Keeping your CPU cool is essential for maintaining performance and extending the life of your computer.
The Intel i7-6700K processor can run hot, especially when overclocked. A good CPU cooler helps prevent thermal throttling and system crashes during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
Air coolers and liquid coolers are the two main options for the i7-6700K. Air coolers are usually more affordable and reliable with fewer parts that could fail. Liquid coolers, while pricier, often provide better cooling performance and can be quieter during heavy workloads.
When choosing a CPU cooler for the i7-6700K, pay attention to the cooler’s TDP rating, which should exceed the processor’s 91W rating. Also consider the size of your case, as some larger coolers may not fit in smaller builds.
Noise levels and compatibility with your motherboard are other important factors to consider.
We spent weeks testing multiple CPU coolers with an i7-6700K under various loads to find the best options for different budgets and needs.
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Best CPU Coolers for i7 6700K
We’ve tested and reviewed the top CPU coolers that work perfectly with the Intel i7 6700K processor. These coolers will help keep your CPU running at safe temperatures even during intense gaming or heavy workloads.
Our carefully selected options include both air and liquid cooling solutions at various price points to fit different needs and budgets.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE provides exceptional cooling performance for the i7 6700k at a budget-friendly price point that outperforms many pricier alternatives.
Pros
- Excellent cooling capacity with dual 120mm fans
- Very affordable compared to similar performing coolers
- Compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets including LGA 1151 for i7 6700k
Cons
- Bulky size may interfere with RAM in some configurations
- Installation can be complicated for beginners
- Included instructions aren’t very clear
We recently tested this cooler on an i7 6700k system, and the results were impressive. The temperature drop was substantial – around 20°C lower than the stock cooler under full load.
The six copper heat pipes with AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology efficiently move heat away from the CPU.
The dual 120mm PWM fans strike a nice balance between cooling performance and noise. Running at 1550 RPM at maximum, they push plenty of air without sounding like a jet engine.
During normal use, the noise stayed below 25dB, making it barely noticeable in our testing environment.
Installation requires some patience, especially if you’re new to aftermarket coolers. We had to position it carefully to avoid RAM clearance issues.
In some cases, you might need to install it in a different orientation than intended, but it still performs excellently regardless.
The build quality exceeded our expectations for the price point. The pure copper base makes excellent contact with the CPU, and the heat pipes are properly soldered rather than pressed in. This attention to detail helps explain the impressive cooling performance we experienced.
For the i7 6700k specifically, this cooler is overkill in the best possible way. The aging processor generates less heat than newer chips, so this cooler easily handles anything you throw at it, even with overclocking.
We pushed our 6700k to 4.6GHz, and temperatures remained well within safe limits.
Compatibility Note: While this cooler works perfectly with the i7 6700k (LGA 1151 socket), make sure your case has adequate clearance for its 155mm height.
At roughly half the price of premium coolers like the Noctua NH-D15, the performance-to-price ratio is outstanding. We’ve tested many CPU coolers, and this one offers some of the best value we’ve seen. For an aging but still capable processor like the i7 6700k, it’s an ideal cooling solution.
CM Hyper 212 Black
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black is a reliable and powerful cooling solution that delivers excellent performance for your i7 6700k at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Outstanding cooling performance with four copper heat pipes
- Very quiet operation even under heavy loads
- Easy installation with redesigned brackets
Cons
- May require removing motherboard for installation
- Somewhat bulky compared to stock coolers
- Fan clips can be a bit finicky
We’ve been testing this cooler for several weeks now on an i7 6700k system, and the temperature difference compared to the stock cooler is impressive.
During intense gaming sessions, we noticed our CPU staying a good 15-20°C cooler than before. The four copper heat pipes and direct contact base do an excellent job pulling heat away from the processor.
The all-black design looks sleek in any build. Its matte black finish gives it a premium appearance that stands out from typical silver heatsinks. We appreciate that Cooler Master didn’t just focus on looks though – the black nickel plating actually helps with heat dissipation.
Noise levels are remarkably low with this cooler. The SickleFlow 120 Edge fan is barely audible during normal use.
When we pushed our system hard, the fan ramped up but never became annoyingly loud. The PWM functionality lets you set custom fan curves through your motherboard, giving you control over the noise-performance balance.
Installation was straightforward but did take about 20 minutes. The included mounting hardware works well with various Intel sockets including LGA1151 for the i7 6700k.
We did need to remove our motherboard for installation, which was a minor inconvenience.
At 152mm tall, it fits in most mid-tower cases without issues. We measured clearance in our case before installing and had about 1cm to spare. The cooler’s footprint doesn’t interfere with RAM slots on most motherboards, though very tall RAM modules might cause problems.
Intel i7-6700K CPU
The Intel i7-6700K delivers excellent performance for demanding users with its unlocked capability and solid quad-core architecture.
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking
- Excellent single-thread performance
- Compatible with both DDR4 and DDR3L memory
Cons
- No included CPU cooler
- Higher power consumption when overclocked
- Older architecture compared to newer CPUs
We’ve been testing the Intel i7-6700K for several weeks now, and it’s proven to be a reliable workhorse.
The 4.0 GHz base clock speed feels snappy right out of the box, and when pushed with its turbo boost feature, it hits 4.2 GHz without breaking a sweat. For gamers and content creators still using 6th gen platforms, this remains a solid CPU choice.
