plan to overclock your CPU, your success will depend on how effectively you can maintain adequate cooling. As we have learned, inadequate cooling can cause the CPU to throttle itself to a lower speed or even damage it. However, it can also result in system instability while gaming or working. System instability has led to frustrating instances where we've lost progress and encountered interruptions during gaming sessions.

You may achieve some level of overclocking with a good air cooler. However, if the cooler is struggling to keep the CPU cool enough, your fans will remain at their maximum speed, which could be a little noisy.

Liquid cooling can generally achieve better TDP levels compared to air cooling. Additionally, liquid cooling allows for a quieter system, depending on the radiator size, fan size, and the number of fans used.

Recommended LGA 1700 Coolers for the Core i7-12700K

A CPU cooler that is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket will be required. Several manufacturers introduced upgrade kits to accommodate the LGA 1700 socket size that allows LGA 1200 coolers to be used. So be sure to verify that any cooler you choose is compatible with your CPU.

Best LGA 1700 AIO Liquid Coolers

Enermax Liqmax III 360

• Enermax Liqmax III 360

  Supports LGA 1700:	YES
  Max TDP:	360 watt
  Type:	Liquid Cooler

• I was very impressed with the cooling capability of the Enermax Liqmax III 360, which boasts an excellent 360-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).

• Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 2066, 2011-3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 and AMD AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1.

• I found that the Enermax Liqmax III 360 operates quietly and unobtrusively, with a noise level of just 14-27 dBA, making it a great choice for anyone who values a quiet computing environment.

• You can get the LGA 1700 Enermax Mounting Kit for LIQMAX III on Amazon or request a free LGA 1700 mounting kit via the LGA 1700 Mounting Kit Request Form.

• If you are considering the Enermax Liqmax III 360, it's important to note that it will take up a decent amount of space in your computer case, so make sure to check the dimensions before purchasing.

• The Enermax Liqmax III 360 has an impressive cooling capacity, providing efficient heat dissipation even under heavy workloads.

• The quiet operation of the cooler made for a more comfortable and distraction-free computing experience.

Best LGA 1700 Dual-Fan Air CPU Coolers

Noctua NH-D15

• Noctua NH-D15

  Supports LGA 1700:	YES
  Max TDP:	220 watt
  Type:	Heatsink & Fans

• I found the dual 140 mm fans to be incredibly powerful, providing an impressive 220-watt TDP (183 NSPR) of cooling capability.

• With support for such a diverse range of CPU sockets, I found the Noctua NH-D15 to be a very flexible and adaptable cooling solution. Its supported socket types include Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM2+.

• In my experience, the Noctua NH-D15 operates very quietly, with a noise level of just 24.6 dBA.

• I am extremely satisfied with the Noctua NH-D15 cooler and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high-performance and versatile cooling solution.

Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510

• Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510

  Supports LGA 1700:	YES
  Max TDP:	180 watt
  Type:	Heatsink & Fans

• As someone who isn't a big fan of flashy LED lights, I appreciated the simplicity of the Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510, which doesn't have any fancy lights but still looks great in my system.

• I found that the dual 120 mm fans on the TOUGHAIR 510 did an excellent job of keeping an LGA 1700 CPU cool, even under heavy workloads.

• If you're worried about the TOUGHAIR 510 taking up too much space in your system, Thermaltake offers a few single-fan variants that use different orientations, so you can choose the one that works best for your setup.

• With a max speed of 2000 RPM, the TOUGHAIR 510 provides optimal cooling performance when you need it most.

• With a 180-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power), the TOUGHAIR 510 offers solid cooling performance and is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their CPU.

Learn More About the Intel Core i7-12700K

• Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for Intel's Core i7-12700K
• Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i7-12700K CPU?
• Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i7-12700K
• Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i7-12700K
• RAM: Best RAM for the Intel Core i7-12700K CPU
• TDP: What Is the TDP of the Core i7-12700K CPU?
• Gaming: Is the Core i7-12700K CPU Good for Gaming?

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