Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700K [Benchmarks Included]

With the release of Intel’s latest i7-14700K processor, we see variations from its predecessor in all fields. With an 8P and 12E configuration, the Intel Core i7-14700K performs significantly better but has a higher heat output. Thus, to combat the heat, I have gathered a list of CPU coolers for the Intel Core i7-14700K after vigorous testing.

Before we ruffle into the specifics, here are the general specifications of the best CPU coolers for the i7-14700K:

Last update on 2023-12-13

Here are more tested round-ups for the Intel Core i7-14700K:

• Best GPU For i7-14700K
• Best RAM For i7-14700K
• Best Motherboard For i7-14700K

Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

The following are our best CPU coolers for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor:

1. Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700K: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB
2. Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700K: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
3. Best Air Cooler For CPU Cooler For i7-14700K: Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
4. Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700K: Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm A-RGB
5. Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT
6. Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K: Alphacool Aurora Eisbaer Pro 420mm

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Specifications: Fans: 3x ARCTIC P12 PWM 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 200 — 1,800RPM | Noise: 10.64dB(A) | Dimensions: 398 x 120 x 38mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011-3 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes

Cooling Performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II has a 300W TDP, enough for any high-end processor, including the Intel Core i7-14700K. Our dedicated testing showed the Intel Core i7-14700K hitting a maximum of 45°C to 55°C under heavier loads. Additionally, you can easily overclock and enhance your performance.

Build Quality: The build quality of the AIO is fantastic. Upon inspection, we discovered that the heat dissipation and the product’s longevity increased with a fully aluminum build and copper fins. The AIO also offers a copper baseplate and a metallic designed pump, showcasing superb build quality.

Aesthetics: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is one of the most aesthetically pleasing coolers. You get fully customizable RGB for your fans. However, you won’t get any RGB on the pump itself. The thick tubes make the AIO more aesthetically pleasing. You can make the cooler fit in most build types with black and gray colors.

Awais Khan, one of our hardware reviewers who tested the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO, was impressed by the cooler’s design and stated the following:

“ARCTIC has provided a quite different design for the pump housing. It is almost a low flat type design having more length to it. In my experience, I have not yet seen anything similar so far.”

Buy It If

We took a few images of the cooler during our review:

You’re new to AIO coolers and want high-end performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO offers easy installation, making it user-friendly for newcomers. If you’re new to AIOs and are looking for a high-performance cooler, we recommend purchasing this one.

Don’t Buy It If

You need fan control: Unfortunately, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II does now allow users the pump and VRM fan control. The fans catch speed and work depending on the temperatures, and you cannot set your preferred fan speeds.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The exceptional thermal performance, unique pump design, high-quality build, thick tubes, and silent fans are a few reasons that make the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO the best overall CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor. Furthermore, the AIO’s value increases with lots of thermal headroom and overclocking potential.

• Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm Review
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Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 10/10	Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Specifications: Fans: 3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm | Fan Speed: 550 — 2,300RPM | Noise: 36dB(A) | Dimensions: 400 x 124 x 27mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 115X, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes

Cooling Performance: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 offers 3x 120mm fans. With a 300W TDP, you can efficiently dissipate enough heat to cool the i7-14700K, allowing it to overclock considerably well. During our dedicated testing, the Intel Core i7-14700K was running at ~43°C to 48°C under heavy gaming loads.

Summarizing the cooler’s performance, Awais Khan states in his review:

“It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. Furthermore, the digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant.”

Build Quality: The heat dissipation properties increase significantly with a complete aluminum radiator design and a copper coldplate as we delve into the cooler’s build quality. Also, the 400m thick tube is made of an ultra-low evaporation rubber with nylon braided sleeves, exponentially increasing the AIO tube’s longevity.

Aesthetics: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 has an amazingly dark aesthetic. Because the cooler has D-RGB, we used our Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master motherboard’s supporting software to customize the RGB easily. The pump itself looks beautiful and fits well with most PC builds.

