The Intel i9-990K processor is the top-notch, high performing processor you will get on the market today. It’s not the CPU for an average normal user, but a professional like a designer, AI programmers, and gamers. As with any processor that provides such high performance and power, Intel i9-900k also trends to heat more. To prevent it from overheating and obtain its maximum performance cooler is a must. Ordinary coolers won’t be much help for this powerful beast; we will need a Liquid Cooling System for it. Here is my list of Best Liquid Cooling System for i9 9900k.
| Liquid cooler | Pros | Cons |
| Corsair Hydro Series H75 | Easy for installation | Overclocking at maximum level will reduce its efficiency |
| Corsair H115I Pro | Dual fan liquid cooler | Expensive |
| CoolerMaster Master Liquid LC120E | Performance efficiency even while working at its hardest. | Difficult for installation |
| Thermaltake Water 3.0 | Copper base plate | Noise level at the extreme for some processor |
| Rosewill CPU Liquid cooler PB120 | Closed-loop cooler and avoids refilling | Overclocking at maximum level will reduce its efficiency |
| Deepcool Captain 240 EX | Breathing LED light and visual glass tube showing liquid circulation | Not suitable for gaming purpose |
| upHere Liquid Cooler | Filled in the medical-grade rubber hose for avoiding leakage | Lack of installation instruction which causes difficult to install |
| Alphacool Eisbaer 280 | No need to install any third application and is cheaper | Lacks consistency |
| NZXT Kraken X62 | Compatible with NZXT software | Expensive |
| NZXT X72 CPU Liquid Cooler | Allows to customize a program and monitor cooling system | Expensive |
What is i9 9900k Processor?
I9 9900k is a core processor that was launched by Intel in late 2018. It is based on the Coffee Lake (CFL) microarchitecture for high-performance mobile devices and desktops. This processor operates at a 3.6 GHz with a frequency of up to 5 GHz. This core processor helps in delivering smooth streaming of premium 4K UHD entertainment to your PC.
The processor is the main part of the computer. As your work processor produces heat, it is necessary to keep the processor at an optimal temperature that helps you to get maximum output. The best way to cool or maintain the temperature of a processor is by using a liquid cooling system.
What is the Work of the Liquid Cooling System?
The liquid cooling system also is known as a water cooling system that provides a solution for the CPU from protecting it to overheating. As the CPU gets heated due to high-temperature liquid cooling helps to keep the temperature at an optimal level. If you are thinking of whether you need to refill the liquid or not in the system I would say it depends on which type of liquid cooling system you have used. There are some liquid cooling systems that you need to refill it and there are some which you don’t need to refill.
People choose a liquid cooling system rather than an air cooling system because it is quieter. The air cooling system produces noise as it has a fan-based setup but a liquid cooling system silently cools down the processor and protects it from overheating.
What Are the Types of Liquid Cooling Solution?
Generally, liquid cooling solutions can be categorized into three categories. They are:
AIO (All- In- One)
This liquid cooling solution can also be said as closed-loop liquid coolers which are sealed coolers. This type of liquid cooler cannot be refilled but some AIO coolers can be refilled because the water can evaporate through the tubing. But, generally, these types of coolers do not require any maintenance.
Kits
This is the opposite of AIO because you need to build a full loop liquid cooling solution from scratch. There are fewer chances of leaving something as you will get everything in a kit.
Custom Water Cooling
Like kits, you need to do it from scratch but you can customize the loop. You could link the loop from your processor to a graphic card. More advanced customization could link motherboards in the loop.
Best Liquid Cooling System For i9-9900k
Corsair Hydro Series H75
Amazon Buy Link: Corsair Hydro Series H75
This liquid cooler is pretty easy for installation and so versatile that it works with most AMD chipsets as well as all of the 8th and 9th generation Intel core CPU types.
Furthermore, you can also adjust fan speed between 600 RPM to 1900 RPM because of the two integrated 120m CORSAIR SP Series PWM fans. It is a quieter cooler as it has a thermally optimized cold plate and low noise pump design.
Corsair Hydro Series H75 gives a warranty of 5 years.
Price: $158.97
Compatible sockets: AM4 LGA 1151 and LGA 2066
Corsair H115I Pro
Amazon Buy Link: Corsair H115I Pro
This cooler comes in a variety of radiator sizes. However, the 280 mm seems to be okay in terms of value for money but the workhorse like i9-9900k, this would be smaller, this kind of processor demands of a little larger cooler.
The dual-fan liquid cooler can provide excellent performance without noise even under heavy loads like while you are doing some video editing, programming, etc.
Size: 240mm and 360mm
Price: $ 212.99 and $ 273.18
CoolerMaster MasterLiquid LC120C
Amazon Buy Link: CoolerMaster MasterLiquid LC120C
This liquid cooling system is the most desirable cooler as it delivers efficient cooling with a dual pump 120mm.
