The mighty Intel Core i9-14900K is the flagship CPU of the 14th Gen “Raptor Lake Refresh” lineup, and it is undoubtedly one of the fastest gaming CPUs on my test bench. Featuring 24 cores and 32 threads, the CPU also requires competent cooling. Therefore, in today’s article, let’s discuss the CPU coolers that match the i9-14900K’s heat production.
- Why you can trust Tech4Gamers: Our roundups feature products that are based on dedicated hands-on testing by our team of experienced hardware experts. Find out more about how we test.
Here’s a quick look at our CPU coolers for i9-14900K and a brief comparison of their specs:
Last update on 2023-12-14
Getting the i9-14900K? Check our tested round-ups:
Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K
Here is my selection of the best CPU coolers for the i9-14900K based on hands-on experience:
- Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900K: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
- Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K: EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB
- Best Air Cooler For i9-14900K: DeepCool Assassin IV
- Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900K: Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB
- Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
- Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K: CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900K
Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions (LxWxH): 398 × 38 × 120mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 10.64dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066, AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Excellent thermal performance
- Supremely quiet fans
- Impressive aesthetics
- Unique VRM fan
Cons
- No RGB on the pump
- No fan speed customization
Cooling Performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO delivered an outstanding cooling performance in our dedicated testing. We found that it’s a perfect match for the i9-14900K, even when overclocked. Furthermore, the cooler consistently maintained comfortable temperatures, ensuring optimal performance.
Build Quality: Undoubtedly, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II exhibits supreme build quality. Its proprietary pump block is well-crafted, ensuring reliable cooling performance. We were impressed that the high-quality fiber-reinforced tubing not only enhances durability but also features integrated cable management.
According to Awais Khan, one of our hardware experts, the cooler packs good performance and easy installation. This is what he said during his review:
“ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is a no-frill design that is cost-effective and a low-noise cooling solution from the manufacturer. It packs good performance and offers high convenience during handling and installation.”
Aesthetics: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is an outstanding example of understated aesthetics, with a sleek and minimalist design language. Its pump block features an all-black finish, contributing to a clean and elegant look. Moreover, the subtle black and white accents on the tubing added a touch of personality.
Buy It If:
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You want better VRM temperatures: Thanks to its unique VRM fan, we found that the Liquid Freezer II also helps to keep VRM temperatures cooler than competing AIOs in our testing. This also helps improve the processor’s overclocking capabilities.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want better customization: If you want to customize the fan speeds of your preferred cooler, we don’t recommend buying the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II because the cooler doesn’t allow any customizations.
What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?
Featuring an impressive thermal capacity of 290W, supremely quiet noise level of 10.64dB(A), and excellent value for money, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is the best overall CPU cooler for i9-14900K.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K
Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions (LxWxH): 400 × 27 × 124mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,300RPM | Noise Level: 36dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066, AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Outstanding cooling performance
- Attractive RGB implementation
- High fan speeds
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Noisy fans
Cooling Performance: Our test results show that the thermal performance of the EK Nucleus CR360 Lux is truly exceptional and helps it to be positioned as one of the top-performing AIOs on the market. We found that the i9-14900K can comfortably stretch its wings without worrying about thermal throttling, even when heavily overclocked.
Build Quality: We believe that the dense micro-fin copper coldplate is one of the cooler’s defining features in terms of build quality, while the diamond-cut brushed aluminum side panels provide a luxurious feel to the cooler. The rotatable pump top also adds to the convenience factor.
Aesthetics: Without a doubt, the EK Nucleus CR360 Lux follows the distinctive design language of EK’s acclaimed liquid coolers. The pump block features a smooth A-RGB ring that is diffusely illuminated in the center, giving it a holographic appearance. We particularly liked the fans, which also follow suit with a superb A-RGB design.
Talking about the cooler’s aesthetics and performance, Awais Khan stated during his review:
“It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant.”
Buy It If:
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You want to overclock the i9-14900K: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux is one of the top-performing AIOs in our testing, allowing you to maximize the performance of your Core i9-14900K CPU.
