6 Best CPU Cooler For i9-9900k in 2024– Air Cooler vs Liquid Cooler

Need an all-in-one CPU cooler to speed up your system performance. Here we have the best CPU coolers that are affordable for gamers and overclockers.

The reason you need the best CPU cooler for i9-9900k is that this CPU is a high-performance processor that is currently available in the market from Intel in 2020. The i9-9900k CPU is holding the top position in the world’s fastest gaming processor list even in 2020. This Processor can provide very impressive performance but it’s also super-hot and cause massive PC overheating.

That’s the reason the i9-9900K CPU is pushing the limits of all types of cooling systems in ways that we have never seen before. An absolute best CPU cooler is required to maintain a normal CPU temperature range and to maximize the performance of the Intel Core i9-9900K processor,  Now the question is…

What is the best CPU liquid cooler for i9-9900k? you may want to know about The best CPU air cooler for overclocking the i9-9900k processor.

After many hours of research and testing, we got six top-rated & advanced best CPU coolers For i9-9900k (three air and three liquid) that delivered the best comparable results with i9-9900k.

Also Read: 11 Easy Ways To Prevent Computer Overheating & Keep Your PC Cool

Summarized Chart of Best CPU Cooler for i9-9900k

Best CPU Cooler For i9-9900k reddit

Best CPU cooler for i9-9900k (air & liquid coolers)

The list given below includes the best air cooler for i9 9900k if you are interested to buy an air CPU cooler. If you are interested in the liquid CPU cooler then we have also included the best liquid cooler for i9 9900k.

Note: This post has affiliate links inside it, So if you bought any of the best coolers for i9 9900k then we may earn a little commission from Amazon.

1. Noctua NH-D15

The best air cooler for i9 9900k

Fan Size: 140mm x 2 | Noise Level: 24.6 dBA | CPU Cooler Height: 165mm | Fan Speed: 300 – 1500 RPM | Bearing Type: SSO2 | Heat Pipes: 6 Copper | Material: Aluminum, Pure Copper nickel plating & connected joints | Intel Compatibility: LGA1150/ LGA1151/ LGA1155/LGA1155/LGA2066 / LGA2011/LGA2011 | AMD Compatibility: AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / AM3+ / FM1 / FM2 / FM2+ / AM4 -NM-AM4 | Dimensions: 165 x 150 x 161 mm | Weight: 2.91 lbs (1.32kg)

Advantages:

  • Superfine airflow management.
  • RAM clearance ability is great.
  • Its mounting mechanism is user-friendly.
  • It has two 140mm fans on each side.
  • Comes with air pads for the assistance of noise reduction.
  • It can operate even better and quietly with a heavy workload.

Drawbacks:

  • An expensive CPU cooler compared to others.
  • Bulky and heavy

The Noctua NH-D15 cooler is the best CPU cooler for i9-9900K for many good reasons. We found this CPU cooler working very quietly under load and it has super high cooling performance that’s the reason it’s the best CPU cooler for i9 9900k. With this cooler installed on your PC, you don’t have to do much about preventing PC overheating.

The NH-D15’s cooling is effective enough with a 280mm AIO cooler and its results are very close to a custom liquid cooler. For Intel’s i9 9900k and AMD CPUs, it’s a very quiet CPU cooler providing a silent performance that comes from high-quality fats. If you have an i9-9900K and want to buy the best CPU cooler,  you should prefer the Noctua NH-D15.

You Should buy an i9 9900k CPU Cooler

If you want to have an air cooler for i9 9900k that can work silently and overclock. The Noctua NH-D15 will be a great choice for you. You will get adequate Cooling while overclocking your PC and a silent performance using this CPU cooler.

It has the build quality that we highly recommend. Before installing any type of CPU cooler for i9 9900K, first, check your CPU temperature. If you think that your PC is showing signs of overheating due to excessive temperature, then buy this best CPU cooler.

2. Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4

Get extra cooling with the giant radiator

Noise Levels: 24 dBa | Type: Air CPU Cooler | Number of Fans: 2X120MM | AMD Compatibility: AM2(+) / AM3(+) / AM4 / FM1 / FM2(+) | Intel Compatibility: 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011(-3)/ 2066 | Dimensions: 5.35 x 5.74 x 64.09 inches | Weight: 2.49 lbs | Warranty: 3 Years

Advantages:

  • Decoupled intensifying fan
  • The black finish color looks cool.
  • On the fin surface, the slight dots create a major cooling area
  • Cooling fins for quiet airflow keep an exclusive wave-contoured
  • The high-performance copper pipes for heating make the most of heat conductance

Drawbacks:

  • It takes time to install this CPU cooler.

Another reliable option for those who can’t afford an expensive CPU cooler for i9-9900K, is the Dark Rock Pro 4 Be Quiet. This CPU cooler performs similarly to the NH-D15. The Dark Rock Pro 4 is currently the best CPU cooler for i9-9900K available in the market at a cheap price. It is considered quieter than the D1 cooler. 

If you want to have the latest core i9-9900k for your PC then this CPU cooler will provide fantastic cooling performance. In our viewpoint, Dark Pro 4 is not as good as NH-D15.

