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For a Z690 motherboard, choose a cooler that supports the LGA1700 socket, then verify it fits your exact CPU, motherboard, case and memory. If you want a starting point, PC Gamer lists the ARCTIC Freezer 36 as a budget air-cooling pick; its January 2026 roundup names the Noctua NH-D15 G2 as best air cooler and the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro as best liquid cooler. Those are editorial picks, not guaranteed winners for every build.
“Best cooler board for Z690” most likely means the best CPU cooler for a Z690 motherboard. Z690 is a chipset; it does not determine cooler fit or the cooling capacity your processor needs. The relevant mounting standard for the Intel desktop platform covered here is LGA1700.
Which cooler should you consider?
The right choice depends on the processor and the physical layout of your build. These published picks offer starting points, but the cited roundups do not establish a controlled head-to-head result for your specific CPU, board and case.
| Cooler | Cooling type | What the cited roundup says | Fit note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCTIC Freezer 36 | Air | PC Gamer’s August 14, 2026 roundup lists it as a budget pick. | PC Gamer states LGA1700 support; confirm the exact mounting hardware and physical clearance. |
| Noctua NH-D15 G2 | Air | PC Gamer’s January 16, 2026 roundup names it its best air cooler. | Listed with LGA1700 support; verify compatibility with your exact CPU and motherboard. |
| ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro | Liquid AIO | PC Gamer’s January 16, 2026 roundup names it its best liquid cooler. | Listed with LGA1700 support; check radiator mounting space and component clearance in your case. |
Sources: PC Gamer’s 2026 air-cooler roundup and PC Gamer’s 2026 CPU-cooler roundup.
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- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger（(Note:Please check your case and motherboard for compatibility with this size cooler.）
- 【2 PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
- 【AGHP technique】6×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation, 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, When CPU cooler works, match with pwm fans, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:115X/1200/1700/17XX AMD:AM4;AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided（Note: Toinstall the AMD platform, you need to use the original motherboard's built-in backplanefor installation, which is not included with this product)
Check compatibility before buying
Confirm LGA1700 support and mounting hardware
Check the cooler maker’s compatibility details for LGA1700 and make sure the box or your existing kit includes the correct mounting parts. ARCTIC says, “All coolers shipped by ARCTIC are already compatible with LGA1700 processors,” but cautions that reseller stock may lack matching accessories. See ARCTIC’s LGA1700 compatibility FAQ.
Do not assume an older LGA1200 mounting setup is suitable just because the motherboard is Z690. Follow the cooler’s model-specific installation directions; socket and mounting compatibility need to be checked rather than inferred from the chipset.
Rank #2
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification]AX120R SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x71(W)x148(H)mm (4.92x2.8x 5.83 inch); Product weight:0.645kg(1.42lb); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation
- 【PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), the fan pairs efficient cool with low-noise-level, providing you an environment with both efficient cool and true quietness
- 【AGHP technique】4×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation. Up to 20000 hours of industrial service life, S-FDB bearings ensure long service life of air-cooler radiators. UL class a safety insulation low-grade, industrial strength PBT + PC material to create high-quality products for you. The height is 148mm, Suitable for medium-sized computer case
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/1851,AMD:AM4 /AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided
Check case and motherboard clearance
Socket support alone does not guarantee the cooler will physically fit. ARCTIC notes that some case and motherboard combinations can conflict with its square Intel backplate. Check the case’s cooler-height limit for an air cooler, or radiator size and mounting locations for an AIO, along with motherboard and RAM clearance. ARCTIC provides a slimmer backplate option for some configurations; consult its compatibility guidance for details.
Match the cooler to your exact CPU and board
A Z690 model name does not identify the processor, board layout or cooling demand. Noctua recommends checking its CPU compatibility list for model-level cooling performance and turbo headroom, and its motherboard compatibility list for the exact board. Intel’s 12th-generation desktop compatibility guidance places those processors on LGA1700 and Intel 600-series chipset boards; Noctua says 13th-generation processors use the same socket.
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Rank #3
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The CPU cooler comes with a dual-tower heatsink and two 120mm PWM fans to ensure excellent heat dissipation from the CPU.
- 【Aesthetic Appeal】A blackout cooler can blend seamlessly into the design of many computer cases, especially those with black or dark-colored interiors.
- 【157mm Height】The dual-tower CPU air cooler can fit most tower cases due to a 157mm height in total.
- 【RAM Compatibility】The CPU air cooler gives 40mm clearance for standard RAM and a maximum of 63mm height with the cut-out fin.
- 【6 Heat Pipes】Six Ф6mm copper heat pipes can efficiently absorb heat from the CPU and transfer it to the heatsink.
Choose air or liquid for your build
- Air cooler: Compare the cooler’s height with your case limit and check RAM and motherboard clearance. The ARCTIC Freezer 36 is the cited budget-oriented option, while PC Gamer’s 2026 roundup names the Noctua NH-D15 G2 its best air cooler.
- Liquid AIO: Confirm that your case supports the radiator size and mounting position, and that the radiator will not interfere with other components. The cited roundup names ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro its best liquid cooler.
- Either type: Weigh size, noise priorities, budget and your CPU’s needs together. The title alone does not supply enough detail to declare one cooler best for every Z690 build.
What to check for a specific recommendation
Before settling on a model, identify the exact CPU, motherboard model and case. Also check RAM clearance, radiator mounting options if considering an AIO, budget and noise priorities. Those details determine whether a cooler that supports LGA1700 is actually suitable for the build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compact CPU Air Cooler
- 【Enhanced Fin Locking & Secure Fan Clip Design】Upgraded fin-lock structure and reinforced fan clips keep the aluminum fins tightly secured, reducing vibration and improving long-term durability during transport and extended use.
- 【Enhanced Cooling with Larger Fan Upgrade】The upgraded 100mm fan moves more air than the previous 92mm version, improving airflow efficiency while maintaining balanced noise levels for daily use and gaming systems.
- 【Refined Aesthetic with a More Cohesive Look】Compared to the previous generation, the V2 features a more seamless and refined design, delivering a clean, balanced, and premium appearance that blends effortlessly with gaming, office, or home PC builds.
- 【Compact Size with Excellent Compatibility】Low-profile footprint avoids interference with RAM and motherboard components, making it ideal for small and mid-size cases including ITX and mATX systems.
Rank #4
- PWM Smart Control: Cooler allows for dynamic speed adjustment between 800-2200±10% RPM to optimize for either minimal noise or maximum airflow
- Addressable RGB Lighting: The ARGB lighting of the CPU cooler can be synced with your motherboard via a 5v 3-Pin port, customizing the lights for your build and components
- Extensive compatibility: AMD socket for AM4 & AM5 and Intel socket for LGA1851, 1700, 1200, 115X are equipped
- Compact Design: Compact CPU air cooler with a height of 133 mm, ideal for compact PC builds
- Tailored for RAM: The height of fan can be adjust higher or lower to provide more space for RAM
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