Buy It If

Here are a few images from our review:

You want maximum thermal performance without cable clutter: If you want the ultimate thermal performance for your Intel Core i7-14700K processor, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 will serve you well. Furthermore, the cooler doesn’t make a mess with lots of cables and improves the overall aesthetic.

Don’t Buy It If

You dislike noisy fans: With a fan noise of ~36dB(A), the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB isn’t the quietest cooler out there. If you dislike noise in your environment while working, I wouldn’t recommend you buy the cooler. You can, however, lower the fan speed to reduce fan noise if that’s an issue.

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The high-density and high-quality fins, along with an aluminum-based radiator having a copper coldplate and outstanding heat dissipation thanks to the 120mm fans running at a maximum of 2,300RPM speeds, are a few reasons that make the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB the best performance CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K.

• Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Cooler Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 7/10	Design: 9/10

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700K

Specifications: Fans: 1x NF-A15 140mm | Fan Speed: 300 — 1,500RPM | Noise: 19.2 — 24.6dB(A) | Dimensions: 135 x 150 x 160mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011-0, 2011-3 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: No

Cooling Performance: The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black surpasses most 120mm AIOs and performs closely with many 240mm AIO coolers. Additionally, it also houses six heat pipes and 45 heat fins. During our gaming tests, the i7-14700K averaged between 60°C and 65°C, keeping the temperatures under control.

One of our hardware reviewers, Nauman Siddique, took the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black to the playgrounds commented on its cooling performance, stating:

“The Noctua NH-D15S has a strong following because, although being an air cooler, it offers thermal characteristics that are comparable to those of an AIO cooler.”

Build Quality: We see a sturdy air cooler with a copper baseplate and copper heat pipes. Moreover, the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black houses aluminum cooling fins with soldered joints and nickel plating. Therefore, we get a six-year warranty on the product, showcasing the quality of the cooler.

Aesthetics: Because the cooler only offers a black color design with no RGB features, it is perfect for stealth and workstation builds. You can also change the fans on the cooler and attach an RGB fan if you wish. However, we don’t recommend doing so, as it ruins the natural aesthetics of the cooler.

Buy It If

We took a few images of the cooler:

You don’t want to overspend on AIO cooling: If you’re on a slightly tighter budget and don’t want to spend too much on AIO cooling, the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black is the perfect air-cooling option for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor. The cooler also allows for slight overclocking.

Don’t Buy It If

You want a flashier cooler: If you’re looking for a flashier CPU cooler with RGB and a livelier color, the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black won’t cut it for you. To explain, the cooler has a matte black finish and no RGB options. Unless you purchase a separate RGB fan, you’re not getting any RGB on the cooler.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i7-14700K?

A combination of six copper heat pipes and 47 heat fins divided into two stages, a copper baseplate and an aluminum design, helps the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black immensely with heat dissipation. Furthermore, these features also allow it to become the best air cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor.

• Read Our Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black CPU Cooler Review
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Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Noise: 9/10	Design: 7/10

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm A-RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Specifications: Fans: 3x SquA RGB ADV 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 500 — 2,000RPM | Noise: 15 — 32.6dB(A) | Dimensions: 394 x 120 x 27mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011, 2011-3, 1366 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes

Cooling Performance: The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm AIO cooler houses 3x 120mm fans running at a maximum speed of 2,000RPM. Moreover, the i7-14700K CPU averaged 57°C to 60°C during our game testing. So, you can slightly overclock your CPU while keeping the temperatures at ~75°C.

Talking about the cooler’s value, our hardware expert, Nauman Siddique, stated during his cooler review:

“ENERMAX is providing a comprehensive performance-packed and feature-rich cooling solution at pocket-friendly pricing with a generous 5-year warranty.”

Build Quality: The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm has a thinner radiator than other AIO coolers. In any case, the AIO showcases a copper baseplate with an aluminum-designed radiator. Additionally, while installing the cooler, we realized the 400mm tube does not kink, providing a 90° bend.

