Coolers Testing & Reviews - Tech4Gamers

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

What We Liked

Easy installation, Top tier cooling performance, 2x included 140mm fans, Decent aesthetics, Premium build quality

What We Disliked

Expensive, No RGB, PC case compatibility issues

Fans

2x NF-A15 HS-PWM Chromax.Black 140mm Fans

Fan Speed

300 — 1,500RPM

Noise Level

24.6dB(A)

Dimensions

165 x 150 x 161mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Pricing, daisy-chained fans, easy installation, performance, looks, VRM fan

What We Disliked

Thicker radiator, no control on VRM fan

Fans

3x Digital RGB fans

Fan Speed

500 — 1,800RPM

Noise Level

23.46dB(A)

Dimensions

400 x 120 x 38mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, removable and rotatable pump, design, RGB, warranty

What We Disliked

Loud at max RPM

Fans

3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm

Fan Speed

550 — 2,300RPM

Noise Level

36dB(A)

Dimensions

400 x 124 x 27mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Noctua NH-L9a-AM4

Looks

Award

Best Low Profile CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Type

Low Profile Air Cooler

What We Liked

Small form factor, Super quiet, Easy installation process, Good value, Impressive build quality

What We Disliked

No RGB, No overclocking headroom, Less socket support

Fans

1x Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM 92mm

Fan Speed

600 — 2,500RPM

Noise Level

23.6dB(A)

Dimensions

114 x 92 x 37mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 White

Looks

Award

Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Type

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Impressive cooling performance, Good build quality, Attractive design, Remarkable socket support

What We Disliked

No A-RGB controller, Difficult installation, Loud fans

Fans

2x 120mm Fans

Fan Speed

500 — 2,000RPM

Noise Level

34.3dB(A)

Dimensions

274 x 120 x 27mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Read Our Noctua NH-D15 Cooler Review

Review

Last Updated:

27th October, 2024: After further testing dozen more coolers, we have included the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB and the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 in our recommendations.

More from the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X:

Best Motherboards For Ryzen 7 5800X

Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 7 5800X

These are our tried and tested best coolers for Ryzen 7 5800X:

Best Overall: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black
Best Budget: Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360
Best 240mm AIO: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best 360mm AIO: EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB
Best White: MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 White
Best Low Profile: Noctua NH-L9a-AM4

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Easy installation
Top-tier cooling performance
2x included 140mm fans
Decent aesthetics
Premium build quality

Cons

Expensive
No RGB
PC case compatibility issues

Check Price

The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black air cooler provides impressive cooling performance with its 2x 140mm fans running at 1,500RPM speeds. During my performance testing, the CPU averaged 58°C in all games at 4K resolution without any overclocking. Moving forward, I also loved the cooler’s robust build quality, with the fans using black anti-vibration pads, keeping the noise at a silent 24.6dB(A). Moreover, the dual-tower heatsink allows for better heat dissipation, and all the heat pipes are directly connected to the copper baseplate.

The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black is coated in black from head to toe, making it perfect for black-theme lovers. Neglecting all RGB, the air cooler is a splendid choice if you’re planning on building a stealth build with no RGB. However, that also makes the air cooler less interesting for many.

Here’s what Wajih Hyder Chohan, our hardware reviewer, had to say about the cooler:

The Noctua NH-D15 is a top-tier CPU cooler known for high performance and quiet operation, ideal for AMD AM4 systems. Its SSO2-bearing fans, easy installation, and reliability make it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking top-notch cooling.

✅Buy It If

You want premium air cooling performance with decent overclocking: If you’re looking for an air cooler that provides outstanding cooling performance and helps improve the PC’s airflow, I recommend buying the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black CPU cooler because of its 2x fan design and performance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re using a smaller PC case: I don’t recommend purchasing this air cooler if you’re using a smaller PC case because of the cooler’s massive size. You might end up facing compatibility issues and may not be able to install the air cooler.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X?

The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black exceeds the performance of many air coolers by a great margin, and its all-black body looks stunning. We can confidently recommend it to anyone looking to buy a CPU for a powerful and heat-magnet CPU like Ryzen 7 5800X, as this is the best overall CPU cooler for the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.

WARNING: Before making the purchase, ensure your PC case and RAM pose no compatibility issues with the air cooler. Otherwise, you might have to change your components.

Editor`s Note

Personally, I loved the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black air cooler is the most out of all the CPU coolers because of its impressive air cooling performance, overclocking headroom, dark and simple aesthetics, and robust build quality. That is why it has also been awarded the best overall CPU cooler for Ryzen 7 5800X. So, if you have the budget and enough clearance, you won’t regret making this purchase.

– Hayyan Serwer

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Decent pricing
Daisy-chained fans
Beginner-friendly installation process
Outstanding thermal performance
Decent looks
Impressive VRM cooling

Cons

Thicker radiator
No control over the embedded fan

Check Price

Read Our Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO Cooler Review

When we talk about low-budget CPU coolers, most people assume they’ll be recommended air coolers. However, many AIO coolers at a tight price provide incredible cooling performance, like the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm cooler. What I love most about this cooler is not just its performance but the value it brings to the table in terms of looks, build quality, and features. Merely talking about its thermals, during our testing, it nearly matched the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB, one of the strongest AIO coolers on our test bench.

Moreover, the AIO cooler has an embedded pump fan that helps cool the motherboard’s VRMs. This is a pretty neat feature for a budget AIO cooler that few high-end coolers offer. However, the LiqMaxFlo sacrifices its aesthetics to bring all these features. For example, the pump design is pretty plain. Maybe something like the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer’s pump would have offered better dexterity, but I digress.

Besides the aesthetics, the thicker radiator can be a problem if you’re using an SFF chassis. Also, having no control over the pump fan means you can’t change its RPM speeds. Although I’d like to deny it, the pump fan sometimes gets loud. But if you’re fine with that, this cooler is perfect for users on a low budget.

Nauman Siddique, our hardware reviewer, was mesmerized by the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler’s outstanding performance on his test bench. Considering its meager price, this is what he stated in his dedicated review:

The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.

✅Buy It If

You want an AIO cooler that’ll last a long time: Unlike other closed-loop AIO coolers, the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler has a refill port on its radiator and comes with 100ml coolant, making it very easy to service. Furthermore, it also has a long five-year warranty, ensuring the AIO cooler won’t face any problems before that duration. So, if you want a budget cooler that’ll last a long time, this one definitely tops the list.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want control over all the AIO cooler fans: I don’t recommend this AIO cooler if you want to control all the fans, including the pump fan, because the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO’s embedded pump fan doesn’t have any control. Moreover, the pump fan can get fairly loud at heavy loads, so watch out if you prefer a quiet environment.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X?

The Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler not only delivers impressive performance but also has a low price tag. It is also exceptionally long-lasting with a five-year warranty, is beginner-friendly, and has impressive VRM cooling. It also has decent aesthetics, some RGB lighting, and some overclocking headroom. Thus, all these features and performance make it the best budget CPU cooler for the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU.

PRO TIP: The Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 comes with a refill port on its radiator, making it easily serviceable. If you find yourself in a pinch, you can service the AIO by yourself, as the cooler comes with 100ml coolant.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 7/10

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

In-house pump design
Included 40mm VRM fan
Impressive value and performance
Integrated cable management
Exceptionally quiet
Beautiful aesthetics

Cons

No physical manual
Difficult installation

Check Price

Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO Cooler Review

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO cooler has 2x 120mm fans running at respectable 1,800RPM speeds, which provides impressive cooling performance. During my testing, the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU averaged around 52°C at 4K resolution, allowing outstanding overclocking potential. The AIO cooler mainly utilizes copper and aluminum in its build quality, providing a sturdy feel and improving the cooler’s thermals and lifespan. I loved the high-end radiator and impressive rubber bumps around the fluid dynamic bearing fans that keep the noise levels at a minimum.

Aside from its cooling performance, I loved the cooler’s aesthetics thanks to its exotic-designed pump block that looks like a spaceship. Moreover, the customizable RGB adds to the AIO’s beautiful looks, and the nylon braiding complements the exotic design element.

I was very impressed by the AIO cooler’s cooling performance. This is what I had to say in my review:

“The AIO’s cooling capabilities are outstanding, especially when compared to similar AIO coolers in its pricing range.”

✅Buy It If

You want impressive budget performance with quiet fans: If you’re looking for a value AIO cooler that provides impressive overclocking headroom for the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU and has quiet fans, I recommend purchasing the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re new to AIO installations: I don’t recommend purchasing this cooler if you’re new to AIO coolers because of its difficult installation. Moreover, the cooler doesn’t have a physical manual, which may make the installation process even more of a handful.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X?

For those looking to get the most out of their Ryzen 7 5800X, you need a powerful cooler to maintain the thermals, and the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is just the right cooler for the job. After all, we can not help but declare it the best 240mm AIO cooler for the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor.

Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Thermal performance
Removable and rotatable lid
Unique radiator design
Beautiful RGB lighting
Easy installation
Longer five-year warranty

Cons

Loud at max RPM

Check Price

Read Our EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB AIO Cooler Review

The Ryzen 7 5800X is a pretty efficient CPU. In most cases, you won’t require a high-end CPU cooler to keep its temperatures below the threshold. However, if you want to overclock it, something like the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB is the perfect fit. Its 3x fans run at 2,500RPM speeds and a decent 72CFM, maintaining good airflow in the chassis. During our dedicated testing, the CPU averaged 66C in Cinebench R23, showcasing outstanding overclocking headroom with no chances of thermal throttling.

However, with its performance comes higher noise levels. We measured noise levels up to 56dB(A), meaning the EK-Nucleus doesn’t only top the performance charts but also the noise charts. In any case, I justify the AIO’s pricing because of its unique pump and radiator design, which is filled with customizable RGB lighting. Moreover, the pump lid is removable and rotatable, improving customization options. I also like the daisy-chained fans that reduce cable clutter and make installation easier. Lastly, the five-year warranty ensures you won’t have to worry about leaks for a long time. All in all, this cooler has little to dislike, especially regarding pricing and value.

While testing the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB AIO cooler, one of our hardware reviewers, Awais Khan, was amazed by its top-of-the-line performance and lower price. Here’s what he stated:

The EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB AIO cooler packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler.

✅Buy It If

You want to incorporate performance and looks in your PC: If you’re looking for one of the strongest 360mm AIO coolers that incorporate performance and look in one package, then the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB is where you should be looking. The AIO cooler has a unique design and customization options and performed better than most 360mm AIO coolers in our tests.

❌Don't Buy It If

You can’t handle noisy fans: I don’t recommend the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB AIO cooler if you want a quiet environment because its fans went up to 56dB(A) at max RPM during our testing. Our tests show it’s one of the noisiest AIO coolers we have ever tested.

What Makes It The Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X?

The EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB is one of the best-performing 360mm AIO coolers that we have had on our test bench. Not only does it perform exceptionally well, but it also has a beautiful design, lots of RGB, and offers impressive customization options, thanks to its rotatable and removable pump lid. The cherry on top is its decent pricing, making it the best 360mm AIO cooler for the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU.

Best 360mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 White

Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 White.

Specifications: Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler | RGB: Yes | Dimensions: 274 x 120 x 27mm | Fan: 2x 120mm Fans | Fan Speed: 500 — 2,000RPM | Noise: 34.3dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2

Pros

Impressive cooling performance
Good build quality
Attractive design
Remarkable socket support

Cons

No A-RGB controller
Difficult installation
Loud fans

Check Price

The MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 White AIO cooler utilizes 2x 120mm fans running at 2,000RPM speeds, improving the PC’s airflow. During my cooling tests, I loved the AIO’s decent cooling performance with the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU averaging 57°C at 4K resolution without overclocks. The AIO cooler has a sturdy build quality, utilizing high-end materials such as an aluminum radiator with a dense FPI count, and impressive fans with PWM control. I also loved the AIO’s pump that comes with pre-applied thermal paste.

Regarding its aesthetics, the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 AIO has a gorgeous fully-white build that goes great in minimalistic white themed PC builds. I loved the slight RGB lighting on the AIO cooler that complements the cooler’s white color and improves the overall aesthetic.

✅Buy It If

You want a smaller white AIO cooler with impressive performance: If you don’t have much PC case space and want a smaller AIO cooler for your white PC build that also provides impressive cooling performance for the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU, I recommend buying the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re new to AIO installations: I don’t recommend buying this AIO cooler if you’re new to AIO coolers and haven’t installed one previously because this one has a difficult installation process.

What Makes It The Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X?

The MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 has everything needed in a cooler at a great price. It has a lot going for it, from top-tier performance to premium build quality. On top of that, its white color looks amazing in a white-themed setup, making the MAG Core Liquid 240R V2 White the best white CPU cooler for the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

Noctua NH-L9a-AM4

Best Low Profile CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Small form factor
Super quiet
Easy installation process
Good value
Impressive build quality

Cons

No RGB
No overclocking headroom
Less socket support

Check Price

Read Our Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 CPU Cooler Review

The Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 CPU cooler utilizes a single 92mm fan running at a maximum speed of 2,500RPM, providing the bulk of the performance. During our dedicated performance testing, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU did not thermal throttle but averaged 68°C at 4K resolution. We also loved the cooler’s sturdy build quality, providing two copper heat pipes and 55 aluminum fins that help with heat dissipation. Furthermore, the heat pipes are directly soldered to the baseplate to improve the cooler’s thermal capabilities.

There’s not much to look at with this cooler’s aesthetics because of its low-profile design. However, you can choose between a brown and black design to keep a proper color scheme in your PC build. We disliked that the cooler has no RGB, but it’s to be expected because of its price and height.

Sajjad Hussain, our editor-in-chief, was surprised by the cooler’s height and performance. This is what he stated in his review:

“Don’t even think for a second that cooler of this much small footprint would not be adequate for the cooling requirements as this cooler has performed well from noise-to-performance ratio.”

✅Buy It If

You’re looking for a small cooler that won’t thermal throttle your CPU: If you’re building an ITX PC and are looking for a low-profile CPU cooler that won’t bottleneck the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU, we recommend purchasing the Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 because of its height and performance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want more overclocking headroom: We don’t recommend purchasing this CPU cooler if you’re looking for slight overclocking headroom in terms of temperatures because this cooler can barely keep the processor cool at stock settings.

What Makes It The Best Low Profile CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X?

The Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 has an amazing size-to-performance ratio. We liked the low noise levels of the fans, even at maximum RPM. The good build quality and premium included fan make it an attractive deal and easy to recommend as the best low profile CPU cooler for the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU.

Best Low Profile CPU Coolers

Performance: 7/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Thermal Benchmarks

Over the years, we have tested many different AIOs and air coolers. Here are the thermal benchmarks of our top picks for the Ryzen 7 5800X:

Thermal Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 7 5800X

1 of 4

How We Picked & Selected These CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X

Picking CPU coolers is not easy, as there are many options in the market, each with its pros and cons. Therefore, we have developed a criterion that every cooler must fulfill to be on this list. The following are the main factors that we considered while selecting each product.

TDP: A cooler’s ability to efficiently cool a processor is reflected by its TDP. A powerful cooler can properly cool down the mighty Ryzen 7 5800X. The general rule of thumb is to get a cooler with the same or higher TDP as the processor.
Noise Levels: Noise is one of the most important factors when looking for a CPU cooler. Nobody wants a loud cooler that can damage your ears and constantly irritate you while using your PC.
Price: Price plays an important role when buying anything, as everybody cannot afford expensive CPU coolers. To make this list viable for everyone, we have included CPU coolers from premium to budget, the best in each category, so all our readers can benefit from our recommendations.
Performance: Performance is the most important aspect to consider because if you want to cool the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU properly, you’ll need a CPU cooler that can perform to avoid thermal throttling the processor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ryzen 7 5800X come with a stock cooler?

No. The Ryzen 7 5800X doesn’t come with a stock cooler; you’ll need an aftermarket cooler to cool the CPU.

Is an air cooler enough for the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU?

Depending on which cooler you’re buying, an air cooler can provide enough performance to keep the Ryzen 7 5800X CPU at decent temperatures.

Is the Ryzen 7 5800X overclockable?

Yes. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X supports overclocking. However, it is advised to utilize an AIO cooler before you attempt to overclock the processor.

