I'll be testing DeepCool’s LS520 with Intel's i9-12900K. Due to the increased thermal density of the Intel 7 manufacturing process, as well as changes to core and component layouts, Alder Lake CPUs are more difficult to cool than previous generation CPUs in the most heat-intensive of workloads.

You Require Low Noise: It has a fairly high overall noise output, so may not be suitable for users prioritizing a quieter system. The cooler is an AIO and has no clearance issue for the RAM and PCIe slot. However, make sure that your case supports 240mm AIO. The dimension of the radiator without fans is 282x120x27mm (LxWxH). With fans, the dimension is 282x120x53mm (height is increased). Performance BenchmarksWhile this unit does have an accessible refill port, DeepCool advises to send it to them if refill or repair is necessary. With this unit’s 5-year warranty, you’re covered in the unlikely event occurs where service is required. Installation The included DeepCool FK120 Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) PWM fans are that are returned and balanced to perfection for both performance and operational efficiency. The sturdy frame and fluid dynamic bearings offer stable and long-term reliability. The FK120 fans included feature a dynamic PWM range than their retail counterparts. The Fluid Dynamic Bearing design provides dynamic PWM range, supreme airflow, near silent operation at ≤32.9 dB(A) full load noise, and 50,000 hours of long operational lifespan. Tier 2: These coolers are able to keep the i9-12900K under the TJ max threshold with CPU power limits of 200W enforced. I expect most liquid coolers and the best air coolers to meet this standard.

While most AIOs on the market are based on Asetek designs, DeepCool’s AIOs use a 4th generation pump designed in house by DeepCool. It utilizes a 3-phase drive motor which runs at up to 3100RPM, and features an improved microchannel design for better coolant flow vs previous generation products. Image Source: DeepCool Fans While it was fairly easy with previous generations of CPUs for coolers to keep the flagship i9 processor well under TJ max (the maximum temperature a CPU can sustain without throttling) in tough workloads, this is no longer realistically possible on current generation CPUs (and the 13900K especially) without extreme cooling (or enabling power limits). We are thankful to DeepCool for providing the testing unit. Awards Received By The Deepcool LT520 Cooler Unauthorized repairs to a DeepCool product will void the coverage offered by the warranty policy. DeepCool reserves the right to refuse to service any product which has been altered, modified or repaired by non-DeepCool service personnel. This means that coolers that kept previous generation products like the i9-10900K nice and cool sometimes struggle to keep Intel's i9-12900K under Tj max–the top temperature before the CPU starts to throttle. Many coolers, including DeepCool’s last generation CASTLE EX AIOs, failed to keep the i9-12900K under TJ max when power limits are removed in workloads like Cinebench and OCCT when I’ve tested them.DeepCool does not warrant that this product will meet customer's requirements. It is customer's responsibility to determine the suitability of this product.