The 12900K is extremely hard to cool so it needs only the best CPU cooler for i9-12900K to keep it at optimal temperature. The Intel Core i9-12900K also holds the prestigious title of superior quality with impressive features and specifications.
With the right components, the 12900K can help gamers reach new achievement levels. But you can’t reach your goals without keeping it cool. Hence, it is important to pair it with the best CPU cooler to squeeze out your CPU’s maximum performance.
In this review, we have tried and tested some of the best CPU coolers for i9-12900K (air & AIO) that offer high-quality performance and keep your system fresh and cool. Each product is tested on different levels before we write detailed reviews on them.
So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best CPU coolers for your beloved 12900K processors. In the end, you will also read some quick shopping tips that will help you decide how you can invest your money in the right place. Let’s begin.
Best CPU Coolers For i9 12900K (Air & AIO) | A Quick Glance
| Ranking | Best CPU Coolers For i9 12900K | Reviews |
| 1. | Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler | 5 out of 5 |
| 2. | Be Quiet! BW007 Pure Loop 280mm | 5 out of 5 |
| 3. | ARCTIC Liquid Freezer | 4 out of 5 |
| 4. | Asus ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU Cooler | 4 out of 5 |
| 5. | Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black | 4 out of 5 |
| 6. | Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 | 4 out of 5 |
| 7. | Nzxt Kraken X63 RGB 280mm | 4 out of 5 |
Best CPU Coolers For i9 12900K (Air & AIO) | Detailed Review
1. Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler
2. Cooling Method: Fan
3. Noise Level: 24.6 dB
4. Item Dimensions: 5.91 x 6.34 x 6.5 inches
It would be unfair to leave Noctua out when we are discussing the best CPU cooler for i9-12900K. Because Noctua is among the companies that lead the way and people around the world have complete faith in this brand. This best Noctua CPU cooler has earned an important place in the market, mainly due to its top-quality products.
The iconic Noctua NH-D15 is our favorite among the high-end items. The cooler was the most requested product for quite a while and is still enjoying its recognition. With the high-end performance, it gives what it promises. And we are grateful to the makers for their effort in making this best overall CPU cooler for i9 12900K processors.
It is a cooling champion, so it can handle the intense loads and also heat that your processor generates when performing heavy tasks. The fans draw away the heat fastly and allow it to perform its best. The huge heatsink helps too. It’s an all-rounder bundle that offers comfortable operation with enough clearance to store memory.
We admit that the design is a little boring. But still, the product will eliminate all the anxiety and confusion of the buyer when they begin using it. This high-quality product is solid and reliable. Also, you are covered by a six-year guarantee that gives security for more upcoming years to come. So, why don’t you give this i9 cooler a try?
2. be Quiet! BW007 Pure Loop 280mm
be Quiet! BW007 Pure Loop 280mm
2. Cooling Method: Water
3. Noise Level: 38.1 dB
4. Item Dimension: 14.38 x 5.99 x 8.08 inches
Pure Loop 280mm is our second pick and it is an amazing, silent, and highly efficient All-in-One water cooling system. We believe you might have guessed it after reading its name. It is great for users who want to save money and still want high overclocking.
The all-black appearance and the white LEDs on the cooling block make Pure Loop a true eye-catcher in any PC case. Style, function, and functionality go hand-in-hand with Pure Loop because the refill port is super easy to access.
What impressed us, even more, is that the cooling bottle has an extended lifespan. The most surprising thing, in this case, is a bottle cooling fluid, which is unusual in a typical AIO cooler. So, users can replenish the coolant manually in it and replace it.
We’re also very pleased with how the Pure Loop 280mm looks. Although most coolers have the focus to elaborate pumps and as much RGB lighting as they can, our pick shows some sensible restraint by using an extremely compact CPU block.
The CPU block has a silver lid, with a brush-effect, and is wrapped in a white LEDs circle. It’s a stylish item that’s tidier near the CPU socket than any other air cooler. The white lighting contrasts really well with the black tubing fans and radiator.
This cooler is excellent for those who want the best 280mm AIO CPU cooler for i9 12900K. We would again like to mention that this best AIO cooler excels at cooling down your CPU faster than any other AIO in the market. Now we totally get why there is an overwhelming demand for Be Quiet in the market. Go grab this i9 cooler before it goes out of stock!
3. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 RGB
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 RGB
2. Cooling Method: Water
3. Noise Level: 0.3 Sones
4. Maximum Rotational Speed: 1700 RPM
We felt that the value of this Liquid Freezer II 280mm was too excellent to be ignored. This best CPU cooler for i9-12900K has gained a lot of attention mostly because of its unique design and amazing value.
The company chose to use its own style for this pump. The pump has an almost extravagant and futuristic design. It comes with an internal cooling unit that helps circulate air across its CPU block. Also, it helps to cool the heatsinks and memory modules.
