It’s 2024, and we have seen several new CPU coolers during the CES 2024. However, most of them are not available yet. If you are looking for an Intel CPU cooler for a new gaming machine or simply upgrading an existing one, we listed some of the best here. The 14th gen Core i9-14900K is Intel’s latest flagship desktop processor, but it is very similar to its predecessor, the i9-13900K. Both have the same architecture, same core and thread count, same cache size, same TDP, and even launch price. Since they are identical in many ways, both CPUs consume a lot of power (up to 253W), thus producing a lot of heat and requiring an excellent AIO liquid CPU cooler. Below, I listed some of the best CPU coolers for the Core i9-14900K and i9-13900K CPUs.
The Best CPU Coolers For the Core i9-14900K and 13900K That We Pick
Let me first discuss how I chose these CPU coolers and my criteria. The beauty of the DIY market is that there are many options. Since the Core i9-14900K and 13900K draw a lot of power and can get hot, reaching 100°C easily, the CPU cooler must be an all-in-one closed-loop 360mm liquid CPU cooler. It must also be compatible with socket LGA 1700 and, most importantly, perform well.
It would be a plus if the AIO CPU cooler has an LCD screen, attractive RGB lighting, and is easy to install. Normally, I would not skimp my budget since the AIO CPU cooler will protect and keep the CPU cool. It has a crucial role in keeping the system running smoothly. While even the most trusted brands are infallible regarding product failure, I’d still pick a CPU cooler from a trusted company.
Lian Li Galahad II LCD SL-Infinity 360 AIO
First on my list is the recently released Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360 AIO liquid CPU cooler. It’s new, and there’s not a lot of feedback yet. But Lian Li’s Galahad II series was an excellent AIO CPU cooler overall. Considering the company’s reputation and the fact that the Galahad II LCD sports Asetek’s 8th gen pump design, the Galahad II LCD is a pretty good choice for cooling the 14900K or 13900K.
What makes this AIO CPU cooler so interesting is its 2.8-inch LCD display that can display up to 2GB of videos or up to 3 minutes of footage, aside from the usual system information. There are also 45° angled fittings at the radiator with a full 360° rotation that you don’t usually see in most AIO closed-loop CPU coolers. The variant I’m also picking is the one with the SL-Infinity fans. Not only do the RGB lighting and aesthetics of these fans look great, but they are also cable-free daisy-chained fans, resulting in less cable clutter inside the system.
LCD screen
Cable-free daisy-chained fans
Asetek 8th gen pump design
Fully rotatable 45° angled fittings
6-year warranty
Relatively new in the market, and there is not a lot of feedback yet
A bit pricey
Where to buy: (#ad)
Lian Li Galahad II LCD SL-Infinity 360 AIO is available on Amazon here.
ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO CPU Cooler
The Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB is among the best-looking AIO liquid CPU coolers in the market. It’s an improved version of the Ryujin II, which in itself is already an excellent CPU cooler. The ROG Ryujin III features Asetek’s 8th-generation pump design with a 3-phase monitor for a more robust performance. It also features a large 3.5″ LCD screen for live system stats, animated GIFs, or custom artwork.
Like its predecessor, the Ryujin III 360 ARGB features an embedded Axia-tech fan for VRM cooling. Another thing I like about this is its magnetic daisy-chainable ARGB fans for a cable-free and clean-looking build. It also features 7mm sleeved rubber tubes, a new and larger cold plate, and a thicker radiator. Finally, Asus released the Ryujin III 360 ARGB EVA-02 Edition for Evangelion fans, featuring bright red and orange accents.
3.5″ LCD screen
Magnetic daisy-chainable fans
Asetek 8th gen pump design
6-year warranty
Very expensive, especially EVA-02 Edition
Where to buy: (#ad)
ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB is available on Amazon here.
ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB EVA-02 Edition is available on Amazon here.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos
The MasterLiquid 360 Atmos is Cooler Master’s latest AIO liquid CPU cooler. While it doesn’t have any fancy LCD screen, VRM cooler, or daisy-chainable fans, it features a customizable pump top cover. Though, you’ll have to 3D print the cover. The MasterLiquid 360 Atmos also features a refined dual-chamber pump design, and its SickleFlow Edge PWM fans run remarkably silent.
