Coolers are a critical part of any CPU. Failure to provide adequate cooling can lead to overheating, which can shorten the operational lifespan of the device and even cause irreparable damage. Luckily, almost every Intel CPU comes with a thermal cooler from the factory. However, there are some notable exceptions that you should be aware of before purchasing an Intel processor. Here are some common questions about Intel coolers:
Do Intel CPUs Come With Coolers?
No. Intel CPUs do not come with coolers. Most Intel CPUs have a thermal design power (TDP) of 95 watts or higher, which means that they are not suited for use in small form factor computers. However, some recently released Intel chips are lower-powered than 95 watts and can be used in SFF PCs. These include the Core i3-7100U, Core i5-7200U, and Core i7-7500U models.
Why CPUs Don’t Come With Coolers?
- CPUs have very low thermal design power.
- The cost of the cooler is included in the CPU cost.
- It is not worth it for manufacturers to include coolers with CPUs given that most modern computers come with their own coolers, and if you build your own computer you can install a cooler yourself.
- Cooler companies could produce better products if CPUs did not come with stock coolers. They could compete for those dollars and produce better products, which would be good for everyone, including Intel (and AMD).
- Cooler companies would probably sell more coolers if they were sold separately because people would buy them to overclock their CPUs. In general, people don’t overclock unless they have a cooler that they feel confident in using to do so.
- CPUs are not like GPUs. CPUs are very, very difficult to overclock without a good cooler.
- CPUs don’t need that much cooling. They’re designed to run at very high speeds and dissipate relatively low amounts of power.
- Most modern computers come with their own coolers. If you build your own computer, you can install a cooler yourself (or use the one from your old computer). Most people who build their own computers have access to a cooler and/or know how to install one. If they don’t, there are plenty of guides online about how to install one.
- The cost of the cooler is included in the CPU cost because it was assumed that the buyer already had a working computer with an adequate heatsink/fan or access to one that could be used for overclocking. Also, some people would rather have something better than what comes with a CPU and would rather spend their money on a better cooler than something else not overclocked, and this way they can get the cooler at a discount.
- If Intel included coolers with their CPUs, they would probably have to include a very cheap cooler that would not be adequate for overclocking. This would cause people to be dissatisfied with the product and Intel’s brand as a whole.
- Most people who buy an Intel CPU already have a working computer and/or access to one.
- Cooler companies could compete for those dollars and produce better products, which would be good for everyone, including Intel (and AMD).
Which Coolers Are Included With Intel CPUs?
- The Intel stock cooler is a basic cooler that is packaged with most Intel CPUs. It has a low profile, which means that it does not need much space inside the case, but it does not provide much cooling power. It is also very loud.
- Intel offers an upgraded CPU cooler dubbed the “Intel Thermal Solution RTS2011LC.” This cooler has a larger heat sink and fan than the stock cooler, and it uses ball bearings instead of sleeve bearings. The RTS2011LC’s noise levels are comparable to those of other coolers of its size, but it may be too large for smaller cases, such as SFF cases.
- Some cases have pre-drilled holes for installing aftermarket CPU coolers in addition to the stock CPU cooler included with the processor. If your case has pre-drilled holes for mounting such a cooler, you can choose any aftermarket CPU cooler you like (as long as it fits in your case).
- Some aftermarket CPU coolers can be installed without drilling any holes, as they come with a backplate that can be screwed to the motherboard’s mounting holes. However, this backplate may not fit in smaller cases.
- Some aftermarket CPU coolers are designed to fit in smaller cases and come with backplates that can be screwed to the motherboard’s mounting holes.
- Some aftermarket CPU coolers are designed specifically for Intel CPUs and come with backplates that can be screwed to the motherboard’s mounting holes.
- Some aftermarket CPU coolers can be installed without drilling any holes, as they come with a backplate that can be screwed to the motherboard’s mounting holes. However, this backplate may not fit in smaller cases.
- Some aftermarket CPU coolers are designed specifically for Intel CPUs and come with backplates that can be screwed to the motherboard’s mounting holes.
- Some aftermarket CPU coolers are designed specifically for Intel CPUs and come with backplates that can be screwed to the motherboard’s mounting holes, but may not fit in smaller cases because of their size or weight (or both).
- Some aftermarket CPU coolers are designed specifically for Intel CPUs and come with backplates that can be screwed to the motherboard’s mounting holes.
Final Words
If you’re in the market for a CPU, make sure to check the cooler compatibility before you buy. The last thing you want to do is drop hundreds of dollars on a new CPU only to realize you can’t use the cooler you want with it. After you’ve checked the cooler compatibility, make sure that the cooler is powerful enough to perform well with your CPU. If you’re overclocking, you’ll want to make sure that the cooler is efficient enough to dissipate the additional heat. Lastly, be sure to read customer reviews to find out more about the quality of the product before you buy. There are plenty of CPUs to choose from, so make sure to do your research before you buy!