Despite retaining the exact core count as its predecessor, the Core i5-14600K is a beastly mid-range CPU. The i5-14600K dissipates a lot of heat. That is precisely why, after thoroughly testing, I have compiled a list going through CPU coolers for the i5-14600K, covering a wide range of options.
Take a look at my top picks for the best CPU cooler for i5-14600K, all compared with each other:
Table setup not completed.Last Updated:
- May 10, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
Check More Of Our Tested Reviews For The Core i5-14600K:
Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600K
Here are my top picks for the Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600K:
- Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
- Best Performance: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT
- Best Air Cooler: DeepCool AK620 Digital
- Best Budget: Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2
- Best 240mm: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
- Best Value: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
Best Overall CPU Cooler For i5-14600K
Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 398 × 120 × 63mm | Fans: 3x ARCTIC P12 PWM A-RGB | Fan Speed: 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 10.64dB(A)| Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM3+, AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Phenomenal cooling performance
- 40mm VRM fan
- Quiet fans
- Impressive aesthetics
Cons
- No RGB on pump
- No fan speed customization
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is a powerhouse when it comes to cooling. It is equipped with capable fans, a 38mm radiator, and ARCTIC’s in-house water block. During my testing, the i5-14600K averaged between 47°C and 50°C, showing impeccable overclocking headroom. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB’s exterior is undeniably robust. The radiator comprises 14 Fins Per Inch, allowing for solid heat dissipation. Lastly, the water block itself is highly efficient while also being larger in size due to the presence of an additional VRM fan.
Visual elements have not been completely disregarded for the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB. Following the simple theme, the water block mainly retains the same black theme with an ARCTIC logo on the side. However, the main element I loved is the spaceship-like effect the pump induces.
I conducted hands-on tests on the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB and was pleasantly surprised by its fantastic price-to-performance ratio, stating:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is a no-frill design that is cost-effective and a low-noise cooling solution from the manufacturer. It packs good performance and offers high convenience during handling and installation. It comes recommended by us.
What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i5-14600K?
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB comes with vibrant A-RGB fans as well as a compelling price-to-performance ratio. On top of that, it manages to add an extra VRM fan, a capable pump, and solid build quality into the mix, taking the place of the best overall CPU cooler for i5-14600K.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT
Best Performance CPU Cooler For i5-14600K
Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Dimensions: 397 × 120 x 27mm | Fans: 3x AF RGB Elite Fans | Fan Speed: 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 34.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066, AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Ample overclocking headroom
- Remarkable thermal performance
- Swappable pump cap
Cons
- Expensive
- Software dependency
The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT’s performance is certainly a force to be reckoned with. The AF Elite fans offer a maximum speed of 2,100RPM and an airflow of 65.57 CFM, which contributes to their impeccable cooling potential. The Corsair iCUE H150i is built from the ground up with premium materials that go hand in hand with its enthusiast-grade performance. We observed that the radiator packs a 20 FPI. Speaking of the pump, it comes with pre-applied thermal paste, which is an added bonus.
As suggested by the name, the AF RGB Elite fans come with well-placed RGB LEDs that are adequately bright without being too distracting. That is not to say that the pump falls short when it comes to a display of RGB lighting. Moreover, you can get multiple color variants to match your build’s aesthetic.
According to Nauman Siddique, one of our hardware experts, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite had relatively low fan noise in his review:
CORSAIR has always been on top of its game with innovative products focusing on form and function. Their iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT White cooler is no exception to that. This cooler packs stunning visuals coming from CAPELLIX LEDs while providing adequate thermal performance at a reasonable noise output. Although this is a feature-rich cooling solution, it has a steep price.
What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i5-14600K?
The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT has been titled the best performance CPU cooler for i5-14600K for its unparalleled cooling performance, stunning visual appearance, and structure.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
DeepCool AK620 Digital
Best Air Cooler For i5-14600K
Cooler Type: Dual Tower Air Cooler | Dimensions: 129 × 138 × 162mm | Fans: 2x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,850RPM | Noise Level: 28dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 115X AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Remarkable thermal performance
- Magnetic LCD
- Dual-tower slim design
Cons
- Shorter warranty period
- Only CPU temperature is displayed
As far as air coolers are concerned, the DeepCool AK620 Digital showcases outstanding cooling capabilities. It comes equipped with 2x 120mm PWM fans running at 1,850RPM speeds. Moreover, It boasts a TDP of 260W, allowing it to cool the i5-14600K in our dedicated performance testing comfortably. From the installation all the way down to its structure, the cooler does not leave anything to complain about when it comes to build quality. The DeepCool AK620 Digital consists of six heat pipes and a copper CPU block with a mirror-like finish. The dual tower design encompasses 50 nickel-plated aluminum fins.