Recent Updates

February 22, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.
January 18, 2024: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. Added image galleries. No products were changed.
September 12, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
June 7, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.
Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com

Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 7 5800X In 2024 [We Tested All] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Hands-On: Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950X In 2024

Awais Khan — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 21:07:55 +0000

Though the Ryzen 9 7950X is an impressive gaming CPU with its ultra-fast memory and clock speeds, it’s important to note that such high-performance processors also generate significant heat. To simplify your choice, we’ve conducted thorough testing and compiled a list of the best CPU coolers designed for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Awais Khan is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, RAM, coolers, and processors for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Here is a quick look at the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 9 7950X compared with each other:

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Type

Low-Profile Air Cooler

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Easy Installation, Design, Fan Noise, Performance, Heat Pipes

Performance, overclocking headroom, pricing, design, custom 3D printed design

LCD Screen, Performance, Design, Warranty Period

Performance, low price high value, RGB lighting, VRM cooling, 5-year warranty

What We Disliked

Size Issues, No RGB

Cables are difficult to manage, fans aren't daisy-chain compatibleable

Price, Difficult Installation

Thick radiator, embedded fan has no control

TDP

200W

400W

250W

400W

RGB

Colors

Black, Brown

Black, white

Black, White

Black

Fan

1x NF-A15 140mm

3x SickleFlow Edge A-RGB

3x AF RGB Elite 120mm

3x Digital RGB fans

Noise

24.6dB(A)

27.2dB(A)

30.64dB(A)

500 — 1,800RPM

Fan Speed

300 — 1,500RPM

690 — 2,500RPM ± 10%

550 — 2,100RPM

23.46dB(A)

Dimensions

35 x 150 x 165mm

394 × 119 × 27.2mm

397 x 120 x 27mm

400 x 120 x 38mm

Short On Time?

An ideal cooler that balances great thermal performance with a reasonable price point.

Perfect for overclocking the Ryzen 9 7950X and keep it from thermal throttling.

Combining good performance with gorgeous looks, this white AIO is ideal for any build.

Recommended for users on a tight budget who want decent temperatures on their CPU.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Type

Low-Profile Air Cooler

What We Liked

Easy Installation, Design, Fan Noise, Performance, Heat Pipes

What We Disliked

Size Issues, No RGB

TDP

200W

RGB

Colors

Black, Brown

Fan

1x NF-A15 140mm

Noise

24.6dB(A)

Fan Speed

300 — 1,500RPM

Dimensions

35 x 150 x 165mm

Short On Time?

An ideal cooler that balances great thermal performance with a reasonable price point.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

How It Looks

Award

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, overclocking headroom, pricing, design, custom 3D printed design

What We Disliked

Cables are difficult to manage, fans aren't daisy-chain compatibleable

TDP

400W

RGB

Colors

Black, white

Fan

3x SickleFlow Edge A-RGB

Noise

27.2dB(A)

Fan Speed

690 — 2,500RPM ± 10%

Dimensions

394 × 119 × 27.2mm

Short On Time?

Perfect for overclocking the Ryzen 9 7950X and keep it from thermal throttling.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT

How It Looks

Award

Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

LCD Screen, Performance, Design, Warranty Period

What We Disliked

Price, Difficult Installation

TDP

250W

RGB

Colors

Black, White

Fan

3x AF RGB Elite 120mm

Noise

30.64dB(A)

Fan Speed

550 — 2,100RPM

Dimensions

397 x 120 x 27mm

Short On Time?

Combining good performance with gorgeous looks, this white AIO is ideal for any build.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

How It Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, low price high value, RGB lighting, VRM cooling, 5-year warranty

What We Disliked

Thick radiator, embedded fan has no control

TDP

400W

RGB

Colors

Black

Fan

3x Digital RGB fans

Noise

500 — 1,800RPM

Fan Speed

23.46dB(A)

Dimensions

400 x 120 x 38mm

Short On Time?

Recommended for users on a tight budget who want decent temperatures on their CPU.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Read Our Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black CPU Cooler Review

Last Updated:

October 27, 2024: After testing more AIOs, we have added the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 and the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS to our recommendations.

[toc]

More For The Ryzen 9 7950X:

Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950X

Following are my recommended coolers:

Best Overall: Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
Best 360mm: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
Best 240mm: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best White: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT 360
Best Budget: Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Easy installation
Attractive design
Low noise fan
Remarkable thermal performance
Six copper heat pipes

Cons

No RGB

Check Price

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black comes with a total of 45 aluminum fins, along with six copper heat pipes directly in contact with the baseplate. During our dedicated performance test, we noticed the design allows the cooler to have performance similar to a 240mm AIO cooler and adequately cool the Ryzen 9 7950X. The cooler also offers a premium build quality, with the heatsink built solely out of aluminum.

While there isn’t much to dislike with the cooler, the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black has a simplistic all-black design with no RGB. The cooler fits perfectly in sleeper and stealth builds but will cause problems for flashier builds that require more RGB.

According to our hardware specialist, Nauman Siddique, the cooler’s build quality is astonishing, and this is why:

“The cooler is also lightweight; many people may assume it would be heavy with such a large heatsink, but it is not because of its build quality.”

Buy It If

✅You want killer performance from an air cooler: If you’re not comfortable shifting to an AIO cooler, the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black houses enough power to cool the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU. Furthermore, our testing showed the cooler also allows decent overclocking headroom.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You want better eye candy: In case you’re looking for better eye candy from an air cooler, we don’t recommend buying the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black because of its mundane design and lack of RGB lighting.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X?

Overall, the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black is a phenomenal cooler with a stunning black look, which is perfect for all-black builds. It provides top-notch thermal performance along with excellent RAM clearance, which is why we have crowned it the best overall CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 7950X.

WARNING: Air coolers are prone to gather more dust in a PC. So, depending on where you live, ensure you clean the PC occasionally.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 7/10

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

1 of 4

Pros

Outstanding thermal performance
Decent overclocking headroom
Good pricing
Unique design
Low noise fans
Custom 3D printed pump design option

Cons

Cables are difficult to manage
Fans aren’t daisy-chain compatible

Check Price

Read Our Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO Cooler Review

Are you looking for a high-performance 360mm AIO cooler? Your wait is over because the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS will fulfill all your cooling desires. With its 3x SickleFlow Edge 120mm A-RGB fans, the AIO cooler brings a breath of fresh air around CPU coolers. During our performance testing, the MasterLiquid 360 averaged 71°C, showing off its absolute beastly performance and overclocking headroom, ensuring there are no bottlenecks with any CPU. This AIO cooler is good enough to cool off any sweat from your PC on a hot summer day.

The MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO cooler’s aesthetics are unique and gorgeous. I love the pump design in particular. If you’re going for a Metallica-themed PC build, this AIO cooler will be a perfect fit with its loads of RGB and strip-themed design. Additionally, if you want, you can create your own 3D custom pump block and use that. I love most things about this cooler, and while it’s relatively easy to install, the cables are pretty challenging to manage. Moreover, the fans aren’t daisy-chain compatible; only the A-RGB headers are. But if you can let go of these downsides, you’ll find a genuinely remarkable AIO cooler.

PRO TIP: This AIO cooler comes with three fans and several RGB headers. Therefore, plan out your cable routing before installation to ensure less clutter and better airflow.

When Hayyan Serwer was reviewing and testing the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS, he kept glorifying its performance and aesthetics. Here’s what he had to say about both those aspects in his review:

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is a high-performance AIO liquid cooler with excellent thermal performance and low noise levels.

✅Buy It If

✅ You want to use your own 3D custom design on an AIO that lets you overclock your CPU: If you’re an enthusiast who wants to overclock their Ryzen 9 7950X CPU and have an AIO cooler that has an option to let you use your custom 3D pump design, then I recommend looking into the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

❌ You require daisy-chained fans to reduce cable clutter: If you already have a lot of cables in your PC and want an AIO cooler that supports daisy-chained fans, then I don’t recommend purchasing the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO cooler because its cables are not only difficult to manage, but it also isn’t compatible with daisy-chained fans.

What Makes It The Best 360mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X?

I absolutely love the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS for several reasons. First, it has a unique design that not many other AIO coolers have. Second, it topped off in almost all our tests, showing its incredible thermal performance. Third, it’s not expensive at all and offers great value, making it the best 360mm AIO cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950X CPU. Lastly, it also allows you to use your own custom 3D designs for the pump, making the cooler more appealing for enthusiasts.

Best 360mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

40mm VRM fan
Outstanding performance
Great value for money
Low noise fan
Integrated cable management
Beautiful design

Cons

Tricky installation

Check Price

Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm A-RGB Cooler Review

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO comes with a 240mm radiator equipped with two 120mm fans using P12 fans. During our dedicated performance test, the cooler showed remarkable cooling performance with the Ryzen 9 7950X, keeping the temperatures around 55°C at 4K resolution. Going towards the build quality, the cooler has a copper baseplate and an aluminum radiator for better cooling and less weight. Moreover, the fans house rubber bumpers that decrease the fan noise. It was also imminent during our noise testing when we only got a 10.64dB(A) noise level.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO offers some of the best aesthetics we have seen in an AIO cooler. For example, the pump and tubing design give a spaceship-like effect. Furthermore, the RGB fans and customization only help improve the aesthetics of the cooler.

Our CPU coolers expert, Hayyan Serwer, who tested the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm, stated that the cooler’s value is impeccable. This is what he had to say:

“The AIO’s cooling capabilities are outstanding, especially when compared to comparable AIO coolers in its pricing range.”

Buy It If

✅You want high-end performance on a tighter budget: If you’re on a tighter budget but want high-end cooling performance for your Ryzen 9 7950X CPU, we recommend buying the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO because of its remarkable cooling performance. You can also overclock the CPU to a certain extent.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You’re new to AIO coolers: If you’re new to AIO coolers, we don’t recommend buying the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 because of its difficult installation process.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X?

Not only does the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB look visually appealing, but it also provides great performance, all the while maintaining low noise levels, making it the best 240mm AIO Cooler for Ryzen 9 7950X.

Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT

Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

LCD screen
Exceptional cooling performance
Elegant white design
5 year warranty

Cons

Expensive
Difficult installation

Check Price

Read Our Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD Review

The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT 360mm AIO cooler provides exceptional cooling performance with its 3x 120mm fans running at 2,100RPM speeds. During my performance testing in games like Red Dead Redemption II, Cyberpunk 2077, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the Ryzen 9 7950X showed average temperatures around 50°C, allowing slight overclocking headroom. With its performance, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT also houses premium build quality with the radiator made of pure aluminium. The fans have anti-vibration material, and the pump also offers an LCD screen. I noticed that the build quality lives up to the five-year warranty the brand provides.

The AIO cooler offers an elegant white design with white fans and a fully-white radiator. If you’re building a white PC, this cooler is perfect to enhance your PC’s aesthetic. Furthermore, you can also utilize the LCD screen to show a customized image or GIF. Otherwise, you can use the LCD screen to show the CPU’s temperatures.

Buy It If

✅You want a decent white AIO cooler with an LCD screen: The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT AIO offers impressive cooling performance with an elegant white design, offering decent RGB customization. Moreover, you also get an LCD screen to enhance the cooler’s look. So, if you’re building your Ryzen 9 7950X PC in a white design, I recommend purchasing this cooler.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You’re new to AIO coolers: While the H150i Elite LCD XT offers exceptional cooling performance, I don’t recommend buying it if you’re new to AIOs. The cooler has a difficult installation and offers no paper manual, either. This can make it pretty difficult to install for newcomers.

What Makes It The Best White CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X?

In conclusion, if budget is not a restriction, then the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT 360mm AIO is definitely worth considering; it comes with an LCD screen, RGB, and, most importantly, offers amazing cooling performance. These points make it the best white CPU cooler for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processor.

PRO TIP: You can use the LCD screen to see the CPU’s live temperatures. Doing so can help maintain stable overclocks.

If you’re building a white PC, you might also be interested in the following:

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

1 of 4

Pros

Remarkable thermal performance
Low price, high value
Easy daisy-chaining fans
Brilliant RGB lighting
Decent VRM cooling
Long 5-year warranty

Cons

Thick radiator
Embedded fan has no control

Check Price

Read Our Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO Cooler Review

Usually, I wouldn’t recommend a budget CPU cooler if you’re trying to pair it with the Ryzen 9 7950X. However, the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler is one of the only exceptions because of its out-of-this-world cooling performance and low price. Firstly, the cooler fans can easily be daisy chained, making installation easier and cleaner. Secondly, you get a pump fan that helps cool the motherboard’s VRMs, a neat feature for a “budget” AIO cooler. In any case, during our dedicated review, the AIO averaged 82°C at Cinebench R23.2, going head-to-head with many high-end options.

I’ll be honest: the LiqMaxFlo isn’t the best AIO cooler to look at. However, I’m happy with its aesthetics because at least there’s some RGB lighting on the fans. The pump design looks mediocre, but it’ll live because the VRM cooling is too good to give up for some RGB. Besides that, you get an extended 5-year warranty, ensuring you won’t need to change the cooler anytime soon, thanks to its sturdy build quality and serviceable radiator. The only issue with the LiqMaxFlo is its thicker radiator, making it a difficult fit in SFF PC cases. Do your homework beforehand if you’re trying to fit a decent AIO cooler in such a chassis.

Nauman Siddique was mesmerized by the AIO cooler’s price-to-performance value and couldn’t help but state the following in his review of the product:

The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It’s rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.

✅Buy It If

✅ You want all the perks while staying at a tight budget constraint: If you’re looking for a budget AIO cooler that won’t thermal throttle the Ryzen 9 7950X, has a longer warranty period, and can be serviced as needed, then the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 will serve you well. Unlike other closed-loop AIO coolers, this one has a refill port on the radiator, and it comes with a 100ml coolant for whenever you have to service the product.

❌Don't Buy It If

❌ You’re using a compact chassis: The Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler’s radiator is slightly thicker at around 38mm without fans and ~64.8mm with fans installed, making it difficult to fit in small form factor PC cases. If you’re housing such a chassis, I recommend you complete your homework before purchasing the cooler.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950X?

The Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler is one of my favorites because of its lower price, impressive build quality, and features like a refill port on the radiator, easy daisy-chained fans, and a VRM fan on the pump, improving the cooler’s value even more. Furthermore, during our testing, the cooler averaged 82°C in Cinebench R23.2, showcasing its amazing potential. Thus, all of these features make it the best budget CPU cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950X.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 7/10

Thermal Benchmarks

In order to find the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 9 7950X, we tested them thoroughly under full load for thermal efficiency. Here are our benchmarks.

Thermal Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950X

1 of 3

How We Tested & Picked These CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950X

Our team of hardware experts has tested over 100 coolers based on these factors. This way, we can carefully round up the best ones for a top-notch CPU like the Ryzen 9 7950X

Performance: Performance is the most important factor to consider when looking for a CPU cooler. Since the 7950X is a high-end offering from AMD, it needs decent cooling to avoid issues like thermal throttling. That’s why we chose the best-performing CPU coolers while conforming with other conditions.
Budget: All of the coolers mentioned in this list are of different price categories. Paying more for a cooler will get more performance; while that is true for the most part, the level of performance you might need heavily depends on your workload. Gamers might need expensive AIO coolers, while everyday tasks can be completed using a traditional air cooler.
TDP Rating: While TDP may no longer be an accurate representation of the cooler’s performance, it still does a good job of putting into perspective how a cooler should perform compared to other coolers in a similar price category. All of the above-mentioned CPU coolers are more than capable of cooling the Ryzen 9 7950X.
Noise Levels: For people working in professional environments, it is important to look for a cooler with a lower noise output. Usually, coolers that come with a triple-fan setup have an overall louder noise output; however, there are exceptions to this. Thus, we looked for coolers that provide exceptional cooling performance without making too much noise.

Share Your Opinion

Loading poll ...

Coming Soon

Which CPU on this list do you think offers the best performance?

{{ row.Answer_Title }} {{ row.Answer_Title }} {{row.tsp_result_percent}} % {{row.Answer_Votes}} {{row.Answer_Votes}} ( {{row.tsp_result_percent}} % ) {{ tsp_result_no }} {{row.tsp_result_percent}} % {{row.Answer_Votes}} {{row.Answer_Votes}} ( {{row.tsp_result_percent}} % ) {{ tsp_result_no }}

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a new CPU cooler for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X?

AMD has announced that older generation AM4 coolers will be compatible with their new AM5 socket, which means it will not be necessary for you to buy a separate cooler for the Ryzen 9 7950X.

Does the Ryzen 7950X support DDR4?

The new 7000 series processors from AMD will not have support for DDR4 memory, which means buyers will be limited to DDR5 RAM kits.

Will Ryzen 7000 be AM4?

With the new Ryzen 7000 series, AMD has moved on to their brand-new AM5 socket, which suggests that these processors will not be backward compatible with the older AM4 socket.

Recent Updates

June 1, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
February 21, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our tested reviews.
October 28, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. Added image galleries. One product was changed.
September 12, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
June 27, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

Awais Khan

[Hardware Reviewer]

Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel.

