Buying Guide
The Best CPU Coolers for the Intel Core i5-13600K
Six dual-tower air coolers that handle the Core i5-13600K's boost power on LGA1700, compared on heat pipes, fans, height and socket support.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Core i5-13600K is an unlocked fourteen-core chip whose power draw climbs well above its base rating under load. A single budget tower will let it throttle.
We compared six dual-tower coolers on heat pipes, fans, height and LGA1700 support, using the makers' specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best for the i5-13600K
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SESeven heat pipes in a dual tower at a budget price.
Best for: Most 13600K builds.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SEThe Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the budget dual tower most builders start with.
Best for: Buyers who want two fans included.
Check price for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
Noctua NH-D15 G2Eight heat pipes and two 140mm fans.
Best for: Quiet builds with room for a large cooler.
Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5The Dark Rock Pro 5 is be quiet!'s dual tower with seven heat pipes.
Best for: Buyers who want 7 heat pipes.
Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest Dual Tower
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SEA 260W rating at the lowest price here.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Check price for ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best With a Display
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVOA temperature display on the heatsink.
Best for: Builders who want a visible readout.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for the i5-13600K1 of 6
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE puts seven heat pipes into a dual-tower design at a budget price.
Best for
- Most 13600K builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Frozn A620 Pro SE, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 154mm height fits most mid-tower cases. Thermalright rates it for CPUs from 105W to 280W, and mounting kits cover AM4, AM5 and Intel up to LGA1851. On heat pipe count it ties with the Dark Rock Pro 5 and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO at 7.
On height it leads this guide at 154mm, ahead of the Frozn A620 Pro SE (157mm). Check that your case offers at least 154mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the pricier Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 154mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Dual-tower heatsink
Cons
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice2 of 6
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the budget dual tower most builders start with.
Best for
- Buyers who want two fans included.
Skip if
- The maker gives no height, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It has six heat pipes and two 120mm fans. At 155mm tall it fits most mid-towers, and its six heat pipes and two PWM fans handle mainstream CPUs. It is one of the best-known budget dual towers.
On heat pipe count it ties with the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 6. On fan size it ties with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Frozn A620 Pro SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO at 120mm. You also get a 25.6dB(A) noise rating.
The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra. Its price falls between the Frozn A620 Pro SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Two fans included
- Dual-tower heatsink
- 25.6dB(A) noise rating
Cons
- No published height
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed height should compare it with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, which comes in at 154mm.
Best Premium Pick3 of 6
Noctua NH-D15 G2
The NH-D15 G2 is Noctua's current flagship air cooler with eight heat pipes and two 140mm fans.
Best for
- Quiet builds with room for a large cooler.
Skip if
- The maker gives no height, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It is large and costly, and it carries a six-year warranty. Its fans have a speed offset for acoustic fine-tuning, and there is 20% more fin area than the original NH-D15. On heat pipe count it leads this guide at 8, ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7).
Its 140mm fan size is the largest here; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes next at 120mm. It also offers an offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot, 59mm RAM clearance with one fan fitted and NT-H2 paste in the box. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Dark Rock Pro 5. Buyers who need a confirmed height should compare it with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, which comes in at 154mm.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 8
- Fan size
- 140mm
- Warranty
- 6-year
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 8 heat pipes
- 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow
- 6-year warranty
- Two fans included
Cons
- No published height
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 6
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5
The Dark Rock Pro 5 is be quiet!'s dual tower with seven heat pipes.
Best for
- Buyers who want 7 heat pipes.
Skip if
- The maker gives no fan size, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
A Speed Switch lets you choose a quiet or performance fan mode. Seven copper heat pipes and a ceramic-particle black coating aid cooling, and two Silent Wings PWM fans use fluid-dynamic bearings. It is built to stay quiet under load.
On heat pipe count it ties with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO at 7. Its price falls between the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO and the NH-D15 G2, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed fan size should compare it with the NH-D15 G2, which comes in at 140mm.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Speed Switch for quiet or performance fan modes
- Silent Wings PWM fans
Cons
- No published fan size
- No published height
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
Cheapest Dual Tower5 of 6
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE
The Frozn A620 Pro SE is the cheapest dual tower here, with six heat pipes, a 157mm height and a 260W rating.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if heat pipe count matters most to you; the NH-D15 G2 offers 8.
Why we like it
Its dual-tower heatsink and two 120mm PWM fans stand 157mm tall, which fits most tower cases. The black finish suits a dark interior. Its RAM clearance of 40mm fits standard-height memory under the front fan.
It is rated at 27.2dB(A) maximum noise. Its two PWM fans slow down at idle. It matches the Peerless Assassin 120 SE on heat pipe count (6).
It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO on fan size (120mm). Its 157mm height ranks second of 3 here, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (154mm) and ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO (160mm). Check that your case offers at least 157mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Peerless Assassin 120 SE the next step up.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 157mm
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- Two fans included
- 260W rating
- 40mm clearance for standard RAM
- Height of 157mm, ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO
Cons
- Heat pipe count trails the NH-D15 G2 (8)
The catch
It gives ground on heat pipe count, where the NH-D15 G2 offers 8.
Best With a Display6 of 6
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO
The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO adds a magnetic display panel that shows CPU temperature to the Phantom Spirit's seven-pipe design.
Best for
- Builders who want a visible readout.