The DeepCool AK620 Digital ranks among one of the most peculiar-looking air coolers you can get your hands on. Apart from that, you also get RGB strips spanning the entire width of the display. The clean black finish on the rest of the build is equally mesmerizing, showing no signs of any disparity in its shades.
When Nauman Siddique got his hands on the DeepCool AK620, he was quick to notice the unusual addition of an LCD screen. This is what he said:
The DeepCool AK620 is a sleek and visually appealing 120mm air cooler, part of the DeepCool ecosystem, with a dual-tower design and high-quality build. While it lacks RGB features, it’s excellent for neutral builds and offers compatibility with most mid-tower chassis. It delivers strong thermal performance and low noise levels, making it a hidden gem for air-cooling enthusiasts
What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i5-14600K?
The DeepCool AK620 Digital sports capable 120mm fans, provides great RAM and GPU clearance and doesn’t miss on its aesthetic elements. Furthermore, the integration of an LCD screen is the cherry on top, drastically changing its appearance. The cumulative weight of those aspects is why we crowned it the best air cooler for the i5-14600K.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2
Best Budget CPU Cooler For i5-14600K
Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 397 × 120 × 54mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,150RPM | Noise Level: 28.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Stellar performance
- Easy installation
- Great value
- Beautiful white design
- Long warranty
- High-performance thermal paste
Cons
- No A-RGB fans
Its budget-friendly pricing has not stopped Thermalright from achieving remarkable performance. The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 features 3x TL-B12W fans running at 2,150RPM speeds. During my testing, the i5-14600K didn’t show any signs of thermal throttling, even at greater overclocks. From a hardware perspective, everything on the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 is well-built. The pump has been integrated into the rubber tubes in order to reduce the vibrations from the CPU block. The fans are equally well-built and equipped with removable anti-vibration pads.
The cooler arrives with a distinctive white coating. Everything from the radiator all the way to the fans is covered in white, with the only exception being the blockhead. Speaking of which, you get a mirror finish on the CPU block, which looks clean when combined with the RGB lighting circling the block.
I passed the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 through rigorous tests and was pleasantly surprised by its performance:
The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 is a hidden gem when it comes to the liquid coolers’ paradise. This underdog has a high-performance capability, particularly on the latest platforms, and it does so without breaking the bank. A 5-year warranty and subtle A-RGB lighting make this quite a comprehensive package.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i5-14600K?
I have given the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 the title of best budget CPU cooler for i5-14600K for its ability to showcase surprising results without costing an absurd amount.
- Read Our Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 Review
- Best Budget CPU Coolers
- Best White CPU Coolers
- Best White PC Build
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i5-14600K
Cooler Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 277 × 120 × 63mm | Fans: 2x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 10.64dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Great performance
- Unique pump design
- Low noise output
- Good value
Cons
- Thick radiator
- No RGB pump
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB boasts immense cooling capabilities that are delivered through the capable P12 fans as well as ARCTIC’s in-house pump design. During our performance testing, the i5-14600K showed temperatures between 52°C and 55°C, allowing decent overclocking headroom. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB comes with an aluminum radiator that employs a fin density of 14 FPI. You also get fiber-reinforced tubing along with a cable management system that allows you to hide the PWM wires inside the sleeved tube.
On a visual level, the Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB certainly does not fall short, incorporating a matte-black coating on the radiator along with A-RGB fans. Additionally, the CPU block features a few sharp edges and a silver outline circling the VRM fan. Personally, we loved the cooler’s overall aesthetics.
Talking about the cooler’s value, Hayyan Serwer, one of our CPU cooler experts, stated in his review:
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is ONE-OF-A-KIND AIO for around 110 dollars. Considering its cooling capabilities and excellent performance, it is a good value for money!
What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i5-14600K?