Moving to the cold plate, it is made of copper. The installation process can be an issue since the pump is a little big. But it’s the only drawback now. The aluminum-made radiator is 38mm thick which is why some hard-core gamers prefer buying this cooler.
The fans are, as you can see, Arctic P14 fans that use dynamic fluid bearings. They are designed to operate at speeds up to 1800 RPM and are located close to one another for an enhanced general static pressure.
Now let’s come to the performance, and this part is literally what excites us most. It’s surprising that this cooler can compete with many 360mm AIOs. So among 280mm vs 360mm AIO coolers, picking the Freezer II 280 is a wise decision.
With the price and value it provides, you can easily pick this cooler despite the fact that it has plain looks and short cables. This is because, in the end, performance matters right? So go for this budget CPU cooler for i9 12900k without blinking an eye.
4. Asus ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU CoolerI Gaming
Asus ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU Cooler
2. Noise Level: 29.7 dB
3. Material: Aluminum
4. Cooling Method: Water, Fan
In terms of aesthetics, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II is the most appealing AIO cooler available. All thanks to its big pump and included LCD Screen. The design is available in 360 and 240mm sizes, which gives PC builders a chance to add this into their respective systems.
The most talked-about feature of this AIO is the LCD screen. It lets the image, or GIF you want to display at the top of the screen. The LCD screen also comes with AIDA64 support, which means you can display system data on the 3.5 inches full-color screen.
The RYUJIN II is literally super cool. And again most of the credit goes to the 3 Noctua NF 2000rpm fans with matt back design. These Noctua fans can conveniently propel 121.8m3h of air. They also have a 3.94mmH2O static pressure! This is Fantastic!
This best 360 AIO has a 380mm long tubing made of thick rubber and sleeved to improve durability and make it appear more attractive. All in all, with RYUJIN II, we get a beefy and powerful radiator that gives your Intel 12th gen CPU the best cooling it needs.
We Believe you are a Gaming Enthusiast, You Might like Best CPU Coolers for i9 9900k
5. Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black
Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black
2. Cooling Method: Air
3. Noise Level: 24.6 dB
4. Item Dimensions: 6.33 x 5.9 x 6.49 inches
While exploring the best CPU cooler for i9-12900K processors, we came across dozens of costly coolers. But when we found the Noctua NH-D15 chromax. black, we were really happy. This cooler competes with the most powerful liquid coolers.
The NH D15 chromax.Black is an all-black variant of the award-winning Noctua flagship model NH-D15, a premium quiet CPU cooler. It is powered by the same dual-tower heatsink and the NF-A15 PWM fan that stick to the NH-15’s formula of achieving the same performance of AIO water coolers while ensuring a quiet operation.
The chromax.Black version has stylish black fans and a black-coated heatsink. It is backed by the world-renowned SecuFirm2(TM) multi-socket mount system, Noctua’s high-end NT-H1 thermal compound, and a six-year manufacturer’s warranty.
We believe you can never really go wrong with the NH-D15 chromax.black. More than a million enthusiastic users trust the NH D15’s quality and performance. Recommended by experts, it’s respected as one of the top premium coolers available.
We as gaming enthusiasts ourselves have been appreciating the high-quality performance it offers. We highly recommend this i9 cooler to gamers and multitaskers because we experienced no problems while testing it out under high pressure.
6. Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
2. Cooling Method: Fan
3. Noise Level: 24.3 dB
4. Item Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.7 x 6.4 inches
With a company like Be Quite which is only performance-oriented, one is always expecting a lot. And this brand offers you even more than what you demand. Be silent! Dark Rock Pro 4 is extremely silent and loved by gamers who want no disturbance.
It is equipped with two invisible Silent Wings PWM fans that achieve only 24.3Db(a) even at the highest fan speed. Its frame is funnel-shaped to ensure high air pressure to maximize the airflow, which in turn keeps your computer cool and fresh.
To ensure optimal heat transfer, 7 copper heat pipes with high-performance are joined to the bottom part of the cooler using a long mirror surface. All components are built with top-quality materials that ensure it does not break over time.
Dark Rock Pro 4 offers great compatibility with RAM because there are cutouts in each fin stack that allow users to connect memory modules with huge heatsinks. And what’s more impressive is that you don’t have to take off the fan for this.
The most significant drawback of the Dark Pro 4 is it’s bulky for some chassis and might not be suitable for you if you have space restrictions. All in all, it is the best CPU cooler if you want something affordable yet premium.
7. Nzxt Kraken X63 RGB 280mm
Nzxt Kraken X63 RGB 280mm
2. Cooling Method: Fan
3. Noise Level: 33 dB
4. Item Dimensions: 13.66 x 8.38 x 6.18 inches
Let’s look at the final product in our review guide. Now, we will present the exquisitely designed Nzxt Kraken x63 RGB 280mm for you. This cooler looks impressive, especially the white version. Its infinity mirror effects on its main component are incredibly smooth.
