The Intel Core i9-14900KF is one of the strongest processors on the market with its overwhelming 24 cores, 32 threads, and 6.0GHz boost clocks, making it one of the best gaming CPUs. However, because of its performance, it also generates tons of heat. So, you’ll need adequate cooling to keep the CPU on par. Therefore, after extensive testing, we have compiled a list of the top CPU coolers for i9-14900KF.

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  • Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, AIOs, and motherboards for spin.
  • 80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 400+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

Here’s a quick look at my top picks for the best CPU coolers for i9-14900KF and a brief comparison of their specs:

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Last Updated:


  • May 12, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.

Buying the i9-14900KF? Check our following tested round-ups:

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

Here is a selection of our best CPU coolers for the i9-14900KF:

  1. Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
  2. Best Performance: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
  3. Best Air Cooler: Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
  4. Best Budget: Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2
  5. Best 240mm: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT
  6. Best 420mm: Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB - Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 398 × 38 × 120mm | Fans: 3x 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 thermal performance
  • Low noise levels
  • Excellent aesthetics
  • Additional VRM fan
  • Integrated cable management

Cons

  • Lacks RGB on pump
  • No fan control

Impressively, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO provides superb cooling performance throughout our tests, owing to its high-quality pump and radiator. In our dedicated testing, the cooler kept the CPU at a nice, steady temperature quite comfortably. There’s no denying the exceptional craftsmanship present in the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II. The innovative pump block is expertly built, providing dependable and effective cooling. The top-notch fiber-reinforced tubing not only improves longevity but also has cable management built right in.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is an illustration of modern minimalism in terms of both form and function. We loved the pump block that is finished in a subtle all-black color. Moreover, the spaceship-like design stands out, giving the cooler the limelight it deserves.

Summarizing the cooler’s performance and build quality, our hardware reviewer, Awais Khan stated in his review:

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.

✅Buy It If

Here are a few images we captured while reviewing the product:

You want the ideal cooler for i9-14900KF while prioritizing VRM temperatures: Considering its excellent cooling performance and overall reliability to keep VRM temperatures cool, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO provides remarkable value and overclocking capabilities.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want RGB lighting on the pump: Even though the pump block looks fine to our eyes, a hint of RGB lighting would have made it even better.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO features a low noise level of just 10.64dB(A), a respectable thermal capacity of 290W, and solid value for money, making it the best overall CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Editor`s Note
Image

Out of all the coolers, my favorite is the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II. The AIO offers impressive thermal performance, beautiful aesthetics, and a breath of fresh air with its unique design. Moreover, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer also offers incredible price-to-performance value, and I believe you can’t go wrong with this purchase.

– Usman Saleem

Performance: 9/10 Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB - Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF
EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 400 × 27 × 124mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,300RPM | Noise Level: 36dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes 

Pros

  • Extraordinary cooling performance
  • Exceptional aesthetics
  • Superb RGB implementation
  • Excellent build quality

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Slightly higher noise level

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 provides exceptional cooling performance in our experience. When paired with the i9-14900KF in our testing, the cooler kept the CPU cool and comfortable without even breaking a sweat. Overclocking is also a breeze with the AIO, and you can get a decent performance uplift. One glance at the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 gave us a good idea about its premium build quality and high-quality finish. Under the hood, we found that the copper cold plate maximizes its heat dissipation capacity, while the diamond-cut brushed aluminum side panels truly make the AIO stand out.

With an extremely pleasing holographic light effect on the pump block and diffused A-RGB lighting on the three provided fans, we think the EK Nucleus CR360 is one of the most visually pleasing AIO coolers on the market. With well-diffused internal LEDs, the lighting in the fans is particularly impressive to us.

Complimenting the AIO cooler’s outstanding cooling performance along with its aesthetics, Awais Khan states in his review:

The EK Nucelus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler.

✅Buy It If

Here are a few images from our dedicated AIO review:

You want to overclock the Core i9-14900KF: Thanks to its extraordinary cooling performance, we were able to achieve extraordinary overclocking results with the i9-14900KF without worrying about temperatures.

❌Don't Buy It If

Your budget is limited: Although its value proposition remains positive, we think that it is still an expensive CPU cooler that can deplete your savings.

