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Best CPU Coolers for Core i9-12900K

Choosing a processor is one of the many difficult tasks especially with so many out there sold in the market. You will have to consider a lot of factors and things to ensure that your processor is compatible with CPU Cooler and vice-versa. Moreover at the same time , you would like to ensure that it would provide you the best performance and make sure that it could handle all your needs and preferences.

If you are planning to look for a processor, it is a good idea to look into flagship processors. One great option that we surely would recommend is the i9 12900K. Not only it is launched by Intel, the processor itself is highly impressive. It comes with 8 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores and overall 24 threads. With all of these, we could say that this processor is a powerhouse.

Now that you have decided to get i9 12900K as your processor, the next predicament that you will encounter is choosing a CPU cooler that would best suit your processor. Do not worry as we got you covered. Through this article, we came up with the best CPU coolers for core i9-12900K.

The Power Draw Situation

i9-12900K could consume up to 240W of power which is higher compared to others which means it would be difficult to cool and though that is the case, it provides you powerful performance which makes it worth it. Hence, all you have to do is to get a great CPU cooler that has the ability to handle your i9-12900K.

Things You Must Know

We could say that the 12th generation processors are very competitive. However, due to chip shortage, prices became higher and has put these processors into the expensive side. In fact, if you would look into the DDR5, you would find it a bit expensive. Though that is the case, if you could afford 12900K, Z690 motherboard and DDR5 memory kit, you would never regret. It is a great investment that would provide you great power. The only thing that you are lacking is a good cooler.

Shopping Tips

Air Cooling vs Liquid Cooling

Though it is good to beef it up with 360mm AIO liquid cooler, there are quite a few air coolers that would work well with your 12900K. Though many would like to go with the AIO route, we would recommend and prefer the look of a good air cooler like the Cryorig R1 Dark Rock Pro 4.

You could also get away with 240mm AIO, the 240mm AIO comes with two 120mm fans which are sufficient to handle your 12900K.

Compatibility of I9-12900k

It is a bit difficult to find a compatible case for I9-1200k as your I9-1200k requires a powerful cooler due to its demanding chip. Hence, it is important for you to choose a case wisely.

Aesthetics

There are some people who think that design and aesthetics are important. Hence, when it comes to CPU cooler for 19200K, you will not have any problems in terms of this aspects as there are a lot of beefy air coolers that look impressive and though some of them do not have any flashy RGB lighting, they are some that are aesthetically appealing. Keep in mind, the better the design, the higher the price.

Best CPU Coolers for i9-12900K

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black

Specifications

  • Type: Dual-Tower Air Cooler
  • TDP: 220W
  • Heat Pipes: 6
  • Lighting: None
  • Dimensions: 160.00 x 150.00 x 135.00mm

The Noctua NH-D15 definitely would be on the top of the list of any best CPU coolers. It is considered by many as a classic especially to those who are veteran builders, hobbyist and enthusiasts.

Noctua is a brand that many trust and rely on when it comes to cooling products and accessories like case fans, thermal paste, CPU coolers and many more. One of their most popular products is their NH-D15.

The D15 has a Chromax black edition. This version/edition has very sleek design and at the same time it comes with a stealth look. It definitely would match most colors and would look with most designs. In fact, all of its fin arrays, fans, heat pipes and fan clips are all black. This would definitely provide you a classic and clean look.

This cooler utilizes 6mm copper heat pipes and a dual tower design with aluminum fin stacks which measure about 150mm wide. In addition to that, it also has NF-A15 PWM fans which comes with high quality SSO2 bearings. These bearings are lubricated and what is more amazing is that it uses magnetic stabilizers which help in spinning the fans up to 1500RPM. Moreover, you would love that it is quiet as well.

As for performance, you would definitely be impressed. It is very powerful, quiet and very appealing.