Its RGB V2 fans have one of the most impressive RGB implementations right now on the market. If you’re mostly attracted by looks then this Kraken X63 RGB is one of the best options. You will love the look of this best 280mm AIO for i9 12900K processor.
But don’t think that it offers stylish looks only as you also get excellent thermal performance. It’s even superior to many 360mm AIOs, which is something that impressed us most. The sound quality can be better at 100 % fan RPM, but it’s negotiable for the features you get.
The only thing that can affect you is its pricing as it offers incredible features at a premium cost. So, we suggest this best CPU cooler for i9-12900K to you because this reputable brand guarantees high-quality performance. So go ahead and buy this best all-rounder CPU cooler.
Tips To Buy Best coolers for i9 12900K (Air & AIO)
Before buying anything, make sure to read our shopping tips below to know which factors to take into consideration for purchasing the best CPU cooler.
1. Usage
The design and performance of the CPU cooler depend on the purpose and how you will use your system. The majority of processors today include bundled coolers. For most applications, the standard cooler will suffice. However, if you’re an avid player or an extreme multitasker you’ll require a premium cooler. A person with average needs could go with a budget product that is suitable for the average load.
2. Aesthetics & Acoustics
For people who don’t like bright and flashy appearances and prefer an item that will provide a pleasant performance, then spending money on RGB isn’t a great option. However, those who want to give a vibrant appearance to their gaming build should go for RGB/ARGB. Here, the color scheme is important as well.
For acoustic quality, you might want a product that is quieter and, naturally, obtains lower noise levels. The most robust products and those with larger fans tend to be slightly louder, but certain products can remain quiet.
3. Air Cooler or Liquid Cooler
People are often confused between these two kinds of coolers for CPUs. Both air coolers come with advantages and disadvantages. Liquid coolers do not have clearance issues, but there is a chance of leakage.
Air coolers need almost no maintenance and offer more value for money. However, high-end air coolers can create problems fitting into your case. Here, you need to first check the requirements of your PC build and what type of gamer you are, then only go for the best AIO cooler or air cooler.
4. TDP
TDP is an abbreviation for thermal design power. It also indicates the amount of heat that processors will dissipate once the user has pushed it to the maximum limit.
It measures the heat that a processor generates when it is at its peak. For determining the right cooler for your processor, check the TDP listed in the specifications of both components lists. A cooler with less TDP lower than your CPU isn’t going to work well. A slight difference in TDP would not be a problem. But for extreme overclocking, choose to go for higher TDP than the processors.
5. Compatibility
Most CPU coolers work with multiple sockets but some do not support a particular socket you want to use. Buying a CPU cooler that doesn’t have the desired socket support is a waste of money. So, be aware of this issue.
Additionally, the clearance of the case is important as well. The size of CPU coolers differs, so not all coolers can fit in all cases. Be sure to keep the size of the case and your cooler dimensions in your mind when purchasing the best CPU cooler (Air or AIO) .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which are the Best CPU Coolers for i9 12900K?
The best CPU coolers for i9 12900K are:
- Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler
- Be quiet! BW007 Pure Loop 280mm
- ARCTIC Liquid Freezer
- Asus ROG RYUJIN II 360 CPU Cooler
- Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.black
- Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
- Nzxt Kraken X63 RGB 280mm
The above list has both air and best CPU liquid coolers for i9 12900K. The Intel i9 12900K has unbeatable performance at the moment, and it is industry’s top notch processor. For those who do not require high levels of performance and do not wish to deal with higher temperatures, then Intel’s i7 processors and also Best CPU Coolers For i7 9700K are very well suited to your needs.
Q2. What is the Maximum Temperature that the 12900K can get?
The Core i9-12900K temperature could reach 100 degrees Celsius with heavy gaming sessions or workload. To efficiently dissipate the heat, we recommend you get the best CPU liquid coolers especially when you are an extreme overclocker.
Q3. What is the TDP for the 12900K?
Intel CPU specifications specify the power dissipation numbers in the form of “Maximum Turbo Power” and “Processor Base Power”. The Core i9-12900K features the base TDP at 125 watts and a maximum turbo TDP of 241 Watts.
Q4. What is the most efficient type of CPU Cooler for a Gaming PC?
Well, an air cooler should be sufficient for gaming PCs if you don’t want to overclock your CPU. But not every CPU cooler can dissipate the exact same heat.
Games and other activities that use a lot of CPU power need a large air cooler heatsink with two fans to prevent CPU throttling. Even if you’re not overclocking, you can go for liquid cooling to keep the noise level at a minimum.