Get In Touch: awais@tech4gamers.com

Hands-On: Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950X In 2024 is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

BEST 280mm AIO Coolers In 2024 [Hands On Tested]

Hayyan Serwer — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 20:53:42 +0000

Out of all CPU cooling mediums, air coolers have been prominent in cooling even the best gaming CPUs. However, with time, AIO coolers have taken the lead by providing greater overclocking headroom at competitive pricing. 280mm AIO coolers fall within the midrange prices, showcasing 140mm fans that can displace more heat at lower RPMs, generating lower noise, making them perfect for low-noise lovers. Therefore, after thorough testing, I have compiled a list of the top 280mm AIO coolers in today’s article.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

For a glance, here are all our top 280mm AIO picks, all compared to each other in the table below:

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280

Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280

Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280

ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall 280mm AIO Cooler

Best High Performance 280mm AIO Cooler

Best RGB 280mm AIO Cooler

Best Looking 280mm AIO Cooler

Best Budget 280mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Solid performance, Cools the VRM with a 60mm fan, Beautiful RGB

Enthusiast-grade performance, Great compatibility, Unique pump design, Overclocking

Exceptional performance, LCD display, Personalisation, RGB aesthetics

Low noise, stronger than 360mm AIO coolers, 2.9" LCD, aesthetics, customization

Remarkable value, Performance, Aesthetics, 6-year warranty

What We Disliked

Tricky installation on Intel builds

Expensive

Expensive, Extra loud fans

LCD makes it expensive

Lower overclocking headroom

Dimensions

317 x 138 x 38mm

316 x 144 x 30mm

312 x 140 x 27mm

319.5 x 140 x 30mm

311 x 140 x 27mm

Fans

2x P14 PWM PST A-RGB fans

2x Rise Aurora 140mm Fans

2x 140mm ARGB Fans

2x Lian Li 140mm Performance fans

2x 140mm Fans

Fan Speed

200 — 1,900RPM

0 — 2,000RPM

800 — 2,500RPM

300 — 2,450RPM

800 — 1,600RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

It is a complete package that offers excellent performance and gorgeous looks.

Carries a high price tag but makes up for it with its unparalleled performance.

A treat for RGB lovers that also delivers when it comes to thermal capabilities.

It's the perfect cooler to show off your build and keep it as cool as possible.

The go-to option for most budget users as it comes with an affordable price and yet offers good performance.

Amazon

Newegg

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall 280mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Solid performance, Cools the VRM with a 60mm fan, Beautiful RGB

What We Disliked

Tricky installation on Intel builds

Dimensions

317 x 138 x 38mm

Fans

2x P14 PWM PST A-RGB fans

Fan Speed

200 — 1,900RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

It is a complete package that offers excellent performance and gorgeous looks.

Amazon

Newegg

Cooler

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280

How It Looks

Award

Best High Performance 280mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Enthusiast-grade performance, Great compatibility, Unique pump design, Overclocking

What We Disliked

Expensive

Dimensions

316 x 144 x 30mm

Fans

2x Rise Aurora 140mm Fans

Fan Speed

0 — 2,000RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

Carries a high price tag but makes up for it with its unparalleled performance.

Amazon

Newegg

Cooler

Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280

How It Looks

Award

Best RGB 280mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Exceptional performance, LCD display, Personalisation, RGB aesthetics

What We Disliked

Expensive, Extra loud fans

Dimensions

312 x 140 x 27mm

Fans

2x 140mm ARGB Fans

Fan Speed

800 — 2,500RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

A treat for RGB lovers that also delivers when it comes to thermal capabilities.

Amazon

Newegg

Cooler

Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280

How It Looks

Award

Best Looking 280mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Low noise, stronger than 360mm AIO coolers, 2.9" LCD, aesthetics, customization

What We Disliked

LCD makes it expensive

Dimensions

319.5 x 140 x 30mm

Fans

2x Lian Li 140mm Performance fans

Fan Speed

300 — 2,450RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

It's the perfect cooler to show off your build and keep it as cool as possible.

Amazon

Newegg

Cooler

ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280

How It Looks

Award

Best Budget 280mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Remarkable value, Performance, Aesthetics, 6-year warranty

What We Disliked

Lower overclocking headroom

Dimensions

311 x 140 x 27mm

Fans

2x 140mm Fans

Fan Speed

800 — 1,600RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

The go-to option for most budget users as it comes with an affordable price and yet offers good performance.

Amazon

Newegg

Last Updated:

October 27, 2024: After going through more 280mm options, our experts found the Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280’s performance, value, and looks to be exceptional. As such, we’ve awarded it the best looking 280mm title.

[toc]

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

Best 280mm AIO Coolers

Here are my top 280mm AIO CPU Coolers:

Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 A-RGB
Best High Performance: Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280
Best RGB 280mm: Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280
Best Looking: Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280
Best Budget: ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB

Best Overall 280mm AIO Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB

Specifications: Dimensions: 317 x 138 x 38mm | Fans: 2x P14 PWM PST A-RGB fans | Fan Speed: 200 — 1,900RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Solid performance
Cools the VRM with a 60mm fan
Beautiful RGB

Cons

Tricky installation on Intel builds

Get it now

There is no other AIO that can beat the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB at being the best overall 280mm AIO. It replaces the previous Liquid Freezer II 280 and comes with an impressively good performance jump. I tried this AIO with the i7-13700K and was blown away by the thermal performance. The main reason why it performs so well is the new fins stacking ARCTIC has used in the radiator to give it 23% surface area. Along with that, the Intel Contact Frame also plays a vital role in improving the contact between the copper baseplate and the CPU.

In addition to solid CPU cooling capabilities with 2x P14 PWM PST A-RGB fans, the Liquid Freezer III’s pump also has a 60mm VRM fan, meaning you get lower VRM temperatures at high loads. As for the design, the AIO looks really good with an RGB pump and fans. The VRM fan design on the pump is also quite sleek and aesthetic. Plus, you can daisy-chain the cables to make cable management easier than ever.

Here’s what I said about the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB in my dedicated review:

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280mm AIO cooler shines with its top-notch cooling capabilities, compatibility with leading Intel and AMD sockets, and the inclusion of the high-performance MX-6 thermal paste.

✅Buy It If

I took these pictures of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB during my testing:

Arctic Liquid Freezer III - 280

1 of 3

You want great performance at an attractive price: The Liquid Freezer III 280 is a massive upgrade over its predecessor, especially in terms of raw cooling performance as the denser radiator does a great job at dissipating heat quickly.

You prefer having a VRM fan: The 60mm VRM fan further improves the value as the AIO cools not only your CPU but also your motherboard’s VRMs.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re a beginner and plan to install yourself: This goes specifically for Intel builds, as I would not recommend this AIO to beginners who plan to install it themselves. The Contact Frame required for the LGA1700 socket no doubt improves the performance but is also a bit tricky to install.

What Makes It The Best Overall 280mm AIO Cooler?

Now that I have tested the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB through its paces, the AIO turns out to be the jack of all trades. But the main reason why I have picked it as the best overall 280mm AIO cooler is that it offers great performance for a very competitive price.

Editor`s Note

I am absolutely blown away by just how much value ARCTIC has packed into the Liquid Freezer III 280. It not only delivers top-tier performance but also looks great with RGB lighting. Plus, the VRM fan is a great add-on that improves the motherboard’s stability at high loads. The only caveat is the installation for Intel builds, which is a bit tricky due to the Contact Frame.

– Hayyan Serwer

Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280

Best High Performance 280mm AIO Cooler

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280.

Specifications: Dimensions: 316 x 144 x 30mm | Fans: 2x Rise Aurora 140mm Fans | Fan Speed: 0 — 2,000RPM | Noise Level: 31.5dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066, 3647, 4189 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4, sTRX4, sWRX8, SP3 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Enthusiast-grade performance
Copper radiator
Great compatibility
Unique pump design
Impressive overclocking potential

Cons

Expensive

Check Price

The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280mm AIO cooler exhibits a degree of polish with its remarkable enthusiast-grade performance. During my performance testing, the AIO cooler showed outstanding overclocking capabilities with high-end CPUs at full load without having any issues. The AIO cooler has a sturdy build quality that helps with heat dissipation. For example, coming with an FPI count of 15 and an enlarged surface area, the copper radiator ensures effective heat dissipation. I also loved the hydraulic bearings on the 140mm fans, which ensure their longevity while also keeping a lower noise output.

The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280mm AIO cooler stands out for its modular design, showcasing a unique pump design with tons of RGB. Moreover, the black aesthetic complements the pump and tubing, improving the overall aesthetics when paired with a darker PC build.

I loved the AIO cooler’s remarkable cooling performance and couldn’t help but state the following in my review:

“The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280 D-RGB cooler is a feature-rich cooling solution comprising nothing but the custom loop components from ALPHACOOL. This cooler has a decent performance but with loud fans.”

✅Buy It If

Here are a few images we took of the AIO cooler during our dedicated review:

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280

1 of 3

You want to achieve higher overclocks without giving up on aesthetics: If you’re looking for a 280mm AIO cooler that provides enough cooling performance to help achieve higher overclocked boost clocks for high-end CPUs and you don’t have to give up on beautiful aesthetics, then I recommend purchasing the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re on a tighter budget: Given its outstanding performance, a higher price tag was almost expected; however, that can be a deal-breaker for some people who are on a tighter budget.

What Makes It The Best High Performance 280mm AIO Cooler?

The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 280 brings everything you want from a high-performance cooler into one complete package. While its performance is more than sufficient for most processors, you can also pair it with workstation GPUs thanks to the larger surface area of the CPU block. All that, combined with its unmatched thermal performance, makes it the best high performance 280mm AIO cooler.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280

Best RGB 280mm AIO Cooler

Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280.

Pros

Exceptional performance
LCD display
Excellent personalisation
Beautiful RGB aesthetics
Sturdy build quality

Cons

Expensive
Extra loud fans

Check Price

The Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280mm AIO cooler is packed with 2x 140mm A-RGB fans running at 2,500RPM speeds for most of its cooling capabilities. During our dedicated performance testing, the AIO cooler showed no bottlenecking issues with high-end CPUs, even at full load. Besides its impressive performance, the AIO cooler also features decent build quality with dual ball-bearing fans, each with 7 blades that help manage the 89.18CFM. Moreover, we loved the aluminum radiator with black-sleeved high-quality tubing that helps increase the longevity of the cooler.

Talking about its looks, the Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280mm AIO cooler comes in a predominantly black design with a circular pump, which includes a rotatable top cover. Topping that off, the LCD screen on the CPU block increases the cooler’s customizability. However, we loved the RGB lighting present throughout the cooler.

Nauman Siddique, one of our hardware experts, loved the AIO cooler’s aesthetics and performance, as he expressed in his review:

“The AORUS WATERFORCE X 280 is a powerful cooler with a high price. It boasts a stunning 60 x 60mm LCD screen with vibrant colors and great software customization. This cooler prioritizes aesthetics and performance over value.”

PRO TIP: You can lower your AIO cooler’s fan speeds to decrease their fan noise but that will also decrease the airflow in the PC case and increase temperatures. So, it would help if you were careful not to decrease the fan speed too much.

✅Buy It If

We took a few images of the AIO cooler during our dedicated review:

Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280

1 of 3

You want a beautiful AIO with an easy installation and decent performance: If you’re looking for a 280mm AIO cooler that can keep any high-end CPU from bottlenecking at full load while having an easy installation process and showcasing beautiful aesthetics, then we recommend buying the Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280mm.

❌Don't Buy It If

You dislike noisy fans: We don’t recommend purchasing this AIO cooler if you can’t handle noisy fans as the Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280mm’s fans go up to 44.4dB(A) at 100% speed, making them pretty loud.

What Makes It The Best RGB 280mm AIO Cooler?

The Gigabyte AORUS WaterForce X 280 gets a lot right with its simple yet effective design. It stands out with its sleek implementation of the RGB elements while providing you with enough thermal performance and customizability, making it the best RGB 280mm AIO cooler.

Read Our Gigabyte Aorus WATERFORCE X 280 AIO Cooler Review

Performance: 8/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280

Best Looking 280mm AIO Cooler

Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280

Pros

Stronger than most 360mm AIO coolers
Low noise levels
Vibrant 2.9″ LCD
Daisy-chained fans
Beautiful aesthetics
Amazing customization capabilities

Cons

LCD makes it expensive

Check Price

I have always been a sucker for good-looking AIO coolers. But do you know what I love more? It’s a good-looking AIO cooler that also performs just as well. The Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280mm AIO cooler fits both requirements, making it one of my favorite AIO coolers. Most of the performance is because the 2x 140mm fans run at 2,450RPM speeds with a massive 89.7CFM. During my testing with the i7-13700K in Cinebench R23, the AIO averaged 67°C with an ambient temperature of 23°C, showcasing outstanding overclocking headroom.

The testing proves that the Lian Li Galahad II is better than most 360mm AIO coolers. Moreover, the fans stay extremely quiet at max load. Regarding its looks, the cooler has a 2.9″ LCD screen that can easily be customized with a GIF, temperatures, or whatever else you’d like. I also love the exotic pump design soaked in RGB lighting, further improving the cooler’s looks.

Furthermore, the daisy-chained fans make cable management easy, reducing cable clutter. The only thing I moderately dislike is the slightly expensive price tag because of the LCD. I’d rather have a lower price than an LCD, but the Galahad II makes up for it thanks to its remarkable performance and features.

✅Buy It If

You want the most eye candy from an AIO that won’t thermal throttle your CPU: If you’re trying to cool a flagship processor and want a 280mm AIO cooler that won’t thermal throttle the CPU at the least and will also look amazing in any PC build, then I can’t help but recommend the Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280mm AIO cooler. It has impeccable customization capabilities, looks beautiful, and can outperform most 360mm AIO coolers.

❌Don't Buy It If

You don’t want to empty your wallet: Unfortunately, the Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280mm AIO cooler is slightly expensive. It’s not the most expensive 280mm AIO cooler on our list, but it’s pretty pricey. If you’re on a lower budget, you should skip this cooler and look for our budget offering.

What Makes It The Best Looking 280mm AIO Cooler?

I love the Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280mm AIO cooler mainly because of its remarkable thermal performance. However, the cherry on top is its exotic aesthetics, with the fans and pump completely soaked in beautiful RGB lighting. Moreover, the 2.9″ LCD screen can be customized as you wish. The daisy-chained fans reduce cable clutter, and the pre-installed fans simplify installation. Additionally, depending on your PC build, you can get a black or white version, making it the best looking 280mm AIO cooler.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280

Best Budget 280mm AIO Cooler

ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280.

Pros

Remarkable value
Decent thermal performance
Beautiful rough aesthetics
Longer warranty period

Cons

Lower overclocking headroom

Check Price

The ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280mm AIO cooler showcases remarkable value thanks to its decent thermal performance on a budget. During my performance testing, none of our reviewed CPUs, like the Ryzen 7 7700X, showed any thermal throttling issues even at full load at 1440p and 4K resolutions. I also loved the premium-sleeved 400mm tubing that ensures the cooler’s longevity. Moreover, the aluminum radiator and copper baseplate increase heat dissipation properties.

With a rough yet simple aesthetic all over the radiator, the ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280mm AIO cooler has good aesthetics for darker PC builds that prefer stealth than tons of RGB lighting. However, you do get some RGB around the pump, along with the darker tubing material, which enhances the looks of the AIO cooler.

WARNING: Before making an AIO cooler purchase, ensure you know your AIO placement beforehand for optimal airflow and that the AIO cooler can fit in the chassis without any issues. Otherwise, you might not be able to install the cooler easily.

✅Buy It If

You want to cool your processor on a tighter budget without sacrificing looks: If you’re going to cool your CPU on a stricter budget without sacrificing the cooler’s aesthetics, I recommend purchasing the ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280mm AIO cooler because of its outstanding value for performance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want to achieve higher overclocked boost clocks: I don’t recommend buying this AIO cooler if you’re going to achieve higher overclocked boost clocks because of its lower thermal headroom to overclock high-end CPUs. You might be fine with mid-range CPUs, however.

What Makes It The Best Budget 280mm AIO Cooler?

The ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280mm AIO cooler houses 2x 140mm fans running at 1,600RPM fans for the bulk of its impressive thermal performance with simple yet elegant aesthetics, making it perfect for stealth PC builds. Coupling all that with its sturdy build quality and lower price tag makes it the best budget 280mm AIO cooler.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 7/10	Design: 8/10

Benchmarks Of The Best 280mm AIO Coolers

Knowing how well a CPU cooler can cool processors is the most important factor to consider before making a purchase decision. Therefore, to make it easier for you, we have shared our findings after testing several AIO coolers and comparing them with each other. In our testing, we removed the power limits to push these coolers to the limits, that’s why you won’t get even close to these temperatures during normal gaming.

Thermal Performance Of Best 280mm AIO Coolers

1 of 3

Why We Didn’t Go For These 280mm AIO Coolers

Our hardware specialists have tested many 280mm AIO coolers. However, here is a list of a few honorable mentions that couldn’t make the cut for today’s article:

NZXT Kraken X63 RGB: The AIO cooler comes with a higher price tag and slightly lower performance than its competitors.
EVGA CLC 280: Higher fan noise with slower pump speed makes it a less viable purchase choice.