Don’t Buy It If:
You dislike noisy fans: Although it has impressive thermal performance, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux has loud fans, which can be problematic for many people. During our noise testing, the noise level went up to 36dB(A).
What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?
The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux delivers supremely low temperatures when paired with the Core i9-14900K, even when overclocked, thanks to its superb thermal dissipation capacity and high-quality 2,300RPM fans. Thus making it the best performance CPU cooler for the i9-14900K processor.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
DeepCool Assassin IV
Best Air Cooler For i9-14900K
Cooler Type: Dual Tower Air Cooler | Dimensions (LxWxH): 144 × 147 × 164mm | Fans: 1x 140mm 4-pin PWM Fan, 1x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fan | Fan Speed: 1,700RPM | Noise Level: 29.3dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066, AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: No
Pros
- Extraordinary cooling performance
- Unique design language
- Multiple performance modes
Cons
- No RGB lighting
- Compatibility issues
Cooling Performance: While air coolers may seem useless for the Core i9-14900K, the DeepCool Assassin IV positions itself as an exception. Our dedicated performance tests show that its thermal performance is outstanding, allowing it to go head-to-head with premium liquid coolers.
Build Quality: The Assassin IV is able to deliver exceptional performance thanks to its premium build quality. The cooler uses a gigantic dual heatsink array mated to seven copper heat pipes, making it an extraordinary thermal solution. Moreover, the elegant fan shroud also uses the finest crafting materials.
Aesthetics: At first glance, the Assassin IV looks less like an air cooler and more like an accessory, and that is high praise for a traditional heatsink. The entire heatsink array is covered in a gigantic all-black shroud, giving the cooler an extremely pleasing aesthetic. However, a splash of RGB lighting would have elevated the design.
Nauman Siddique, one of our hardware experts, reviewed the DeepCool Assassin IV. This is what he had to say about the cooler’s aesthetics:
“This cooler has quite some looks to it with its concealed design which is well synchronized and it has a top-tier performance while remaining highly competitive in the price point.”
Buy It If:
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You want the ideal air cooler for i9-14900K: If air cooling is your preferred choice for cooling the Core i9-14900K, then our tests show that it doesn’t get much better than the DeepCool Assassin IV. While the cooler won’t allow overclocking, you can easily keep the i9-14900K’s temperatures at bay.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want RGB lighting: The Assassin IV does lack a dash of RGB lighting, although its minimalistic design looks pretty good, in our opinion.
What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i9-14900K?
With its exceptional air cooling performance, 240W heat dissipation capacity, and multiple performance modes, the DeepCool Assassin IV is the best air cooler for i9-14900K.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB
Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900K
Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions (LxWxH): 394 × 27 × 120mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,000RPM | Noise Level: 32.6dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3+, FM2+, FM1 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Incredible value for money
- Attractive pump design
- Superb RGB lighting
- Excellent thermal performance
Cons
- Noisy fans
- Fixed Enermax text under mirror
Cooling Performance: The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 is a standout performer in terms of thermals in our testing, making it a solid pairing for the i9-14900K. As evident by our dedicated performance testing, you can even try your hand at manual overclocking with custom voltages without worrying about excessive CPU temperatures.
Build Quality: In the Aquafusion ADV 360, we found that Enermax has employed a dual-chamber pump design that not only enhances the pump’s durability but also ensures consistent performance. Furthermore, the aluminum radiator and copper baseplate offer better thermal performance.
Aesthetics: In terms of design, the pump block of the Aquafusion stands out with its captivating infinity mirror effect, achieved through RGB lighting. Enermax fans feature a distinctive slightly squared shape with RGB strips arranged similarly. We believe Enermax shows an admirable level of creative freedom through this cooler.
Summarizing the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360mm cooler’s performance, Nauman Siddique stated in his review:
“Enermax is providing a comprehensive performance-packed and feature-rich cooling solution at pocket-friendly pricing with a generous 5-year warranty.”
Buy It If:
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You want to maximize value for money: Delivering outstanding cooling performance without breaking the bank, the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 is certainly the value champion in our test suite.