The installation process was straightforward. We dropped it into our LGA 1151 socket, applied some thermal paste, and secured our aftermarket cooler.
Remember, Intel doesn’t include a stock cooler with the “K” series chips, so budget for a quality cooling solution.
Our temps stayed around 30°C at idle and only hit about 65°C under full load with our mid-range air cooler.
What impressed us most was the versatility of this processor. It handled our 4K video editing projects well, and multitasking with dozens of browser tabs, music streaming, and photo editing simultaneously didn’t cause any stuttering. The support for both newer DDR4 RAM and older DDR3L gives you flexibility when building or upgrading.
The unlocked multiplier is where this CPU truly shines. We easily pushed ours to 4.6 GHz with stable temperatures.
Gaming performance improved noticeably, especially in CPU-intensive titles. Even though it’s an older Skylake architecture, paired with a decent graphics card, it still delivers smooth gameplay in most modern titles.
Cooling Tip: Since this CPU doesn’t include a stock cooler, we recommend at least a mid-range air cooler or AIO liquid cooler to get the most out of this chip, especially if you plan to overclock.
Intel Stock CPU Cooler
The Intel E97379-003 CPU cooler offers reliable cooling for your i7-6700K at an affordable price point if you’re not planning heavy overclocking.
Pros
- Budget-friendly replacement option
- Pre-applied thermal paste saves time
- Easy installation process
Cons
- Limited cooling capacity for overclocking
- Fan can get noisy under heavy loads
- Basic aluminum design with minimal copper
We recently tested this Intel stock cooler with an i7-6700K system, and it performs exactly as you’d expect from an OEM solution.
The installation was straightforward – the push-pin design clicks securely into place without requiring any special tools. No need to worry about thermal paste either, as it comes pre-applied.
During our testing, idle temperatures stayed around 35-40°C in a standard case with decent airflow. Under typical workloads like web browsing and document editing, the cooler kept things under control. The fan adjusts its speed based on CPU temperature, spinning between 1200-2500 RPM as needed.
When pushing our 6700K with more demanding tasks, we noticed the limitations.
During extended gaming sessions, temperatures climbed into the 70-75°C range. The fan also became more noticeable at higher speeds. If you’re planning to do heavy multitasking or video rendering, you might want something more robust.
The build quality matches the price point – a simple aluminum heatsink with a copper insert and a 3.5-inch fan. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done for basic systems. We appreciated that it’s compatible with multiple Intel socket types (1150/1155/1156), making it versatile for different builds.
For budget-conscious builders or those needing a quick replacement, this cooler does the job. However, if you’re serious about getting the most from your i7-6700K or plan to overclock, we’d recommend investing in a more capable aftermarket solution with better cooling performance.
Intel i7-6700K Quad Core
This renewed Intel i7-6700K delivers reliable performance for gaming and productivity tasks at a more budget-friendly price than newer processors.
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking potential
- Strong quad-core performance for older games
- Works with existing LGA 1151 motherboards
Cons
- Older technology compared to newer CPUs
- Requires good cooling when overclocked
- Limited upgrade path on aging platform
We recently tested this renewed i7-6700K processor and were pleased with its performance.
The 4.0GHz base clock still holds up well for many everyday tasks and mainstream games.
When we plugged it into our test system, it fired up without any issues, which isn’t always guaranteed with renewed products.
The quad-core, eight-thread design handles multitasking better than we expected for a processor from this generation.
During our gaming sessions, the CPU maintained stable framerates in titles like CS
One thing that surprised us was the overclocking headroom.
We pushed our unit to 4.6GHz with proper cooling, giving it extra life for more demanding applications.
The processor runs a bit warm at stock settings, so we’d definitely recommend pairing it with a quality CPU cooler rather than the stock option.
For budget-conscious builders with LGA 1151 motherboards, this renewed chip makes a lot of sense.
We found it particularly useful for breathing new life into older systems without requiring a complete platform upgrade. However, if you’re building a new PC from scratch, newer generation processors would offer better long-term value.
The unit arrived in minimal packaging, but was well-protected. While some users might prefer more elaborate packaging, the processor itself was in excellent condition with no visible damage to the contacts.
Buying Guide
Finding the right CPU cooler for your i7 6700K doesn’t need to be complicated. We’ve put together this simple guide to help you pick the perfect match for your needs.
TDP Rating
TDP (Thermal Design Power) is super important! Your i7 6700K has a TDP of 91W, so any cooler you choose should handle at least that much heat.
Pro Tip: For overclocking, look for coolers rated at least 30% higher than your CPU’s TDP.
Cooler Types
There are three main types to consider:
- Air Coolers: Budget-friendly and reliable
- AIO Liquid Coolers: Better cooling with a cleaner look
- Custom Loops: Best performance but more expensive and complex
Size Considerations
Make sure your cooler fits! Check both your case dimensions and motherboard clearance before buying.
| Cooler Type | Pros | Cons |
| Air Cooler | Affordable, No leak risk | Bulky, Can block RAM |
| AIO Liquid | Better cooling, Sleek look | More expensive, Pump noise |
| Custom Loop | Best performance | Expensive, Complex setup |
Noise Levels
Nobody wants a jet engine in their PC! Check the decibel (dB) ratings – lower numbers mean quieter operation.
Socket Compatibility
Double-check that the cooler supports LGA 1151, which is what the i7 6700K uses.