If you are looking to optimize your system for overclocking, then a good-quality CPU cooler should be bought. In this guide, we’ll cover the best CPU cooler for i5 8600k.
The Intel Core i5 8600k belongs to 8th generation processors. It is an affordable option than i7 and i9 processors. Due to its price, many people use i5 8600k. It is associated with gamers, especially who are looking for budget-friendly PC gaming.
A C.P.U cooler helps in controlling the temperature of the C.P.U. The C.P.U can get heated due to various hardware components installed in it. That’s when a cooler does the magic. It limits the C.P.U from overheating and increases its functionality.
Why Do You Need to Upgrade your CPU cooler?
A PC comes with the stock CPU cooler. It functions fine with the system and you don’t have to spend separately. But what if you want to upgrade your PC? An upgraded CPU cooler can help in overclocking and boosting the performance of your PC. It can draw more heat the system, hence making it better than the stock cooler.
Types of CPU Coolers
CPU cooler comes in three types
1. Air Coolers
2. All-in-one Coolers or Liquid Coolers
3. Open-loop Coolers
1. Air Coolers
They come in all shapes and sizes and are made up of metal heatsinks and fans. They are least expensive among CPU coolers. They require a lot of maintenance and are not suitable for extreme heating. Their thermal dissipation capacity varies according to their size.
2. Liquid or AIO Coolers
They are the most popular coolers for the CPU. They are quieter than air coolers and don’t require maintenance like cutting and fitting tubes. They stop any kind of heat coming from the system and are very easy to install. Liquid coolers come with the radiator and occupy more space than other coolers.
3. Open-loop Coolers
They are the most advanced and most expensive coolers you can get. They come with the large radiator and removes more heat than other coolers. They operate quietly and are very easy to install. If you are looking to upgrade your rig to a maximum level, then open-loop coolers are your solution.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a CPU Cooler
There are certain factors you need to consider before shopping for the CPU cooler. Here are a few things to look for:
1. Type
As we mentioned earlier, CPU coolers come in three types. Air coolers are the most affordable option. Liquid coolers are a mid-range priced and perform better than air coolers. Open-loop or custom coolers are the most expensive. But their workability is greater than liquid and air coolers. Choose which type you want according to your need.
2. Socket
Many CPU coolers can fit in any socket type. But there are some coolers which require specific socket type. Check the compatibility of the socket before buying any cooler.
3. Sound
A cooler should be able to operate quietly. Fans inside the cooler makes all the noise. Large fan coolers are less noisier than small fan coolers. So, it is wise to go for the large fan coolers.
4. Length and Width
Some CPU coolers are too tall or too wide for certain PC cases. So, check whether your PC case can handle the cooler you are buying.
5. Budget
This is the most important factor to consider. Spending too much or too less can be problematic for you. Keep an equilibrium and go for the best.
List of the Best CPU Cooler for i5 8600k
Wondering what is the best CPU cooler for i5 8600k? You don’t have to. We have short-listed some of the best CPU coolers. Our list is based on our own user experience and customer satisfaction ratings.
1. Noctua NH-D15
The Noctua NH-D15 is first on our list. This is a flagship model and belongs to the air cooler category of C.P.U coolers.
The structure of the cooler is very unique. It features six heat pipes and two fans which increases its cooling performance and helps in overclocking. Each fan has a 140mm surface which adjusts the speed automatically and operates quietly.
This model is compatible with most R.A.M models due to its single fan mode. In dual-fan mode, it is compatible with standard R.A.M size. It can be mounted on every socket type and has perfect length to width ratio.
With two LNA (Low Noise Adaptor), it functions noiselessly even when the computer is performing at the highest level. If you are not a fan of liquid cooling, then you can choose this product.
This product has been recommended by several hardware websites and has been awarded multiple times. These qualities make it our top choice for the best C.P.U cooler for i5 8600k.
Pros
Pros
- Operates quietly.
- Amazing cooling performance.
- Can be a profitable investment.
- Comes with a six-year warranty.
- Has been awarded several times.
Cons
Cons
- It is bulky and heavy.
- The software is not included.
2. NZXT Kraken X62
NZXT Kraken x62 is a liquid cooler which is built for ultimate functionality. Kraken is the popular series of NZXT.
NZXT is the first company to made all-in-one liquid coolers. The all-in-one liquid cooling is short for water cooling. NZXT started to build this technology in the x40 series. The RGB lighting effects are some of the best you can find.
The design of the cooler optimizes it for an excellent performance. Its modern design produces superior cooling without making any sound. The pump head forces out more liquid and functions quietly. The rotation speed of the pump head is from 300 to 3000 RPM. This speed is a great fit for i5 8600k which usually require more RPM.
It also comes with the NZXT software. The software helps in altering the speed of the fan, RGB lighting effects, and the pump head settings. Plus, the cooler comes with the six-year warranty.
A great model to have for i5 8600k. If you are willing to spend more than $100 dollars on C.P.U cooler, you can purchase this product.
