Best CPU Coolers for i5 9600K [Experts Recommendation 2023]

So, you want a CPU Cooler for your i5 9600K Processor but don’t know which one to get?

I know it’s a confusing job to choose between so many options.

But, don’t know because, in this post, I am about to clear out your confusion and review some of the best i5 9600K Coolers for your rig.
So, Let’s get started.

Recommended i5 9600K Coolers

1. Overall Best Cooler: NZXT Kraken Z73
2. Premium Liquid CPU Cooler: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix
3. Alternative to Dark Rock Pro 4: Noctua NH-D15
4. Cheapest Cooler: Be quiet! Shadow Rock LP
5. Best cooler for Overclocking: EK AIO Elite D-RGB
6. Raw performance: MSI MAG CORELIQUID 360R RGB
7. Best Design: Thermaltake TH120 ARGB
8. Best Value for Money: ASUS Rog Ryujin 360 RGB

Best CPU Coolers for i5 9600K – Overview

The Intel Coffee Lake Refresh has some amazing air, AIO liquid cooling compatibles.

Here is the list of the best CPU coolers for an i5-9600K processor:

1. NZXT Kraken Z73

NZXT is built to grab the consumers with its glitzy formal out-look. For buying computer components, NZXT has been leading the market with its quality and design. But good things cost a little more. For almost all of the products of NZXT, the price is getting a little higher.

However, the NZXT Kraken Z73 CPU liquid cooler comes with real-time system control, user interface integration, and a hardcore CPU liquid cooling system for those who demand a deep pocket and some high expectations.

There is a beautiful, multi-color option LCD pump display that takes this cooler to the next level. You can actually see the real-time data of your computer components with the LCD display—for example, the temperature, CPU clock speed, working level, and so on.

Also, there is CAM software that is able to provide you the ability to pump or control the fan. You can also select some presets which is available in the software. Also, you can customize the RGB lighting according to your needs. The cooling capability of this cooler is outstanding. It can cool down your Intel Core i9 11900K processor very gently.

Key Features:

• Infinitude mirror with LCD screen CPU block design
• 7th generation Asetek pump
• PWM fan speed controller
• Built-in RGB lighting effects
• Easy installation method

Many liquid CPU cooler brands prefer to package the cooler in a cardboard box, by sorting the color scheme of NZXT white and purple combination. You will find a large image on the top of the box. And on the backside of the box, there are some additional key details about the product. All of the components are safely secured in tight packaging.

If you open the box, you will get two pieces of Aer P 140mm cooling fans, a SATA power cable, a fan splitter to add the fans, and a USB cable. There is also included mounting hardware, which can be used for Intel and AMD platforms CPUs that are typical of Asetek-based coolers. An installation or user manual guide and certainly the NZXT Kraken Z73 CPU Liquid Cooler itself will be included in the box.

2. EK AIO Elite D-RGB

When it comes to buying a liquid CPU cooler, the first brand that comes to mind is EK Water Blocks. Because their quality of making coolers are incredible that can blow up anyone’s mind.

The founder of EK Water Blocks is Edvard König, who started the manufacturing of cooling systems back in 1999 because he was a man of enthusiasm. After creating some products, this brand got its life. Suddenly it becomes very popular that everyone started to buy this liquid cooler. Today, EK has been recognized in more than 30 countries worldwide. Hence, the Elite 360 D-RGB CPU Liquid Cooler is one of the best creations of the EK brand. It is the most premium-looking cooler ever. The RGB lighting is so wonderful that it takes your rig to the next level. Of course, the RGB lighting effects are customizable with the software. Also, they cost very much cheaper than others.

However, the EK AIO 360 Elite D-RGB cooler is supported with Intel Sockets whose LGA is 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066. Also, it supports AMD Socket AM4. So you can easily use this cooler on your Intel i9 11900k as well as in your AMD build.

Key Features:

• Sophisticated pump design
• Six fans operate in push+pull
• Includes ARGB/PWM fan hub
• Easy Installation
• Maintenance-free
• Ultra-Quiet Cooling Solution
• Perfect for Overclocking

You will find the EK AIO 360 Elite D-RGB cooler comes in a white color cardboard packaging box that is perfectly organized.

On top of the box, there is a huge image of the liquid cooler itself with some digital lighting on the fans as well as the block. The cooler has three major content in the box, which are a powerful pump, fans, and an active radiator. You can actually see the diagram in the box.

