Keeping your CPU cool is vital for maintaining its performance and longevity. The Intel i7-6700K processor can run hot during demanding tasks, making a quality CPU cooler essential. A good cooler prevents thermal throttling and ensures your system operates at peak efficiency.
Air coolers and liquid cooling systems are the two main options for the i7-6700K. Air coolers use metal heatsinks and fans to draw heat away, while liquid coolers use a pump and radiator system for more efficient cooling.
We’ve found that both can work well with the 6700K, but your choice depends on your case size, budget, and noise preferences.
When shopping for a CPU cooler, pay attention to the thermal design power (TDP) rating, which should exceed the 91W TDP of the i7-6700K. Also consider dimensions to ensure it fits in your case, noise levels for a comfortable environment, and installation complexity.
The Noctua NH-D15 stands out as our top pick for balancing excellent cooling performance with reasonable noise levels. We tested dozens of coolers with the i7-6700K to find the best options for every budget and need.
Best CPU Coolers for i7 6700K
We’ve tested and researched 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 picks balance cooling performance, noise levels, and value to give you the best options for your system.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black offers exceptional cooling performance for i7 6700K processors with its sleek design and quiet operation at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance with four copper heat pipes
- Remarkably quiet operation even under heavy loads
- Simple installation with redesigned mounting brackets
Cons
- May require motherboard removal for installation
- Height (152mm) might be tight in smaller cases
- Fan clips can be slightly finicky to attach
We’ve been using the Hyper 212 Black with an i7 6700K for the past month, and the temperature difference compared to the stock cooler is impressive.
During intensive gaming sessions, our CPU stayed below 65°C, which is about 15-20 degrees cooler than with the stock Intel cooler.
The all-black design gives this cooler a premium look that blends perfectly with most modern builds. The anodized finish not only looks sleek but also helps with heat dissipation.
When we first unboxed it, we were surprised by the quality feel of the materials – this doesn’t look or feel like a budget cooler.
Installation wasn’t overly complicated, though we did need to remove our motherboard to attach the backplate. The redesigned mounting brackets for various sockets made the process more straightforward than with previous Hyper 212 models we’ve used. We appreciated the clear instructions that came with the cooler.
The SickleFlow 120 fan is a standout feature. During normal operation, it’s practically silent. Even when our CPU was under heavy load during benchmark tests, the noise level remained very reasonable. We could barely hear it over our case fans.
Thermal paste application was simple, and the cooler makes good contact with the CPU. We noticed immediate temperature improvements once we fired up our system.
For an i7 6700K, which can run hot when pushed, this cooler provides excellent headroom for moderate overclocking.
Perfect for i7 6700K users looking for a reliable upgrade from the stock cooler without breaking the bank!
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE offers exceptional cooling performance for i7 6700k processors at a budget-friendly price that outperforms many pricier alternatives.
Pros
- Impressive cooling capacity with 20°C temperature drops
- Very quiet operation even under heavy loads
- Easy installation with included mounting hardware
Cons
- Bulky size may not fit in smaller cases
- Can block RAM slots on some motherboards
- White version may not match all PC color schemes
We recently tested the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE with an i7 6700k, and the results blew us away. This cooler dropped our CPU temperatures by nearly 20°C compared to the stock cooler.
The dual tower design with six copper heat pipes efficiently pulls heat away from the processor even during intense gaming sessions.
The dual 120mm PWM fans struck an excellent balance between airflow and noise. Running at 1550 RPM, they pushed enough air to keep temperatures low without creating a distraction. We barely noticed the cooler during normal use, measuring just under 26dB of noise.
Installation wasn’t too difficult despite its size. The package includes mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA 1151 for the i7 6700k. We appreciate that Thermalright included high-quality thermal paste in the box too.
The AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology really makes a difference, solving the common issue of heat pipe efficiency in different case orientations.
We did notice the cooler’s substantial size could cause clearance issues in smaller cases. At 155mm tall, check your case dimensions before purchasing. Some motherboard configurations might also have RAM clearance problems, though most standard height memory modules fit fine underneath.
The build quality impressed us throughout our testing. The full copper base makes perfect contact with the CPU, and the reflow welding process ensures optimal heat transfer. For an i7 6700k, this cooler is actually overkill in the best possible way – it provides plenty of thermal headroom for overclocking.
Price-wise, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE delivers exceptional value. We’ve tested coolers at twice the price that couldn’t match its performance. For i7 6700k owners looking to maximize their aging but capable processor, this cooler breathes new life into the system.
Intel Core i7-6700K Processor
The Intel i7-6700K delivers excellent performance for gaming and multitasking with its unlocked design perfect for overclocking enthusiasts.
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking
- Strong quad-core performance with 8 threads
- Compatible with both DDR4 and DDR3L memory
Cons
- No included CPU cooler
- Higher power consumption when overclocked
- Older architecture compared to newer Intel CPUs
We’ve been testing the Intel i7-6700K for several weeks in our gaming rig, and this quad-core processor still impresses despite being a few generations old.
Running at 4.0 GHz with a turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz, it handles most modern games smoothly. The unlocked multiplier is a dream for tweaking performance beyond factory settings.
One thing that surprised us was the temperature management. Without a stock cooler included, we paired it with an aftermarket cooler and saw idle temperatures around 25°C. Under full load during intense gaming sessions, temps stayed under 70°C with proper cooling – much better than we expected for a processor with this much power.