Pros
Pros
- All-in-one liquid cooling.
- Comes with automated software.
- The RGB lighting effects are fantastic.
- Has great fan speed.
Cons
Cons
- Not compatible with all P.C cases.
- Can be expensive.
Also Read: Best Motherboards For i5 8600K
3. Cooler Master MLX-D36M-A20PC-R1 MasterLiquid
If you are looking for a colorful and durable cooler, then CoolerMaster can be your first priority.
The dual-chamber pump head adds durability to its structure. Also, it enhances the performance of the cooler. The sleek black sleeves and the FEP rubber tubing keeps the liquid inside the cooler and prevents any leakages.
One of the best features is that it has 360mm large surface radiator. This radiator removes the excess heat coming from the C.P.U. It is available in 120mm and 240mm but we prefer 360mm more.
When you look at its outer structure, you can find a beautiful design with a great color combination. And of course, the RGB settings are adjustable. You can change every useful setting of the cooler with CoolerMaster’s software.
This is an expensive model but if you are willing to spend more, we highly recommend this product.
Pros
Pros
- Has a formidable structure.
- Can be controlled with the software.
- Comes with the dual-chamber pump head.
- Can bear a pressure of overheating.
Cons
Cons
- The current cost of this model is over $150.
- The software hasn’t released yet.
4. Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
You can guess from the name that how this product is different from others. This is the most noiseless C.P.U cooler you can find.
What makes it an inaudible cooler? The answer lies in its design. The built-in two wing fans have fluid-dynamic bearings, six-pole motor, and ai-flow optimized fan blades. This causes high-pressure and cancels any sound produced.
It is equipped with 6mm copper heat pipes that reduce the heat. The cooling fins with small dots present on them increase the air circulation. The black coating on its surface quickly transfers all the heat coming from the system.
It is not only good for its soundless operation but also for its cooling might. It provides 250W TDP (Thermal Design Power) which lowers the temperature even when the P.C is performing at its peak. With less heat, the motherboard enhances the overclocking.
Its structure is double-towered which increases its compatibility with the R.A.M. Plus, you can add another fan of 120mm. The cooler can be installed on the motherboard from above and requires only a screwdriver. The box of the Dark Rock Pro 4 has a special screwdriver in it which makes things less complicated.
This is an affordable and a premium model which is compatible with the i5 8600k.
Pros
Pros
- The best noiseless cooler you can buy.
- It is an affordable option.
- Can be installed easily.
- Transfers the heat quickly.
Cons
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the software.
5. Cooler Master MAP-T6PN-218PC-R1
This is probably the most inexpensive cooler in our list. With Cooler Master technology, this product is worthy of a mention in our list.
It is designed especially for gamers and overclockers who want maximum cooling. It has six heat pipes which dissipate the heat and boosts its performance. The Continous Direct Contact 2.0 technology further decreases the heat.
It has a wonderful RGB LED logo design. The RGB gives 16.9 million color combinations when customized. You can change the RGB settings from wired RGB controller.
Overall, this model will not disappoint you in terms of its working. If you don’t want to spend too much on C.P.U cooler, you can think of this cooler.
Pros
Pros
- Has great cooling capacity.
- Also compatible with AMD processor.
- Features a wired RGB controller.
- One of the affordable cooler you can buy.
Cons
Cons
- Has lower fan speed.
- Can be loud sometimes.
6. EVGA CLC 240mm All-In-One
EVGA makes some of the best computer components and their C.P.U coolers are immaculate as well. If you are looking to buy a C.P.U cooler with effective cooling, you can choose EVGA CLC.
EVGA integrated a unique feature of an extra block for cooling. The block raises the heat transfer rate and improves the flowrate for incredible cooling. The flowrate can go to 2900 RPM and the airflow rate is 74.82 CFM.
It is built with 240mm dual-fan radiator. This brings stability in the cooling system. The fans are made from Teflon Nano which provides durability to the structure of the cooler. The sleeved tubing decreases the chances of leakages.
The RGB effects are amazing as well. The RGB displays LED and can be controlled. With EVGA software you can adjust fan speed, change RGB lighting, control the pump head, and much more.
A superior quality C.P.U cooler which can be used for i5 8600k. The product comes with installable Intel hardware which makes it compatible with all the Intel processors.
Pros
Pros
- Has a special feature of extra-block cooling.
- The RPM level of the flowrate is higher.
- The settings can be regulated with the software.
- Price of the model is not too high.
Cons
Cons
- It can make a lot of noise.
- The software can bug out.
Conclusion
With EVGA CLC our list is completed. We listed some of the best CPU coolers available for i5 8600k. All of them are fully compatible with i5 8600k and show superb performance. From the mentioned products, the one we really like is Noctua NH-D15. With its six heat pipes, it dissipates more heat than others. And it is not very expensive as well. According to us this is the best CPU cooler for i5 8600k.
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