10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024

Processors are equipped with stock coolers, but not all the installed coolers can accommodate extreme working conditions from their CPUs.

So, for those looking for high performance from their systems, they must get a CPU cooler that can withstand any level of performance the CPU may be pushed to accommodate.

ProductBrandNamePrice
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 21SCYTHEScythe Mugen 5 Rev.B 120mm Air CPU CoolerCheck Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 22NoctuaNoctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler with 2x NF-A15 PWM 140mm FansCheck Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 23ThermalrightLe Grand Macho RT (with Fan TY-147B)Check Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 24PhanteksPhanteks CPU Cooler with 5 x 8mm Dual Heat-pipes, 140mm Premium Fans and PWM Adaptor, Patented P.A.T.S Coating, PH-TC14PE_BK (Black)Check Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 25Cooler MasterCooler Master RR-212S-20PC-R1 Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition CPU Air CoolerCheck Price on Amazon

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As one of the strongest processors available in the market today, the Intel Core i9 9900K needs an equally matching CPU cooler to help it maintain the best performance. But with a plethora of coolers out there, it may be a bit confusing to choose the best CPU coolerfor i9 9900k. There are different models like the Nzxt kraken x72 x72,  H150i pro, Noctua, Cooler Master, and Dark rock pro 4. That’s the reason why we are here.

Choosing the best air cooler for i9 9900k

Some great CPU coolers are perfect for i9 9900K. From our experience and after comprehensive research, the following are the best CPU coolers available for the i9 9900K processor in 2024.


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1) Scythe Mugen CPU Air Cooler

Scythe may not be a popular brand when it comes to CPU coolers, but we included this one here because of its top features and exceptional performance. One important feature we love is the fact that it stays very quiet despite the high fan speed. It comes with RGB lighting lighting fluid dynamic bearing with static pressure, and high airflow and still offers silent operation.

It also has an additional fan clip where you can add a second fan in case the original fan is not enough for your system. But the additional fan option doesn’t mean the basic fans do not work effectively. It means you can have your specific customization to equip the system with your ideal kind of components.

The asymmetric design of the cooler means there is no issues about RAM modules having tall heatsink. In terms of performance, it’s among the ideal models you can get. The performance of this cooler is far better than other coolers like h150i pro, Nzxt kraken x72 x720, or Dark rock pro 4.

It has RGB Led and a classic fan size, as it stands about 154mm tall. When it comes to compatibility, this cooler also stands out as one of the best. Even though it is designed for i9 9900K, it is also suitable for other types of processors in the market. 

Moreover, the cooler is easy to install. The copper heat plat and 6 x 6 heat pipes offer superior cooling performance along with greater heat dissipation for gaming PC and high TDP performance when overclocking.

The cooler has done quite well in the market, as it comes with high positive ratings from customers who have used the cooler with their i9 9900K processors.

The nice and sturdy design will offer you a cooler that doesn’t shy during extreme pressure from the CPU. Those looking for high-performance CPU will have their desires met when the choose this cooler to maintain the CPU’s performance.

With amazing features like easy installation, symmetric design, and tough construction, you will have all the right features you need in a CPU cooler.

Buy it now: Here


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2) Noctua NH-U12A, CPU Cooler

In terms of design, the Noctua NH-U12A has portable and impressive features as it’s pretty slim compared to other broader looking coolers out there. It is equipped with a SecuFirm2 mounting system and high-end NT-H1 thermal paste for easy installation. Again, it’s compatibility with different sockets makes it ideal for those who already have hardware in place before buying the thermal system for cooling a CPU.

Additionally, the CPU cooler comes with RGB lighting, industry-leading 120mm  fans with PWM for automatic fan speed control and low noise adaptors, as well as low noise adaptors.

It has excellent RAM and PCIe compatibility, and it fits most tower cases. It also does not block the PCIe on most micro ATX or ATX motherboards and does not overhang the RAM slots on LGA115z AM4.