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux can comfortably handle our overclocking sessions, featuring exceptional thermal dissipation capabilities and high-quality EK Vardar-S fans, making it the best performance CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Performance: 10/10 Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF - Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Cooler Type: Dual tower air cooler | Dimensions: 135 x 150 x 160mm | Fans: 1x NF-A15 140mm Fan | Fan Speed: 1,500RPM | Noise Level: 24.6dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: No

Pros

  • Fantastic cooling performance
  • Silent fan
  • Clean black coating
  • Six copper heat pipes
  • Easy installation process
  • Premium quality

Cons

  • Size issues
  • No RGB

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black provides outstanding cooling performance with its NF-A15 140mm fan running at 1,500RPM speeds. While overclocking the Intel Core i9-14900KF may be difficult with this cooler, our dedicated testing showed the CPU won’t face any thermal throttling issues even under full load. The CPU cooler also delivers premium build quality offering six copper heat pipes directly soldered to a copper baseplate. Moreover, the heatsink has a dense FPI which helps the cooler gain its tremendous heat dissipation properties. Furthermore, the fan uses SSO2 bearings and has four anti-vibrational pads for lower noise.

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black offers standard looks with an all-black design with no RGB elements on the cooler. While we disliked the lack of RGB, the cooler is perfect for anyone building a workstation or a stealth PC due to its darker design elements. Additionally, the coating has a sleek finish, making it look good.

Talking about the cooler’s cooling performance, Nauman Siddique was astounded and stated the following in his review:

We have no doubt in the capabilities of the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black based on its performance throughout our testing; we consider it a powerful champion among its competition and one of the best air coolers we have tested. The cooler also comes with a 6-year international guarantee, which adds to our faith in Noctua’s quality.

✅Buy It If

We took a few images of the cooler during our dedicated review:

You require a powerful air cooler with silent fans: If you’re looking for the best air cooling solution that also doesn’t produce lots of noise, then we recommend purchasing the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black air cooler because of its outstanding airflow, cooling performance, and lower 24.6dB(A) noise levels.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re using a smaller PC case: We don’t recommend buying the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black CPU cooler if you’re using a smaller PC case because of the cooler’s larger size that may pose installation problems. So, before making a purchase, it’s recommended to measure your case and RAM compatibility.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black CPU cooler provides outstanding cooling performance, immense airflow capabilities, and premium build quality with its 140mm fan running at 1,500RPM speeds. Moreover, the air cooler comes in an all-black design making it perfect for stealth builds. Thus, these points make it the best air cooler for i9-14900KF.

Performance: 9/10 Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10 Design: 8/10

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 - Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF
Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 397 × 27 × 120mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,150RPM | Noise Level: 28.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 | RGB: Yes 

Pros

  • Competitive thermal performance
  • Excellent acoustics
  • Unique all-white theme
  • Superb pump block design
  • Relatively affordable

Cons

  • No RGB lighting on fans

The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 managed to keep the i9-14900KF’s temperatures in check during our dedicated testing while being a value-oriented AIO cooler. You can even try your hand at manual overclocking but with reasonable expectations. Personally, we didn’t find any bottlenecking issues through overclocking, either. The Frozen Magic 360mm AIO features superb build quality. We found that the pump block uses an aluminum casing, giving a premium feel to the central component of the AIO. We also love that the tubing is protected using multi-woven polymer sleeves for protection against abrasions and evaporation.

The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 stands out, particularly for its unique all-white design that is tailor-made for your white PC build. The pump block has a refined mirror finish with A-RGB lighting. The non-RGB fans match well with a white PC case. We believe the AIO is one of the best white CPU coolers on the market.

Astounded by the cooler’s performance and pricing, Awais Khan states in his review:

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.

