Stock CPU coolers are rarely used in high-end enthusiast PC designs. If they are installed on a motherboard, it is usually only for a short time until the budget allows for a proper aftermarket replacement. You might be shocked to learn that Intel’s latest series of cooling for select Alder Lake CPUs are fairly capable if you find yourself in this predicament.

NetEase, a Chinese magazine, has obtained Intel’s RM1 heatsink, which is designed for mid-range CPUs. The RS1 heatsinks are intended for low-end applications, whilst the RH1 cooler is intended for more powerful CPUs.

Load testing with a Core i5-12400 CPU at a fan speed of 3,100 RPM at a room temperature of 20 C (68 F) produced temperatures of roughly 73 C (163.4 F). The fan spins at around 1,300 RPM under normal settings and is supposed to be very silent.

If you’re working with a higher-powered, overclocking-friendly K-series processor, this shouldn’t be an issue because Intel doesn’t normally include stock cooling with these chips. You’ll need anything from a reliable third-party provider for that.

I prefer big air-cooled heatsinks with slow-spinning fans that require almost no maintenance, such as those sold by Noctua, but closed-loop liquid cooling systems, as Rob pointed out in his latest build log, are a fantastic alternative.

During Intel’s digital CES show next week, non-K series Alder Lake CPUs are scheduled to be unveiled.