The SickleFlow Edge fans are not daisy-chainable but come pre-installed on the radiator. There are also tube clips keeping them in place, and the box is smaller than the other AIO liquid CPU coolers. There’s not much to say about this cooler; its forte is its exceptional cooling performance that will keep the i9-14900K’s temperature at bay.
Excellent cooling performance
Customizable CPU block cover (via 3d print)
Silent operation
Cheaper than other AIOs here
No dedicated VRAM fan
No LCD display
Where to buy: (#ad)
Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos AIO is available on Amazon here.
CORSAIR iCUE Link H150i RGB Liquid CPU Cooler
For those who are building a system primarily composed of Corsair peripherals, like fans, case, etc., the iCUE Link H150i RGB AIO would be an excellent fit. It’s the latest from Corsair, and it comes with the iCUE Link System Hub, where you can integrate and connect compatible Corsair peripherals. Its radiator is paired with QX120 RGB cable-free and daisy-chainable fans for a cleaner-looking build. Not to mention, there are thermal probes to monitor the air’s temperature.
The iCUE Link H150i’s copper cold plate features a split-flow design (inside) and comes pre-applied with Corsair’s XTM70 thermal paste. The main takeaway of Corsair’s iCUE Link H150i is aesthetics. If you want a clean-looking, centralized RGB fan system and clutter-free build, this AIO may fit your bill.
Vibrant RGB lighting
Cable-free daisy-chained fans
Optional iCUE LINK LCD screen module upgrade
Requires additional PCIe power cable
May not perform well compared to other AIOs here
Where to buy: (#ad)
CORSAIR iCUE Link H150i RGB AIO 360mm is available on Amazon here.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is an RGB variant of the popular Liquid Freezer II. It runs silently, but the cooling performance is exceptionally good. It also has a small active fan that blows air to the VRM section, keeping not only the CPU cool but actively cooling the VRM heatsink as well. Its pump is not based on Asetek, but Arctic has its proprietary pump that is PWM-controlled. Unlike other AIO coolers with static pump speeds, the Liquid Freezer II’s pump speed will adjust accordingly.
The Liquid Freezer II’s 45cm tubing is made from fiber reinforced that prevents coolant evaporation. The fans are pre-installed, and the cables are cable-managed out of the box. Not to mention, the included P-fans are optimized for static pressure.
Sleeved tubes with cable-managed out-of-the-box
Low noise levels, runs silently
Fan for VRAM cooling
PWM pump
6-year warranty
The CPU block has an odd shape
Tubing and pump-block may be difficult to orient
Has been in the market for quite some time now
Where to buy: (#ad)
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is available on Amazon here.
Optional Steps To Further Improve CPU Temperature
Intel’s LGA 1700 is notorious for having an imbalance of pressure when locking the CPU. To mitigate this issue, some manufacturers made an anti-bending bracket or contact frame.
The contact frame, a.k.a anti-bending bracket, replaces the motherboard’s independent loading mechanism (ILM). The contact frame will help in the distribution of the pressure, thus better and even contact on the CPU block’s surface. As a result, it may help lower the CPU’s temperature.
Note that installing this requires a bit of tinkering. You must remove the ILM and replace it with the contact frame. It’s very risky since there is a chance that the pins on the socket may get damaged or the motherboard itself may get damaged. When installing the bracket, you must apply a sufficient amount of force, not too tight or loose. Otherwise, it may affect the motherboard’s traces and cause damage or unwanted errors.
Where to buy: (#ad)
Thermalright CPU Contact Frame for LGA 1700 on Amazon here.
Thermal Grizzly CPU Contact Frame on Amazon here.
There you have it; these are my top picks and the best CPU coolers for the Core i9-14900K or i9-13900K. It’s up to you what you prioritize in your system. These AIO CPU coolers offer better CPU temperature and/or a better-looking (gaming) rig. If I had to choose one, I’d pick the Ryujin III 360 as it fits my use case and build.