Hence, the box contents you will get are phenomenal. For example, you will get one metallic backplate, two Intel Mounting Brackets, and AMD Mounting Brackets.

Also, there will be thumb caps or nuts, springs, Intel LGA20xx standoffs as well as other sockets standoffs, screws to mount the brackets, Philips head screws, and one Ectotherm thermal paste will be included in the box.

3. Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix

One of the most reputed and renowned brands for computer accessories is Corsair. At first, they use to make RAM, but afterward, they started to create other accessories like CPU liquid cooler or other accessories.

Because of their great finishing of the products, everyone picks this brand as the first choice. However, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix cooler is proof that the quality of the product is outstanding.

The pump noise is less than 20.0 dB, so there should not be any irritating noise that will bother you while gaming.

If you go through the dimension of the cooler, it is quite common compared to the other brands. The dimension is 397mm in length, 120mm in width, and 27mm in thickness. However, there is a thing that I didn’t like at all, which is, that I didn’t find any mentioned detail that proves that it is made of aluminum.

Obviously, aluminum lasts longer than any other. So, if they could make it with aluminum, then it would be great.

Key Features:

• Excellent cooling performance
• Covers Commander CORE module
• iCUE software UI allows us for almost complete system management
• Variable faceplate

There are three cooling fans that are designed in the dimension of 120 x 25 mm. So, these are not big or tiny fans; they can do the job very well.

However, the speed controller is your motherboard software itself. This is the most satisfying thing that I like in a cooler because you can actually change all of the effects and variations with the help of your motherboard software.

You can use MSI Dragon Center or your motherboard software to control the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix liquid cooler. Many gaming enthusiasts around the world think that RGB is the trademark for gamers.

I won’t say it’s right or wrong, but it definitely increases the beauty of your setup. Hence, the RGB effects of this cooler are pretty interesting. It turns out that how much effort Corsair did for making the cooler premium. So, if you are wondering about buying a value-for-money cooler, then you can definitely choose this one.

4. Noctua NH-D15

A long time ago, in 2009, Noctua was the first brand that introduced a monstrous dual-tower heat sink that gets cooled by a set of fans.

Obviously, they have become a popular brand for making quality cooler fans. But afterward, they got accused of copying the same OEM with some color added in, and they were not even sure if it was a similar design of its own.

However, the Noctua NH-D15 is an evolutionary CPU cooler available in the market.

Outstanding performance, top-notch build quality, smooth noise-free performance, and comprehensive bunches are signs of the Noctua range. However, there has historically been a single recurring drawback: the cooler and the fans only arrive in a brown and beige color scheme. Those schemes stand out like a raw thumb. But there is another plus point that there is a black color option for this.

There are so many users who prefer the color black. So, we are glad to say that you can get the black edition of this.

Key Features:

• Outstanding cooling performance
• Operates quietly
• Well rounded bundle
• Guaranteed RAM clearance
• User-friendly mounting arrangement
• Offers two 140mm fans as standard
• Exceptional build quality
• Has six years of warranty

The material used to make the heatsink is copper, nickel, and aluminum. So, undoubtedly it can cool down the processor in a few minutes. Having the MTBF of 150.000h, it can do the job very well.

The voltage range is 12 volts which is the standard volt for a cooler. However, you will get six years of warranty with this cooler, which is quite exceptional compared to the other brands.

However, if you open the package, you will see some tremendous accessories included with the package. An interesting fact is that it comes in a huge box. The outside of the box has an eye-catching design that contains the color grading of black and grey.

On the left side, there is an NH branding with the model number. However, when you open the package, the first thing you will see is the manual, then the main content package, which is wrapped in foam.

So, it will be protected from any damages in the courier transportation. So, you can choose this one if you don’t prefer RGB over quality.

5. MSI MAG CORELIQUID 360R RGB

The MAG CORELIQUID K360R is a solid and high-quality liquid CPU cooler ever made from MSI. However, you can enjoy a huge number of its additional unique features. The CPU block of this cooler is designed with an MSI dragon logo which is placed in the center of the block.

And it looks really great because the dragon logo illuminates some cool lighting effects. And a plus point of this MSI product is that you can actually rotate the top cover by 270 degrees. Because of this, you can guarantee that the dragon logo is facing correctly.

