Looking for recommendations on a CPU cooler for my i7-13700K build. Main usage will be gaming and some video editing, with moderate overclocking planned. Case is a Lian Li O11 Dynamic with good airflow. Concerned about RAM clearance with air coolers, using G.Skill Trident Z Neo. Anyone running either of these setups or have other suggestions? Noise levels and reliability are priorities. Would appreciate real-world temperature data from 13700K owners.
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU cooler delivers exceptional cooling at an unbeatable price point, making it a consistent top recommendation among tech reviewers and enthusiasts.
Regarding what #2 said about the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120... yeah, that value is honestly hard to beat. I actually started my 13700K journey with a similar air cooler because I wanted to keep the budget in check. It worked well for a while, but I eventually moved to a liquid setup because I found the fan noise a bit much during long video exports. What I learned is that these chips really do push coolers to the limit. With my air cooler, I had to deal with that same RAM clearance issue you are worried about. I ended up having to mount the fan slightly higher which made the whole thing look a bit lopsided, though it did the job. If you decide to go the air route, just keep an eye on the clearance for those Trident sticks because they are taller than you think. If you ever want to chat about fan curves or managing the noise, let me know, I am happy to share what worked for me.
Noctua NH-D15 G2 is the best choice. https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-Standard-All-Round-Version-Recommended/dp/B0D5B6MXJF?------123456890?7649-20