Products at a Glance
How we picked the best CPU cooler for Intel 14th Gen
Selecting the best cooler involves a meticulous examination of a multitude of aspects, ensuring each choice aligns with the demands of Intel’s 14th Generation processors. Foremost, we delve into the cooler’s compatibility and fit with the processors, ensuring that each recommendation resonates with the design and functional ethos of the Intel 14th Gen CPUs. CPU coolers are designed to fit certain socket types, so given that we know that 14th Gen processors are fitted with an LGA 1700 socket, we’ve made sure to select LGA 1700 compatible hardware. On the whole, the make-up and architecture of the 14th Gen ‘Raptor Lake Refresh’ CPUs is not too dissimilar from that of Intel 13th Gen. Therefore, we also weighed in on our previous picks of the best cooler for Intel LGA 1700 CPUs.
We also dedicate substantial effort to exploring user experiences and reviews, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of each cooler’s real-world performance and reliability. This approach ensures our selections are not just theoretically proficient but have been validated through practical applications. Additionally, we made sure to include different types of coolers to cater for a wide range of audiences, ranging from air coolers, liquid coolers, and AIO coolers.
Product Reviews
- Exceptional cooling performance
- Low noise levels
- Aesthetically pleasing all-black design
- Bulky size might obstruct RAM slots
- High price point
- Might not fit in smaller cases
The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black takes air cooling to a new level, combining exceptional performance with a sleek, all-black aesthetic. Its dual tower and dual fan design allow for superior cooling, handling overclocking, and intense gaming sessions with ease. The cooler features six heat pipes and two NF-A15 140mm fans, ensuring optimal airflow and heat dissipation, maintaining a quiet operational noise level even under load. If you’re considering investing in one of the more powerful CPU options out of the Intel 14th Gen lineup, such as the i9-14900K, this cooler could be a great choice.
Designed with enthusiasts in mind, the NH-D15 Chromax Black is ideal for users seeking performance without compromising on aesthetics. Whether you’re an avid gamer, a content creator, or an everyday user looking for robust cooling solutions, this cooler is tailored to meet your needs. Its versatile all-black design makes it a fitting choice for various desktop build themes, ensuring that performance and style go hand in hand. It comes as no surprise that this NH-D15 cooler also got a spot as one of the best coolers for the i7 9700K.
- Comprehensive fan control
- High-quality 2.1-inch IPS display
- Adequate clearance for tall RAM modules
- Large 420mm radiator may not fit all cases
- Priced on the higher end
Corsair brings a nuanced blend of technology and aesthetics with the iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT. It’s an All-in-One cooler, boasting a personalized LCD display that doesn’t just add to your system’s aesthetics but also allows real-time performance tracking. The 2.1” IPS LCD screen is impressive with a 480×480 resolution, over 16.7 million colors, and a bright 600cd/m² backlight, enabling it to display a range of content from CPU temperatures to animated GIFs or images.
Further enhancing its performance are the CORSAIR AF140 RGB ELITE PWM fans, which work seamlessly along a vast 420mm radiator ensuring excellent CPU cooling, bolstered by AirGuide technology to optimize airflow.
This cooler is a premium choice for enthusiasts who want to combine efficient cooling with aesthetic customization. Its varied theme library and the capability to display a wealth of different visual content make it a versatile addition to a customized PC setup.
- Robust build quality
- Effective cooling capacity
- Visible coolant reservoir
- Absence of software support
- Noise level could be improved
- Lacks some user customization options
Alphacool steps into the AIO domain bringing a pedigree of cooling expertise with the Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360. It’s structured with a combination of brass and copper, advocating for superior build quality. The unit’s dimensions and design make it a formidable presence, demonstrating versatility with water and air as cooling methods.
The Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360 boasts an impressive cooling capacity, driven by its build quality and design. One of the distinct features it brings to the table is the visible coolant reservoir, adding a layer of visual feedback and aesthetic value. Alphacool’s legacy in providing consistent and reliable cooling components shines through, offering a product that benefits from the brand’s established track record. However, its impactful performance comes with a noise level that may be perceptible, and the absence of software support slightly tapers its usability and customization options. Nonetheless, this cooler made it onto our guide for the best CPU cooler for Intel Core i9-13900K, a model not too far off what we might see from Intel’s 14th Gen.
- Excellent thermal performance
- IPS display for real-time data
- User-friendly software control via MSI Centre
- Higher price bracket
- Absence of RGB lighting
- Specific aesthetic might not appeal to all users
The MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360 exhibits outstanding thermal performance thanks to its trio of MEG SILENT GALE P12 silent gaming fans and a 7th generation Asetek pump. The additional pump top VRM fan and customizable IPS display stand out as noteworthy features, ensuring that the cooler not only performs optimally but also provides valuable information and customization options directly on the cooler.
Geared towards users who seek control and performance, the MSI Centre provides a user-friendly platform to manage various aspects like fan speeds and IPS Display settings, offering a tailored cooling experience. It’s a perfect match for those who prefer a minimalist yet powerful design, valuing performance and control over RGB aesthetics.
Features and Considerations
When scouring the market for the best cooler for Intel 14th Gen processors, several key features warrant close attention. Compatibility heads the list, ensuring the cooler fits seamlessly with the 14th Gen’s design and specifications.
A cooler that aligns well with your processor’s design allows for optimal heat dissipation, safeguarding the CPU’s functionality. A size that befits your system without overwhelming the space ensures that the cooler doesn’t just function optimally but also aligns aesthetically with your setup.
Performance is another cornerstone in your selection process. Given the 14th Gen’s power draws parallels to its predecessor, a cooler’s efficacy in managing heat output under varied load scenarios is crucial. By perusing publicly available benchmarks and user reviews, you can gauge a cooler’s performance credentials, like noise levels and cooling efficiency.
Does Intel Core i7 or i9 run hotter?
Overall, the i9 tends to run hotter. The Intel Core i9 processors, with their higher boost clocks and additional cores, generate more heat compared to the i7 counterparts under substantial workloads, especially those that heavily utilize multiple cores. The intricate designs and potent performance characteristics of the i9 make them inherently more susceptible to higher temperature outputs when managing demanding tasks and applications.
Our Verdict
Final thoughts
In a climate where processors are becoming increasingly powerful and capable, choosing the right cooler to maintain performance efficacy becomes crucial. Through our analysis of various cooler options for the Intel 14th Gen processors, it’s clear that there’s a cooler to suit various needs and preferences. From the visually appealing displays of the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT to the silent efficiency of the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black, the market offers a range of options that prioritize not just performance, but also aesthetics and user experience. If you’re after a further upgrade to your rig with an Intel 14th Gen processor on your hands, we’ve got you covered with our picks of the best motherboard for Intel 14th Gen, and will be covering everything Intel now that we’ve had the official launch.