Overview of Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology
| Note | As of July 1, 2023, development on the Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology solution was discontinued. All versions of the software are provided as-is on Intel’s download center page. Functional, security, or other updates will not be provided after December 31, 2023. No support for Intel Core processors 14th Gen will be provided by Intel. Check with your auxiliary cooling provider for alternative solutions. For example, EK* has announced support for Intel Core processors 14th Gen. For more information, refer to the EK press release. |
Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology is a unique combination of software, firmware, and hardware that powers advanced subambient coolers designed to maximize PC performance and overclocking.
Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology software, available for download here, monitors CPU status (including temperature and utilization) and Cryo cooler data (device temperature, voltage, power consumption, and local environmental conditions) and uses sophisticated algorithms to maintain a safe temperature and avoid condensation while optimizing power and performance effectiveness of the thermoelectric cooling module (TEC).
Click or the topic for details:
What does Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology hardware consist of?
The Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology hardware (liquid cooling solution) consists of the following elements, but it depends on vendor product offering:
- Pump
- Radiator
- Heatsink/Cooling block
- Condensation controller
| Note | The Cryo Cooling Technology sub-system requires that the Cryo Cooling radiator fans and pump are connected directly to Cryo Controller board using the manufacture recommended cable harnesses. The Cryo Cooling sub-system does not interact with the motherboard-controlled fan or pump control connector headers. |
Where can Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology hardware be purchased?
Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology hardware can be purchased from partners/venders such as EKWB or Cooler Master.
Where can Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology software be downloaded?
Download Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology Gen 2 software.
The Intel® Cryo Gen 2 Cooling Technology software can also be downloaded from vendor sites such as EKWB or Cooler Master.
Where can Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology software installation instructions be downloaded?
Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology software installation instructions are provided by the thermal solution vendor. If not, contact the vendor for support:
| Note |
|
What are the Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology hardware/software requirements?
Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology hardware/software requires:
- Hardware (cooling hardware solution from vendor).
- Software (downloaded directly from Intel® or vendor site).
- Refer to the thermal solution vendors for other requirements such as power, USB, and others.
| Hardware/Software Compatibility | Intel® Cryo Gen 1 Cooling Technology / Hardware | Intel® Cryo Gen 2 Cooling Technology / Hardware |
| Intel® Processor Generation | Intel® 10th and 11th Gen processors | Intel® 10th,11th, 12th and 13th Gen processors |
| Windows* | Windows® 10 (64-bit) | Windows® 10 and Windows 11* (64-bit) |
| Intel® Cryo Software | Recommended: Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology Gen 2. Required: Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology Gen 1 | Only compatible with: Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology Gen 2. |
Which CPUs are compatible with Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology?
Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology is compatible with selected 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors.
10th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors:
- i9-10900K
- i9-10900KF
- i9-10850K
- i7-10700K
- i7-10700KF
- i5-10600K
- i5-10600KF
11th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors:
- i9-11900K
- i9-11900KF
- i7-11700K
- i7-11700KF
- i5-11600K
- i5-11600KF
12th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors:
- i9-12900K
- i9-12900KF
- i9-12900KS
- i7-12700K
- i7-12700KF
- i5-12600K
- i5-12600KF
13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors:
- i9-13900K
- i9-13900KF
- i9-13900KS
- i7-13700K
- i7-13700KF
- i5-13600K
- i5-13600KF
What is the recommended operating mode Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology software?
The recommended operating mode is Cryo.
Cryo mode is capable of cooling below ambient temperature (0 degrees C), extending performance capability while maintaining an optimal cooling temperture to protect your system from condensation. This mode is indicated by a green icon in the Windows menu bar tray.
Optional Unregulated mode, cools below ambient temperature with less protection from condensation. In this mode there will be condensation risk on the heatsink surfaces and surroundings due to the low temperature. Unregulated mode can cause permanent system damage. This mode is indicated by a purple icon in the Windows menu bar tray.
| Note | Unregulated Mode may cause condensation, which could result in an electrical short circuit that can cause damage to your computer or create a safety hazard. To minimize this risk, be sure the CPU shroud provided with your Intel Cryo Cooler Technology is securely installed and forms an airtight seal between the motherboard and the cooler water block. You must immediately take care of condensation and closely monitor, clean, wick/dry any surfaces that may show signs of condensation. You acknowledge and accept all the risks associated with operating in this mode. WARNING: Unregulated Mode will try to restrict the minimum CPU temperature from falling below dew point but provides no warranty that this will be successful in all occurrences. |
| Related topics |
| Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology Start Up Error |
| Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology Diagnostic Test |
| Intel® Cryo Cooling Technology LED Indicator Colors |