Aesthetics: The cooler’s new infinity mirror technology gives it a decent look with a big pump design. In person, it looks great, but the “Enermax” text’s direction can’t be changed. Meaning you can’t move the pump. Other than that, we find the black design looks gorgeous, and the RGB fans even out the dark aesthetic.

Buy It If

Here are a few images of the cooler:

You require remarkable 360mm AIO cooling on a tight budget: Wanting a 360mm AIO to cool your high-end processor is a logical move for any gamer. If you’re looking for a 360mm AIO cooler under a tighter budget, we recommend the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm AIO.

Don’t Buy It If

You’re not a fan of thin radiators: While it provides a different look, if you’re not a fan of slim radiator designs, the Enermax Aquafusion AIO won’t suit your tastes. The radiator doesn’t have a durable feel, although it is pretty durable in its own right.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

Enough cooling performance for gamers to allow overclocking their processor while staying under a short budget, a robust design, and RGB possibilities make the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm AIO the best budget CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor.

• Read Our Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm AIO Review
• Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Noise: 7/10	Design: 8/10

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Specifications: Fans: 2x AF RGB Elite 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 550 — 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 5 — 34.1dB(A) | Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 27mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTRX4, sTR4 | RGB: Yes

Cooling Performance: The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT cooler houses 2x 120mm fans that run at 2,100RPM speeds. Furthermore, the processor averaged between 59°C and 62°C in our gaming tests, making it possible to overclock the i7-14700K. Moreover, we got a decent performance boost through our overclocking tests.

Talking about the value of the Corsair iCUE H100i, Nauman Siddique staples his opinion in his review:

“This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features with a 5-year warranty, albeit at a steep price.”

Build Quality: The cooler’s coldplate is made of 100% pure copper, while the radiator has an aluminum design with a few chunks of metal. Moreover, the tubes are made of black-sleeved low-permeation rubber, which increases the tubes’ lifespan. The cooler also comes with three pump caps and a cap remover tool.

Aesthetics: You can easily customize the RGB on the cooler with access to Corsair’s commander core and iCUE technologies. Additionally, the Corsair iCUE H100i is a perfect cooler to install in a white PC build. If you want a different pump cap, you can easily change it, making customization easier.

Buy It If

We took a few images of the cooler:

You want a decent-value cooler with exceptional performance: The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler offers decent value. If you’re under a slightly tighter budget but want to overclock the i7-14700K CPU, we recommend buying this cooler.

Don’t Buy It If

You don’t have a free USB 2.0 header: For reasons unknown, Corsair decided to include a USB 2.0 header with the commander core. Therefore, if you don’t have a spare USB 2.0 header to connect the commander core, I don’t recommend purchasing the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The impressive cooling performance capabilities for its size, along with customization capabilities and overclocking potential, make the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT the best 240mm CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K. The high-quality, durable material, along with the fast yet silent fans, add to the value of the AIO cooler.

• Read Our Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO Review
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Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 9/10	Design: 10/10

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Specifications: Fans: 3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans | Fan Speed: 0 — 2,000RPM | Noise Level: N/A | Dimensions: 460 x 144 x 30mm | Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, 3647, 4189 AMD: AM4, AM5, TR4, sTRX4, sWRX8, SP3 | RGB: Yes

Cooling Performance: The Intel Core i7-14700K averaged 50°C and 55°C during our game tests at higher loads with the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm cooler. Therefore, you can go haywire if you want to overclock the processor. However, figuring out the proper airflow can be difficult because of its bigger radiator.

After testing multiple CPU coolers back-to-back, our hardware tester, Sajjad Hussain, commented:

“In terms of overall performance, pricing, and warranty it is the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 that is winning hands down.”

Build Quality: The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora has copper cooling fins and a nickel-plated copper coldplate. Moreover, the cooler houses brass threads and a stainless steel radiator. These materials help immensely with heat dissipation, which is why the AIO has such impressive cooling performance.