How We Picked & Selected These 280mm AIO Coolers

When it comes to selecting an AIO for your CPU, we always ask our users to consider all factors before making a decision. Choosing an AIO cooler can be troublesome at times due to the range of options to choose from, but don’t worry; we’ve compiled a bunch of shopping tips to make your purchase easy.

Socket Compatibility: Because each CPU has a different socket size, you must conduct some research to ensure that your AIO will suit your CPU. To verify the specifications of your AIO, go to the manufacturer’s website and see if it supports your CPU socket.
TDP: Knowing your preferred AIO cooler’s TDP is essential to know whether it’s enough to cool your CPU at full load without causing any thermal throttling issues. Generally, you always want your CPU cooler’s TDP to be significantly higher than your CPU’s.
Noise Levels: Moving parts are believed to produce a lot of noise in products, and trust me, there are a lot of moving parts in an AIO. You may always use the internet to find out which AIO produces the least noise.
Aesthetics: Overall, you may always select an AIO to improve the appearance of your system. There are a variety of variations available, including RGB AIOs, AIOs with LCDs on their pump headers, and circular pump headers instead of the typical cubes. Depending on your personal preferences, you may always select from various possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size fans go with a 280mm AIO radiator?

The radiator on a 280mm AIO supports two 140mm fans on one face.

What type of cases support 280mm AIO?

There are no specific cases we can mention as the list goes on, but before making a case purchase, make sure to read the case specification on what size AIO radiator they can support.

How much cooling does a 360mm radiator offer than a 280mm?

The 360mm AIO can support up to three 120mm fans instead of two 140mm on the 280mm AIO. This means that the 360mm radiator will make up for more airflow and, thus, better cooling compared to the 280mm radiator.

How do you use a 280mm AIO water cooler?

To install any 280mm AIO, follow the steps mentioned in the product book, or you can also try watching installation videos available on the internet. If you still aren’t able to, then consult someone who knows their way around AIOs.

What is the difference between 240mm and 280mm?

240mm radiators only support up to two 120mm fans on either side, while 280mm radiators support up to two 140mm fans on either side.

Recent Updates

April 23, 2024: Some formatting changes to improve readability. I have replaced the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 with the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 280 because the successor brings massive performance gains.
February 26, 2024: We have replaced the NZXT Kraken X63 RGB with the NZXT Kraken 280 RGB because the latter comes at a lower price, delivers better performance, and also has an LCD screen. Similarly, the EVGA CLC 280 was replaced with the D-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 280 because the former has significantly louder fans with slower pump speeds, which results in lower thermal performance, according to our tests.

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

BEST 280mm AIO Coolers In 2024 [Hands On Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best 120mm AIO CPU Coolers In 2024: Budget, RGB, & Silent

Hayyan Serwer — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:38:03 +0000

AIO coolers are a remarkable source of cooling for CPUs, especially for compact PC builds. If you’re utilizing an SFF PC case, you most likely don’t have the space to install a larger air cooler. Therefore, after thoroughly testing multiple products, we have put together a list of 120mm AIO coolers that will be a perfect fit for any build.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

Here is a table and comparison chart showing our 120mm AIO coolers.

120mm AIO Cooler

Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3

Corsair H60x RGB Elite

SilverStone VIDA 120 Slim

Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core

Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 120

Looks

Award

Best Overall 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best Performance 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best Looking 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best White 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best Budget 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best Silent 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Beautiful aesthetics, Outstanding cooling performance

Customization, Performance, RGB, Easy Installation

Performance, Design, Fast Fans, Sturdy Build Quality

White Design, Performance, Low Noise Fans, Build Quality

Value, Fan Noise, Performance, Build Quality, Design

Noise, Aesthetics, RGB Remote Controller, Performance, Overclocking Potential, Durability

What We Disliked

Lower warranty period

Expensive

Warranty, Fan Noise

No PWM Fan, Low Overclocking Potential

Overclocking Potential, Warranty, No RGB Fan

Price, No PWM Pump, Warranty

Fan

1x 120mm fan

1x 120mm SP120 Fan

1x 120mm VIDA fan

1x 120mm

2x 120mm Silent Wings 3

Fan Speed

1,500RPM

400 — 1,500RPM

300 — 1,800RPM

1,500RPM

1,750RPM

2,200RPM

Noise Level

25.6dB(A)

28dB(A)

34dB(A)

28.2dB(A)

27.2dB(A)

18.1dB(A)

Tube Length

400mm

330mm

400mm

Dimensions

120 x 120 x 25mm

157 x 120 x 27mm

120 x 154 x 22mm

153 x 120 x 27mm

157 x 119.6 x 27.2mm

154 x 120 x 52mm

RGB

Short On Time?

My most favorite 120mm cooler that delivers perfect performance for the price.

Offers top-notch cooling capabilities at a higher price.

A very beautiful design that is further complemented by good pricing.

My go-to option for compact builds that have a white theme.

Cuts a few corners for affordability but does not compromise on performance.

Offers great cooling without announcing its existence.

Amazon

Newegg

120mm AIO Cooler

Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3

Looks

Award

Best Overall 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Beautiful aesthetics, Outstanding cooling performance

What We Disliked

Lower warranty period

Fan

1x 120mm fan

Fan Speed

1,500RPM

Noise Level

25.6dB(A)

Tube Length

400mm

Dimensions

120 x 120 x 25mm

RGB

Short On Time?

My most favorite 120mm cooler that delivers perfect performance for the price.

Amazon

Newegg

120mm AIO Cooler

Corsair H60x RGB Elite

Looks

Award

Best Performance 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Customization, Performance, RGB, Easy Installation

What We Disliked

Expensive

Fan

1x 120mm SP120 Fan

Fan Speed

400 — 1,500RPM

Noise Level

28dB(A)

Tube Length

330mm

Dimensions

157 x 120 x 27mm

RGB

Short On Time?

Offers top-notch cooling capabilities at a higher price.

Amazon

Newegg

120mm AIO Cooler

SilverStone VIDA 120 Slim

Looks

Award

Best Looking 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, Design, Fast Fans, Sturdy Build Quality

What We Disliked

Warranty, Fan Noise

Fan

1x 120mm VIDA fan

Fan Speed

300 — 1,800RPM

Noise Level

34dB(A)

Tube Length

400mm

Dimensions

120 x 154 x 22mm

RGB

Short On Time?

A very beautiful design that is further complemented by good pricing.

Amazon

Newegg

120mm AIO Cooler

Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition

Looks

Award

Best White 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

White Design, Performance, Low Noise Fans, Build Quality

What We Disliked

No PWM Fan, Low Overclocking Potential

Fan

1x 120mm

Fan Speed

1,500RPM

Noise Level

28.2dB(A)

Tube Length

400mm

Dimensions

153 x 120 x 27mm

RGB

Short On Time?

My go-to option for compact builds that have a white theme.

Amazon

Newegg

120mm AIO Cooler

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core

Looks

Award

Best Budget 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Value, Fan Noise, Performance, Build Quality, Design

What We Disliked

Overclocking Potential, Warranty, No RGB Fan

Fan

1x 120mm

Fan Speed

1,750RPM

Noise Level

27.2dB(A)

Tube Length

400mm

Dimensions

157 x 119.6 x 27.2mm

RGB

Short On Time?

Cuts a few corners for affordability but does not compromise on performance.

Amazon

Newegg

120mm AIO Cooler

Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 120

Looks

Award

Best Silent 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Noise, Aesthetics, RGB Remote Controller, Performance, Overclocking Potential, Durability

What We Disliked

Price, No PWM Pump, Warranty

Fan

2x 120mm Silent Wings 3

Fan Speed

2,200RPM

Noise Level

18.1dB(A)

Tube Length

400mm

Dimensions

154 x 120 x 52mm

RGB

Short On Time?

Offers great cooling without announcing its existence.

Amazon

Newegg

Last Updated:

October 25, 2024: After testing and reviewing some more coolers, the Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3’s price-to-performance ratio and overall features have really impressed us. That’s why we’ve awarded it the best overall 120mm AIO title.

[toc]

Want a bigger size? Our team has also tested these:

Best 120mm AIO Coolers

Here are our recommendations for the top 120mm AIO CPU Coolers:

Best Overall: Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3
Best Performance: Corsair iCUE H60x RGB Elite
Best Looking: SilverStone VIDA 120 S
Best White: Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition
Best Budget: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core

Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3

Best Overall 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3

Pros

Beautiful aesthetics
Outstanding cooling performance
Decent overclocking potential
Robust build quality
Low noise 120mm fan
Long tube offers more installation options
Remarkable pricing

Cons

Lower warranty period

Check Price

Are you running your PC in an SFF chassis and want better thermals? If so, the Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 AIO cooler will be your best friend, providing outstanding cooling performance, drop-dead gorgeous aesthetics, and a robust build quality meant to last. The first thing I noticed during my testing was the cooler’s low 25.6dB(A) noise levels. While I don’t recommend pairing it with a flagship CPU, you can make the pairing if you keep the CPU at base clock speeds.

Now, moving to its looks, I instantly fell in love with the AIO cooler’s unique pump design. After the easy installation, I was mesmerized by the customizable RGB lighting over the fans and the pump, making the cooler look like a lit-up Christmas tree. The best part out of all of this? The Aqua Elite 120 V3 is affordable, so you don’t have to spend too much on this component. I would love to call it a jack of all trades, but the lower 3-year warranty period is a slight downer despite the robust build quality. Other than that, there’s honestly nothing to scoff at with this AIO cooler.

PRO TIP: The AIO cooler has a longer 400mm tube, so you can easily adjust the radiator to match your airflow and install it appropriately.

✅Buy It If

You’re looking for a jack of all trades without emptying your wallet: If you’re looking for a 120mm AIO cooler that provides impressive thermal performance, decent overclocking headroom, and drop-dead aesthetics without requiring you to empty your pockets, then the Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 AIO cooler will suit all your needs and more.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want a longer warranty period and an easily serviceable AIO: In case you want an AIO cooler that has a 5-year warranty period and is easily serviceable, then I don’t recommend the Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 because of its lower 3-year warranty. Although the AIO cooler may work longer than that, it still can’t be serviced easily.

What Makes It The Best Overall 120mm AIO CPU Cooler?

The Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 AIO cooler offers everything you could possibly require from a small form-factor liquid CPU cooler: remarkable thermals, incredible aesthetics, robust build quality, and a low price to seal the package. The AIO’s fan also doesn’t produce much noise, and the longer tube makes installation easier. Therefore, all these features and performance make it the best overall 120mm AIO CPU cooler.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Corsair iCUE H60x RGB Elite

Best Performance 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Corsair iCUE H60x RGB Elite Pictures From Our Review

1 of 2

Pros

Good customization options
High-end performance
Easy to install
Stunning RGB looks

Cons

Expensive

Check Price

The Corsair iCUE H60x RGB Elite comes with a 1x 120mm SP120 fan running at 1,500RPM speeds, which provides the bulk of its cooling performance. During my gaming tests, the cooler provided decent overclocking potential while keeping the CPU’s temperatures around 60°C to 65°C. Moreover, the radiator is made of aluminum, and the surface is optimized for providing better heat transfer through fins. One thing I disliked was the shorter 330mm tube length, but it should be fine with SFF cases.

As apparent from the name, the Corsair H60x RGB Elite 120mm AIO cooler has captivating RGB lighting, which has a lot of customization potential. Through the iCUE software, you can access and customize various functionalities of this AIO cooler. I loved the cooler’s dark pump and tube aesthetics.

WARNING: While overclocking can yield better performance results, it can also cause permanent damage.

✅Buy It If

You want to achieve decent overclocking results: If you don’t have space in your PC case but want to achieve decent overclocking results, I recommend buying the Corsair H60x RGB Elite 120mm AIO cooler because of its outstanding cooling performance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re on a tighter budget: If you’re on a tighter budget, I don’t recommend purchasing the Corsair H60x RGB Elite 120mm AIO because of its higher price.

What Makes It The Best Performance 120mm AIO CPU Cooler?

Overall, the Corsair H60x RGB Elite lives up to its reputation and efficiently handles high thermal load, preventing throttling. Corsair smoothly integrated looks with high-end performance in this 120mm AIO cooler through customizable RGBs. Therefore, it is the best performance 120mm AIO CPU cooler.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

SilverStone VIDA 120 Slim

Best Looking 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

SilverStone VIDA 120 Slim Pictures From Our Review

1 of 2

Pros

Excellent performance
Compact design
Fast fans
Sturdy build quality

Cons

2 year warranty
Loud fan noise

Check Price

The SilverStone VIDA 120 Slim AIO cooler comes with a 1x 120mm VIDA fan running at incredible 1,800RPM speeds. Furthermore, with the 22mm radiator design, the cooler doesn’t bottleneck most CPUs at full load. However, I wouldn’t recommend overclocking while using this cooler. The cooler provides a sturdy build quality with a pure copper baseplate and an aluminum radiator with a clean finish. The radiant build quality also improves the cooler’s thermal capabilities and aesthetics.

Talking about the aesthetics, the SilverStone VIDA 120 Slim reinforces a polished black design, which features just the right amount of RGB. Apart from the RGB fan, the cooler boasts unique design elements on the water block, allowing it to stand out from the contemporary designs that have flooded the market.

✅Buy It If

You want the perfect PC look without losing performance: The SilverStone VIDA 120 Slim offers a unique design that suits most PC builds. Furthermore, its cooling performance makes it an amazing choice for SFF cases.

❌Don't Buy It If

You dislike fan noise: While the cooler offers a remarkable design and performance, its fans are pretty noisy, running at 34dB(A) as per my noise testing.

What Makes It The Best Looking 120mm AIO CPU Cooler?

From exceptional cooling to uncompromised build quality, SilverStone seems to have spared no expense with the cooler’s feature set. That, coupled with its aesthetically pleasing design characteristics, makes it the best looking 120mm AIO CPU cooler.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition

Best White 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition Pictures

1 of 2

Pros

Vibrant white design
Solid cooling performance
Low noise fans
Sturdy build quality

Cons

No PWM fan
Low overclocking potential

Check Price

The Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition AIO provides decent cooling performance with its 1x 120mm fan running at 1,500RPM speeds. My gaming tests at 1440p showcased decent thermal results, causing no form of bottlenecking with the CPU. Thermaltake has gone with a 27mm thick radiator, which is fairly standard for a 120mm AIO cooler. The water block itself is made of copper, and I personally liked the 400mm-long rubber tubing.

Moving to its aesthetics, the Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition has a vibrant white color throughout its design. Moreover, the RGB pump and fans complement the white, making it shine in an all-white PC. I also loved the RGB customizations.

✅Buy It If

You want a stunning white CPU cooler for an SFF case with remarkable cooling: If you’re building a white PC in an SFF case and are looking for a white CPU cooler that can handle almost any mid-range processor, I recommend purchasing the Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB Snow Edition because of its design and performance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You need a PWM fan: While the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB exudes great design traits, the lack of a PWM fan is a bit disappointing.

What Makes It The Best White 120mm AIO CPU Cooler?

We have crowned the Thermaltake TH120 A-RGB as the best white 120mm AIO CPU cooler for its well-constructed white design and decent cooling performance with almost no fan noise.

Best White CPU Coolers

Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core

Best Budget 120mm AIO CPU Cooler

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core Pictures From Our Review

1 of 2

Pros

Remarkable value
Low fan noise
Decent thermal performance
Sturdy build quality
Subtle design

Cons

Low overclocking potential
3 year warranty
No RGB fan

Check Price

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core AIO cooler showcases decent thermal performance even with its budget price. For example, during my 1080p gaming tests, the cooler did not thermal throttle my test bench and kept the temperatures at bay. Aside from its cooling performance, I expected the AIO’s build quality to be subpar, but I was proven wrong. To explain, the cooler utilizes an aluminum radiator with a copper baseplate for better cooling potential. Furthermore, I loved that the fans have anti-vibration material.

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core has a subtle design with not much going on. Because it’s a budget CPU cooler, the fan doesn’t have any RGB, which might leave many gamers wanting more.

✅Buy It If

You want to cool your CPU on a tight budget: If you’re on a tighter budget and want to cool your mid-range processor, I recommend buying the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core because of its remarkable value for money.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want to overclock your CPU: While the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core provides decent thermal performance, it can’t handle overclocks that well. If you’re trying to overclock your CPU, I don’t recommend buying this cooler.

What Makes It The Best Budget 120mm AIO CPU Cooler?

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120L Core provides superb value for money, almost no fan noise, and has a subtle design, perfect for most SFF cases. These reasons point us to making it the best budget 120mm AIO CPU cooler.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

How We Tested & Picked These 120mm AIO CPU Coolers

Selecting the best 120mm AIO is a job not well-suited to the faint-hearted since you’ll need to consider several factors. For your convenience, we’ve mentioned and explained a couple of crucial points to go over while you choose the AIO cooler that suits you best.

