For optimal performance of your Intel i7-11700K processor, a high-performance CPU cooler is imperative to prevent overheating. There are two types of coolers available: liquid and air. While liquid coolers are efficient and quiet, air coolers offer better value and easier installation. Choosing the right cooler for your needs is crucial to ensure your processor performs at its best.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Intel i7-11700K CPU coolers available in 2023, both liquid and air. We’ll cover each cooler’s features, pros, and cons to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or bought this CPU for VR, a good cooler is essential to keep your system running smoothly and avoid thermal throttling.
Note: We have noticed some small blogs listing these coolers for the 12th-Gen Intel i7‑12700K processors. Remember, the Alder Lake CPU requires an LGA1700 socket, and the following Air Coolers and AIO are incompatible.
Whether you are looking for an Air Cooler or a Liquid All-in-One (AIO), you must purchase the one with remarkable efficiency and a high-performance guarantee. A cooler must work irrespective of the stress the CPU might be under.
Here are a few of the best CPU coolers for 11th Gen Intel i7-11700K. So, without further ado, let’s get started:
Best Liquid AIO Cooler for i7-11700K CPU
- NZXT Kraken X72
- Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO
- EVGA CLC 240mm AIO
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
- GOLDEN FIELD SF240
- Corsair Hydro Series H60
NZXT Kraken X72
Overall Best AIO CPU Cooler System
If you are looking for a liquid cooler for Intel i7-11700K that can give you the most elite controls, then NZXT Kraken X72 will suit you best. Especially, if you are a gamer.
It has a sleek and uncomplicated CAM software interface making it exceptionally easy for anyone to manage the settings and tweak them up according to your liking.
Furthermore, a well-performing pump, RGB that is individually addressed. Aer P radiator-optimized fan, and an intriguing infinity mirror design with different sophisticated lighting modes. You get a lively lighting experience out of it. Lastly, the radiator, pump, and fans have a warranty for 6-years!
Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO
Best RGB Liquid CPU Cooler for i7-11700K
The Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO is an RGB liquid cooler that has an integrated 360mm radiator which works exceptionally well to reduce the operational noise. The 120mm ML Series Magnetic Levitation PWM fans also help to reduce the noise and produce only 25 dBA noise at most.
With a dynamic RGB LED pump head, it produces different lighting effects. It uses the Corsair iCue software that lets to control all functions; the RGB lighting, pump speed, CPU and coolant temperature, and fan speed.
It also has a zero RPM cooling mode to shut the fans off when the temperature is low. Not to mention that helps to completely remove the fan noise.
EVGA CLC 240mm AIO 400-HY-CL24-V1
Best Dual-Fan AIO CPU Cooler
EVGA CLC 240mm liquid cooler is built to give you exceptional performance, easy-to-use software controls, and low operational noise.
It adorns a new cooling block which exponentially helps to improve the flow-rate and transfer the heat. Using that your device gets greater cooling efficiency. Besides, with the Teflon Nano bearings, the system easily disperses heat.
It also has fully sleeved tubing that extends from the radiator to the CPU block. These tubes help to change the entire appearance of your system built! Moreover, a vivid RGB LED lets you control not only the lighting but also the color cycling.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
Most Recommended RGB CPU Cooler
With an MF120R ARGB fan, a well-performing radiator, double tubing, an efficient pump, and a dual-chamber, the MasterLiquid ML360R is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler working for Intel i7-11700K optimally.
The fans are specifically designed to work with RBG-enabled PCs and help to maximize the air pressure for fine AIO liquid cooling. On the other hand, the pump has a diffuser, a tri-phase motor, a silent driver, an o-ring, and the glass fiber and PPS construction which helps is make the cooler durable, reliable, and proficient.
Meanwhile, the dual-chamber helps to resist all types of moisture from entering and damaging the unit. Furthermore, it is resistant to corrosion and oxidation as well.
GOLDEN FIELD SF240
Most Affordable Water Cooling System
Made from stainless steel and ceramic core, the GOLDEN FIELD SF240 Liquid cooler is a quietly-operating and optimally-performing unit! Contains a cold plate and a pump which further ensures the cooler isn’t too loud.
With its two 120mm RGB fans and the pure copper CPU blocks, the cooler offers an aesthetic lighting effect, effectual coverage, and excellent heat dissipation that is essential for a processor of any size.
A unique E-shaped water channel actively circulates heat around the CPU by enlarging the heat contact areas. Further helping to enhance the overall performance of your system.
