Buying Guide
The Best CPU Coolers for the Intel Core i7-13700K
Six 360mm AIO coolers for the sixteen-core Core i7-13700K, compared on pumps, fans, cabling and LGA1700 support.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Core i7-13700K has sixteen cores and draws well over 200W under all-core load at stock limits. A 360mm AIO keeps it closer to its boost clocks.
We compared six 360mm AIOs on pump, fans, cabling and LGA1700 support, using the makers' specifications.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for the i7-13700K
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
A thick radiator and VRM fan.
Best for: Most 13700K builds.
Our take Check price for ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 (opens in a new tab)
Best Corsair Pick
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN II 360 RX RGB
A FlowDrive Gen 2 pump on one cable.
Best for: iCUE builds.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN II 360 RX RGB (opens in a new tab)
Best With a Display
NZXT Kraken Plus 360
A pump-head LCD.
Best for: Showcase builds.
Our take Check price for NZXT Kraken Plus 360 (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm
The Silent Loop 3 360 uses three high-speed Silent Wings 4 fans and a dampened pump; its cold plate also covers Threadripper.
Best for: Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm (opens in a new tab)
Best for ASUS TUF Builds
ASUS TUF Gaming LC III ARGB 360
TUF styling and 400mm tubes.
Best for: ASUS TUF boards.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming LC III ARGB 360 (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 360
The Coreliquid A13 360 moves the pump into the radiator, leaving a slim block on the CPU.
Best for: Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 360 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for the i7-13700K1 of 6
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 is a thick-radiator AIO at a price close to many 240mm units.
Best for
- Most 13700K builds.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
A small fan on the pump block cools the motherboard's power stages. Its integrated VRM fan cools the motherboard power stage, which a standard AIO leaves without airflow. The offset cold plate sits over the CPU hotspot rather than the centre of the heatspreader.
The fan cables run inside the tube sleeving, so only one cable reaches the motherboard. It also comes with P12 PRO fans, native offset mounting toward the CPU hotspot and a contact frame for LGA1851 and LGA1700. Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks.
It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Coreliquid A13 360 was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- VRM fan: Yes
- Cabling: Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Built-in fan that cools the motherboard's power stages
- Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- P12 PRO fans
Best Corsair Pick2 of 6
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN II 360 RX RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Titan II 360 RX moves to a second-generation FlowDrive pump and RX II fans on a unified frame, still on one iCUE LINK cable.
Best for
- iCUE builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when lighting and display control need iCU is a problem.
Why we like it
iCUE LINK chains all components to one hub port, and the unified fan frame means fewer screws and cables. Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. Plan to install iCUE for lighting control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers. Only the Kraken Plus 360 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- Cabling: One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- Software: iCUE
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- FlowDrive Gen 2 pump
- RX II fans on a unified frame
Cons
- Lighting and display control need iCUE
- Costs more than the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 at the time of writing
Best With a Display3 of 6
NZXT Kraken Plus 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Kraken Plus 360 adds a small LCD to NZXT's Turbine pump and runs everything from one breakout cable.
Best for
- Showcase builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: lighting and display control need NZXT CAM.
Why we like it
Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. Plan to install NZXT CAM for lighting and display control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers.
It also brings 1.54-inch pump-head display for temperatures or images. Worth noting too: zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper Silent Loop 3 360 and the pricier Titan II 360 RX, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- Pump display: 1.54-inch
- Zero RPM mode: Yes
- Software: NZXT CAM
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 1.54-inch pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- NZXT's Turbine pump
Cons
- Lighting and display control need NZXT CAM
- Costs more than the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice4 of 6
be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Silent Loop 3 360 uses three high-speed Silent Wings 4 fans and a dampened pump; its cold plate also covers Threadripper.
Best for
- Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A three-chamber pump reduces turbulence and noise, and three Silent Wings 4 fans are tuned for quiet running. The pump can be dampened and adjusted, which helps if pump noise bothers you at idle. Its engineered cooling block targets high-power CPUs.
Its radiator corners hold the fans flush for quieter airflow. Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper TUF Gaming LC III 360 and the pricier Kraken Plus 360, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Three Silent Wings 4 high-speed fans
- Dampened, adjustable pump
- Threadripper cold-plate coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 at the time of writing
Best for ASUS TUF Builds5 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming LC III ARGB 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TUF Gaming LC III 360 uses pre-installed integrated fans and 400mm sleeved tubes.