Performance: An essential aspect of any cooler, be it an AIO or air cooler, is the relative performance it offers. For AIOs, the pump, FPI count, fan, and radiator, to name a few crucial components, contribute to the overall cooling performance of an AIO.
Budget: Every AIO tends to introduce itself at a unique price point, determined by its cooling performance, build quality, general design, and aesthetics. Therefore, it’s essential to have a specific budget in mind. Therefore, we looked into all sorts of prices for the coolers we selected.
Efficiency: Every AIO differs from the others in terms of working efficiency. It’s essential to choose an AIO solution that has the capacity to cool your entire PC down alongside the CPU, of course, without inducing thermal throttling to maintain satisfactory temperatures.
Aesthetics & Build Quality: Manufacturers tend to distinguish their respective best 120mm AIO cooling solutions by offering their unique take on the AIO’s aesthetics and build quality. Some brands might opt for a more premium construction, leading to a higher price tag. In contrast, others favor a slightly unexotic or practical approach for a budget option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 120mm AIOs worth it?

Yes, if you prefer a maintenance-free and silent experience, then 120mm AIOs are totally worth it.

Should I buy a 120mm AIO or an air cooler?

Buying a 120mm AIO is good if you require enhanced performance with ample clearance. Similarly, if you want a budget-friendly option that is also quite durable, then going with air coolers is the right choice.

Is a 120mm AIO enough for a 95W TDP CPU?

Yes, it is safe to say each and every one of our selected 120mm AIOs can handle CPUs with TDPs ranging all the way up to 300W. Running a 95W CPU should pose no serious threat to any 120mm AIO.

Is a Push-Pull Radiator worth it?

Yes, a push-pull configuration is worth it.

Looking for more options?

Recent Updates

April 21, 2024: Some formatting changes to improve readability.
November 6, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. One product was changed.
August 18, 2023: Minor text changes. No products were changed.
June 17, 2023: Minor text changes. No products were changed.
June 14, 2023: Two products were out of stock, so we have changed them with equally good replacements.
June 7, 2023: Minor text changes. No products were changed.
May 25, 2023: Minor text changes. No products were changed.

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Best 120mm AIO CPU Coolers In 2024: Budget, RGB, & Silent is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

BEST 240mm AIO Coolers In 2024 [Hands-On-Tested]

Hayyan Serwer — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:44:56 +0000

Air coolers have always been the go-to for most gamers to provide decent cooling performance for the best gaming CPUs. However, with the advancement in technology, AIO coolers are becoming more and more prominent. 240mm AIO coolers are in the moderate range, providing decent cooling performance for high-end processors without costing too much. Therefore, we have provided a list of the top 240mm AIO coolers after extensive research.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

Take a look at our recommended 240mm AIO coolers, all compared with each other:

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240

Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240

Looks

Award

Best Overall 240mm AIO Cooler

Best High Performance 240mm AIO Cooler

Best White 240mm AIO Cooler

Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler

Best RGB 240mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Excellent performance, 60mm VRM fan, RGB pump and fans

Unparalleled performance, Attractive pricing, Stealthy design

Decent thermal performance, Removable pump cap, Beautiful white aesthetics, Easy installation, Extensive socket support

Good build quality, Decent performance, Remarkable pricing

Beautiful RGB aesthetics, Ultra-fast 2,450RPM fans, Impressive cooling performance, Premium build quality, Easy installation process, Removable pump cover

What We Disliked

Contact frame makes installation a bit tricky for Intel builds

Tubing could have been longer

Slightly expensive, Non-magnetic hub, USB 2.0 header requirement

Low overclocking potential, RGB LEDs could be a bit brighter

Expensive, Smaller 385mm tube

Dimensions

277 x 120 x 38mm

281 x 124 x 27mm

277 x 120 x 27mm

276 x 120 x 27mm

277.5 x 119.2 x 27mm

Fans

2x ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB

2x EK-Loop FPT fans

2x AF RGB Elite 120mm Fans

2x 120mm fans

2x 120mm Fans

Fan Speed

200 - 1,800RPM

550 - 2300 ± 10% RPM

2,400RPM

700 – 1,800RPM

300 — 2,450RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

My favorite 240mm AIO that is a complete package in terms of performance, looks, and design.

Offers the most cooling potential, making it my go-to recommedation for overclocking enthusiasts.

A solid option that offers more than just beautiful looks with its high performance.

Offers great performance for the lowest possible price.

Sure it is a bit pricey but it is the best looking 240mm AIO we have tested in a really long time.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Overall 240mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Excellent performance, 60mm VRM fan, RGB pump and fans

What We Disliked

Contact frame makes installation a bit tricky for Intel builds

Dimensions

277 x 120 x 38mm

Fans

2x ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB

Fan Speed

200 - 1,800RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

My favorite 240mm AIO that is a complete package in terms of performance, looks, and design.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best High Performance 240mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Unparalleled performance, Attractive pricing, Stealthy design

What We Disliked

Tubing could have been longer

Dimensions

281 x 124 x 27mm

Fans

2x EK-Loop FPT fans

Fan Speed

550 - 2300 ± 10% RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

Offers the most cooling potential, making it my go-to recommedation for overclocking enthusiasts.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

Looks

Award

Best White 240mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Decent thermal performance, Removable pump cap, Beautiful white aesthetics, Easy installation, Extensive socket support

What We Disliked

Slightly expensive, Non-magnetic hub, USB 2.0 header requirement

Dimensions

277 x 120 x 27mm

Fans

2x AF RGB Elite 120mm Fans

Fan Speed

2,400RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

A solid option that offers more than just beautiful looks with its high performance.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240

Looks

Award

Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Good build quality, Decent performance, Remarkable pricing

What We Disliked

Low overclocking potential, RGB LEDs could be a bit brighter

Dimensions

276 x 120 x 27mm

Fans

2x 120mm fans

Fan Speed

700 – 1,800RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

Offers great performance for the lowest possible price.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Cooler

Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240

Looks

Award

Best RGB 240mm AIO Cooler

What We Liked

Beautiful RGB aesthetics, Ultra-fast 2,450RPM fans, Impressive cooling performance, Premium build quality, Easy installation process, Removable pump cover

What We Disliked

Expensive, Smaller 385mm tube

Dimensions

277.5 x 119.2 x 27mm

Fans

2x 120mm Fans

Fan Speed

300 — 2,450RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

Sure it is a bit pricey but it is the best looking 240mm AIO we have tested in a really long time.

Amazon

NewEgg

Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 White A-RGB Review

Review

Last Updated:

October 24, 2024: Our cooler experts have recently looked through the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240, and thanks to its attractive pricing, we have recommended it as the best budget 240mm AIO.

[toc]

Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Following are our picks for the best 240mm AIO coolers:

Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB
Best High Performance: EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB
Best Budget: ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240
Best White: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT
Best RGB: Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Best Overall 240mm AIO Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Specifications: Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38mm | Fans: 2x ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB | Fan Speed: 200 – 1,800RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Excellent performance thanks to denser fin stacking
60mm VRM fan
RGB pump and fans

Cons

Contact frame makes installation a bit tricky for Intel builds

Get it now

My first recommendation for the best 240mm AIO is the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB. I have tested both the older Liquid Freezer II 240 and the latest Liquid Freezer III 240 on my i7-13700K, and the performance difference between them is day and night. Apart from the high-performance P12 PWM PST A-RGB fans, the main reason why this AIO performs so exceptionally well is due to the denser fin stacking, giving the radiator ~23% more surface area.

Of course, the 60mm VRM fan is a great add-on that made sure my overclocking adventures remained as stable as possible. Plus, the pre-routed cables mean very little cable clutter. The radiator and the baseplate are made using aluminum and copper, so there are no issues with the build quality, either. As for the design, there is an RGB pump cover and fans, but I would have liked to control the lighting of the two independently. Nevertheless, it has a sleek design that looks like a breath of fresh air from its predecessor.

Here’s what I said about the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB in my review:

I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.

✅Buy It If

You want to cool high-end CPUs: I tested the Liquid Freezer III 240 with the i7-13700K, and it gave me zero performance hiccups. As such, it is a great AIO to go for if you have high cooling needs.

You are after good value for your money: The Liquid Freezer III 240’s performance, design, and build quality more than justify its already attractive pricing, making it a very good bang for the buck.

You want VRM cooling: The 60mm VRM cooler is a great addition that does a surprisingly good job at keeping the VRMs stable. I tested the cooler on the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX, and it ran better than before.

❌Don't Buy It If

You are on the Intel platform and want an easy installation: For Intel builds, you have to install the Contact Frame, which means removing the stock ILM. Basically, the installation is not as basic and requires a bit more expertise.

What Makes It The Best Overall 240mm AIO Cooler?

The main reason I’m recommending the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 over other coolers is that it is a complete package that does not compromise performance one bit. From the sleek pump design to the increased surface area on the radiator, ARCTIC has knocked it out of the park with the sheer amount of improvements in the Liquid Freezer III series. Plus, combined with the impressive pricing, there is no other option that I would call the best overall 240mm AIO.

Editor`s Note

Our CPU coolers expert team and I tested more than 10x 240mm AIOs to round up the top six, but the one that stood out the most to me was the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB. It is a true bang for the buck that delivers excellent performance while looking drop-dead gorgeous. Apart from a few installation hiccups because of the Intel Contact Frame, my experience with the Liquid Freezer III 240 has been as smooth as possible.

– Hayyan Serwer

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB

Best High Performance 240mm AIO Cooler

EK-Nucleus AIO CR240 Dark Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Specifications: Dimensions: 281 x 124 x 27mm | Fans: 2x EK-Loop FPT fans | Fan Speed: 550 – 2300 ± 10% RPM | Noise Level: 36dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, 1700 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: No

Pros

Unparalleled performance
Attractive pricing
Stealthy design

Cons

Tubing could have been longer

Get It Now

Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB Review

The EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB is the best high performance 240mm AIO you can get right now. In all of my testing, it handled both high-end gaming and long stress tests without breaking a sweat. In fact, the AIO performed so incredibly well that it topped my 240mm AIO testing charts by a mile. It uses the EK-Loop FPT fans that offer exceptional static pressure (hence the name Full Pressure Technology). Plus, the pump can operate at speeds of 3100 ±10% RPM, which is very impressive.

Going over the build quality, I had no issues at all. The radiator, pump, and even the tubing are built from high-quality materials and are meant to last; being EK, I don’t expect anything less. I only wished that the tubes were longer than 370mm. That would have made installation even easier (not that it is difficult right now). On the upside, the fans can be daisy-chained to reduce cable management. As for the looks, the AIO offers a stealth black design with no flashy RGB – perfect for neutral or black builds.

Here’s how I summarised the cooler in my hands-on review:

The EK-Nucleus CR240 Dark is a sleek, high-performance 240mm liquid cooler without RGB, designed for Intel and AMD platforms. It features efficient cooling with a copper cold plate, EK-Loop FPT fans, and a simple cable management system.

✅Buy It If

You plan to overclock with the best cooling AIO: The EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB does not compromise on performance at all. It left all the other 240mm AIOs I tested behind in terms of sheer cooling capabilities.

You don’t want to spend top-dollar: Despite its remarkable performance, the AIO is not as expensive as you would think, making it a great value-for-money option. The main reason behind the AIO’s impressive pricing is the lack of RGB.

You hate cable management: Since all the fans can be daisy-chained, all you have to do is plug in the single cable with EK-OmniLink.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want longer tubing: While installation wasn’t difficult for me, if you think the 370mm tubing is not enough for you, you may want to explore some other options.

What Makes It The Best High Performance 240mm AIO Cooler?

Apart from the stealthy looks, high build quality, and great value for money, what makes the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB the best high performance 240mm AIO is its cooling capabilities. The AIO really knocks high-stress loads out of the park, and you can easily push even the latest flagship CPUs to the limit with it.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240

Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler

ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240

Pros

Good build quality
Decent performance
Remarkable pricing
Beautiful aesthetics
Low noise fans
Easy installation process

Cons

Low overclocking potential
RGB LEDs could be a bit brighter

Check Price

The ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240mm AIO cooler is one of my favorite budget CPU coolers because of its beautiful aesthetics and remarkable cooling performance, albeit unable to beat most of its competition. Starting from its build quality, you’ll see a copper baseplate and an aluminum radiator with an 18 FPI. Although the number is less than 20-21 in most AIO coolers, the cooling isn’t as compromised.

Regarding its performance, the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240 is decent for most use cases, but I don’t recommend it if you want to achieve high overclocks on a flagship processor. You’ll be fine on a mid-range CPU, though. Furthermore, I like the cooler’s looks, featuring a neat-black design and gorgeous LED lights all over the pump. My only issue is that the RGB lights could be slightly brighter. Other than that, it’s perfect for a budget AIO cooler, costing half the price of its competitors.

✅Buy It If

You want an AIO cooler that’ll get the job done without completely compromising looks: If you don’t care too much about overclocking and only want an AIO cooler that’ll cool your PC and provide decent aesthetics, then I recommend purchasing the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240mm AIO cooler due to its lower price, performance, and aesthetics.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want to achieve higher overclocks on a flagship CPU: I don’t recommend purchasing the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240mm AIO cooler if you’re using a flagship CPU and want to overclock it to its limits. The AIO is decent for mid-range CPUs but will undoubtedly hiccup when paired with a flagship Intel CPU.

What Makes It The Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler?

When talking about AIO coolers, you’ll first notice their thermal performance. Now, if a 240mm AIO cooler performs on the same level as a 360mm but comes at half the price, you’ll want it, right? That’s where the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240mm AIO cooler comes in. It provides decent performance, pleasing aesthetics, and excellent features while staying at a low price, making it the best budget 240mm AIO cooler.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

Best White 240mm AIO Cooler

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Decent thermal performance
Removable pump cap
Beautiful white aesthetics
Easy installation
Extensive socket support

Cons

Slightly expensive
Non-magnetic hub
USB 2.0 header requirement

Check Price

Read Our Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO Cooler Review

The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler provides incredible thermal performance thanks to its 2x AF RGB Elite 120mm fans running at fast 2,400RPM speeds. During our dedicated performance testing, the AIO cooler showcased decent overclocking capabilities even with high-end CPUs. Regarding its build quality, the AIO cooler has a premium-sleeved low-permeation tubing material that improves the longevity of the fluid and radiator.

With an all-white snow-like design and remarkable RGB around the pump and fans, the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler has beautiful looks, making it perfect for a white PC build. Corsair has added a removable pump cap to improve its customization capabilities, allowing users to get aesthetics suited to their taste.

Loving the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT’s longer warranty period and remarkable thermal performance, Nauman Siddique states in his review:

“The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT White cooler is another top-performing AIO offer from the manufacturer in the 240mm size category. This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features with a 5-year warranty.”

PRO TIP: You can decrease the fan noise by slowing down the AIO cooler’s fans. However, doing so will also reduce the AIO’s cooling performance, and you can also mess up the airflow in your chassis.

✅Buy It If

You want to overclock your CPU in a white-themed PC build: If you’re trying to overclock your mid-range or high-end CPU in a white-themed PC and require a 240mm AIO cooler that fits the bill without breaking the bank, then we recommend purchasing the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT because of its beautiful aesthetics and performance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You require a magnetic hub for your fans and RGB: We don’t recommend buying the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler if you need a magnetic hub to install it in your PC case for your fans easily and RGB as the one provided isn’t magnetic and needs double-sided tape to stick properly.

What Makes It The Best White 240mm AIO Cooler?

The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler provides immense cooling capabilities thanks to its 2x fans running at 2,400RPM speeds while showcasing beautiful snow-white aesthetics with tons of RGB. Furthermore, it is the best white 240mm AIO cooler thanks to its sturdy build quality and decent overclocking potential.

Best White CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240

Best RGB 240mm AIO Cooler

Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 2

Pros

Beautiful RGB aesthetics
Ultra-fast 2,450RPM fans
Impressive cooling performance
Premium build quality
Easy installation process
Removable pump cover

Cons

Expensive
Smaller 385mm tube

Check Price

The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO cooler comes with ultra-fast 2x 120mm fans running at 2,450RPM speeds with an astounding 61.3CFM that helps improve the PC case’s airflow capabilities. During my testing, I observed the temperatures going lower with positive pressure airflow in the chassis. Furthermore, I loved the brushed aluminum radiator and the copper baseplate on the pump, which helps with heat dissipation. However, I disliked the smaller 385mm tubing that limits installation capabilities.

Coming in black and white variants, the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO provides beautiful aesthetics for all consumers with tons of RGB customization properties. Moreover, I loved the removable pump cover that allows for better customization. You can even 3D print a pump cover with your preferred design and install it as you like.

WARNING: Before purchasing the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO cooler, ensure you can install the radiator in your preferred manner either at the front, top, or back, because the tubing is slightly smaller.