If you need a compact cooler that can effectively accommodate Core i9 900k with no issues, this Noctua NH-U12A is the right cooler for you. Although it is only 120mm, it produces a performance you will only see in 140mm coolers and above.

Actually, it surpasses the performance of most of the 120mm coolers in the market.  It is equipped with 7 copper heatpipes which are properly soldered to the fins of the heatsink for better contact and more improved heat dissipation.

And if you’re wondering whether the cooler will be operating quietly, you have nothing to worry about here. That’s because the fans operate quietly. As proof of the noiseless design, the fans have a maximum noise rating of 22.6dBA.

This cooler is capable of running the i9 9900K without any issues. Also, it’s possible to carry out a modest level of overclocking for up to 4.8 GHz without any need to bother about temperatures.

But it will still be nice to have good ventilation and airflow in the PC to keep the temperature in check.

However, a negative aspect of the cooler is the fact that it’s more expensive than some other models. But if you’re looking for top cooing performance, you shouldn’t look at the price of the cooler. The overall benefit of buying the cooler instead of some other models is great. The brand also offers 5 years product warranty on the cooler. It won’t let you down if performance is concerned. That’s a guarantee.

Buy it now: Here


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3) Phanteks CPU Cooler

Phanteks may not be as popular as some other brands we have covered here, but you can’t take anything away from the air cooler for i9 9900K. It’s the flagship product of the company, and like many flagship products, this product is designed with care and attention to details.

Among several features of the Phanteks air cooler, the heat pipes are exceptional. It is designed with copper tubes, which improves the dissipation of heat. While the standard heatpipes measure 6mm in diameter, the Phanteks heat pipe is longer at 8mm which enhances heat dissipation.

The air cooler also comes with other exclusive features, such as RGB lighting Physical Anti-Oxidant Thermal Shield (PATS), which serves as a deflector of the heat coming from other external sources like southbridge, northbridge, and rams.

Additionally, there is the Cold Plasma Spraying Coating (CPSC) technology which offers improved thermally efficient welding between aluminum fins and heatpipes, enhancing even faster heat dissipation.

The heatsink weighs just above 1kg and comes in a medium-sized box. Another interesting thing is the fact that the cooler comes in different colors, allowing you to choose the matching air cooler for your i9 9900k processor.

It’s among the very few coolers with aluminum fins. This cooler has fins with Bickel plated in specific colors.

However, if you are looking for the best CPU coolerfor i9 9900k with a compact heat sink, this may not be the right model for you. It’s a bit larger than some other heatsinks. It also doesn’t come with PC cooler water since it’s not a water cooler.

As a result of its large surface are, it may not be compatible with many cabinets. Also, its width may pose a problem to fit into many memory sticks. Also, the size makes it a bit difficult to install for a beginner. But an experienced user will not have issues installing the cooler.

For the CPU cooler to be installed, you may have to adjust a screw at the center for support. That means you need to get a long screwdriver and have patience. This may be a big issue for the proponents of easy installation. Apart from these few shortfalls, every other aspect of the air cooler is great.

Buy it now: Here


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4) Le Grand Macho RT

Le Grand is another relatively unknown CPU cooler. But it’s pretty popular in Europe since it was manufactured by a European firm specializing in hardware and components.

It’s the perfect solution for any heating pipe issue, and it still manages to stay affordable.

Its built design and quality can withstand high-intensity tasks by the processor. Additionally, another thing going well for this air CPU is its compatibility with different kinds of RAM modules.

Apart from being among the best coolers for the Intel i9 9900K processor, it’s also compatible with other Intel CPUs as well as some AMD CPUs too.

Another major point is the fact that it performs exceptionally well on a VGA card, which means there is no need for an enormous graphics card.

If you’re a software user or low-level gamer, it will be easier and more efficient to adapt this cooler to your processor. It is more efficient than Nzxt kraken x72, Corsair Hydro, or other CPU coolers.

Although the fans in this CPU cooler can serve, there is a provision to add an extra fan in case you want to level up the cooling function of the cooler.