This cooler helps a lot to keep the temperature of your processor at an optimal level even when it is working at its hardest. Due to FEP tubing, you will not experience any interruption in cooling power.
Likewise, it has an RGB controller for adjustment of lighting effects, etc.
Size: 120mm
Price: $64.91
CPU socket: Intel LGA 2066, LGA 2011 V3, LGA 2011, LGA 1151, LGA 1150, LGA 1156, AMD: AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2, AM2+, FM2+, FM2, FM1
Thermaltake Water 3.0
Amazon Buy Link: Thermaltake Water 3.0
This is an excellent choice for the i9-9900k processor in terms of performance and affordability. This liquid cooler has a copper base plate and water blocs with a 120mm radiator which keeps your processor cool during overclocking.
It reduces the cost of maintenance as you do not need to clean it ever. It takes less space so it doesn’t look like your PC messier.
You will get a 3-year warranty on the cooler.
Rosewill CPU Liquid Cooler PB120
Amazon Buy Link: Rosewill CPU Liquid Cooler PB120
Although it is a single-fan liquid cooler but can keep your processor cool.
Adding to this, it easily allows you to remove heat away from your CPU and GPU more quickly than air. This is a closed-loop cooler with a pre-filled coolant that protects from leakage and avoids refilling.
This kind of cooler could be easily installed in a few steps.
Size: 120mm
CPU Socket: Intel LGA 2011/2066/1366/1150/1151/1155/1156/775, AMD AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/AM1/FM2PB120
Deepcool Captain 240 EX
Amazon Buy Link: Deepcool Captain 240 EX
This is a versatile cooler that not only supports i9-9900k but any LGA 1151 processor.
This cooler is equipped with the most reliable and powerful pump that enables the maximum amount of water circulation.
This is different from other coolers as it has a breathing LED light and visual glass tube that shows liquid circulation.
CPU Socket: AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 as well as a couple of other LGA sockets.
upHere Liquid Cooler
Amazon Buy Link: upHere Liquid Cooler
This liquid cooler is not so popular but is affordable and provides excellent performance. It is equipped with copper microfin water blocks, a smart cooling fan, which can remove excess heat efficiently.
There is less chance of leakage of liquid because it is filled in the medical-grade rubber hose that is reliable and durable.
This is so easy to install that even a person with no knowledge of IT could install it as a clear instruction will be given in a package.
CPU socket LGA 775,1151,1155,1156,1366,2011(core i3/i5i 7CPU),AM2+,AM3,AM3+,AM4,FM1,FM2
Alphacool Eisbaer 280
Amazon Buy Link: Alphacool Eisbaer 280
This is a low priced liquid cooler but does not compromise on its performance. This cooler does not demand additional software for installation, setup the drivers and you can manage and customize your cooler all from the system bios.
You will be free from installing any other application to run the cooler.
Size: 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, 420mm
Price: $144.99
NZXT Kraken X62
Amazon Buy Link: NZXT Kraken X62
The build of this liquid cooler is quite impressive. The fan noise level is 21-38 Dba with the fan speed of 500~1800+/- 300 RPM. The cooler gives optimal performance and operates silently but is expensive.
It gives a warranty for 6 years.
Size: M22 120mm
Price: $79.99
NZXT Kraken X72 CPU Liquid Cooler
Amazon buy Link: NZXT Kraken X72 CPU Liquid Cooler
This is the best liquid CPU cooler for i9 9900k but is new in the market. This allows you to customize the program and monitor your cooling system all in one place for your CPU. This cooling system has amazing advanced lighting modes that give dynamic lighting experience. It produces noise to a minimum level and provides superior cooling.
Using CAM, it manages performance with the precision and makes changes quickly using the desktop or mobile app.
It has 6 years of warranty.
Size: X72 360mm
Price: $486.99
Also Read: Best Thermal Paste For PlayStation 4 Pro
Which Liquid Cooling System to Prefer for i9 9900k?
I have listed the ten best liquid cooling system for i9-9900k. All the coolers will keep the processor cool for maximum output. However, I would suggest Corsair H115I Pro for the processor. This processor is attractive because of its design and also produces the noise at a minimal level. This cooler is highly versatile and compatible with different AMD sockets. It keeps the temperature of its processor at its low level.
Factors to be Considered While Buying the Liquid Cooling System
Water or liquid cooling system consists of the following elements
- A pump
- A reservoir
- A heat transfer block
- Piping
- A radiator and fan
The size of this type of system will vary from a large external unit to a midsized. To choose over liquid cooling system following factors must be considered
Budget
The first thing you need to consider before your purchase is your budget. Does the cooler fit your budget? This is the first question that arises in your mind before you buy it. An appropriate budget should be allocated to buy the cooler. You cannot spend all of the income in your cooler nor can you spend less and come up with a cooler that is inappropriate for your PC. There are still other factors you need to consider but this is the most important one.