✅Buy It If

You want lots of RGB customization with ultra-fast fans: If you’re looking for a 240mm AIO cooler with ultra-fast fans and lots of RGB customization capabilities to suit your unique tastes, then I recommend purchasing the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO because of its 2,450RPM fans and customization ability.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re on a tighter budget: I don’t recommend buying the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO cooler if you’re on a tighter budget because it comes with a higher price tag without providing the same performance level as its competition, making the purchase less viable for budget gamers.

What Makes It The Best RGB 240mm AIO Cooler?

The Lian Li Galahad Trinity II 240mm AIO cooler has ultra-fast fans, providing outrageous airflow capabilities and premium build quality. The cooler also showcases beautiful A-RGB throughout the fans and the pump, improving its aesthetics. Lastly, multiple color variants improve the cooler’s viability for gamers, making it the best RGB 240mm AIO cooler.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

Benchmarks Of The Best 240mm AIO Coolers

To make sure my recommended 240mm AIOs are truly the best in the market, my team and I tested several 240mm AIOs. Our testing methodology included stress testing the i7-13700K with a full 30-minute load on Cinebench with power limits removed. Basically, we pushed the AIOs to their limits. However, for gaming scenarios and most day-to-day use, you’ll not experience such high thermals unless you install the cooler incorrectly.

240mm AIO Coolers Benchmarks

1 of 3

Why We Didn’t Go For These 240mm AIO Coolers

Our hardware experts have tested countless 240mm AIO coolers, but here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t make the cut for our list and why:

NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB: A higher price for lower performance makes it a less viable purchase.
DeepCool Castle 240EX: It has an older generation pump, making it less suitable for the latest high-end CPUs.
EK AIO 240mm D-RGB: It has been discontinued and doesn’t support LGA 1700 right out of the box.

How We Picked & Selected These 240mm AIO Coolers

When it comes to choosing an AIO for your CPU, we always advise our users to consider all factors before making a decision. Choosing an AIO cooler can sometimes be difficult due to the variety of options available, but don’t worry; we’ve collected a list of buying recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

Socket Compatibility: Every CPU has a different number of pins, meaning a different socket size. Before choosing a 240mm AIO, make sure it supports your CPU socket. Buying an AIO with the wrong CPU socket compatibility will not work. To check the socket compatibility options for your preferred cooler, visit the manufacturer’s site.
TDP: Knowing your preferred AIO cooler’s Thermal Design Power is another important factor, as you don’t want the AIO’s TDP to be lower than the CPU’s. Otherwise, you won’t be able to cool your CPU correctly, leading to thermal throttling and lowering your PC’s performance.
Noise Levels: Sometimes, some users prefer dead silent PCs; that is why we always say to make sure to do your research before purchasing a product with so many moving parts. AIO coolers contain fans and pumps that tend to make a lot of noise at times, and lowering RPM speeds reduces thermal performance, too.
Aesthetics: In the end, you can always go for good looks. 240mm AIO coolers are available in countless shapes and designs, from the good-looking Corsair 240mm radiators to the decent and silent be quiet! You can always choose the AIO that best suits your personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 240mm AIO Good For Gaming?

The 240mm radiator isn’t ideal for crazy overclocking, but it will be more than enough for gaming and other tasks.

What fan sizes can I use for a 240mm radiator?

A 240mm radiator can support up to two 120mm fans on each of its faces.

How effective is a 240mm liquid cooler for a processor?

The 240mm radiator is not as effective as any 280 or 360mm radiator out there, but it will be more than enough for any user out there seeking superior cooling.

How long does a 240mm liquid Cooler last?

An AIO cooler generally has a lifespan of about 3-6 years, so don’t worry. Your 240mm AIO cooler will do you well for many years.

How does a 240mm radiator work?

The heated liquid flows through the tubing from the water block to a radiator. It is then subsequently dispersed from the radiator by fans, which may be installed in a variety of configurations for maximum cooling.

Recent Updates

April 23, 2024: Some formatting changes to improve readability. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 was replaced with its successor, the Liquid Freezer III, as it is newer and offers better performance. Similarly, I have also changed the Eisbaer Pro Aurora 240 with the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB, as our testing showed it offers better performance for the price.
February 22, 2024: We have replaced the NZXT Kraken Z53 240mm with the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT due to the latter’s lower pricing for better performance. Similarly, we interchanged the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT with the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity because it has more RGB elements with similar thermal performance in our testing.
August 31, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
June 6, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

BEST 240mm AIO Coolers In 2024 [Hands-On-Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers In 2024 [All Tested]

Hayyan Serwer — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:24:23 +0000

AIO liquid coolers are becoming more and more viable with technological advancements and processors becoming more potent than ever before. With high-end CPUs such as i9-14900K and Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the heat generated is no joke, and thus, stronger cooling solutions are recommended to avoid thermal throttling. Therefore, after extensive research, we have compiled the top 360mm AIO liquid coolers to support your next PC build.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

At A Glance

Here is a comparison of all 360mm AIO liquid coolers in stock and what we have picked.

AIO Cooler

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White

Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2

Preview

Award

Best Overall 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Best Performance 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Best White 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Best RGB 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Best Value 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Best Budget 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Excellent Performance, Customizable Unique Design, Low Noise, Easy Installation

Outstanding cooling performance, Remarkable thermal headroom, Removable pump lid, Six-year warranty, EK OmniLink, Beautiful radiator design

Performance, 2.4" LCD screen, aesthetics, easy installation

Excellent thermal performance, Magnetic faceplate, 24 A-RGB LEDs on pump block

Decent pricing, Impressive thermal performance, Easy daisy-chaining fans

Outstanding value, Remarkable cooling performance, Beautiful aesthetics, Easy installation, Subtle RGB lighting, Longer warranty

What We Disliked

Has some cable clutter

Noisy fans, Slightly pricier

Loud fans, stiff tubing

High price

Thick radiator, There is no control over the embedded fan

No darker variant

Dimensions

394 × 119 × 27.2mm

400 x 124 x 27mm

397 x 120 x 27mm

396 x 120 x 27mm

400 x 120 x 38mm

397 x 120 x 27mm

Fans

3x SickleFlow Edge A-RGB

3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm

3x X12E White fans

3x RX120 RGB 120mm A-RGB fans

3x Digital RGB fans

3x TL-B12W 120mm White Fans

Fan RPM

690-2500 RPM ± 10%

550 — 2,300RPM

800 — 2,150RPM

300 — 2,100RPM

500 — 1,800RPM

2,150RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

My favorite cooler because it offers excellent performance without costing a ton.

Goes heavy on the pockets but makes up for it with top-notch cooling.

The perfect cooler for white-themed PC builds without asking you to empty your wallet.

My go-to recommendation for any RGB build.

Offers the most value for money with its beatiful looks and exceptional cooling.

The most impressive cooler in terms of pricing, and yet it kept my i7-13700K shockingly cool.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

AIO Cooler

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Preview

Award

Best Overall 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Excellent Performance, Customizable Unique Design, Low Noise, Easy Installation

What We Disliked

Has some cable clutter

Dimensions

394 × 119 × 27.2mm

Fans

3x SickleFlow Edge A-RGB

Fan RPM

690-2500 RPM ± 10%

RGB

Short On Time?

My favorite cooler because it offers excellent performance without costing a ton.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

AIO Cooler

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Preview

Award

Best Performance 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Outstanding cooling performance, Remarkable thermal headroom, Removable pump lid, Six-year warranty, EK OmniLink, Beautiful radiator design

What We Disliked

Noisy fans, Slightly pricier

Dimensions

400 x 124 x 27mm

Fans

3x EK-Loop fan FPT D-RGB 120mm

Fan RPM

550 — 2,300RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

Goes heavy on the pockets but makes up for it with top-notch cooling.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

AIO Cooler

Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White

Preview

Award

Best White 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, 2.4" LCD screen, aesthetics, easy installation

What We Disliked

Loud fans, stiff tubing

Dimensions

397 x 120 x 27mm

Fans

3x X12E White fans

Fan RPM

800 — 2,150RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

The perfect cooler for white-themed PC builds without asking you to empty your wallet.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

AIO Cooler

Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB

Preview

Award

Best RGB 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Excellent thermal performance, Magnetic faceplate, 24 A-RGB LEDs on pump block

What We Disliked

High price

Dimensions

396 x 120 x 27mm

Fans

3x RX120 RGB 120mm A-RGB fans

Fan RPM

300 — 2,100RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

My go-to recommendation for any RGB build.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

AIO Cooler

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

Preview

Award

Best Value 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Decent pricing, Impressive thermal performance, Easy daisy-chaining fans

What We Disliked

Thick radiator, There is no control over the embedded fan

Dimensions

400 x 120 x 38mm

Fans

3x Digital RGB fans

Fan RPM

500 — 1,800RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

Offers the most value for money with its beatiful looks and exceptional cooling.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

AIO Cooler

Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2

Preview

Award

Best Budget 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Outstanding value, Remarkable cooling performance, Beautiful aesthetics, Easy installation, Subtle RGB lighting, Longer warranty

What We Disliked

No darker variant

Dimensions

397 x 120 x 27mm

Fans

3x TL-B12W 120mm White Fans

Fan RPM

2,150RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

The most impressive cooler in terms of pricing, and yet it kept my i7-13700K shockingly cool.

Amazon

NewEgg

Review

Read Our Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS Review

Last Updated:

October 24, 2024: After testing the iCUE Link Titan 360 RX, the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 and the Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White, we have included them as the best RGB, the best value and the best white options.

[toc]

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

[toc]

Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers

Following are our picks for the Best 360mm AIO CPU Coolers:

Best Overall: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
Best Performance: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best White: Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White
Best RGB: Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB
Best Value: Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360
Best Budget: Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 Liquid Cooler

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Best Overall 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent performance
Good pricing
Unique design
Easy to install
Environmentally friendly
Low noise output

Cons

A little difficult to manage the cables

Check Best Offer

I tested the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS a couple of weeks ago, and I was completely blown away by how well the AIO performs. The pump uses a revamped dual-chamber design to help with heat transfer and improved coolant flow, plus the SickleFlow Edge fans leave no stone unturned to offer top-notch performance. Along with good cooling capabilities, I also really appreciated the AIO’s build quality in my testing. The aluminum radiator has a 20 FPI fin density, and the coolant can flow through 12 channels – this basically means that the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is pretty much up to the current standards.

Another feature that caught my attention is the pump’s unique design. You can remove the top cover and replace it with your 3D-printed design. Yes, you can customize and make your pump look the way you want it, which is quite impressive. You also get A-RGB lighting at the pump and fans and a SATA-powered control box for easy control. This isn’t the first AIO that offers this, but having pre-installed fans on the radiator and a thermal paste applicator sticker at the base makes installation very easy for beginners.

Here’s how I described the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS at the end of my review:

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is a high-performance AIO liquid cooler with excellent thermal performance and low noise levels. Overall, it is a great option for users who are looking for a top-performing AIO cooler with a unique design.

✅Buy It If

You want great performance: The Cooler MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS has topped my 360mm AIO charts and did an exceptionally good job at cooling the i7-13700K.

You hate high noise: During my testing, the room’s ambient noise was around 35 dBA, and I recorded a noise output of 40.8 dBA from the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS – an outstanding number considering I did not tune the fans.

You are a beginner who prefers easy installation: Thanks to the pre-installed fans on the radiator and the thermal paste applicator sticker, the overall installation process is easier.

❌Don't Buy It If

You dislike cable management: Since it uses A-RGB fans and a SATA-powered control box for RGB lighting, the overall cables can get a bit cluttered.

You’re running the Intel LGA20xx platform: The MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is such a great AIO in every aspect that the only people I would not recommend it to are those who’re running the LGA20xx platform; that’s because the AIO is not compatible with this socket line-up.

What Makes It The Best Overall 360mm AIO Cooler?

If you pay high enough, you may find AIOs that outperform the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS. However, for the excellent pricing, the ATMOS 360’s cooling capabilities are nothing short of a very impressive feat. Combine that with its unique design, environmentally-friendly materials, easy installation, and good noise output – there’s no AIO that offers a better set of features than the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS, and that’s why I’ve picked it as the best overall 360mm AIO cooler.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Outstanding cooling performance
Remarkable thermal headroom
Removable pump lid
Six-year warranty
EK OmniLink
Beautiful radiator design

Cons

Noisy fans
Slightly pricier

Check Price

Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Cooler Review

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB provides outstanding cooling performance thanks to its stronger 3x fans running at 2,300RPM speeds, improving the overall airflow in the PC case. Moreover, during our dedicated testing, the AIO showcased impressive thermal headroom for higher overclocks with stronger CPUs. The AIO cooler has sturdy build quality with an aluminum radiator and fans utilizing fluid dynamic bearings for extended longevity. We also loved the AIO’s thicker FPI, improving heat dissipation properties.

Outside of its performance, we loved the beautiful aesthetics of the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB cooler. To explain, the pump has a removable and rotatable lid that improves customization. Also, your PC will be fully lit after installation with tons of D-RGB around the fans and pump. Also, the EK OmniLink cables reduce cable clutter.

Loving the AIO cooler’s remarkable performance and aesthetics, Awais Khan says in his review:

“The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. I have everything to love about this cooler.”

✅Buy It If

You want to overclock your CPU without having any cable clutter: If you’re looking for a 360mm AIO cooler that allows high-end CPU overclocking without requiring lots of cables in your PC, improving aesthetics, and having sturdy build quality, then we recommend purchasing the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re on a tighter budget: We don’t recommend buying this AIO cooler if you’re on a tighter budget because the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB comes with a higher price tag than other 360mm AIO coolers because of its features and thermal performance.

What Makes It The Best Performance 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB cooler provides outstanding thermal performance with 3x 120mm fans running at remarkable 2,300RPM speeds and sturdy build quality without compromising the cooler’s aesthetics. Thus, all these features make it the best performance 360mm AIO liquid cooler.

Editor`s Note

I loved the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO cooler the most out of its competitors because of the cooler’s outstanding thermal performance, beautiful RGB lighting, customization capabilities, and sturdy build quality. If you have a higher budget and don’t mind an over-the-top AIO cooler, then you definitely won’t regret making this purchase.

– Hayyan Serwer

Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White

Best White 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent thermal performance
2.4″ LCD screen
Robust build quality
Gorgeous snow white aesthetics
Easy installation process
PWM regulated pump

Cons

Loud fans at max RPM
Plastic accents on the pump can pop out
Stiff tubing

Check Price

Read Our Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White AIO Cooler Review

Are you building a white PC and want an AIO cooler that’ll fit your theme while providing the best cooling possible? If so, consider the Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White AIO cooler. Firstly, its fans go up to 2,150RPM with an 80CFM, ensuring your chassis has loads of airflow. Secondly, during my testing, the AIO cooler easily cooled even flagship processors without any hints of bottlenecking. I also loved the Valkyrie SYN’s robust build quality, offering a copper baseplate and a fully aluminum radiator with a 5-year warranty.

The AIO cooler’s aesthetics are gorgeous: snow-white with premium RGB lighting makes it look like a cold, fuzzy winter morning. I also love the 2.4″ LCD, which can be customized to show GIFs or temperatures. While the product itself is fantastic, it does have its downsides. For example, the fans are pretty loud at max RPM. Furthermore, although the installation process is relatively simple, the 425mm tubing is pretty stiff and challenging to handle. However, it’s a solid AIO cooler for any PC build if you can overlook its cons.

PRO TIP: The Valkyrie SYN360 AIO cooler comes with pre-applied thermal paste, so you don’t have to purchase any separately for the installation.

I loved the AIO cooler’s cooling capabilities, aesthetics, and features in its price range and couldn’t stop myself from expressing the following in my dedicated review:

The Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB White is a high-end liquid CPU cooler with a 2.4″ LCD screen, excellent cooling performance, and broad socket compatibility.

✅Buy It If

You want a control hub and an LCD screen with your cooler: If you’re building a white PC and want a 360mm AIO cooler that comes with a control hub and a small LCD screen for better customization, then I recommend purchasing the Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White AIO cooler. The hub allows multiple fan connections with a single control, while the LCD screen is decent enough to monitor the temperatures.

❌Don't Buy It If

You dislike noisy fans: During my testing, the Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White AIO cooler’s fans went up to 56dB(A) at max RPM. If you can’t handle noisy fans and want a more quiet cooling solution, then I don’t recommend purchasing this AIO cooler.

What Makes It The Best White 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

The Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB LCD White AIO cooler boasts a beautiful white aesthetic, a unique pump design, and dedicated RGB lighting all over the fan sides and pump. Pairing its looks is its outstanding thermal performance, which allows decent overclocking potential while keeping the price tag relatively lower. Thus, all the features make it the best white 360mm AIO liquid cooler.

