A quality aftermarket air cooler or a 240mm AIO liquid cooler provides the cooling the i7-8700K needs, especially when overclocking or running sustained workloads.
The i7-8700K is a 95W six-core processor that runs hot under boost, and Intel does not include a stock cooler in the box. Buying a separate cooler is mandatory, and the right choice depends on your case size, budget, and whether you plan to overclock. Here is what actually works for this CPU.
What Cooling Does the i7-8700K Actually Need?
The 95W TDP means a decent air cooler handles stock speeds without issue. A tower-style air cooler with a 120mm fan or a compact 120mm AIO is sufficient for everyday use and moderate gaming. But the chip draws more power under sustained all-core loads, and thermals climb fast when overclocking past 4.7 GHz on all six cores.
For overclocking or heavy workloads like video encoding, a 240mm or 280mm AIO liquid cooler—or a large dual-tower air cooler—gives the headroom to keep temperatures in check and maintain boost clocks. Spending at least $60 on a cooler is reasonable, with premium options running up to $150 or more.
Best Cooler Options for the i7-8700K
These four coolers consistently perform well on the i7-8700K across multiple review sources. Your case dimensions and motherboard layout determine which fits, so measure clearance before buying.
| Model | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Noctua NH-D15 | Dual-tower air | Air cooling near AIO performance; large size needs a wide case |
| be quiet! Dark Rock 4 BK021 | Single-tower air | Quiet operation with strong stock-to-moderate overclock cooling |
| Corsair H115i Pro | 280mm AIO liquid | Sustained overclocks and heavy workloads; fits most mid-towers |
| Cooler Master 240 Core II | 240mm AIO liquid | Good balance of price and overclocking performance |
For a deeper look at how these models compare in real testing, check our tested roundup of coolers for the i7-8700K with detailed benchmarks and installation notes. Your motherboard socket must be LGA1151 for this CPU—every model listed here supports it, but always verify fit with your case height and radiator space.
How to Install Your Cooler Without Mistakes
The installation process is straightforward if you follow the cooler’s own manual for bracket layout and torque sequence. The most common errors are easy to avoid with a few checks.
- Apply thermal paste correctly. A pea-sized drop in the center of the CPU lid spreads evenly under pressure. Too much or too little hurts temperatures.
- Mount the backplate and brackets per the manual. Each cooler uses a specific bracket set for LGA1151; the wrong orientation can prevent proper contact.
- Check case clearance before mounting the radiator or tower. Measure the case width for tall air coolers and verify radiator thickness plus fan depth fits the front or top panel.
- Fasten the cooler evenly in a cross pattern to distribute pressure. Tighten each screw a few turns at a time rather than one fully first.
- Connect the fan or pump header to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard, not a case-fan header, so the BIOS controls the fan curve.
After installation, the first boot should show CPU temperatures in the 30–40°C range at idle if the mount is correct. If temps spike into the 90s under light load, reseat the cooler and reapply fresh paste.
TechGaroid’s i7-8700K cooler guide provides additional detail on installation steps and compatibility checks for each model.
FAQs
Stock Cooler Status
The i7-8700K does not include a stock cooler in the box. You must buy a separate cooler. A basic third-party cooler is required even for stock operation — the chip has no bundled fan or heatsink.
Liquid Cooling Requirements
Not necessarily. A quality air cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 or be quiet! Dark Rock 4 handles stock speeds and moderate overclocks well. Liquid cooling helps mainly for sustained all-core overclocks beyond 4.7 GHz or if you prefer the case airflow and noise profile of an AIO.
Socket Compatibility
The i7-8700K uses the LGA1151 socket. Any cooler that supports LGA1151 will fit. Double-check the cooler’s compatibility list before buying, as some very large coolers or older brackets may not clear the motherboard VRM heatsinks.
References & Sources
- TechGaroid. “Best CPU Cooler for i7-8700K” Primary source for cooler recommendations and installation guidance.
- GamingGem. “Best CPU Cooler i7-8700K” Additional performance comparisons for Corsair H115i Pro and Noctua NH-D15.
- PC Builder. “CPU Cooler Compatibility for Intel Core i7-8700K” Compatibility database confirming LGA1151 socket support.
- Best Electronics Reviews. “Best Cooler for i7-8700K” Price guidance and additional model options.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.