Pros

  • Impressive performance
  • Comes with a lot of thermal headroom
  • Impressive acoustic performance
  • Installation is easy and straightforward
  • Sleek and classic design
  • Reliable

Cons

  • Could have an issue with fitting in smaller cases

EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm

Specifications

  • Type: Triple fan AIO
  • TDP: 220-240W
  • Radiator size: 360mm
  • Radiator Dimensions: 395 x 120 x 27 mm

This cooler could be seen as an overkill but it is perfect for 12900K. It provides an impressive cooling performance and it offers options in 120mm, 240mm and 360mm versions. When choosing for your 12900K, we recommend to go for the 360mm and though its price is a bit more on the expensive side, it is a good investment as it comes with amazing design and cooling performance.

This cooler utilizes a 360mm radiator which is made of aluminum. It is measured with 27mm thickness and 120mm width. It also has the ability to handle up to three 120mm fans.

Moreover, this cooler’s fins are stacked together which ensures that you have a larger area which allows lowering the heat much easier. Its pump/block has been developed by EK themselves. It comes with their own EK logo and it has aRGB LEDs. Their tubing is high quality as well. Overall, we could say that this one is one of the best liquid cooler for i9 12900k.

Pros

  • Impressive pump design
  • High quality EK Vardar S fans
  • RGB
  • Refill port
  • Dense fins stack which provides area for heat dissipation
  • Impressive performance

Cons

  • Installation is easy

Arctic Liquid Freezer II

Specifications

  • Type: Dual fan AIO
  • TDP: 220-250W
  • Radiator Size: 280mm
  • Lighting: RGB
  • Dimensions: 277mm x 120mm x 38mm

This cooler is custom designed. In fact, its pump comes with a futuristic design which you would definitely love. Aside from that, this cooler has an integrated cooling fan which makes the air circulate over its CPU block. It ensures that your mother board heatsink and memory is cooled down and would not overheat.

This cooler comes with cold plate which uses copper which could make it a little difficult to mount due to the large pump. Its radiator is measured 28mm thick and it is made of aluminum. Its fans are rated with a speed up to 1700 RPM and its performance is impressive as well.

If you are looking for a CPU cooler which would fit your budget, then, this one is a perfect option.

Pros

  • Unique pump design
  • Integrated fan on pump
  • Outperforms larger coolers
  • Enticing value for money
  • Thicker radiator

Cons

  • A little difficult to install

Cooler Master ML360R RGB

Specifications

  • Type: Triple Fan AIO
  • TDP: 220W
  • Radiator Size: 360mm
  • Lighting: RGB
  • Dimensions: 277 mm x 120mm x 38 mm

The Cooler Master is considered as one of the best brands when it come to performance. It looks great and it is very durable. Moreover, it supports a lot of processors including i9 12900K. It has mounting accessories with it and mounting brackets. You would also be surprised that there are several different cables, RBG fan controller, USB connectivity cable and syringe thermal compound included in its package.

This cooler has measurements of 25.1mm thick and its pump is 52.9mm. Its RGB controller is definitely a plus but keep in mind that this requires for you to deal with a lot of cables. Its fans are MF120R a RGB which ensures that air would circulate.

Pros

  • Elegant design
  • RGB on its pump
  • Nylon braiding
  • Clever design

Cons

  • Cable management needs to be improved
  • Installation instructions are not that clear

Deepcool Assassin III

Specifications

  • Type: Dual Tower Air Cooler
  • TDP: 280W
  • Heat Pipes: 7
  • Lighting: None
  • Dimensions: 161 x 138 x 165mm

The Deepcool Assassin III definitely stands out with its huge cooler. It is efficient and at the same time aesthetically pleasing. It comes with 7 heat pipes and has huge surface for better heat dissipation. Its base is made of copper and has a mirror style nickel coating.

This CPU cooler comes with customized TF series fans which ensure that it provides impressive cooling performance. It has an overall dimensions of 161 x 140 x 165 mm. This means it is a bit on the bigger side.

Its heatsink is coated in nickel and it comes with black accents. Its fin stack is dense which would definitely help in the circulation of air flow. Its fans are impressive with its speed of 1400 RPM and it has a TDP rating of 280W. Lastly, if you would want to overclock your i9-12900k, then, this one is your best bet.

