Hey everyone,
I'm looking to build a new PC with a powerful CPU (thinking i9-13900K or equivalent) and want to stick with air cooling for simplicity and reliability. I've done some research but the sheer number of options is overwhelming.
What are your go-to air coolers for keeping these high-TDP chips frosty? I'm aiming for quiet operation and good overclocking headroom if possible. Any specific models you've had great success with?
Thanks in advance!
Great question! For those high-end CPUs, you really can't go wrong with Noctua's NH-D15 or be quiet!'s Dark Rock Pro 4. I've personally used the NH-D15 on my 12900K and it keeps it very cool and surprisingly quiet, even under heavy load.
The Dark Rock Pro 4 is also a fantastic choice, often praised for its aesthetics and performance. Make sure your case has enough clearance for these large coolers, though!
Also, consider the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE. It's a newer contender but punches way above its weight class for the price. Performance is often on par with the big boys.
Echoing what ArcticMaster said. The Noctua NH-D15 is a legend for a reason. I managed to get a delidded 13900K down to the mid-70s with it during long gaming sessions. You might need to adjust fan curves a bit for absolute silence at idle, but it's very manageable.
If aesthetics are a big deal and you're going for a black build, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is a beauty and performs almost as well. Some people also like the Deepcool AK620 for a good balance of performance and price, though it's a bit less premium.
Remember to re-apply thermal paste properly! Arctic MX-4 or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut are good choices if you want to go the extra mile.