Best for
- ASUS TUF boards.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its fans spin from 650 to 2,600 RPM with 90.78 CFM of airflow, and the copper cold plate comes with pre-applied paste. Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Coreliquid A13 360 and the Silent Loop 3 360, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- Tube length: 400mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Pre-installed integrated fans
- Reinforced sleeved tubing
- TUF styling and 400mm tubes
Cons
- Costs more than the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 at the time of writing
Solid Alternative6 of 6
MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Coreliquid A13 360 moves the pump into the radiator, leaving a slim block on the CPU.
Best for
- Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 390mm tubes use a triple-layer, evaporation-proof design, and the mount fits AM5, AM4 and LGA1700 with paste included. Its split-flow radiator has the pump built in, which keeps the CPU block slim. It also comes with ceramic pump bearings.
Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. Its price falls between the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max pump speed: 3800 RPM
- Tube length: 390mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Split-flow radiator with the pump built into it
- Ceramic pump bearings
Cons
- Costs more than the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Coolers for i7-13700K
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Setup
- We compared cabling, hubs and the software each unit needs.
- Extras
- We recorded pump displays, VRM fans and zero RPM modes where listed.
- Pump and fans
- We noted listed pump and fan speeds and fan size.
- Fit and mounting
- We checked radiator size and listed socket support, including AM5 and LGA1851.
What to Look for in a Cooler for i7-13700K
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match radiator size to the CPU
A 240mm radiator handles most gaming CPUs. 280mm and 360mm units give more headroom for 170W chips and let fans run slower.
Confirm radiator support in your case
Cases list which radiator sizes fit at the front, top and side. A top mount also has to clear the motherboard's heatsinks and tall RAM.
Check the case's clearance figure for radiator plus fans.
AIOs have a finite life
Pumps and coolant age over years of use. Warranty length is a fair guide to how long the maker expects the unit to last.
Mount the pump below the radiator's top
Air collects at the highest point of the loop. Keep the radiator's top edge above the pump, or tubes-down at the front, to avoid pump noise and wear.
Software is optional but useful
LCD screens and lighting usually need the maker's software. Pump and fan speeds can run from motherboard headers instead.
Count the cables and headers
Some AIOs daisy-chain fans or run everything through one hub; others need several fan headers and a USB header. Check what your motherboard has free.
How to Choose a Cooler for i7-13700K
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most 13700K builds | Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 | A thick radiator and VRM fan |
| iCUE builds | Titan II 360 RX | A FlowDrive Gen 2 pump on one cable |
| Showcase builds | Kraken Plus 360 | A pump-head LCD |
| ASUS TUF boards | TUF Gaming LC III 360 | TUF styling and 400mm tubes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| AIO cooler | Fan size | Cabling | Software | Tube length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 | 120mm | Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving | Not listed | Not listed |
| Titan II 360 RX | 120mm | One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans | iCUE | Not listed |
| Kraken Plus 360 | 120mm | Not listed | NZXT CAM | Not listed |
| Silent Loop 3 360 | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| TUF Gaming LC III 360 | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed | 400mm |
| Coreliquid A13 360 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 390mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | AIO coolers |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, Coreliquid A13 360 |
| About $100 to $150 | TUF Gaming LC III 360, Silent Loop 3 360 |
| About $150 to $250 | Kraken Plus 360, Titan II 360 RX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an AIO need maintenance?
Only dusting the radiator. The loop is sealed and is not meant to be refilled.
Is an LCD pump head worth it?
Only for looks or quick temperature readouts. It does not change cooling performance.
Should the radiator be at the front or top?
Either works. Top-mounted exhausts keep warm air out of the case; front-mounted intake gives the CPU cooler air. Keep the pump below the radiator's top.
Where do I plug in the pump?
Use the motherboard's AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN header, set to full speed or DC mode as the maker recommends.
Do AIO coolers leak?
Leaks are rare with current sealed units, and several makers cover damage under warranty. Check the terms for your model.
Is an AIO better than an air cooler?
For CPUs rated at 170W or more, a 280mm or 360mm AIO usually runs cooler or quieter. For 65W to 120W chips, a good dual-tower air cooler is often just as effective.
Bottom Line
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 is the pick for a 13700K. The Titan II 360 RX suits Corsair builds, and the Kraken Plus 360 and TUF LC III match their brands' boards.