Aesthetics: The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora’s radiator comes in black, while the tubes have a matte black finish, providing a darker aesthetic. The leading beauty lies in the CPU block, however. With a side-open glass, you get a new look most coolers don’t offer. We truly loved the cooler’s design and aesthetic.

Buy It If

We took a few images of the cooler:

You need a modular AIO cooler: Not many AIO coolers offer modularity. The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora has quick disconnect fittings that allow users to install more radiators. Furthermore, you get a handy refill port when refilling the liquid in the cooler. These features make the cooler modular and are things many gamers look for in modern AIO coolers.

Don’t Buy It If

You have a smaller case: If you have a smaller ATX case, the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm AIO might not fit in the chassis. Even if it does, you may get issues with GPU installation. Moreover, you can’t fit the cooler on top either, leaving only a front installation available.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700K?

The remarkable build quality and terrific cooling performance of the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora allows gamers to overclock their processor easily, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K. The epic looks and dark aesthetics with slim fans make the cooler a better prospect than its competition.

• Read Our Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm Cooler Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Noise: 7/10	Design: 10/10

Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700K

The cooling performance of a cooler is the most important factor before purchase, and as such, we have incorporated our testing results in the following graphs. You will be able to find test results of our selected products while the Intel Core i7-14700K processor is under full load and the temperatures we observed in multiple games.

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

• FPI: Short for Fins Per Inch, FPI is a crucial term for radiators to know how many fins a radiator has. More fins translates to better cooling capabilities for the CPU cooler.
• CFM: Also stands for Cubic Feet per Minute; CFM is a crucial reading for fans, showcasing how much air they can move depending on their strength in a given area. Higher CFM equates to better airflow capabilities.
• RPM: Rotations Per Minute define how many rotational cycles a fan can perform in a minute. Faster RPM speeds equate to greater cooling but also more noise.
• Radiator: Radiators are the heat exchangers of an AIO CPU cooler. They are densely packed with heat fins and come in different sizes: 120mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, 420mm, and 480mm. You can mount your radiator at the top, front, or side of the case as per your airflow and aesthetic requirements.
• Heatsink: Heatsinks are present in CPU and GPU coolers and are made of highly conductive metals to absorb and dissipate heat.
• TDP: Short for Thermal Design Power, TDP differs for CPUs and CPU coolers. For a CPU, the TDP states the amount of heat the processor emits. On the other hand, for a CPU cooler, the TDP refers to the amount of heat the cooler dissipates. Your cooler’s TDP should always be higher than your processor’s.

How We Tested & Picked The Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700K

Factors to consider before purchasing a CPU cooler can be quite complex if you’re new and don’t understand CPU coolers that well. Therefore, I compiled a short list of what you should look for in a CPU cooler when you purchase one for your Intel Core i7-14700K processor.

• Size: I always measure my RAM clearance space for an air cooler, GPU clearance space for a front radiator, and overall chassis measurement for AIO cooling to avoid mishaps. That’s how I selected the best 240mm, 360mm, and 420mm AIO coolers and the best air cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700K.
• Noise Levels: A good fan noise is around 30dB(A) to 35dB(A). The annoying fan whirring noise starts from 45dB(A) and above. Therefore, I chose CPU coolers that don’t produce so much noise while keeping the cooling performance in check.
• TDP: When choosing a CPU cooler, you must always ensure your CPU cooler’s TDP rating is higher than the TDP rating of the processor you’re purchasing. If the cooler’s TDP is lower than the CPU’s, you will emit more heat than dissipating. Thus, the cooler will be inefficient, and you will see thermal throttling.
• Aesthetics: After the graphics card, the second most prominent component is the CPU cooler. You’ll want the best aesthetics if you build a flashy build with lots of eye candy. For that reason, I specifically chose CPU coolers whose RGB can be modified and have exotic designs to fit with different PC themes.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

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