In many other coolers, changing the lighting effects are very tough and irritating. Because you will have to open the casing and change it. But here, the process is very simple.

The RGB lighting effects are synchronizable and be regulated by the motherboard manufacturer software and by the MSI Mystic Light software. You can get these apps on the web.

However, to control these effects, you will need to connect the cooler’s RGB line with a three-pin 5V ARGB header. Also, you can try using an RGB hub. Both of the methods will work perfectly.

But keep in mind that you will not get any RGB hub included with the package. So, the RGB features are not going to work if you are planning to use them on an old motherboard without an ARGB header.

Key Features:

• Designed with the radiator mounted pump mechanism
• Rotating CPU block top cover
• Includes two-zone ARGB lighting effects
• Extended CPU socket support

The MSI MAG CoreLiquid K360R arrives with an enormous package, including so many useful accessories.

While opening the package, the first thing that will appear is the user manual itself that many people consider useless. But to be honest, it is the most useful and important thing among the other stuff. Because, with this, you can discover many unknown facts about the product.

Hence, you will also get a VIP reward card and a shoutout program leaflet. After all of these things, here comes the main content, the MSI MAG CoreLiquid K360R cooler itself.

The radiator of MSI MAG CoreLiquid K360R is so big, which is 400mm. The measurement of the radiator is 15.5 inches long, 4.7 inches wide, and 1.26 inches thick.

Many brands make their cooler in this dimension because this is a standard measurement for the radiators of liquid CPU coolers.

However, you will receive 400mm long hoses so that they can produce sufficient versatility when you are going for orientation.

Nevertheless, it emits a very low noise, which is considered to be 20dBA. So, if you are looking for an amazing liquid CPU cooler, then it can be a perfect choice for you.

6. ASUS Rog Ryujin 360 RGB

The ROG Ryujin 360 from Asus is definitely a remarkably cool piece of kit. However, it’s harsh to say if it’s the best option for everyone.

Those who are looking for a high-performance cooler that can do more than just flash a group of RGBs on and off will get a lot to love.

Because it contains high-quality Noctua NF-F12 IPPC 2000 fans with this cooler which is standard, these types of fans are very strong and powerful to handle a heated processor. If you are using the Intel Core i7 11700K processor, then this can be the perfect fit for you.

The customizable LiveDash Oled Display will surely impress you. Here you can set widgets or add lighting effects, whichever you like. This is really a rare feature that you cant find in the other brands.

Hence, those addressable RGB LED lights are very bright, so they can easily enhance the environment of your setup and the room. A good this is that you can control this lighting with your motherboard software or even with the controller, which will be given on the box.

Key Features:

• Easy installation
• Low noise levels
• Appreciable performance
• Customizable OLED Display
• AURA Sync Support

But there are some drawbacks that I don’t expect in this Asus product. You will get short wires for wirings. It will be like a nightmare when you are going for cable management.

Also, they didn’t give enough thermal paste; it lacks the extra cooling paste. Perhaps, it might run into clearance difficulty with the first RAM slots.

The main thing is that the price is very high. So, if you are going to build a budget PC, then it can be difficult for you to afford.

But undoubtedly, the ASUS Rog Ryujin 360 cooler is the best in this price range. If you can give it a shot by any chance, then trust me, it will definitely be worth it. According to Asus and some trustworthy sources, the price has been increased because of the premium OLED screen. However, there are many users who don’t find it particularly useful while using it.

However, the ASUS Rog Ryujin 360 liquid cooler can be the best option if you are building a pc on a high budget. The premium-level OLED display will surely be worth the money.

7. NZXT Kraken X63

In the computer world, you cant find a person who didn’t hear about NZXT in their life.

Because they are the most popular and premium level brand that makes some awesome computer products which mean to attract its users by giving them a glitzy formal appearance.

NZXT has become the most popular brand in the market because they provide excellent quality and design. Perhaps almost every kind of product of NZXT costs a little more.

However, the NZXT Kraken X63 CPU liquid cooler comes with some awesome features like real-time system control, user interface integration, and a hardcore CPU liquid cooling system for those who want a deep pocket and some high demands.

There is an attractive, multi-functional LCD pump display taking the X63 to the upper level.

Because the LCD display is able to show you the real-time data of your computer components—for example, the temperature, CPU clock speed, working level, and so on, however, you can also find CAM software that is able to offer you the ability to pump or controlling the fan.