Your needs, in the long run, may change, so it’s a good thing to have space where you can add a fan for improved heat dissipation instead of buying an entirely new CPU cooler.

If you are worried about the additional cost, one thing you should know is the fact that add-ons are very affordable, so it would be easier to upgrade anytime you want.

It offers a better RAM clearance, operates quieter, and looks better compared to other coolers in the market.

The cooler is equipped with a 140mm quiet fan and seven copper heat pipes producing maximum noise of 20dBA. With the offset design of the keyboard, it offers better compatibility and improved RAM clearance.

In terms of design, the cooler has a black anodized plate which gives it an elegant look. Overclocking your CPU will also not be challenging because of the strength of the cooler.

It has a TDP of 300W, making it solid enough to accommodate i9 9900K and other types of powerful CPUs.

Buy it now: Here


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5) MSI CPU Cooler

MSI CPU cooler is another impressive air cooler that is compatible with Intel i9 9900K. It comes with a lot of features as well. Like the Scythe air cooler, this model is compatible with different sockets, so you have no issues to worry about compatibility.

Another interesting feature is the Zero RPM mode, which enables the fans to stop completely at low temperatures, eliminating fan noise in the process.

MSI  comes with an iCUE software that allows you to make adjustments on the fan speed, individual fan speeds, as well as the RGB lighting. This gives you maximum control while monitoring coolant temperatures and CPU.

The cooler has RGB LED and is powered by magnetic levitation, as it comes with three Low-Noise 120mm magnetic levitation. This offers impressive airflow and produces only 20 DB of noise at full speed. The low noise is among the reasons why the product is highly regarded in the market right now.

Interestingly, it has a customizable RGB lighting backlit pump that generates glowing lighting effects to match your system build.

It supports all popular Intel and AMD sockets and can be easily fitted with a simple mounting system.

It also comes with a CPU backplate, providing more support for both the cooler and the motherboards for longevity.

Like other coolers for i9 9900K like Dark Rock pro 4 or  h150i pro, this model has a nickel-based copper baseplate which provides a bigger highly conductive area that dissipates the heat from the CPU and sends it to the heat pipes.

There is also an additional 120mm fan bracket which supports dual-fan utilization, offering improved cooling performance.

MSI CPU cooler has impressed a lot of system builders with its accommodating and efficient working heat pipes. The fact that its compatible with different sockets makes it highly demanded in the market right now.

However, the most interesting feature of the best CPU coolerfor i9 9900k is the quiet operation. Despite the high-performance level of the fans, they are relatively quiet despite the high fan speed. With its airflow technology, the processor stays quiet even when out under intense operation. If you’re looking for the best cooling system for i9 9900k, this model will surely serve you well.

Buy it now: Here


10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 27

6) Noctua NH-L9i

When it comes to the best air cooler fort i9 9900K, the Noctua brand is leading the chase. This NH-L9i model is another impressive member of the Noctua production line of air coolers. It’s also the best air cooler for small factor systems and Intel LGA115x based HTPCs.

This model comes with a low profile of 37mm, making it perfect for extremely slim cases. And because of its 95x95mm footprint, it offers full compatibility with VGA graphics cards and RAMS on mini ITX motherboards.

Another impressive feature is the SecuFirm2 mounting system, which offers ease of installation, even for the novice PC builder.

Additionally, the NF-A9x14 premium fan supports completely automatic fan speed control through PWM, making it impressively quiet.

One of the best features of this cooler is the patented NT-H1 thermal compound, as it offers a compact design that is suitable for different types of socket. Despite the compact surface area, this cooler comes packed with strong cooling performance and a very quiet fan. It’s top performance and quiet operation is the reason why we included the cooler here.

And unlike other manufacturers, Noctua only concentrates on coolers and fans for CPU. As a result, it has become a household name as long as coolers are concerned. So, it’s not surprising we included three of the best coolers for i9 9900K CPU from the Noctua brand.

If your system has a smaller built, this is the ideal cooler that will offer the perfect cooling solution.