Pros

  • Impressive performance
  • Custom TF series of fans
  • Impressive engineering
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Noisy
  • its design is generic

Noctua NH-U12S

Specifications

  • Type: Slim Single Fan Air Cooler
  • Lighting: None
  • Dimensions: 158mm x 125mm x 71mm

NH-U12S is a great and perfect CPU cooler option for i9-12900K. It is slim and has great size compatibility. This means it could fit almost any case. This CPU cooler comes with copper base and heat pipes. Its also has soldered joints and nickel plating.

The NH-U12S has a high quality NF-F12 120mm fan which also has an amazing performance. In fact, it could perform up to a maximum speed of 1500 RPM and could be lowered down to 300 RPM. Moreover, it could support PWM or Pulse Width Modulation which is good to use for speed control. It comes with fan clips and anti-vibration pads which is convenient for those who would want to have a second fan.

Furthermore, this CPU cooler is easy to install and it is compatible with modern and older sockets.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Slim design
  • Quiet
  • Great build quality
  • Allows to add a second fan
  • Top-tier cooling
  • Six years warranty

Cons

  • Color scheme is a bit weird
  • A little bit on the pricey side

Lian Li GALAHAD AIO 360 RGB

Specifications

  • Type: Closed Looped triple fan AIO
  • Radiator Size: 360mm
  • Lighting: RGB
  • Dimensions: 397.5mm x 123.5mm x 27mm

Though Lian Li is not as popular as other brands, it is starting to become known due to its impressive CPU coolers, power supplies and different useful accessories. In fact, they are starting to become a tough competitor.

The Lian Li Galahad AIO 360 RGB is a very impressive especially with its triple-fan closed-loop AIO which is perfect for your Alder Lake processor. This CPU cooler, we could say comes with amazing cooling capabilities which you could heavily rely on. It would ensure that your system will not overheat even when you are using it heavily.

This CPU cooler comes in two size options – 240mm and 360 mm. As for i9-12900k, we highly recommend that you go for the 360mm. Though this would cost you more, it is worth investing it on. Its performance is top-notch and its aesthetics is amazing. It comes with RGB lighting which allows you to switch and choose 17 different effects and themes.

The Lian Li GALAHAD AIO 360 RGB utilizes 360mm radiator with aluminum shields on both sides which makes it very durable and even making it look great and elegant. As for its fans, it could support PWM for its efficient speed control which allows it to operate very fast. In fact, it could run as fast as 1900 RPM and as low as 800 RPM.

Pros

  • Customizable RGB lighting
  • Fans are quiet
  • High quality fans
  • Efficient
  • Removable magnetic aluminum cap
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Idle noise could be quieter

NZXT Kraken Z73 360mm

Specifications

  • Type: Closed Looped triple fan AIO
  • Radiator Size: 360mm
  • Lighting: RGB
  • Dimensions: 394mm x 121mm x 27mm

The NZXT offers different products such as pre-built PCs, PC cases, motherboards and accessories such as keyboard, mouse, headsets and CPU coolers. The brand is highly reliable and trustworthy. In fact, they offer impressive and high-end CPU coolers and one of them is the Kraken Z73 360mm.

The NZXT Kraken Z73 comes with great aesthetics and at the same time it has impressive cooling capabilities. It comes with a 360 mm radiator which has aluminum fin and tube design which makes it a highly effective AIOs. This CPU cooler has three Aer P 120mm high static pressure fans which are measured with a height of 27mm. It has a maximum speed of 2000 RPM which could be lowered to 500 RPM. Moreover, the Kraken Z73 utilizes 7th gen Asetek pump housing design which ensures better cooling and it is quiet as well.

Pros

  • Customizable LCD screen
  • Stunning and amazing visuals
  • The fans are quiet
  • High quality fans
  • Impressive cooling performance

Cons

  • Does not have RGB lighting
  • Installation could be easier

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