Your Specific Use Case
Based on the workload your processor gets, you need to choose your cooler. If you are thinking of overclocking, you need a high-intensity cooler. High intensive works like video editing, gaming need that type of processor which is a workhorse to keep the temperature at an optimal level.
Air Cooling or Liquid Cooling
This is one of the biggest dilemmas that an individual faces whether to choose air coolers i.e. fan-based setup or liquid cooler. If you have a limited budget and your system does not require extra cooling then you can prefer air coolers but if you have a processor like i9- 9900k which is a workhorse then I would ask you to prefer liquid coolers. Although liquid coolers are expensive but for performing intensive tasks extra cooling is essential which can be provided by liquid coolers. Furthermore, liquid coolers take less space and make the CPU look less messy.
TDP Rating
“TDP (Thermal design power) is the maximum amount of heat generated by a computer chip or component that the cooling system in a computer is designed to dissipate under any workload”- Wikipedia. This is the most important factor to determine whether the cooler suits your system or not. When you buy a processor or cooler, both have a TDP rating. The TDP rating of a cooler must be lower than the processor to perform tasks effectively.
CPU Socket
The manufacturers try to produce a CPU socket in such a type that all the coolers could fit into it. But it is next to impossible so before you buy a cooler you must see whether the cooler could fit the socket or not. So, before buying make sure it is compatible with the processor, motherboard.
Aesthetic Looks
The cooler must be eye-pleasing. The cooler must not look messy when added to the processor. Before purchasing checkout some pictures of the finished processor so that you would choose the right one.
Benefits of Liquid Cooling System
More Efficient than Air
The liquid cooling system is more efficient than the air cooling system because of water’s high thermal conductivity. The liquid cooling system works silently as it does not work on a fan-based setup. Liquid solutions also prolong the lifespan of hardware by ensuring they are being cooled.
Higher Overclocking Potential
Overclocking means pushing your processor or graphics card to perform over its normal clock speed which requires more power. Thus, the processor will be heated. These basic to medium overclocking could be handled by AIO coolers but some processors need an advanced cooling solution like a custom water cooling system to protect their processor.
Occupies less Space
Air cooling systems occupy larger space than liquid cooling systems because the liquid cooling system consists of water blocks and tubes whereas the other one uses a fan-based setup. If you have a high powered processor and graphic cards you will need to install a large air cooling system but liquid cooling systems are small in size and are easy to install.
Suitable for the Environment With High Temperatures
As air coolers use the air of the environment to make the processor cool, if you live in an environment where the temperature is high then it will be difficult for the cooler to cool your processor. But liquid coolers have nothing to do with the temperature of your surroundings as it uses water blocks to cool your processor.
Cooling Specific Components
Air cooling systems could also cool specific components by placing a fan near to them but it could make the CPU look messier. Liquid cooling allows heat removal from the specific components that are also prone to heating such as hard drive, power supplies.
Consequences of Using a Liquid Cooling System
Susceptibility to Leaks
Liquid cooling systems use the liquid to cool the processor therefore, there are high chances of liquid being leaked which may damage the hardware. Furthermore, manufacturers do not agree on any warranty claim on water-based incidents.
Expensive
The expenses to build a liquid cooling system from scratch could range from USD 300 to USD 500. But the complete air cooler cost around USD 100 to USD 200.
Complex to Install
Installing the liquid cooling system requires a certain degree of understanding in the fields of electronics and thermodynamics. It also requires more involvement than installing an air cooler. An air cooler requires a sit atop, a GPU, or CPU or alongside a PC case but a liquid cooler requires connecting tubes and wires, understanding the placement of loops and radiators or fans.
Why Does i9 9900k Need a Liquid Cooling System?
I9 9900k is popular for performing very intensive tasks such as video editing, streaming, etc. During this process, the processor gets heated up due to which it requires liquid cooling. The maximum temperature that it could tolerate is 100 degrees Celsius but the thing is you need to keep it below 80 degrees Celsius even when you overclock it if you want to protect your hardware. The higher the temperature, the lesser its life will be and if it gets too hot then it will throttle down to lower clock speeds to prevent itself from any damage.
Active Cooling Versus Passive Cooling
| Active cooling | Passive cooling |
| Active cooling involves the use of energy to cool something
It involves higher financial cost as it requires electricity for the removal of heat |
Passive cooling doesn’t use any kind of energy for cooling
It is cost-efficient as it uses natural resources like the wind for the removal of heat |
Conclusion
The most important part of your computer is a processor, to protect your processor from any damages due to overheating, liquid coolers are the best. It cools your processor and minimizes the risk of damage. It is very necessary to keep the temperature of the processor at an optimal level. Thus, the liquid cooler helps a lot. It produces noise at the minimum level and works effectively. It is brilliant for the workhorse like the processor i9-9900k. At last, you should keep the cooler for your processor to protect it from further damage by considering the various factors as mentioned above.