Don’t Buy It If:
You prefer a quieter cooling solution: Even though the noise profile is not annoying or intrusive in my experience, the 32.6dB(A) peak noise level is slightly higher than competing options, and you can clearly hear the noise.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?
With an outstanding thermal dissipation capacity of 380W, coupled with a unique look and unbeatable price point, the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 is the best budget CPU cooler for i9-14900K.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K
Cooler Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions (LxWxH): 277 × 38 × 120mm | Fans: 2x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 10.64dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Solid cooling performance
- Inclusion of VRM fan
- Impressive acoustics
Cons
- Not ideal for extreme overclocking
- No RGB on the pump block
Cooling Performance: My tests reveal that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm’s 200W heat dissipation capacity is extraordinary, and that allows it to handle the i9-14900K in almost any day-to-day scenario. Sure, the overclocking potential is slightly limited in my experience, but its exceptional value surely makes up for it.
I loved the cooler’s performance during my review, along with its remarkable value. This is what I had to say:
“Considering its cooling capabilities and excellent performance, it is a good value for money!”
Build Quality: I found that ARCTIC has upheld exceptional build quality in the Liquid Freezer II, even at its affordable price. I was particularly impressed by the pump block, which incorporates a 45mm fan to enhance airflow around the motherboard’s VRM components, thereby optimizing VRM performance.
Aesthetics: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AiO cooler showcases a refined and stylish appearance with its sleek all-black pump block. I found that the tubing, adorned with a subtle yet eye-catching black-and-white pattern, contributes an element of refinement to the cooler’s design.
Buy It If:
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You want high-end performance without breaking the bank: The Liquid Freezer II dominates the 240mm AIO category in my testing due to its exceptional performance and modest price. You can attempt slight overclocking without getting bottlenecked by the CPU’s temperatures.
Don’t Buy It If:
You can’t handle difficult AIO installations: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO comes with a slightly difficult installation. If you’re new to AIO coolers, I recommend not buying this one.
What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?
Since it delivers admirable thermal performance for a 240mm AIO, has quiet fans peaking at just 106.4dB(A), and comes at a very reasonable price point, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is the best 240mm CPU cooler for i9-14900K.
- Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Review
- Best 240mm AIO Coolers
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| Performance: 7/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 8/10 |
CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT
Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K
Cooler Type: 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions (LxWxH): 454 × 27 × 139mm | Fans: 3x 140mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,700RPM | Noise Level: 33.8dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066, AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Industry-leading cooling performance
- Attractive RGB implementation
- Unique LCD display feature
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Pricy
- Compatibility concerns
Cooling Performance: We think it is hard to look past the sheer excellence of the Corsair H170i Elite when it comes to its cooling performance. The 420mm cooler can handle the i9-14900K quite comfortably. It is one of the few CPU coolers that can keep pace with a heavily overclocked Core i9-14900K, per our testing.
Build Quality: The Corsair H170i Elite upholds a high standard of build quality. In addition to its superbly crafted radiator and top-tier pump combination, we particularly liked the presence of fiber-reinforced tubing, as it significantly boosts its build quality.
Aesthetics: The H170i Elite stands out as one of the most visually captivating liquid coolers available. The RGB lighting within the fans is skillfully diffused, mirroring the well-distributed illumination surrounding the pump block. We personally think the LCD screen is a fantastic feature that adds aesthetic value to the cooler.
Talking about the cooler’s aesthetics, Nauman Siddique applauds Corsair for its RGB placement in his cooler review:
“CORSAIR has done a fantastic job when it comes to lighting effects on the fans and various display options with flexible customization on the display screen.”
Buy It If:
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You want to overclock the Core i9-14900K: If you want to push the Core i9-14900K to its absolute limits through manual overclocking, our test results show that the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite is your best bet to do so without thermal throttling the CPU.
Don’t Buy It If:
Your budget is limited: Although it justifies its price tag, the Corsair H170i Elite is a premium CPU cooler that can definitely deplete your savings. So, if you’re short on budget, this cooler might not be for you.