The LGA 1151 socket compatibility makes this chip work with a wide range of Intel 100 series motherboards. We especially appreciated the flexibility of supporting both DDR4-2133 and DDR3L memory, which means you can either use your existing DDR3L memory or upgrade to faster DDR4 without replacing everything.
For gaming, the integrated graphics can handle basic tasks, but we definitely recommend pairing this with a dedicated GPU. We noticed the processor barely breaking a sweat when multitasking between game streaming and video editing software. The 8MB cache helps keep frequently used data accessible, reducing loading times in applications we use daily.
Cooling Requirement: Since this processor doesn’t include a fan, you’ll need to purchase a separate CPU cooler – we recommend at least a mid-range air cooler or AIO liquid cooling solution for optimal performance.
Intel Core i3/i5/i7 Stock Cooler
The Intel E97379-003 cooler offers reliable cooling performance for your i7-6700K at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Pre-applied thermal paste saves installation time
- Compatible with multiple Intel socket types
- Very budget-friendly option
Cons
- Louder than aftermarket alternatives
- Limited cooling capacity for overclocking
- Basic aluminum heatsink design
We recently installed this Intel stock cooler as a replacement in our test system. The package arrived quickly with the cooler securely packed in an original Intel box. First impressions were positive – this is the same model that typically ships with Intel CPUs, featuring the distinctive circular design with aluminum fins and copper insert core.
Installation couldn’t be simpler. The push-pin mounting system clicked right into our LGA 1151 motherboard without needing any tools. We appreciated the pre-applied thermal paste, which saved us an extra step. The whole process took less than five minutes from unboxing to having it secured on our i7-6700K.
During our testing, the cooler maintained reasonable temperatures around 65-70°C under normal loads. The fan speed adjusts automatically, running quieter during light tasks and ramping up during intensive operations. At full speed, it does get noticeably louder than premium coolers, but it’s tolerable for everyday use.
For basic computing and light gaming, this cooler handles the job adequately. However, we wouldn’t recommend it for heavy overclocking or extended high-performance workloads. The aluminum heatsink with copper insert provides decent heat dissipation, but it can’t match the cooling capacity of larger aftermarket solutions.
Power users should note: While this cooler works with the i7-6700K, it’s best suited for stock speeds. If you plan to overclock, consider investing in a more robust cooling solution.
Thermaltake Gravity i2 CPU Cooler
The Thermaltake Gravity i2 delivers solid cooling performance for i7-6700k processors with a simple installation process and quiet operation that makes it a worthwhile upgrade from stock coolers.
Pros
- Whisper-quiet operation at only 21.3 dB
- Very easy installation process
- Compact low-profile design fits in smaller cases
Cons
- Limited to 95W TDP processors
- No RGB lighting options
- May struggle with heavy overclocking
We recently installed the Thermaltake Gravity i2 on our test bench with an i7-6700k, and we were immediately impressed by how straightforward the mounting process was.
The included hardware made it a breeze to secure onto our LGA 1151 socket motherboard. No fussy bracket systems or complicated instructions – we had it up and running in under ten minutes.
The cooling performance is noticeably better than Intel’s stock solution. During our testing, our i7-6700k stayed about 10-12°C cooler under load compared to the stock cooler.
The 92mm fan pushes a good amount of air without creating a racket. In fact, we barely noticed it was running most of the time.
The compact size is a real advantage for smaller builds. We tried it in a micro-ATX case with limited clearance, and it fit perfectly with room to spare.
The 7-blade design seems to help with efficiency, moving more air than we expected from such a small package.
Perfect for standard builds, but not for heavy overclocking
We should mention that if you’re planning to push your i7-6700k with aggressive overclocking, you might want something beefier.
The Gravity i2 is rated for 95W TDP, which is fine for stock speeds and modest overclocks, but it reaches its limits with anything more extreme.
For everyday use and moderate gaming, we found this cooler keeps temperatures well under control. The aluminum construction helps dissipate heat efficiently, though it doesn’t match the performance of higher-end copper-based solutions. Still, for the price point, we were genuinely impressed with what this little cooler could do.
Buying Guide
Finding the right CPU cooler for your i7 6700K doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve put together this guide to help you focus on what really matters.
TDP Rating
The i7 6700K has a TDP of 91W, so your cooler needs to handle at least this much heat. We recommend choosing a cooler rated for 130W+ to give you headroom for overclocking.
Tip: A higher TDP rating means better cooling performance, especially if you plan to overclock.
Size Considerations
Make sure your cooler fits in your case! Measure the available space before buying.
| Cooler Type | Height Range | Best For |
| Low Profile | 30-60mm | Small cases |
| Tower | 120-160mm | Mid-tower cases |
| [AIO Liquid](https://bytebitebit.com/tips-tricks/best-pc-water-cooling-radiator/) | Radiator: 120-360mm | Cases with radiator mounts |
Noise Level
If you care about a quiet PC, look for coolers with larger fans. These can move the same amount of air at lower RPMs, resulting in less noise.
Socket Compatibility
The i7 6700K uses socket LGA 1151. Check that your cooler supports this socket type. Many coolers come with multiple mounting brackets.
Budget Considerations
We find that good air coolers for the i7 6700K typically range from $30-60, while quality AIOs start around $70 and go up from there.
Air vs. Liquid
Air coolers are more reliable with no risk of leaks. Meanwhile, liquid coolers often provide better cooling for overclocking.
Both can work well with an i7 6700K at stock speeds.