Skip if
- Skip it if fan size matters most to you; the NH-D15 G2 offers 140mm.
Why we like it
At 160mm tall it fits mainstream ATX cases, and its fans spin to 2,150 RPM. It ships with mounting kits for AM4/AM5 and Intel sockets from LGA1150 to LGA1851. Thin ARGB lines frame the fans.
The magnetic ARGB top panel displays CPU temperature and load, and the fan runs up to 2150RPM. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the Dark Rock Pro 5 on heat pipe count (7). It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Frozn A620 Pro SE on fan size (120mm).
Its 160mm height is the tallest in this group; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 154mm. It also offers TRCC control software. Check that your case offers at least 160mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. When we checked, only the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Dark Rock Pro 5 cost more.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 160mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature
Cons
- Fan size trails the NH-D15 G2 (140mm)
- Height trails the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (154mm)
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
The catch
Fan size is its weakest area, and the NH-D15 G2 covers it better at 140mm.
How We Chose These Coolers for i5-13600K
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side six coolers on heat pipe count, fan size, height and fans included from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and fan size and height are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Phantom Spirit 120 SE to the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO, state heat pipe count and fans included.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Dark Rock Pro 5 gives no fan size; the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, the NH-D15 G2 and the Dark Rock Pro 5 give no height.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Frozn A620 Pro SE (under $50) to the NH-D15 G2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Cooler for i5-13600K
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Heat pipe count across these picks
Here heat pipe count runs from 6 on the Frozn A620 Pro SE to 8 on the NH-D15 G2, a 33% spread. For less, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the runner-up at 7 (under $50 tier).
Fan size
The NH-D15 G2 tops fan size at 140mm and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO sits lowest at 120mm. The NH-D15 G2 is the pick for fan size. The Dark Rock Pro 5 gives no fan size figure, so 5 of 6 picks are compared here.
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them How much height you need
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE tops height at 154mm and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO sits lowest at 160mm. For less, the Frozn A620 Pro SE is the runner-up at 157mm. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE, the NH-D15 G2 and the Dark Rock Pro 5 give no height figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Dark Rock Pro 5: Silent Wings PWM fans. The Frozn A620 Pro SE: 40mm clearance for standard RAM. The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO: TRCC control software.
A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC Budget
Under $50 buys the Frozn A620 Pro SE, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE; $50 to $100 buys the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO and the Dark Rock Pro 5; $150 to $250 buys the NH-D15 G2 at our last check.
How to Choose a Cooler for i5-13600K
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most 13600K builds | Phantom Spirit 120 SE | Seven heat pipes in a dual tower at a budget price |
| Quiet builds with room for a large cooler | NH-D15 G2 | Eight heat pipes and two 140mm fans |
| Tight budgets | Frozn A620 Pro SE | A 260W rating at the lowest price here |
| Builders who want a visible readout | Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO | A temperature display on the heatsink |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The NH-D15 G2 leads on heat pipe count at 8, ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 SE at 7. "Not listed" marks fan size where the Dark Rock Pro 5 leaves the figure out.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Height | Fans included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE | 7 | 120mm | 154mm | 2 |
| Peerless Assassin 120 SE | 6 | 120mm | Not listed | 2 |
| NH-D15 G2 | 8 | 140mm | Not listed | 2 |
| Dark Rock Pro 5 | 7 | Not listed | Not listed | 2 |
| Frozn A620 Pro SE | 6 | 120mm | 157mm | 2 |
| Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO | 7 | 120mm | 160mm | 2 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Frozn A620 Pro SE, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the NH-D15 G2 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Frozn A620 Pro SE, Peerless Assassin 120 SE, Phantom Spirit 120 SE |
| About $50 to $100 | Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO, Dark Rock Pro 5 |
| About $150 to $250 | NH-D15 G2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest heat pipe count: the NH-D15 G2 or the Phantom Spirit 120 SE?
Between the top two, it is 8 on the NH-D15 G2 against 7 on the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, a 14% difference. The spread runs down to the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 6.
How does the Phantom Spirit 120 SE compare with the NH-D15 G2 on fan size?
The NH-D15 G2 leads at 140mm, with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE at 120mm. The Dark Rock Pro 5 is left out of this ranking because its fan size isn't stated; 5 of 6 picks are ranked.
How does the Frozn A620 Pro SE compare with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE on height?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes out best at 154mm, with the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 157mm. The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO closes the ranking at 160mm. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE, the NH-D15 G2 and the Dark Rock Pro 5 are left out of this ranking because their height isn't stated; 3 of 6 picks are ranked.
Is the NH-D15 G2 worth paying more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE?
On paper it adds heat pipe count (8 against 6) and fan size (140mm against 120mm). The Frozn A620 Pro SE sat in the under $50 tier and the NH-D15 G2 in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if heat pipe count and fan size decide your purchase.
What makes the NH-D15 G2 the Best Premium Pick?
The label rests on eight heat pipes and two 140mm fans. The Frozn A620 Pro SE, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at quiet builds with room for a large cooler.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE apart?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE: a dual-tower heatsink. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE: a dual-tower heatsink. The NH-D15 G2: an offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot.
Bottom Line
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the practical pick for a 13600K. The NH-D15 G2 is quieter at higher cost, and the Frozn A620 Pro SE saves the most.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best CPU Coolers for the Intel Core i5-14600K
- Related guideThe Best Air Coolers
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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