Best CPU Cooler For i7 12700K: Top Choices [2023]

Finding the best CPU cooler for the new i7 12700K CPU can be a lot confusing, as it has just been announced.

TLDR: Get the AORUS WATERFORCE X 360, and you’re good to go.

Hence, as a PC enthusiast, I decided to write about it.

After hours of research, I came up with the best options for every type of customer.

Whether you like ARGB lighting or want the best performance, or like air cooling, I have got your back.

So keep reading the post to learn more.

Also, check out our separate post on will a CPU cooler work on a GPU.

Top 5 Best i7 12700K CPU Coolers

The Intel Core i7 12700K is the latest 12th gen CPU. It features 12 cores and 20 threads with a base TDP of 125W.

Such a powerful CPU requires a decent CPU cooler, no doubt. Without a capable CPU cooler, you will not be able to get the most out of the CPU.

As such, you will be left with lackluster performance. Hence, I have chosen some best options for you, which ensure you get the best performance from your expensive CPU.

Also, Check out our expert-recommended best low-profile cpu cooler for your chassis.

So, here are the top 5 best i7 12700K CPU coolers:

1. AORUS WATERFORCE X 360

The AORUS WATERFORCE X 360 is the best 360mm AIO for the Intel Core i7 12700K.

Key highlights of the AORUS WATERFORCE X 360:

Check Today's Price of AORUS WATERFORCE X 360→

Gigabyte made a superb liquid cooler in the form of the AORUS WATERFORCE X 360. In addition to being an AIO with the best cooling performance, it has some nifty additions too.
The AIO comes with a 60x60mm circular screen on the pump, for starters. You can rotate the screen up to 330° for the perfect orientation.

For rich customization, the pump has a micro SD card slot. So you can load bigger image/gif files into the customizable LCD for better looks.
The three 120mm PWM fans have ARGB lighting as well as graphene nano lubricant. So they run as smoothly as it gets. The optimized pump and the three fans ensure you get the best cooling performance out of the 360mm AIO.

To control the PWM fan speeds, the ARGB lighting, and the customizable LCD, you get to use the RGB Fusion 2.0 software, which has extensive feature support.
Overall, the AORUS WATERFORCE X 360 excels in terms of aesthetics, cooling performance, efficiency, and customization. If you have the budget for the expensive cooler, you should definitely get it.

2. MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240

The MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240 is the best 240mm AIO you can get.

Top highlights of the MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240:

Check Today's Price of MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240→

MSI did a great job with the MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240. It checks out all the core functionalities of an AIO and adds some extra bits on top too.
The 240mm looks gorgeous with its sleek design and 2.4″ customizable LCD. That’s right. The AIO has a customizable LCD where you can display anything from PC stats to your own image.
The ARGB lighting is done right here. The pump and the two TORX fans have ARGB lighting enabled.

When it comes to cooling performance, you will be blown away by the MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240. It has the latest Asetek 7th gen pump and an embedded fan inside the pump. The low evaporation tubing and the 2500 RPM MSI TORX fans combine to give you the best 240mm cooling solution.
The fans have PWM as well as a new improved design for better efficiency. To control the ARGB lighting, the LCD as well as the PWM speeds, you can use the MSI Center which is pretty easy to use.

Except from the fans being louder than others in the list, there is not much to complain about regarding the MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240.
Hence, if you want a 240mm AIO with great cooling performance and gorgeous design and ARGB lighting, the MSI MPG Series CORELIQUID K240 is a no brainer.

Also, check out the best CPU Coolers for i7-11700k.

3. Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black

If you like to air cool your i7 12700K CPU, the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is the way to go.

Some features of the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black:

Check Today's Price of Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black→

If you are using a regular sized case, you might not have enough room for dual tower coolers. In such a scenario, a powerful single tower cooler is mandatory. And the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is such a cooler.
Noctua is  renowned for their quiet and highly efficient air coolers. The Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is no different. You get a slim single tower heatsink with capable heat pipes.

On both sides of the heatsink, you get 120mm NF-A12x25 PWM fans. The fans are super quiet and highly efficient with the airflow.
The fans output a maximum noise of 22.6 dB. With the low noise adaptors, they tame down to 18.8 dB. In terms of airflow, they can ramp up to 2000 RPM.
The all-black design of the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black looks premium and elite. It will look good with any gaming PC due to its color scheme. The build quality is also rigid and does not feel cheap in any measure.

Lastly, the single tower cooler has a maximum height of 158mm. So it should fit easily into regular-sized PC cases. It makes the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black a perfect combination with the Core i7 12700K.

The Noctua coolers tend to be slightly more expensive than others of the same category. But you are getting better construction, airflow, acoustics, and overall, better efficiency.
To sum up, the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is the perfect choice for the i7 12700K CPU if you want a single tower air cooler.

4. Thermaltake TH240 ARGB

The Thermaltake TH240 ARGB is a top contender as an affordable 240mm liquid cooler.

Top highlights of the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB:

Check Today's Price of Thermaltake TH240 ARGB→

If you do not want to overspend on your liquid cooler, and want an AIO that has a high performance to price ratio, the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB is a perfect choice.
The aesthetics of the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB is on point. Combined with ARGB lighting on the fans and pump, you get a decent-looking AIO for the money.

The two 120mm fans produce high airflow for quick heat dissipation. The PWM functionality ensures they do not run at 100% speed at all times and output extra noise.

But if you are worried about the noise level, here are 9 of the quietest CPU coolers you can choose from. You can even try fanless CPU coolers for absolute silence.

If you do not have an ARGB header on your motherboard, you will be glad to know that the AIO ships with a smart ARGB controller.
So you can hook up the ARGB fans to the smart controller and use it to control the ARGB effects.
The reinforced tubing of the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB helps lower the coolant’s evaporation, resulting in a longer lifespan.

For a 240mm AIO, the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB performs pretty well. Of course, you should not expect it to perform the same as the 360mm coolers.
To sum up, the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB is a top-notch option as an affordable 240mm AIO with high cooling capacity.

5. Thermaltake TH120 ARGB

The Thermaltake TH120 ARGB is a 120mm version of the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB.

Key features of the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB:

Check Today's Price of Thermaltake TH120 ARGB→

Thermaltake makes liquid coolers of all categories and sizes. The Thermaltake TH120 ARGB is a single fan 120mm version of the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB.
As such, all the features are virtually the same. You get the same design factor in the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB. It has a sleek design with an ARGB ring around the pump and a Thermaltake logo at the center.

The single 120mm fan has both ARGB lighting and a PWM fan. The included smart controller allows you to control the ARGB lighting without the use of an ARGB header on the motherboard.
As the fan has PWM functionality, the fan will only run as fast as it needs to. It gives you less noise output. Moreover, there is only one fan here, so you get very low noise output.

The build quality is decent, just like the Thermaltake TH240 ARGB. The low evaporation tubing ensures an extended lifespan and better efficiency.
For a CPU like the i7 12700K, the 120mm AIO will be fine as long as you do not overclock the CPU. If you want to overclock, you should get a bigger cooler like the 240mm or the 360mm AIO listed above.

Overall, the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB is a decent liquid cooler with ARGB and a sleek design.

Final Thoughts

Which CPU cooler caught your attention?

I like the AORUS WATERFORCE X 360 for its superb features and cooling performance. The Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is the best option if you want to go for the air cooling route.