Also, the small form factor design makes it very affordable compared to other larger air coolers that are most expensive and still incompatible with many sockets.

The slim 37mm heatsink measures only 14mm in thickness, making it perfect for use in compact HTPCs.

Overall, it’s one of the best for i9 9900K for those looking for compatibility, ease of installation, and extremely quiet cooling fans.

Buy it now: Here


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7) Cooler Master Hyper 212

Cooler Master is a very popular brand when it comes to top-performing air coolers for CPU.

Cooler Master is one of the most stylish models in the market as it comes with a sleek and beautiful design that fits into many sockets from both AMD and Intel. The sleek design makes it perfect for those who are looking to install the best CPU coolerfor i9 9900k to build a gaming PC.

It’s the best cooler available for gaming purposes right now because of some of the features we will explain below.

Cooler Master is equipped with fins that ensure an uninterrupted and consistent airflow when your system is operating in intense working conditions. More interesting is the fur-level heat pipes installed in the cooler. As a result, it produces efficient and direct heat dissipation from the system to the heat pipes, keeping your system in extremely low temperature for enhanced performance.

The importance of a cooler in the system cannot be overemphasized. And apart from the perfect job this best CPU coolerfor i9 9900k does, Cooler Master also stays relatively quiet.

The exceptional performance is the reason why this Cooler Master air cooler has retained high praises and encomiums from users who have the first-hand experience with the cooler.

You will love the SF120R RGB LED fan, as it comes with personalized control functionality. To ensure super-fast heat evacuation, the cooler offers push and full configuration.

Cooler Master also comes with a Smart Fan sensor for jam protection. As a result, there is no concern about the CPU components being mucked up or the graphics cards getting snagged.

Additionally, there is an RGB LED support, allowing you easily customize the colors and still profit from the cool effects from the system.

This cooler is tough, so there’s no need to worry about replacements later

Its ease of installation is also another reason to settle for this cooler. This means if you want to move it to another system, it will be very easy to do with simple instructions.

Although the RGB lighting feature may not be attractive to old-fashioned users, the main thing is the performance. Fortunately, Cooler Master comes packed with top cooling performance that will keep your system cool and enhance the processor’s operations. If you’re looking for the best CPU coolerfor i9 9900k, we believe you will love this Cooler Master model.

Buy it now: Here


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8) Noctua NH-D15

Here is another powerful Noctua CPU thermal system  with state-of-the-art dual-tower design.

If you are looking for the best CPU thermal system for Intel i9 9900k, you may not get a better product than Noctua NH-D15 in terms of cost/performance ratio.

But unlike some other compact models, we have listed here, this one is quite large. So, if you are only interested in a smaller sized air cooler, this may not be the ideal option for you.

However, if performance is your priority and your system can accommodate a bigger CPU cooler, you will love this Noctua NH-D15 model. It has two 140mm fans and comes with six heat pipes for superior performance. One of the fans is installed in the middle while the other is installed at the side in a push-pull configuration for improved cooling performance.

And despite the large surface area and the high fan speed, NH-D15 CPU cooler is also quite. That’s one of the reasons why it takes the leading position among several other CPU coolers.

Its noise level rating of the only 24.6dBA is one of the best ratings you will see in the industry.

This NH-D15 is capable of running Intel i9 9900K easily while keeping the temperature in good check even when the CPU is running at full capacity. It can maintain cooling for CPU performance while overclocking at up to 5.0 GHz, something several other air coolers cannot offer you.

However, the only issue with the model is the fact that it is a bit wide, which means it may be difficult to use a RAM with tall heat spreaders with the cooler since the RAM clearance isn’t generous enough.

However, a low profile RAM of Noctua NH-D15 will work perfectly with the cooler, so if your system comes with this type of RAM, then you are good with the cooler. It performs far better than other CPU coolers including Nzxt kraken x72 x720,  H150i pro, and even Dark rock pro 4

Additionally, this CPU cooler is not among the best when it comes to design because it looks rugged without any fancy or decorative feature. However, since performance is the main thing you are looking for, the poor design shouldn’t be an issue.