If you are lazy like me and don’t want to customize manually, then you can select some presets which is available in the software. Also, you can customize the RGB lighting according to your needs.

Hence, the capability of the cooling system in this cooler is very reliable. It can cool down your Intel Core i9 11900K processor in a short period of time.

Key Features:

• Mirror style LCD screen CPU block design
• 7th generation Asetek pump
• Latest fan speed controller
• Built-in RGB lighting effects
• Easy installation method
• Covers Commander CORE module
• iCUE software UI
• Variable faceplate

The cooler comes in a card box package with the traditional color scheme of white and purple combination. There is a huge image of the NZXT logo on the top of the box, and it looks really great.

However, if you want to learn more about the product, then head to the back of the box; there will be some additional key details about the cooler. But you won’t need to read those as you are reading our full detailed review.

Hence, inside the box, all of the components are in tight packaging. So, the chances for a break are zero.

Now let’s move on to the inside of the box. While opening the package, there will be two pieces of Aer P 140mm cooling fans, a SATA power cable, a fan splitter to add the fans, and a USB cable.

There is also included mounting hardware, which can be used for Intel and AMD platforms CPUs that are typical of Asetek based coolers. An installation or user manual guide and certainly the NZXT Kraken Z73 CPU Liquid Cooler itself will be included in the box. So, for a mid-budget builder, it can be the perfect option.

8. Be quiet! Dark Rock 4

The Dark Rock 4 is an excellent CPU air cooler from the be quiet. It can be a grand appearance in any PC build which is intended to show it off.

The strong air cooling system is able to perform well while giving the processor harsh stress. Even though we have tested and used many of the Be Quiet coolers in the past few years, we have decided that the Dark Rock 4 is the best creation, in our opinion.

As the name suggests, the noise is extremely low that you won’t get any trouble at midnight.

According to many gamers, turning on the pc at midnight is like turning on a jet plane. Because of the poor quality cooling fans, you can feel that you are operating a jet plane.

However, the noise level of Be quiet! Dark Rock 4 CPU cooler is considered to be at 50%, 75%, 100%: 10.5 / 15.6 / 21.4 dBa. So, we can say that the noise will be very low.

Key Features:

• SilentWings 135mm PWM fan
• Decoupled fan mounting
• Six enhanced high-performance copper heat pipes
• Particular wave-contoured cooling fins providing silent airflow
• Specialized black coating with ceramic particles for excellent heat transfer
• Brushed aluminum top cover
• Comfortable top mounting

The dark rock 4 offers some common CPU cooler accessories, but there is an exceptional tool that many other coolers don’t provide, which is a long Phillips screwdriver with a magnetic head.

Yes, you heard it right; they include a screwdriver which we never expected. However, the other accessories are mounting hardware, screws, threaded standoffs, and washers.

All of these tools and accessories are seized and carefully labeled, which makes the process easier.

The good thing is, the Dark Rock 4 CPU cooler can support almost all of the Intel and AMD CPUs. So, if you are using the Intel Core i7 11700k, then you can definitely use this cooler for cooling down your processor.

9. Thermaltake TH120 ARGB

There are a lot of Thermaltake lovers around the world because of their affordability and quality of products. They are popular for making different types of computer products like power supply unite, ram, casing, etc.

They are innovative and never failed to satisfy their customer. Speaking of the cooling efficiency, they used the latest AIO liquid system that can easily be used to cool down the processor.

Thermaltake Technology is mainly focused on the user experience of its customers. The precious fragrance of the Thermaltake DNA is established on courage, passion, and perseverance.

Perhaps they prefer to be broadened in brands like TteSPORTS or Luxa to deliver their customer-focused products from the very particular areas. Hence, the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB liquid cooler is the best creation of these. Because to make this product, they used Thermaltake water 3.0 technology.

Key Features:

• 8 million color RGB spectrum
• A high-performance copper base plate
• Reliable LED Water Block design
• High-reliability low profile pump for quick liquid flow
• Low evaporation tube
• 120mm powerful fan allows the best cooling performance
• Universal socket adaptability

Thermaltake TH120 is able to perform on a simple 5v motherboard. Where most of the coolers used to need 12v current, so, we can say that it’s a pretty power-efficient device. However, you can customize the RGB LED lights with your motherboard software. There is so much software available on the web like MSI Dragon Center, MSI Mystic Light, Asus Aura Sync, and so on.