✅Buy It If

We took a few images of the AIO cooler while reviewing it:

You want the best value for money from a white AIO cooler: Thanks to its affordable price tag and superb cooling, we concluded that the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 is a value champion. The cooler is also a perfect fit for a white PC build which further increases its value.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want RGB lighting on fans: Thermalright decided to go with all-white fans for this CPU cooler, which means that they lack RGB lighting. This may be a letdown for many gamers, making them stay away from the cooler.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

In our testing, the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 delivers solid cooling performance while also being supremely quiet and relatively affordable, making it the best budget CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Performance: 8/10 Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10 Design: 9/10

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT - Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF
Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Cooler Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 277 × 27 × 120mm | Fans: 2x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 34.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes 

Pros

  • Compact radiator size
  • Superb RGB lighting
  • Relatively affordable
  • Respectable thermal performance

Cons

  • Higher noise level
  • Not ideal for overclocking

Surprisingly, the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix XT handled the Core i9-14900KF quite well at stock settings in our dedicated tests, which is great news for value hunters. Although its overclocking capabilities are limited, you can still use the i9-14900KF comfortably without bottlenecking issues. Equipped with premium crafting materials and tight tolerances, we feel that the Corsair H100i Elite is extremely well-made. The fiber-reinforced tubing is a great addition to the package, while the Corsair AF RGB Elite PWM fans certainly take the build quality of the cooler to the next level.

The central CPU block is the main attraction of the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix XT, with RGB lighting illuminating a very distinct pattern on the block that elevates the design of the cooler. We appreciate the Corsair AF RGB fans that come with supremely well-implemented A-RGB lighting.

Loving the cooler’s outstanding cooling performance, our hardware reviewer, Nauman Siddique, states in his cooler review:

The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT White cooler is another top-performing AIO in the 240mm size category. This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features with a 5-year warranty.

✅Buy It If

We captured a few images while reviewing the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler:

You want a compact liquid cooler without thermal throttling your CPU: With a 240mm radiator footprint, we observed that the Corsair H100i Elite can fit into most PC cases without thermal throttling high-end CPUs.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want a quieter cooling solution: Although we found the acoustic profile to be quite comfortable even at its maximum fan speed of 2,100RPM, the peak noise level of 34.1dB(A) is pretty noisy and can get disturbing for many users.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The Corsair H100i Elite stands above its competition thanks to its excellent thermal capacity of 270W, superb build quality, and excellent value for money, making it the best 240mm CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

PRO TIP: The front plate of the pump block can be upgraded to a screen, using the ELITE LCD Upgrade Kit.
Performance: 8/10 Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT - Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF
CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Cooler Type: 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 454 × 27 × 139mm | Fans: 3x 140mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,700RPM | Noise Level: 33.8dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes 

Pros

  • Extraordinary cooling performance
  • Unique LCD display implementation
  • Impressive RGB lighting
  • Premium build quality

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Possible compatibility issues

Undeniably, our testing shows that the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite shines in the cooling department, as one can expect from a 420mm liquid cooler. In our testing, the Corsair H170i Elite is one of the very few CPU coolers that can handle an overclocked i9-14900KF without breaking a sweat. The high-quality materials used in the cooler are evident to us. Moreover, the fiber-reinforced tubing gives a palpable sense of luxury to the cooler. In our opinion, even the AF-series fans are crafted expertly using superb materials and fine workmanship.

One look at the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite will showcase its glamorous design language in all its glory. The RGB illumination on the fans is expertly diffused and well-integrated, adding to the overall personality of the cooler. We also loved the LCD screen on the CPU block, which reinforces the aesthetics of the AIO.

Summarizing the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite’s performance and aesthetics, Nauman Siddique states in his review:

With excellent thermal performance that is augmented by a well-executed IPS LCD Screen and extensive customization options using iCUE and lighting effects, the iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT is definitely a worthy contender should your wallet afford it in addition to your PC Case. It comes recommended by us.

✅Buy It If

Here are a few images from our dedicated review:

You want to overclock the i9-14900KF without losing out on aesthetics: Our testing shows that the 420mm radiator and well-crafted pump provide exceptional thermal performance, allowing you to overclock the i9-14900KF comfortably without losing out on remarkable aesthetics.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re using an ATX case: If you’re using a smaller ATX case, you might have compatibility issues with installing the radiator. If that is the case, we don’t recommend purchasing this AIO cooler.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

Apart from its unparalleled cooling capabilities, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite also features premium build quality and unique personalization features, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

Performance: 10/10 Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10 Design: 9/10

Why We Skipped These Top-Rated Coolers For i9-14900KF?