Corsair Hydro Series H60
Best Single Fan Liquid CPU Cooler
Corsair Hydro Series H60 has a dynamic 120 mm PWM fan giving you the control to adjust the fan speed from anywhere between 600 RPM till 1700 RPM which not only enhances the airflow but also keeps the noise to the bare minimum.
Furthermore, the unit has a 120mm radiator made from high-quality aluminum to effectively keep the CPU temperatures low. When it comes to the lighting, the unit has a pump head with a white LED to make a good design of your system.
It also possesses a cold plate and a pump engineered to provide you the outstanding cooling experience possible. Lastly, it takes only a few minutes to install the unit!
Best Air Cooler for i7-11700K CPU
- Cooler Master MasterAir MA620M
- Noctua NH-D15
- Cryorig R1 Ultimate
- Cryorig H7 Quad Lumi
- Cooler Master Hyper 212
- Zalman CNPS12X
Cooler Master MasterAir MA620M
Best High-performance ARGB CPU Air Cooler
With a dual-tower heatsink, six different heat pipes, and an all-exclusive SF120R Fan, the MasterAir MA620M is the best Air Cooler for Intel i7-11700K CPU.
Present in a set of two, the heatsink increases the surface area and spreads the heat out evenly, and dissipates much quicker than expected. The heat pipes are perks up the thermal conductivity and the cooling performance.
Furthermore, the fan gives you an array of speed modes to choose from which makes it easy to fine-tune it whenever needed. The Addressable RGB LED controller lets you customize the effects and colors of the lights by using a small button.
Noctua NH-D15
Premium Dual-Fan Air Cooler
Noctua NH-D15 is a small 165x150x161mm Air Cooler that weighs only 1320g. With its six-heat pipe dual tower design and two extraordinary 140mm PWM fans, it offers silent operation and keeps your system cool and efficiently irrespective of how much load you are putting on it.
Moreover, the fans also give you full control of the fan speeds. The base and the heat-pipes are made from high-quality copper while the cooling fins are made from aluminum which ensures long shelf-life.
It also adorns SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system and makes the cooler perfect for all the overclockers out there!
Cryorig R1 Ultimate
Best Dual-Tower Heatsink CPU Cooler for Gaming PC
Cryoig R1 Ultimate comes with Direct-Compress soldering that increases the contact surface area of the area present between the heat-sink fins and heat-pipe by almost 10% as compared to traditional soldering. Since this alters the direction of the fins and the heat-pipe, the heat spreads out evenly and dissipates fast.
The air exhaust is separated into two different parts. One is for the loose air intake while the other one specializes in the high-density exhaust. Using the Jet Fin Acceleration System, the air exhaust expels the air out of the tower within seconds.
Furthermore, the 140mm fans kill the operational noise by using acoustic vibration absorbers that can easily be detached.
Cryorig H7 Quad Lumi
Known for best Heatsink
Cryorig H7 Quad Lumi possesses a Jet Fin Acceleration system that works to remove all of the hot air out of your CPU & cool it down. Due to the beehive-shaped design of the front air intake, the unit has low air turbulence. And airflows in a more radial pattern and even manner helping to expel the air much more quickly.
The cooler also possesses the Heatpipe Convex-Align system that enhances the alignment of the heat pipe with your processor for more effective performance.
Lastly, it has an X-Bar system containing a robust heat-resistance backplate. Easy to recycle and has a higher tensile strength. You can be sure that protects the mainboard of the CPU from additional stress.
Cooler Master Hyper 212
Cheapest CPU Air Cooler for i7-11700K
Comes with four heat-pipes having a direct link between the cooler and the CPU. Furthermore, the heat-pipes and the aluminum fins work to give you efficient performance around the clock.
The dual fans can easily be upgraded and improve the heat circulation as well as the heat dissipation throughout the system. The PWM fan embraces a blade design and adorns red LEDs. You get an ideal balance between the static pressure and airflow to reduce heat out of the system.
Additionally, the air cooler works with Intel as well as AMD sockets. Cooler Master is easy to install thanks to its bracket design!
Zalman CNPS12X
Low-cost affordable Cooler for Intel CPU
Zalman CNPS12X adorns aluminum fins and six heat-pipes for conveniently taking the heat away from your processor. Also, an I.H.D technology and a 120mm fan that reduces the temperature of the heatsink instantly so the CPU can give you stable operation.
The cooler also uses the Variable Fin Profile technology and a dual air-intake structure which increases the airflow to further help to improve the performance of the CPU.
The triple-fan is ideal if you are looking for an ultra-silent air cooler. Besides, it has blue LEDs to showcase the overall design and aesthetics of your entire system.