The size of the cooler and the radiator is quite small. Because of its simple and tiny design, it can fit easily on almost all kinds of casings. Having the circumspect pump design and specifically advanced water seal allows the fluid circulation to run quickly and go without maintenance and good lighting effects.

10. ARCTIC Freezer 50 TR

One of the most stylish and efficient coolers available on the market is the Arctic Freezer 50 TR dual tower CPU cooler itself. Arctic’s new Threadripper dual tower cooler doesn’t provide the most loyal performance in its class. However, it’s a trustworthy solution for keeping your high-end computer cool on a budget.

Highlighting eight direct-contact nickel-plated heat pipes and provided with a pair of Arctic fans in 120mm and 140mm sizes, the recently released Freezer 50TR of Arctic is composed especially to tackle the plentiful thermal loads produced by Intel’s Threadripper CPUs. So, having the Intel Core i7 11700k, you can get this cooler for keeping your CPU cool.

But you will need to buy your own RGB controller to control the RGB of this cooler. As it is a budget cooler, maybe the manufacturers tried to reduce the price by not giving some essential accessories.

Key Features:

• Excellent thermal performance
• Aggressive pricing
• Attractive design with elegant RGB accents

The dimension of the product is pretty standard, which is 165mm height, 149.5mm width, 147.8mm depth, 31.8mm base height. While opening the package, you will notice that the package is quite small. There are mounting brackets that secure the cooler and a 140mm centered fan module. Since the Arctic freezer can’t provide outstanding performance, but it is still able to give a resp[ectable performance while putting the computer under very hard pressure.

11. Be quiet! Shadow Rock LP

The Shadow Rock LP is the best CPU air cooler from the be quiet. Actually, It can be a great impression on any PC build which is aimed to show it off to others. There is a strong air cooling system that is able to perform very well while giving the computer hard stress. Moreover, there are so many coolers from the be quiet that we have used, we think that the Shadow Rock LP is the best creation in our opinion.

Such as its name be quiet, the noise level is extremely appreciable. It is very low that you won’t get into any trouble while gaming at midnight. Because of the poor quality cooling fans, there is a possibility that you will feel like you are flying a jet plane. However, the noise level of Be quiet! Shadow Rock LP CPU cooler is considered to be the lowest, which is 26.8 dBA. Also, the fan airflow is 87 CFM.

Key Features:

• Good Build Quality
• Very Good Performance
• Low Noise Level
• Flexible mounting orientation
• Six enhanced high-performance copper heat pipes
• Particular wave-contoured cooling fins providing silent airflow
• Specialized black coating with ceramic particles for excellent heat transfer

Be quiet! Shadow Rock LP has some drawbacks that many users may not prefer. First, the price is extremely high compared to the other brand’s cooler. If you are building a very high-end pc, then you might afford it; otherwise, with the price of this cooler, you can build a pc. While you will be installing the fan clips, you may get into trouble. Because they made it very difficult, however, this cooler is pretty awesome for both Intel Core i7 11700k and i5 9600K. So, the Shadow Rock LP will definitely be worth it if you can afford it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do you need a CPU cooler for i5 processor?

Answer: If you are planning to overclock it and run on its full potential performance, then you will definitely need to buy a cooler. Because running a processor on its full performance will make it heat like hell, and if you don’t add a cooler, then it will be damaged. So, yes, it would be great to buy a cooler.

Question: Is a 240mm radiator enough for i5 9600K?

Answer: Yes, a 240mm radiator is enough for keeping the processor cool. If you are not wondering about overclocking the air cooler, which is rated 140w TDP or higher, then it will be enough.

Question: Is the stock cooler enough for i5 9600K?

Answer: If you are running some high-performance software or planning to render video on 4K, then the stock cooler won’t be sufficient. A liquid or air cooler will be needed.

Final Words

Undoubtedly Intel Core i5 9600K is one of the best processors from intel. It’s the eleventh generation processor, which is considered to be the most powerful CPU available till now. But running a powerful processor will need a cooler for keeping it cool. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy the full performance as the processor will limit the performance. But choosing the best cooler can be tough enough. So, we came here with this review where you can find the eleven best CPU cooler for i5 9600K