The design is also very cool all in black and looks great in your rig. So, depending on which one is cheaper, or whether noise or performance is more important for your i9-9900K build, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is the best air cooler for i9-9900K. You need this liquid cooler if you are not overclocking.

Why you should buy an i9-9900K CPU cooler

Great aesthetics, with RGB, looks very cool and similar to a stealthy build. This CPU cooler is built in an appropriate size, operating very effectively and quietly.

Overall, we have seen hardly any complaints about performance and design. If you want to build the best PC with a high-performance quiet CPU cooler, You have to consider this best CPU cooler for i9-9900k at least once.

3. Thermalright Le Grand Macho RT

Unbeatable thermal performance within an affordable price

Fan Size: 140mm x 1 | CPU Cooler Height: 159mm | Noise Level: 20 dBA | Fan Speed: 300 – 1300 RPM | Heat Pipes: 7 Copper Heatpipes | Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing | AMD Compatibility: AM2 & 2+/ AM3 & 3+ / FM1 & AM4 | Intel Compatibility: 775/ 1150 /1151 /1155 /1156 /1366 /2011 /2011 /2013 /2066 | Dimension: 5.98 x 5.79 x 6.26 inches | Weight: 2.12 lbs

Advantages:

  • Reasonably priced
  • Outstanding build quality
  • Efficient performance
  • Sleek and ergonomic design
  • A single 140-mm fan is enough for unmatched performance

Drawbacks:

  • Only the 1-year warranty.
  • Expansion-slot clearance could be improved.

If you want to upgrade your CPU air cooler for i9-9900k which provides you with better performance as well as the satisfaction of having the best hardware. Thermalright Le Grand Macho RT is the absolute choice. This is the best CPU cooler for i9-9900k that works in silent mode and provides better RAM clearance to work faster.

This beautiful-designed CPU cooler comes with a larger size heatsink and extra copper heat pipes. Further, it has a 140mm much quiet fan that reduces the noise and provides a noise rating of 20dBA.

This CPU cooler has Haswell-E VGA clearance and an optimized base. It has a black nickel color which appeals to the users. Also, simple and quick mounting makes it a preferable choice. The offset design enhanced batter RAM clearance and compatibility. It comes with and without a fan with the option of dual fans.

Buy Thermalright Le Grand Macho RT CPU Cooler

It is the best CPU cooler for i9-9900k. It comes with seven copper heat pipes and regulated airflow. Its noise reduction capability is below 20 dBA, It adds good value to your PC.

If you want to have an efficient performance with minimum noise levels, this CPU cooler can take the top spot on your list. For AMD CPU this CPU cooler is a beast because indirectly it also normalizes the GPU temperature.

4. NZXT Kraken X72

Best AIO CPU liquid cooler for i9-9900K

Cooler Size: 360MM | Weight: 2.84 lbs | Noise Levels: 21-26 dBA | Number of Fans: 3X120 | Lighting: RGB | Type: Liquid CPU cooler | AMD Compatibility: TR4 / AM4 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2 & 2+ | Intel Compatibility: 1150-51-55-56 /2011-13 / 1366 /2066 | Dimension: 15.5 x 1.06 x 4.7 inches

Advantages:

  • Cutting-edge lighting modes
  • Three-fan optimal combination
  • The air-cooling system is nicely engineered
  • Efficient air-cooling AER P radiator fan
  • Has effective control over the fan with CAM software
  • You can monitor its temperature with an App.

Drawbacks:

  • Expensive model not everyone can afford.
  • Sometimes goes louder than other CPU coolers

NZXT Kraken X72 AIO is a liquid CPU cooler featured with high-performance Aer P radiator cooling fans to enhance durability and smooth working without any noise. If you have the plan to overclock then this is the best CPU cooler for i9-9900k. It can also adjust in large PC cases.

Does the i9 9900k need liquid cooling? Well, it depends upon your choice. The cooling result of NZXT Kraken X72 is up to the mark. It can easily cover more surfaces without affecting its cooling performance. But you have to ensure the exact space to mount the large size 360MM radiator.

The stretchable nylon-coated tubes increase safety. It has an Independent fan and pumps to regulate with a high-performance pump. This liquid CPU cooler has a precise and clean design that provides extreme overclocking and innovative lighting for a fully dynamic lighting experience.

Buy NZXT Kraken X72 CPU Cooler

After depth research and experience, we can say that this cooler performs much better than any other cooling brand. As a 360MM AIO, it’s more efficient. The design of fans is for high-performance cooling, silent functioning, and battery durability.

It also has a 6-year warranty so you don’t have to worry about the next six years after installation. It quickly drops CPU temperature from 80 to 60 even under a 70% load. No doubt, it’s the best CPU cooler for i9-9900k

5. Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO

Best liquid cooler for intel i9 9900k

Size: 360MM | Weight: 5.34 lbs| Noise Levels: 25 dBA | Lighting Technology: RGB |Number of Fans: 3X120MM | Type: Liquid CPU cooler | AMD Compatibility: AM2, AM3, AM4, FM1, and FM2 | Intel Compatibility: 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3 and 2066 | Dimension: 18.66 x 5.75 x 7.28 inches

Advantages:

  • Modifiable RGB backlight
  • Well-matched to diverse sockets
  • Regulated by Corsair iCUE software
  • Magnetic hovering for improved fan speed
  • 20-30C Drop in CPU temperature

Drawbacks:

  • You can say it is Somewhat expensive.