Best White CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB

Best RGB 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent thermal performance
Magnetic faceplate
24 A-RGB LEDs on pump block
Beautiful lighting
6-year warranty

Cons

High price
Total dependency on iCUE software

Check Price

Read Our Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB AIO Cooler Review

I have covered several 360mm AIO coolers, but none have unique RGB lighting. The Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB AIO cooler breaks apart from the norms. It provides outstanding cooling performance and immersive RGB lighting and customization that put me in awe when I first saw it. For starters, you get 24 A-RGB LEDs on the pump block, meaning you can easily customize the lighting. Moreover, the 3x fans running at 2,100RPM speeds provide decent airflow at 73.5CFM, keeping temperatures at an all-time low while maintaining beautiful aesthetics thanks to their own A-RGB lighting.

I also love the cooler’s sturdy build quality, with a copper baseplate and an aluminum radiator, showcasing its extended 6-year warranty period. The only things I dislike about the AIO cooler are its slightly higher price and total dependency on the iCUE software. What do I mean by the latter? The cooler fans aren’t PWM and can only be controlled by the software. Besides, the AIO cooler performs exceptionally well with high-end CPUs and showcases decent overclocking potential.

WARNING: The fans aren’t PWM and can only be controlled through the iCUE software. That means you can’t manually control the fan’s speeds, but you need to use the software to make any customizations.

Nauman Siddique put the Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB on his test bench and praised its performance and aesthetics. Here’s what he stated in his dedicated review:

The Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB is a flagship liquid cooler, available in 240mm and 360mm sizes. It offers excellent cooling performance with a 3-phase motor, a precision cold plate, and powerful RGB fans, making it a top contender for high-end PC builds

✅Buy It If

You want to experience digital connection: The Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB AIO cooler uses digital connectivity to control the fan speeds, monitor temperatures, and customize RGB lighting, making it entirely dependent on the iCUE software. This AIO cooler should be your best choice if you want to automate everything while having beautiful RGB lighting.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re on an older CPU socket: I don’t recommend purchasing this AIO cooler if you’re on an older CPU socket like the LGA 1200 or LGA 1151 because the Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB AIO cooler only supports LGA 1851, LGA 1700, and AM4/AM5 sockets. You’ll face compatibility issues if you don’t check your CPU’s socket before purchasing.

What Makes It The Best RGB 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

The Corsair iCUE Link Titan 360 RX RGB AIO cooler provides impeccable cooling performance merged with beautiful RGB lighting on its pump and fans. Customization capabilities and fancy features include a magnetic faceplate and fan connections to reduce cable clutter. The pump’s 24 A-RGB LEDs and beautiful lighting effects make it the best RGB 360mm AIO liquid cooler.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360

Best Value 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Decent pricing
Impressive thermal performance
Easy daisy-chaining fans
Brilliant digital lighting
Good VRM cooling
5-year warranty period

Cons

Thick radiator
There is no control over the embedded fan

Check Price

Read Our Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO Cooler Review

If you’re building a budget PC and don’t want to invest much money in a high-end AIO cooler but want similar performance, I present the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler. You get decent features like easy daisy-chainable fans, a VRM fan, and impressive thermal performance enough to help cool flagship processors. During our testing, the AIO almost matched the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB’s performance when tested on the i7-13700K. There’s not much going around with its looks, but you do at least get some RGB lighting to keep things interesting in your chassis.

Personally, I dislike the aesthetics of the VRM pump fan, but it does help cool the motherboard’s VRMs, so I can’t complain too much. Perhaps a design like an ARCTIC AIO cooler would have helped the LiqMaxFlo. Thanks to its robust build quality, you get a decent 5-year warranty period. The only thing you’ll need to be wary of is the radiator’s thicker size. So, if you have an SFF chassis, you better do your homework before purchasing the cooler.

Nauman Siddique was visibly surprised by the AIO’s price-to-performance ratio and couldn’t help commenting on the following in his review:

The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.

✅Buy It If

You prefer longevity from a power AIO cooler: If you’re looking for an AIO cooler that will last you a long time, is serviceable, and offers outstanding performance within a lower budget, then the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm should be at the top of your list. Unlike closed-loop AIO coolers, this one comes with a refill port on the radiator, and you also get a 100ml coolant to service the AIO in the future if needed.

❌Don't Buy It If

You have a compact mid-tower chassis: As the AIO cooler’s radiator is thicker than usual, reigning at 38mm (64.8mm with fans), I don’t recommend purchasing if you’re using a smaller chassis. If you intend to buy this cooler, research beforehand to avoid any compatibility issues.

What Makes It The Best Value 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

Firstly, the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm AIO cooler has a budget-friendly price tag, making it attractive for many users. Furthermore, its thermal performance features like easy daisy-chainable fans, a serviceable pump, and a longer warranty make it the best value 360mm AIO liquid cooler. Even when pinned against some higher-performing coolers, the LiqMaxFlo did not back down and showed remarkable performance.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2

Best Budget 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27mm | Fans: 3x TL-B12W 120mm White Fans | Fan Speed: 2,150RPM | Noise Level: 28.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ | RGB: Yes

Pros

Outstanding value
Remarkable cooling performance
Beautiful aesthetics
Easy installation
Subtle RGB lighting
Longer warranty

Cons

No darker variant

Check Price

Read Our Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 AIO Liquid Cooler Review

The Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 360mm AIO cooler provides incredible cooling performance while maintaining a budget price. During our dedicated performance testing, the AIO cooler shocked us with how well it performs with high-end CPUs at full load, allowing decent overclocking capabilities, too. Although a budget cooler, the AIO’s build quality is impressive, featuring high-density aluminum fins on the radiator for better heat dissipation. Moreover, the AIO cooler has a bigger copper baseplate, which increases its cooling capabilities.

The AIO offers beautiful white snow-like aesthetics with slight RGB around the fans. However, the cooler doesn’t have a darker variant, making it difficult for users who want a stealth or black build to choose this AIO. Even so, we loved the AIO’s sleek look and outstanding design.

Amazed by the cooler’s remarkable performance while maintaining a tighter budget, Awais Khan comments in his review:

“The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 is a hidden gem when it comes to the liquid coolers’ paradise. This underdog has a high-performance capability, particularly on the latest platforms, and it does so without breaking the bank.”

✅Buy It If

You want decent cooling on a budget without requiring an upgrade in the future: If you’re looking for a 360mm AIO cooler that is easy on the bank while providing good performance and not needing an upgrade in the near future, then the Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 is for you.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want a darker variant: We don’t recommend purchasing this AIO cooler if you want a darker variant, as the Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 AIO cooler only comes in a white design, making it unsuitable for darker or stealthier PC builds.

What Makes It The Best Budget 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler?

The Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 360mm AIO cooler provides impressive thermal performance while maintaining a competitive price point without skipping out on build quality and aesthetics. These points make it the best budget 360mm AIO liquid cooler.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Benchmarks Of My Recommended 360mm AIOs

Looking into a CPU cooler’s thermal performance is the most important thing to consider before making a purchase. Therefore, we have shared the results of our dedicated testing of the 360mm AIO coolers we have listed in the article and how they fare against their competition. Most of our tests are with the Core i7-13700K and Ryzen 7 7700X.

Our extensive test results

1 of 2

Why We Didn’t Go For These 360mm AIOs

Our hardware experts have tested hundreds of 360mm AIOs, but here are some honorable mentions that didn’t make it through our selection:

ALPHACOOL Eisbaer Pro 360 HPE Aurora: A bit pricier than it should’ve been.
Deepcool Castle 360EX: An old-generation pump unsuitable for the latest high-end CPUs.
EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360: It doesn’t come with an LGA 1700 bracket.

How I Tested & Picked These 360mm AIOs

When choosing the perfect CPU cooler to fit all your needs, there are many things to consider. Therefore, to make your purchase decision easier, here are a few aspects we looked into when selecting the AIO coolers:

TDP: The TDP cooler rating is one of the most essential factors in considering whether it is suitable for your machine. Thermal design power sometimes called a Thermal design point, is the high temperature produced by a computer chip or part.
Noise: You can look for no quiet fans at all. It’s always happening, and it’s better if you take the right step here. Otherwise, you will end up with a completely bad experience, which is not what we want anyone to hear from the beginning.
Radiator: AIO cool radiators are available in a variety of sizes. Not all cases, however, can manage each radiator scale. Also, scan the specifics of the device case you are considering to ensure that it fits the AIO cooler radiator size of your choice.
Aesthetics: Aspects of beauty are also things that you may want to consider. The AIO selection process is usually much simpler than one might think, so focusing too much on it will not be kind to anyone. When choosing a new cooler, see what you usually want. However, you should not put down performance to look good.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 360mm cooling mean?

360mm cooling actually refers to the size of the AIO’s radiators that are commonly used in high-performance systems with top-notch CPUs.

What cases fit a 360mm radiator?

Generally, mid-tower and full-tower cases are the best options for 360mm radiators.

How much more cooling does a 360mm radiator offer than a 280mm?

The 360mm models have a 10% advantage in terms of radiator space and three fans working for them, but the 280mm models have the advantage of two large 140mm fans.

Is 360mm AIO Worth It?

Yes, if you have a system that produces heat too much that your small-size radiator can’t handle, it’s the best choice for your system.

What is the best fan placement on a 360mm radiator?

When cooling your CPU with AIO, the complete setup includes placing the radiator in front of or above your case. Both work well. To prioritize GPU cooling, you can put CPU AIO on top of the case to spare the pipes from coming in the way of the airflow.

Recent Updates

May 2, 2024: After recently testing the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS, I am very impressed by its cooling capabilities and overall value for money, that’s why I have swapped it with the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB as the best overall 360mm AIO.
April 20, 2024: Some formatting changes to improve readability.
February 20, 2024: We have added a new category for the best performance 360mm AIO liquid cooler. The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360 has been replaced with the Corsair iCUE Link 360 because the latter costs less and provides more value. Similarly, the DeepCool Castle 360EX has been replaced with the Thermalright Frozen Magic Scenic V2 360 due to greater performance in our testing with a lower price and better aesthetics.
August 17, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
June 6, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers In 2024 [All Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best Budget CPU Coolers In 2024 [Hands-On-Tested]

Nauman Siddique — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 10:27:55 +0000

Anyone not interested in spending an outrageous amount on a cooler will end up searching for a budget CPU cooler to meet their requirements. Thankfully, there’s been an influx in several budget coolers as of late. Well, my team and I have tested a bunch of different AIOs and air coolers to help you get the Best Budget CPU Coolers.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Nauman Siddique is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, motherboards, processors, and AIOs for more than a decade.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

Top Picks And Comparison Between Them

Here are all our picks, showcasing different audience focus, types, and comparisons:

Cooler

ID-COOLING FROZN A720

Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Arctic Freezer 36 A-RGB White

Looks

Award

Best Budget Air Cooler

Best Budget 360mm AIO Cooler

Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler

Best Budget White Air Cooler

Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Single-tower Air Cooler

What We Liked

Top-notch cooling performance, Fairly priced at $69, Decent aesthetics

Impressive thermal performance, Low noise output (<41dBA), Included coolant for maintenance

Excellent Value, Low Noise Levels, 6-year warranty

Great cooling performance, Low noise output (39.9 dBA) at full RPM, Affordable

What We Disliked

Requires 170mm of case clearance to support high-profile RAM, Noisier than most other air coolers

VRM fan speed is coupled to pump speed

Limited socket compatibility

Limited socket support

Fans

2x 140mm 4-pin PWM Fans

3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans

2x P12 PWM PST A-RGB

2x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans

Fan Speed

500~1800 RPM ±10%

2000 RPM

200-2000 RPM

Dimensions

140 × 153 × 163mm

400 × 38 × 120mm

277 x 120 x 38 mm

104 × 126 × 159mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

ID-COOLING FROZN A720

Looks

Award

Best Budget Air Cooler

Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

What We Liked

Top-notch cooling performance, Fairly priced at $69, Decent aesthetics

What We Disliked

Requires 170mm of case clearance to support high-profile RAM, Noisier than most other air coolers

Fans

2x 140mm 4-pin PWM Fans

Fan Speed

500~1800 RPM ±10%

Dimensions

140 × 153 × 163mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget 360mm AIO Cooler

Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Impressive thermal performance, Low noise output (<41dBA), Included coolant for maintenance

What We Disliked

VRM fan speed is coupled to pump speed

Fans

3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans

Fan Speed

500~1800 RPM ±10%

Dimensions

400 × 38 × 120mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler

Type

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Excellent Value, Low Noise Levels, 6-year warranty

What We Disliked

Limited socket compatibility

Fans

2x P12 PWM PST A-RGB

Fan Speed

2000 RPM

Dimensions

277 x 120 x 38 mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Arctic Freezer 36 A-RGB White

Looks

Award

Best Budget White Air Cooler

Type

Single-tower Air Cooler

What We Liked

Great cooling performance, Low noise output (39.9 dBA) at full RPM, Affordable

What We Disliked

Limited socket support

Fans

2x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans

Fan Speed

200-2000 RPM

Dimensions

104 × 126 × 159mm

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Read Our ID-Cooling Frozn A720 Review

Review

Last Updated:

October 19, 2024: After testing dozens more coolers, we have updated our best budget recommendations with completely new products that offer excellent performance and value for the money.

[toc]

Interested in other budget components? Check out:

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Following are our picks for the Best Budget CPU Coolers:

Best Budget Air Cooler: ID-COOLING FROZN A720
Best Budget White Air Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 36 A-RGB White
Best Budget 240mm Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB
Best Budget 360mm Cooler: ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360mm A-RGB

ID-COOLING FROZN A720

Best Budget Air Cooler

ID-Cooling Frozn A720 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Top-notch cooling performance
Fairly priced at $69
Decent aesthetics
Frost X25 thermal paste included

Cons

Requires 170mm of case clearance to support high-profile RAM
Noisier than most other air coolers
Not the best build quality
Only a 3-year warranty offered

Check Price

ID-cooling’s products have been making waves for a while now, and for good reason. The Frozn A720 is the new sensation, with a dual-tower design featuring 2x 140mm fans. It features a total of 100 densely packed fins and 7x 6mm copper heat pipes. The fans feature an FDB design and have 9x blades capable of 2.26 mmH2O of maximum static pressure. Thanks to all this, the cooler showed mighty impressive numbers, narrowly beating the Noctua NH-D15 G2 in our testing. However, the CPU cooler was too noisy for our taste, reaching 48.1 dBA in the acoustic test.

The cooler shows a nice, all-black aesthetic without RGB. There is a plastic cover atop the two towers with a distinct, sleek design. This design is a winner for minimalism lovers like me, but understandably, some users may not be pleased with the lack of flashiness.

Testing the Frozn A720, our coolers expert, Hayyan Serwer said this:

The ID-Cooling Frozn A720 offers impressive cooling performance with its dual-tower design and two 140mm fans, making it a solid competitor to high-end air coolers at a more affordable price.

✅Buy It If

You want the best in air cooling: This is the best you can get among air coolers, and it costs a fair $69. This makes it cheaper than competitors like the AK620 Digital and far cheaper than Noctua’s offerings.

Minimalism is a priority:If you want a sleek-looking black cooler, this cooler fits the bill.

You’re using tall RAM modules:For high-profile memory, the cooler’s fans can be adjusted to provide up to 40mm of clearance.

❌Don't Buy It If

You have high-profile memory and a small chassis: If your particular scenario involves tall memory and a case supporting less than 170mm, you’re out of luck as the cooler won’t fit in any orientation.

Noise sensitivity is a concern: The cooler can produce up to 48 dBA at maximum RPM, which is a bothersome amount of noise for most users.

PRO TIP: Try adjusting the fan curves to tackle the high noise output of the cooler.

What Makes It The Best Budget Air Cooler?

At $69, the ID-Cooling Frozn A720 matches Noctua’s NH-D15 G2, the best air cooler we’ve tested so far (most expensive, too, at $149). The cooler has a neat all-black design with no RGB lighting being used here, and it will fit in both black and white-themed builds, no problem. ID-Cooling is kind enough to provide its Frost X25 paste with this, which performed quite well in our testing. Its noise output is on the higher side, though, and you’ll need to have a low-profile RAM ora large case to fit it.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9.5/10
Features: 8.5/10	Design: 9/10

Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB

Best Budget 360mm AIO Cooler

Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Impressive thermal performance
Low noise output (<41dBA)
Included coolant for maintenance
5-year warranty
Fairly priced
VRM fan can potentially lower phase temperatures

Cons

VRM fan speed is coupled to pump speed

Check Price

Read Our Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB Review

The Enermax Liqmaxflo 360mm provides stellar cooling thanks to an improved pump design utilizing their Shunt-Channel technology. Inside the pump is a VRM fan, enlarged coolant inlets and outlets, and an optimized fluid channel for more efficient flow. The 38mm thick radiator and 3x fans, with thick 3mm blades and speeds of up to 1800 RPM, do the rest! In our testing, the cooler kept the i7-13700K under 83°C without power limits! At the same time, the noise output was one of the lowest across our 360mm coolers.

