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Looking for the best CPU Cooler for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K?
The 285K is Intel’s latest flagship processor and you’ll need to pair it with a solid cooling solution to keep it running smoothly without having to stress over temperatures, especially if you plan on overclocking it.
To help you out, I’ve researched and narrowed down the three best CPU coolers that strike the right balance between performance, noise control, and build quality for the Ultra 9 285K.
Our Top Picks
- ID‑COOLING FX240 PRO Liquid CPU Cooler – Best Budget CPU Cooler For Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB – Best Premium CPU Cooler For Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- be quiet! Light Loop 360mm – Our Top Choice
Things To Consider When Buying a CPU Cooler for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is a flagship-class CPU designed for enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators. With 24 cores and high boost clocks, this processor can easily push past its 125W base TDP and draw well over 250W during sustained workloads or overclocking. Choosing the right cooler is critical for unlocking its performance without running into thermal throttling or excessive noise.
Thermal Load and Cooling Headroom
- Base TDP: 125W, but heavy multi-core workloads can push close to 300W.
- Recommendation: Choose a cooler rated for at least 280–300W TDP to ensure stable operation under stress.
- Best options: High-end 360mm AIO liquid coolers or premium dual-tower air coolers with strong static pressure fans.
Socket Compatibility
The Ultra 9 285K uses the new LGA 1851 socket.
- ✅ Most modern coolers now ship with LGA 1851 mounting brackets.
- ⚠️ Older coolers may require an upgrade kit, which many brands provide free upon request.
Noise vs. Performance
This CPU can run hot, so noise control is important.
- Look for PWM-controlled fans that can ramp down during idle.
- Ideally, cooling performance should stay strong under 38 dBA for normal workloads.
Air vs. Liquid Cooling
Both work well, but your choice depends on use case:
- Air coolers – Reliable, cheaper, quieter at mid-loads, but may struggle with sustained 285K power draw.
- Liquid AIOs – Better sustained thermals, cleaner look, but more moving parts and higher cost.
Case Size and Clearance
- Dual-tower air coolers can exceed 160mm in height and block taller RAM modules.
- 360mm AIOs need top or front radiator clearance in mid-tower or larger cases. Always check case specs before buying.
Features and Aesthetics
- RGB/ARGB lighting: Optional, for themed builds.
- LCD pump displays: Useful for system monitoring or customization.
- Refillable designs: Extend lifespan and long-term value.
| Cooler Type | Pros | Cons | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240mm AIO | Affordable, compact, handles 125W | Limited headroom for OC | Budget builds |
| 360mm AIO | Best cooling, good for OC & heavy loads | Larger size, higher cost | Enthusiast builds |
| Dual-Tower Air | Quiet, durable, pump-free | Very large, clearance issues | Long-term & silence-focused |
Bottom line: For the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, a 360mm AIO offers the safest balance of performance and headroom. If silence and reliability matter most, a premium dual-tower air cooler can also be a strong choice, provided your case has clearance.
3 Best CPU Coolers For Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Reviews
ID‑COOLING FX240 PRO Liquid CPU Cooler – Best Budget CPU Cooler For Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Though technically a budget cooler, this solid 240mm unit doesn’t feel like it when comfortably cooling a chip like the 285K, even matching the thermal output of older i7 CPUs under moderate load. This cooler can keep Intel’s flagship under control in most real-world workloads.
Under full load, temps hover just under 80°C, which is more than acceptable at this price point. It’s fully compatible with the Arrow Lake-exclusive LGA 1851 socket, and thanks to its compact 50mm pump height, it can fit in most mid tower cases without clearance issues. If you’re not after RGB gimmicks, that’s another plus, as it features a discreet matte black design.
That being said, alternatives in this price range include air coolers like the Thermalright Phantom Spirit or DeepCool AK620. However, these start to feel quite hefty in smaller cases and don’t match the FX240 PRO’s noise levels. You could invest in those as well if you don’t mind RAM clearance issues or have better case airflow, but for reliable thermals and easier compatibility in compact ATX or mid-tower cases, the FX240 PRO is a no-brainer.
To sum up, what I like is the…
- Quiet operation and excellent thermal performance
- No clearance issues in mid tower cases
- Low cost for a 240mm unit
On the downside…
- No ARGB or RGB lighting of any kind
ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB – Best Premium CPU Cooler For Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
For starters, it’s built around Asetek’s 8th-gen pump with a 3-phase motor, it offers quiet acoustics, includes a beefy 30 mm-thick radiator, and features a cold plate that is about 32% larger than older models. This gives it plenty of surface area to handle the 285K’s thermal load, even under sustained 300 W.
Performance wise, it’s among the top contenders in its category, keeping the 285K well below 70°C during heavy multi-core workloads and overclocked conditions. But it’s not just about thermals. The pump block features a built-in 3.5-inch full-color LCD screen that can display real-time system stats or custom animated content. It also includes a small VRM fan integrated into the pump housing to help cool the voltage regulators on high-end motherboards.