With a TDP rating of 250W, a lower price tag, and reasonable noise levels, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB certainly has a lot going for it. All of that, combined with its efficient pump, makes it the Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i5-14600K.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB
Best Value CPU Cooler For i5-14600K
Cooler Type: Dual Tower Cooler | Dimensions: 125 × 110 × 115mm | Fans: 2x 120mm TL-C12C Fans | Fan Speed: 1,550RPM | Noise Level: 25.6dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 115X, 1700, 1200 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Exceptional value
- Surprisingly powerful
- Low profile build
- Dual tower design
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Plain looks
- Shorter warranty period
Thermal performance is certainly the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB’s strong suit, managing to compete with much higher-end air coolers at a lower cost. My performance tests showed the i5-14600K’s temperatures range between 60°C and 65°C. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend overclocking with this cooler. At a glance, the cooler comprises six copper heat pipes flowing into separate fin stacks for an optimal transfer of heat. Adding on to that, the copper heat pipes are also well-placed, maximizing heat dissipation towards the center. Moreover, you also get a copper baseplate.
While the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB does feature A-RGB fans, that’s about the only note-worthy visual feature you will be getting with the cooler. Other than that, I didn’t find any other impactful visual additions to the cooler’s design. In conclusion, the cooler’s design is fine for its price.
You want the best value air cooler: The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB combines a well-built structure, powerful cooling, and a low noise output in an affordable package. The cooler shows enough power to keep the i5-14600K cool at reasonable temperatures.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU Cooler For i5-14600K
Despite its extremely low price tag, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin possesses no real negatives that largely impact its performance. In fact, the sheer value it provides alone is enough to make it the best value CPU cooler for i5-14600K.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 7/10 |
Why We Didn’t Choose These CPU Coolers For i5-14600K
As not every good-performing CPU cooler checks all the boxes, we didn’t add a few CPU coolers that are also a good match with the i5-14600K. Here are a few honorable mentions:
- Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2: Straightforward aesthetics with no RGB. Cooling performance may not allow greater overclocking.
- Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360: The cooler’s aesthetics aren’t on par with those of other value products on the market.
Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600K
In order to reinforce our recommendations, we conducted hands-on tests for all our top picks for the best coolers for i5-14600K. We have provided the results of those tests here in order to give you clear insight into the performance of these coolers.
Important CPU Cooler Key Terms
The overwhelming number of technical terms floating around on the internet can be downright baffling for a beginner. Here are the most commonly used CPU Cooler terms.
- TDP: TDP is an accurate representation of the cooling capacity of a cooler, usually equating to the maximum amount of dissipated heat a cooler is capable of handling.
- FPI: As suggested by its name, FPI is an approximation of the number of fins present within one inch of a radiator.
- Heatsink: A heatsink is designed to facilitate heat dissipation by absorbing heat and directing it towards the fans.
- Liquid Cooling: Liquid Cooling refers to the use of a liquid coolant to cool down different components of a computer system.
- Thermal Paste: Thermal paste is a conductive material that is used between two surfaces to facilitate the transfer of heat between them.
How We Picked & Selected The Best CPU Cooler For i5-14600K
There’s no denying that there is a lot you need to consider when selecting a CPU cooler. Here are all of the factors I took into account when testing these coolers:
- Performance: It is unarguably the most essential factor to look out for when searching for a brand-new CPU cooler. Naturally, the level of cooling you require will depend on your workload. For instance, anyone who intends on overclocking the i5-14600K will require a beefier cooling solution to maintain adequate temperatures.
- Noise Levels: The noise output of your cooler can heavily influence your decision to purchase a cooler. Of course, a cooler that disrupts your workflow by generating a lot of noise will be a hindrance for most people. Therefore, we conducted numerous tests before selecting these coolers.
- Build Quality: Given the importance of a CPU cooler when it comes to sustainability in a system, it is crucial to opt for a cooler that comes with solid build quality. That said, assessing a cooler’s build quality can come down to factors such as efficiency, fin density, and materials.
What’s Your Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a capable air cooler should prove to be more than enough for Core i5-14600K.
No, the i5-14600K won’t run hot as long as it is paired with a capable cooling solution.
The Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB has been titled the best overall CPU cooler for i5-14600K
Yes, the Core i5-14600K comes with a fan and heatsink.
Want More CPU Cooler Options? Check Our Following Tested Reviews:
- Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K
- Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF
- Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700K
- Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF
- Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600KF
Recent Updates
- November 2, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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