It wouldn’t be much of a listicle if we added every CPU cooler that pairs well with the i9-14900KF. Here are a few top contenders we had to pass on and why:

Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

The cooling performance of a CPU cooler is the most important aspect to consider when making a purchase. Therefore, we have attached our performance results of all the coolers that are present in this article.

Thermal Performance Of The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF
Thermal Performance Of The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF. (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

Here are some important terms that you must know when shopping for a CPU cooler.

  1. AIO: AIO cooling solutions come pre-assembled and sealed, making them easy to install without the need for custom loop setups. AIO coolers consist of a pump, radiator, fans, and tubing, providing efficient cooling for CPUs.
  2. Heatsink: A passive component with fins that dissipates heat generated by the CPU, transferring it away to maintain a lower temperature.
  3. Heat pipes: Heat-conductive tubes filled with coolant that transport heat from the CPU to the cooler’s fins for dissipation.
  4. Airflow: The movement of air within the case to carry away heat, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
  5. Thermal Paste: A conductive material applied between the CPU and cooler base to enhance heat transfer and reduce temperature.
  6. TDP: The maximum amount of heat a CPU cooler must dissipate to keep the CPU within its operational temperature range.
  7. Noise Level: The amount of sound produced by the CPU cooler, indicating how loud it is during operation.
  8. Socket Compatibility: The types of CPU sockets a cooler is designed to fit, ensuring it is compatible with your CPU and motherboard.
  9. Overclocking: The process of increasing a CPU’s clock speed and voltage beyond its factory settings, often requiring a more robust cooler to manage increased heat production.
  10. FPI: FPI refers to the number of fins packed into one inch of a heat sink or radiator in a liquid cooling system. Higher FPI values typically indicate better heat dissipation but may require more powerful fans to maintain optimal airflow.
WARNING: Always check the compatibility of the air cooler with your case and memory.

How We Picked The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

Buying a CPU cooler can be a complicated process, especially if you are new to the world of DIY PC building. However, considering a few key factors in your purchase decision can help you save a lot of time and get the ideal cooler for your needs. Here are a few factors you should take into consideration:

  • Cooling Performance: It is important to research and compare benchmarks to assess the cooler’s efficiency in various situations. A well-built cooler not only keeps temperatures in check at stock settings but also enhances the overclocking potential for your i9-14900KF CPU.
  • Noise Level: When buying a CPU cooler, check its rated decibel level and the maximum speed of its pump and fans. It is also vital to check acoustic benchmarks in various situations with different components as well as load levels. Fans with fine PWM control and smoother fan curves provide a better acoustic experience.
  • Design: A CPU cooler takes up the central spot in your PC case and, therefore, contributes greatly to its overall look. Nowadays, CPU coolers come with different color options, design patterns, and RGB lighting for added customization. Some high-end models include a personalized LCD display on the pump block for better aesthetics.
  • Value For Money: When buying a CPU cooler for the i9-14900KF, it is vital to assess the price tag and the price-to-performance ratio the cooler offers. A more expensive cooler may not necessarily be the better choice, and similarly, a more affordable cooler might not provide the performance necessary to cool down your i9-14900KF CPU.

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FAQs

Is 14900KF good for gaming?

Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900KF is great for gaming. In fact, as of the time of writing, the Core i9-14900KF shares the top spot in gaming performance with its sibling, the Core i9-14900K. This CPU is always found in the top positions in gaming benchmarks.

What is the difference between i9-14900KF and 14900K?

While both the Intel Core i9-14900KF and Core i9-14900K are the exact same in terms of performance and architecture, the Core i9-14900KF does not have integrated graphics. This makes it a better choice for those users who want to use a dedicated graphics card.

What is the TDP of i9-14900KF?

Officially, the Core i9-14900KF has a TDP of 125W, but that does not tell the whole story. The CPU also has a PL2 rating of 253W, which is more realistic in terms of the power draw you would expect when using the Core i9-14900KF to its full potential at stock settings.

Recent Updates


  • February 18, 2024: We have replaced the DeepCool Assassin IV with the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black because while both have similar prices and performance, the latter’s fans are quieter and it comes in a smaller size, improving compatibility issues.
  • November 15, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

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Usman Saleem
[How-To Guides Expert] Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city's aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity! Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com Google IT Certificate Shehryar Khan