If you are facing a problem with your PC air cooler or it’s not adequate for i9-9900K, Then you have to go with an AIO liquid cooling system. If we considered the requirement of a liquid Cooler then nothing works better than an enthusiast-grade Corsair H150i Pro. One of the best CPU coolers for i9-9900K if you looking to overclock the i9-9900k past 5GHz.

If you are planning on overclocking and upgrading your CPU. There is nothing better than this CPU cooler for effective performance. Corsair H150i Pro has an RGB color that can be regulated with the app or software. The speed of its pump and fans can be monitored directly from the software. Its unit has minimal noise with the maximum amount of airflow in a high load.

Buy the Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO i9 9900k CPU cooler

Especially for overclocking this liquid CPU cooler will provide exceptional performance. The clean and sleek design of its cooler pump will attract you. If you go with its user feedback many of them want to have this best CPU cooler for i9-9900k.

6. NZXT Kraken X62/X63

AIO liquid cooler best AIO for 9900k

Fan Size: 140mm x 2 | Radiator Size: 280mm | Fan Speed: 500 – 1800 RPM | Pump Speed: 1,600 – 2,800 +/- 300RPM | Lightening: RGB LED |AMD Compatibility: SocketTR4, AM4, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 | Intel Compatibility: Socket 1150-51-55-56 /2011-13-66 / 1366 | Dimension: 13.7 x 8.3 x 6.2 inches| Weight: 4.74 lbs

Advantages:

  • Solid performance
  • Excellent aesthetics
  • Comes with an AER P radiator
  • Fit and finish are optimal
  • Improved lighting modes
  • Advanced engineered pump.

Drawbacks:

  • Without any extra Features, it is $10 more expensive than the Kraken X52

This is yet another best CPU coolers for i9-9900k for overclocking. The NZXT Kraken AIO Liquid Cooler for Core i9 9900K is the best option. Because you can overclock each core of i9-9900K without encountering throttling issues. The build quality of this liquid cooler is much more impressive and provides high-quality performance with overclocking.

The NZXT Kraken has featured a noise level of its fan is 21-38 dBA, with a speed of 500~1,800 Plus / 300RPM, which is quite impressive. This has durability and superior quality that we highly appreciate and recommend to the users. With the software control feature, you will find it very easy to maintain its speed.

Buy NZXT Kraken X62/X63 Cooler

After spending many hours in research we found that the X62 has a much better pump with boosted effectiveness incorporated with the large radiator of 280mm. We observed that this model has the finest-looking AIO currently in the market.

Things to consider while buying the best CPU cooler for i9-9900k

If you’re a pro gamer, you may have the concept of shopping for a CPU cooler. Still, it’s important to go through the checklist a minimum of once in a very while. For beginners, it’s a requirement to be well-informed about technical aspects before they create their first purchase. Here we’ve got listed some points to recollect.

1. What type of CPU cooler exactly do you need?

If you’re a pro-level multi-tasker gamer, it’ll be quite common to induce your CPU to warm up. Also, if you have the best processor which is the Intel i9 9900K, then you must have a high-end cooler.

On the contrary, if you’re not from that genre, a budget-friendly cooler may match well for you.

2. Air cooling vs. Liquid cooling?

There are primarily two types of cooling systems available, including air cooling and liquid cooling. Liquid cooling is capable of absorbing more heat than the standard air-cooling system. However, it’s relatively expensive. If you’re tight on budget, you will have to go for an air CPU cooler.

3- Universal CPU socket

Most of the CPU coolers we’ve got discussed in this guide are compatible with the traditional sockets we commonly use. Though certain models require specific sockets. make certain you’re acquainted with them and have provisions to fulfill the necessity.

4. Avoid noise

A CPU cooler is inclined to create an irritating sound when everything around you is quiet and calm. You must preferably go for a cooler that produces a minimal decibel of sound like the Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro Liquid CPU Cooler.

5. Quick buying tips

Looking for RAM clearances primarily, if you have got an air cooler. Usually, a big dual-tower air cooler has the potential to dam the RAM slots that prevent the installation of long RAM sticks. If you’re trying to find both an efficient and budget-friendly option, an air cooler makes the proper choice.

They’re quite common for a reason, you will simply realize AN air cooler is on par with 240MM AIOs for a fraction of the worth. Also, 240MM AIO cooling power is sufficient enough to cool down AN I9 9900K.

Bonus tip!

More fans end in better cooling but at the identical time more noise. Make sure you’ll regulate RGB settings – adjusting the mode and turning it off. This may be typically finished with the cooler’s software. If you wish for a mid-high overclock to induce an inexpensive amount of air or an AIO cooler, then the NH-D15, & Dark Rock Pro 4 comes with great overclocking ability and are the best CPU cooler for i9-9900k