If you want to showcase the RGB RAM in full glory or want better RAM clearance, you can choose the Noctua NH-D15 model we have listed here. The Noctua NH-D15 cooler comes with a single 140mm fan and features an asymmetric design.

Overall, Noctua NH-D15 is the best CPU cooler for Intel i9 9900k when it comes to performance, and it’s highly recommended.

Buy it now: Here


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9) be quiet! Dark Rock CPU Cooler

Be quiet is one of the most popular air coolers in the market right now. And there are many reasons for this. If you want to use it for your system built, it will not disappoint you. The brand has built a good reputation in the market when it comes to high-performance coolers for CPUs. This product is another example of its shrewdness in manufacturing.

 First, it has a robust design and comes with seven heatpipes, allowing it to double the workload of most normal cooling fans. The design and shape of the wings enable it to offer a consistent and smoother airflow without any gathering of hot air in the robust system.

The cooler has a black coating as well as ceramic particles, making it even a lot easier for the dissipation of hot air. That is exactly what a top-performing cooler will give you.

Another reason for this product’s popularity is the compatibility features with both AMD and Intel. So, customers have a lot of options regarding which chipset they want to install with the cooler.

As a German product, it speaks a lot about its performance, durability, and overall quality. Nevertheless, Be Quiet is not as affordable as other products because it offers superior features. If money is not the issue for you but a top-performing CPU cooler, this model will be a great option.

It is compatible with different RAMs, which is a big advantage for those who may which to upgrade their system later.

Also, the large surface area of the cooler may discourage those looking for a more compact system. So, you have to be sure your system’s space can accommodate the size before buying. If it’s too big for your system build, there are other compact options we have listed here as well.

Buy it now: Here


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10) Noctua NH-D15S, Dual-Tower

This is the third Noctua model we have listed here, but we can’t simply ignore this NH-D15S model.

It’s another good option for those looking for a more compact air cooler for Intel i9 9900K. It’s a single fan cooling system with an asymmetric design that offers good RAM and PCIe slot clearance.  The compact design of NH-D15S provides enough space for other slots in most systems, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility.

Other CPU cooler like Corsair Hydro,  h150i pro, Nzxt kraken x72 x720, or Dark rock pro 4 are not close to this model in terms of performance.

Noctua D15S comes with the best available power rating with a towering layout that offers 65mm RA clearance. Apart from being perfect for Intel i9 9900K processors, it’s also compatible with other CPUs such as Intel i3, i5, and i7, as well as most AMD chipsets.

This version was designed to help solve clearance problems in the previous Noctua versions, so it’s a massive improvement in design and usage.

The fan of the  NH-D15S CPU cooler is equipped with PWM controls as well as fan speed automation mode for different temperatures.

Like other coolers we have mentioned here, NH-D15S has 6 heat pipes, making it the perfect option for heat dissipation. This will keep your system cool while you are working on the most demanding tasks. The 6-year warranty is another proof that the cooler will not disappoint you. Overall, NH-D15 S is one of the best CPU cooler for i9 9900k if you’re building a system for gaming and heavy desktop usage.

Buy it now: Here


ProductBrandNamePrice
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 21SCYTHEScythe Mugen 5 Rev.B 120mm Air CPU CoolerCheck Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 22NoctuaNoctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler with 2x NF-A15 PWM 140mm FansCheck Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 23ThermalrightLe Grand Macho RT (with Fan TY-147B)Check Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 24PhanteksPhanteks CPU Cooler with 5 x 8mm Dual Heat-pipes, 140mm Premium Fans and PWM Adaptor, Patented P.A.T.S Coating, PH-TC14PE_BK (Black)Check Price on Amazon
10 Best Air Coolers for i9-9900K in 2024 25Cooler MasterCooler Master RR-212S-20PC-R1 Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition CPU Air CoolerCheck Price on Amazon

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