Do I need a CPU Cooler?

[xTy]

Would I need a CPU Cooler?

My build is:

• Intel - Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
• Gigabyte - GA-Z170X-UD3 Ultra ATX LGA1151 Motherboard Memory
• Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory
• Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive
• Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1050 2GB D5 Video Card
• NZXT - H440 (Blue/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
• Corsair - RMx 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

 

[nobodynose]

If you plan to overclock at all, then yes, in my opinion you need a cooler better than the stock one that comes with the CPU. If you don't plan to overclock, you still might. It depends on a lot of factors - how well-ventilated your case is, how much heat your other components generate, how well-ventilated and how warm the room where your system will live is, etc.

 

[trs96]

All of the current KabyLake and Skylake CPUs that have the "K" at the end don't ship with even the stock cooler anymore. The cheap Intel stock cooler couldn't do the job anyway so you have to buy one that will. The 6700K is clocked at 4.0 GHz and would run much too hot with an Intel cooler/fan that is very noisy and inefficient. It's really designed for low powered business PCs.

You can find some good choices in the buyer's guide. Funny how the K CPU prices didn't go down any even after taking the cooler out of the box that the CPU ships in.... Intel was probably buying them for a dollar or two each.