There are other premium alternatives in this price range like the NZXT Kraken Elite or the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity LCD. However the Ryujin stands out in terms of real-world performance and long-term reliability. If aesthetics are your top priority, the other 2 models may be worth considering. But if you’re focused on peak cooling efficiency, high-end build quality, and a bit of customizable flair, the ROG Ryujin III is the cooler that truly matches the caliber of the 285K.
To sum up, what I like…
- Outstanding cooling on power-hungry chips
- The Eye-catching LCD screen and ARGB lighting
- VRM fan adds board stability under load
On the downside…
- May not fit comfortably in compact mid tower cases
be quiet! Light Loop 360mm – Our Top Choice
The reason? During sustained benchmarks on power-hungry chips like the 14700K, this cooler consistently delivered excellent thermal results while keeping both pump and fan noise impressively low. This means that with the Ultra 9 285K generating a similar heat signature to an i7-13700K, the Light Loop handles it effortlessly without demanding a premium price tag.
The fans, Light Wings LX PWM, play a big role here by offering a strong balance of airflow and low noise. This is especially important in productivity-focused builds where background noise can be a concern. One rare feature of the Light Loop is its refillable coolant system, allowing users to top up the liquid over time and extend the cooler’s lifespan. For ARGB fans, the dual-loop lighting adds just the right amount of flair without being excessive.
When compared to our other two picks, the ASUS ROG Ryujin III may outperform it in raw thermal headroom and visual customization, while the ID-COOLING FX240 PRO offers better value for budget builds. But the Light Loop strikes the best overall balance between cooling efficiency, acoustic performance, and aesthetics. Alternatives like the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance are also worth considering, but they lean more heavily on aesthetics and can get noticeably louder under load. So if quiet operation is your top priority, be quiet! still holds the edge.
To sum up, what I like…
- Refillable design that adds long-term longevity
- Clean aesthetics with well-integrated ARGB
- Effortlessly handles high-end chips like the 285K
On the downside…
- Can be costly for budget builds
- Some competing options in this price range offer more extras
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K need a high-end cooler?
The Ultra 9 285K is a flagship 24-core processor that can draw up to 250–300W under sustained loads or overclocking. Without a strong cooler, it will hit thermal throttling quickly, reducing performance.
2. Can the Ultra 9 285K run on a budget 240mm cooler?
A 240mm AIO can keep the 285K within safe limits at stock speeds, but under all-core stress or overclocking, it may run hot and noisy. For full performance, a 360mm AIO or a premium dual-tower air cooler is strongly recommended.
3. Is a dual-tower air cooler enough for the Ultra 9 285K?
Yes, high-end dual-tower designs can handle the 285K, especially if your case has excellent airflow. However, liquid cooling still offers more consistent results in long rendering, compiling, or encoding tasks where heat builds up over time.
4. Do I need to undervolt the Ultra 9 285K to manage heat?
You don’t have to undervolt, but many users do so to reduce temps and power draw without losing performance. A high-quality cooler will give you flexibility to run stock, undervolt, or overclock safely.
5. Will overclocking the 285K require liquid cooling?
For serious overclocking, yes. A 360mm or thicker AIO liquid cooler is the safest bet. Large air coolers can still manage mild OCs but will struggle once the CPU exceeds 250W for extended periods.
6. How does case airflow affect cooling the 285K?
Poor airflow can choke even the best cooler. For a CPU this powerful, you’ll want at least 3 intake and 2 exhaust fans, plus unobstructed radiator placement if using an AIO.
7. Does the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K include a stock cooler?
No, like other K-series CPUs, the Ultra 9 285K does not come with a stock cooler. Intel expects users to pair it with a high-performance aftermarket solution.
8. What’s the quietest way to cool the Ultra 9 285K?
The quietest setups usually involve 360mm AIOs with fans running under 1200 RPM or large dual-tower air coolers with low-noise adapters. Expect around 30–35 dBA under load if tuned well.
9. Will my old LGA 1700 cooler fit the Ultra 9 285K?
Some LGA 1700 coolers can fit the new LGA 1851 socket with an adapter kit. Always check with your cooler’s manufacturer for official compatibility.
10. How loud will cooling the 285K get?
Good coolers stay under 38–40 dBA at load. Budget coolers may run louder, while premium AIOs with optimized fans can remain quieter even under stress.
11. How do I check if my case fits a 360mm radiator?
Look at your case’s specs—most mid-tower and larger cases support top or front 360mm radiators, but smaller cases may only fit 240mm units or tall air coolers.
12. How future-proof should my cooler be for the 285K?
Since the 285K already pushes close to 300W, it’s wise to choose a cooler with headroom beyond today’s needs. A robust 360mm AIO or refillable liquid cooler will likely stay relevant for multiple CPU upgrades.
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