What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?
Thanks to its unparalleled cooling capabilities, unique features, and extraordinary overclocking potential, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite XT is the best 420mm CPU cooler for i9-14900K.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K
Tech4Gamers prioritizes authenticity and values objectivity over anything else, which is why we thoroughly test each product in our roundups. In order to find the best CPU cooler for the Core i9-14900K, our team put each cooler through a series of tests to determine its performance. Here are the results.
Important CPU Cooler Key Terms
Understanding these key terms can help you make informed decisions when selecting a CPU cooler that best suits your needs.
- Air Cooler: A CPU cooler that relies on fans and a heatsink to dissipate heat without using liquid cooling, known for its reliability and affordability.
- Liquid Cooler: A CPU cooling solution that uses a loop of liquid coolant to transfer heat away from the CPU, often providing superior cooling performance compared to air coolers.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The maximum amount of heat a CPU is designed to dissipate, which helps in selecting an appropriate CPU cooler for cooling requirements.
- Heatsink: A passive cooling component that dissipates heat generated by the CPU to the surrounding air, typically made of metal with fins for better heat dissipation.
- Heat pipes: Heat-conductive pipes filled with a coolant that transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink, enhancing cooling efficiency.
- Radiator: The component of a liquid CPU cooler that dissipates heat from the liquid coolant using fans, typically located outside the CPU housing.
- AIO Cooler: A pre-assembled, closed-loop liquid cooling solution that is easy to install and offers the benefits of liquid cooling without the complexities of custom setups.
- Overclocking: Increasing a CPU’s clock speed and voltage settings beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, often requiring enhanced cooling solutions like high-performance CPU coolers.
How We Tested & Picked The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K
When choosing a CPU cooler for your PC, it is easy to get confused due to the different thermal requirements of various CPUs. Moreover, the ideal CPU cooler differs from person to person based on various factors, some of which are listed below.
- Performance: It’s important to verify a cooler’s thermal dissipation capacity matches your CPU’s requirements. Research and compare benchmark results to gauge its cooling efficiency in different scenarios. A high-performing CPU cooler not only controls temperatures but also allows better overclocking results for your CPU.
- Noise Levels: Exploring user reviews and acoustic benchmarks will provide insights into peak noise levels, helping you find a balance between efficient cooling and a peaceful experience. Look for a cooler with adjustable fan speeds or PWM control for noise adjustment.
- Compatibility: For air coolers, check the height to fit within your case without blocking other components like the memory. With water coolers, verify the radiator size and case mounting points for trouble-free installation.
- Aesthetics: Look for coolers with adjustable RGB lighting options for fans and pump blocks, enabling you to create seamless lighting patterns that add personality to your build. Certain high-end coolers may also provide customizable screens capable of showing system data or personalized graphics, introducing a distinctive element to your build.
FAQs
The Core i9-14900K is a high-performance flagship CPU that can output a lot of heat even at stock settings. While you can make it work with an air cooler or a 240mm AiO liquid cooler, it is recommended to pair the i9-14900K with a 360mm AiO cooler for optimal results.
Yes, the Core i9-14900K can definitely be air-cooled. You should pair a high-end air cooler like the DeepCool Assassin IV with the i9-14900K for the best temperature results. It may still limit your overclocking potential, however.
No, the Core i9-14900K does not require liquid cooling, although it is definitely recommended. You can use high-end air coolers with the i9-14900K and get satisfactory results, but a premium liquid cooler is going to be a better overall pairing.
Yes, a 360mm AiO cooler is ideal for the Core i9-14900K. The 360mm AiO liquid coolers provide the best balance of performance, compatibility, and value for money.
The Core i9-14900K has a base TDP of 125W, but the CPU has a PL2 rating of 253W. This means that the CPU can consume up to 253W of power when the second power limit is in place, which is regulated by Intel Turbo Boost.
Looking for more options? We have you covered:
- Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF
- Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700K
- Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF
- Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600K
- Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600KF
Recent Updates
- November 1, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]
Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.