The cooler stands out with its all-black design, which is also found on the radiator fans and the VRM fan. Atop the pump is a plastic cover that can be replaced with your own 3D-printed design, and Enermax promises custom offerings of their own are coming soon. The fan cables can be daisy-chained, with a single cable for power and RGB, so it’s easy to set up, and you won’t have cable clutter.

The Enermax Liqmaxflo is indeed a powerful cooler; when I tested it for its dedicated review, here’s how I summarized it:

The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.

✅Buy It If

You want a quiet liquid cooler:Despite its 60 mm VRM fan, this cooler has one of the lowest noise outputs we’ve recorded among liquid coolers.

You want RGB in your cooler:The cooler features RGB lighting in both the radiator fans and the VRM fan, providing plenty of flamboyance for those who prefer it.

You’re using an older Intel CPU: Whether you’re rocking the latest Intel LGA 1700 build or say, an old Intel LGA 1366 CPU, the cooler will work.

Extra features matter to you:Whether it’s the included coolant for maintenance, the VRM fam for cooling your motherboard’s power phases, or the pre-applied thermal paste, the cooler offers some goodies that other coolers may not.

❌Don't Buy It If

Your case can’t support it:With a combined radiator + fan thickness of 64.8mm, many chassis are ruled out as they support the standard 52mm thickness.

What Makes It The Best Budget 360mm Liquid Cooler?

The Liqmaxflo 360mm ticks almost every box: great performance, a pleasing design, and a fair price tag. Its acoustic performance really impressed us, especially considering the extra VRM fan (whose speed depends on the pump’s speed). It was nice to see the extra coolant provided by Enermax; you can easily refill it when it runs out and extend your cooler’s lifespan, and the cooler is backed by a 5-year warranty, too.

Best 360mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8.5/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8.5/10

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 Pictures From Our Reivew

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent value
Fantastic performance
Low noise levels
Robust build quality
6-year warranty

Cons

Limited Intel Compatibility
Some motherboards are incompatible

View on Amazon

Read Our Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB Review

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB comes packed with two 120mm P12 fans, capable of reaching speeds of 1800 RPM. The VRM cooler has also been increased in size, now covering a larger part of the block for improved cooling over a larger area. It can also reach a maximum speed of 2500 RPM. The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB’s build quality is top-notch, offering fans tuned for high static pressure along with an in-house pump design that leaves no stone unturned. You get a thick 38mm radiator with a total of 15 fins as well as rotatable tubes made out of more flexible material, making installation easier.

I’m glad Arctic was designed to move away from the bulky design of the previous cooler’s pump, now shifting to a circular shape that fits in better in most PC builds. On the other hand, RGB is present on the pump head as well as the P12 fans, adding a nice touch to the overall aesthetic.

Once Hayyan Serwer, our coolers expert,finished testing the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB, he said:

I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.

✅Buy It If

You want the best possible value: The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB provides incredible performance for its price.

You want a silent 240mm AIO: Both the pump and the fans make little noise, which is impressive considering the performance they manage to provide.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want better compatibility with Intel sockets: Compatibility with Intel sockets other than the LGA 1700 is very limited at the moment, which is disappointing.

You want the best motherboard compatibility:The larger pump head design means some motherboards won’t be compatible with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB.

What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 continues down the path of the previous coolers from the Arctic, showcasing unmatched price-to-performance, which is why I have crowned it the Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler.

WARNING:Make sure to ensure compatibility with your motherboard since some motherboards are not compatible with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB.

Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Arctic Freezer 36 A-RGB White

Best Budget White Air Cooler

Arctic Freezer 36 A-RGB White

Pros

Great cooling performance
Low noise output (39.9 dBA) at full RPM
Affordable
Pleasing design
Included MX-6 thermal paste
Screwless fan mounting mechanism
6-year warranty

Cons

Limited socket support

Check Price

Arctic’s Freezer 36 continues where the Freezer 34 and 35 left off, revealing another excellent budget air cooler. Like those two, this is also a single-tower cooler, but with 2x 120mm fans, capable of up to 2000 RPM. It has 4x copper heat pipes and 59 aluminum fins to dissipate heat, and the fins extend out from the sides for extra dissipation. The cooler utilizes direct-contact heat pipes for smooth heat transfer. Testing the cooler with the Ryzen 9 7950X (stock), we noted a maximum temperature of 63°C under a 30-minute Cinebench R23 MT run. It also ran very quiet throughout!

The cooler’s all-white look stands out, and the RGB lighting makes it a complete package. The RGB is integrated into the blades, central ring, and logo. The top of the heatsink has an aluminum plate with the Arctic logo, completing its pleasing, balanced look; one of my favorites!

WARNING: For Intel users, installing the cooler involves removing the default ILM socket, which may void CPU and motherboard warranty.

✅Buy It If

You want RGB in your cooler:This variant of the Arctic Freezer 36 features dual RGB fans, which provide a nice amount of illumination.

You want a low noise output:Noise-sensitive users need not worry; the cooler is one of the quietest ones we’ve tested, at around 39.9 decibels.

You’re worried about RAM clearance:The cooler’s design allows full RAM compatibility, regardless of which RAM modules you install.

You don’t want to spend extra on thermal compound: Arctic provides 0.8g of its MX-6 thermal paste, one of the best-performing compounds we’ve tested!

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re running an older Intel CPU:The board only supports Intel’s LGA1700, with a separate LGA 1200/115X mounting kit needing to be purchased for those older systems.

What Makes It The Best Budget White Air Cooler?

The Arctic Freezer 36 A-RGB White is an affordable (~$34) air cooler that can cool power-hungry chips like the Ryzen 9 7950X without breaking a sweat. It runs quiet, is easy to install, and comes with Arctic’s MX-6 thermal paste to ensure top performance. The only problem is that support for Intel’s LGA 1200/115X sockets requires the purchase of an additional mounting bracket. So, users who aren’t rocking the latest Intel CPUs may be let down.

Best White CPU Coolers

Performance: 8.5/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Thermal Benchmarks

To help you figure out exactly which budget CPU cooler performs up to your standards, we tested all of them for separate reviews. Here are our benchmarks.

Thermals Benchmarks (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

I’ve added some important CPU key terms you should keep in mind when reading my guide.

AIO: All-in-one liquid coolers consist of a pump unit, radiator, and fans, all in a single package.
Heatsink: A cooler’s heatsink is a component comprising numerous fins that are used to facilitate heat dissipation.
Heat pipes: Heat pipes are used to transfer heat from one point on the cooler to another. They are usually connected to the heatsink and baseplate.
Thermal Paste: Thermal paste is a conductive material designed to narrow the gap between the baseplate of the cooler and the CPU to allow for better transfer of heat between the two bodies.
Noise Level: The amount of noise generated by the cooler is referred to as the noise level.
Socket Compatibility: The CPU Socket the coolers are compatible with is known as socket compatibility. The list of compatible sockets is usually mentioned on the manufacturer’s website.
Overclocking: Overclocking is the act of increasing a processor’s clock speed past the original speed designated by the CPU manufacturer. It is a great way of increasing the processor’s performance.
FPI: As suggested by the name, fins per inch refers to the amount of fins within one inch of a radiator.

How We Selected The Best Budget CPU Coolers

For your convenience, we’ve mentioned and explained a couple of crucial points to brood over while attempting to complete your quest for handpicking the Budget CPU cooler in accordance with your unique workflows.

Compatibility: It’s essential to cross-match your desired Budget cooler’s support for the components you’re planning to pair it with. For your convenience, I have already highlighted all the CPU sockets that are supported by each of the Budget CPU Coolers.
Thermal performance: We are focused on judging the cooler’s airflow and heat dissipation ability. The mechanical design that helps heat dissipation and prolongs the cooler’s life is also brought into the discussion.
TDP Configurations: The lower the amount of TDP required, the smaller the cooler. This relationship works across all coolers. In fact, higher TDP usually means more coverage area, speed, and fans, as more TDP generates more heat.
Noise: As the CPU ramps up its temperatures under load, its fan automatically gains more speed when controlled by the motherboard to cool the system down, producing noise that can be very off-putting. So the noise that a cooler produces is a very important factor when choosing the right product.
Build Quality and Aesthetics: Aesthetics like RGB LEDs, mechanical features like the build material that helps in heat dissipation, and apparent build quality matter a lot if you are buying one of these in person. My list includes well-built coolers, with each cooler offering varied visuals.

Loading poll ...

Coming Soon

How much does brand reputation influence your decision when purchasing a budget CPU cooler?

Frequently Asked Questions

What to look for in a low-budget CPU cooler?

You should look for a well-rounded CPU cooler that gets the job done. Do not prioritize fancy build quality and RGB set-ups. Target great airflow and good mechanical design, and if possible, try to go with a fan that does not make much noise.

Are budget CPU coolers worth it?

Yes, Anything that gets your work done and is easy on your wallet is a great CPU cooler. Buyers should focus on performance and compatibility first. Then, the performance needs to be compared to other CPU coolers at a similar price point. If a CPU cooler performs the best in its category and is within your budget, that is worth it.

Recent Updates

July 28, 2024: We have changed the formatting to improve readability.
March 5, 2024: Along with a few text changes, I have also replaced the DeepCool GAMMAXX GT with the DeepCool AK620 due to its superior thermal performance. Similarly, I also swapped the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB with the SilverStone Technology VIDA 240 Slim, thanks to its better design and lower price.
February 23, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.
August 18, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
June 26, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

15+ years of PC Building Experience
10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

Best Budget CPU Coolers In 2024 [Hands-On-Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K In 2024 [Hands-On Tested]

Hayyan Serwer — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:03:46 +0000

The Intel Core i9-14900K CPU is one of the fastest gaming CPUs on the market. Subsequently, the processor also requires more cooling because of its higher 253W PL2 TDP rating. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your PC, you will need the top CPU coolers for the i9-14900K, which we have amassed after carefully researching multiple variants on our test bench.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU Coolers).

Here’s a quick look at our CPU coolers for i9-14900K and a brief comparison of their specs:

Fan

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Noctua NH-D15 G2

ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900K

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Beautiful looks with A-RGB fans and block, Class-leading performance among 360mm AIOs, Decent price tag

Outstanding cooling performance, Attractive RGB, Premium build quality

Beat all other air coolers in our testing, Excellent build quality, 6-year warranty

Excellent thermal performance, Great noise efficiency, The RGB looks great

Exceptional cooling performance, Unique LCD display feature, Excellent build quality

What We Disliked

Cables are clunky

Relatively expensive

Far too costly for an air cooler, Height can be a problem (168mm)

Clearance may be an issue with its 37mm thickness

Quite expensive

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dual Tower Air Cooler

360mm AiO

420mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

394 × 27.2 × 119 mm

400 × 27 × 124 mm

168 × 150 × 152mm (with fans)

398 × 38 × 120mm

454 × 27 × 139 mm

Fan Speed

2500RPM

2300 RPM

1500 RPM

1800 RPM

1700 RPM

Noise Level

27.2 dBA

36 dBA

24.8 dBA

23.46 dBA

33.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Beautiful looks with A-RGB fans and block, Class-leading performance among 360mm AIOs, Decent price tag

What We Disliked

Cables are clunky

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

394 × 27.2 × 119 mm

Fan Speed

2500RPM

Noise Level

27.2 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Outstanding cooling performance, Attractive RGB, Premium build quality

What We Disliked

Relatively expensive

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

400 × 27 × 124 mm

Fan Speed

2300 RPM

Noise Level

36 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

Noctua NH-D15 G2

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Beat all other air coolers in our testing, Excellent build quality, 6-year warranty

What We Disliked

Far too costly for an air cooler, Height can be a problem (168mm)

Cooler Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

Dimensions (LxWxH)

168 × 150 × 152mm (with fans)

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

Noise Level

24.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Excellent thermal performance, Great noise efficiency, The RGB looks great

What We Disliked

Clearance may be an issue with its 37mm thickness

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

398 × 38 × 120mm

Fan Speed

1800 RPM

Noise Level

23.46 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Fan

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Looks

Award

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Exceptional cooling performance, Unique LCD display feature, Excellent build quality

What We Disliked

Quite expensive

Cooler Type

420mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

454 × 27 × 139 mm

Fan Speed

1700 RPM

Noise Level

33.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Read Our Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS Review

Last Updated:

October 17, 2024: After testing the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS, NH-D15 G2, and the LIQMAXFLO 360, we’ve found that these coolers offer exceptional performance for the i9-14900K, and we’ve included them in our recommendations.

[toc]

Getting the i9-14900K? Check our tested round-ups:

[toc]

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K

Here is my selection of the best CPU coolers for the i9-14900K based on hands-on experience:

Best Overall: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
Best Performance: EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Best Air Cooler: NH-D15 G2
Best Budget: ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360mm A-RGB
Best 240mm: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
Best 420mm: CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS

Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i9-14900K

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Beautiful looks with A-RGB fans and block
Class-leading performance among 360mm AIOs
Decent price tag ($149)
Included A-RGB control box
5-year warranty

Cons

Cables are clunky

Check Price

The Masterliquid ATMOS 360 ticks all the boxes, and that’s why it’s our Best Overall selection. Its fin density is 20, and Cooler Master’s SickeFlow Edge fans are tasked with dissipating the heat, with a 3.61 mmH2O static pressure rating. This cooler proved among the top-performing 360mm AIOs in our testing and kept our 14900K from thermal throttling under multi-threaded workloads. The cooler is sturdy, and we had no complaints about its build quality.

The cooler features a sleek and beautiful A-RGB-powered design that will fit right in with any black/white-themed build. Cooler Master allows the freedom of custom 3D-printed designs on the water block. We were happy with the default design, especially thanks to the beautifully implemented A-RGB.

PRO TIP: Cooler creating too much noise? Try adjusting its fan curves.

Here’s what I had to say after testing the cooler in my dedicated review:

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is a high-performance AIO liquid cooler with excellent thermal performance and low noise levels. It is compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets and comes with three SickleFlow Edge 120mm A-RGB fans. The cooler also features a unique pump cover that allows users to design and 3D print their own custom designs.

✅Buy It If

You want top performance at a fair price: At $149, it competes with some of our list’s more pricey 360mm coolers.

You’re an RGB enthusiast: For RGB lovers, the cooler’s RGB fans and water blocks should provide a delightful experience.

You prefer the customizability: Through printables.com, you can download and 3D-print a new design to swap out the cooler’s default water block design.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want a more neatly organized cable setup: If you like to have maximum convenience, the lack of organized daisy-chain cable management might disappoint you.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Core i9-14900K?

With its sleek looks and top performance, the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS was bound to be part of our picks. Its patented dual-chamber design enables faster water flow, and the high-performance SickeFlow Edge fans do an excellent job driving that heat away. The cooler looks beautiful, with evenly diffused RGB across the fans and the block. It’s also thoughtful of Cooler Master to focus on eco-friendliness, with the pump top cover built from recycled plastic materials and a portion of the cooler’s material being recyclable.

Best 360mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 9.5/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Pictures from Our Review

1 of 3

Pros

Outstanding cooling performance
Attractive RGB implementation
High fan speeds
Premium build quality

Cons

Expensive
Noisy fans

Check Price

Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB AIO Cooler Review

Our test results show that the thermal performance of the EK Nucleus CR360 Lux is truly exceptional, which helps it to be positioned as one of the top-performing AIOs on the market. We found that the i9-14900K can comfortably stretch its wings without worrying about thermal throttling, even when heavily overclocked. We believe that the dense micro-fin copper cold plate is one of the cooler’s defining features in terms of build quality, while the diamond-cut brushed aluminum side panels provide a luxurious feel to the cooler. The rotatable pump top also adds to the convenience factor.

Without a doubt, the EK Nucleus CR360 Lux follows the distinctive design language of EK’s acclaimed liquid coolers. The pump block features a smooth A-RGB ring that is diffusely illuminated in the center, giving it a holographic appearance. We particularly liked the fans, who also followed suit with a superb A-RGB design.

Talking about the cooler’s aesthetics and performance, Awais Khan stated during his review:

EK Water Blocks is back in business with its new generation of liquid coolers in the AIO category. Meet the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB cooler, which is quite innovative from its design. It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler, albeit a bit high price tag.

Buy It If:

✅ You want to overclock the i9-14900K: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux is one of the top-performing AIOs in our testing, allowing you to maximize the performance of your Core i9-14900K CPU.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You dislike noisy fans: Although it has impressive thermal performance, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux has loud fans, which can be problematic for many people. During our noise testing, the noise level went up to 36dB(A).

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux delivers supremely low temperatures when paired with the Core i9-14900K, even when overclocked, thanks to its superb thermal dissipation capacity and high-quality 2,300RPM fans. Thus making it the best performance CPU cooler for i9-14900K processor.

Editor`s Note

Out of all the coolers I loved the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB cooler the most because of its outstanding cooling performance, beautiful aesthetics, premium build quality, and outstanding overclocking headroom. We have also awarded it as the best performance CPU cooler for the Intel Core i9-14900K. So, if you have the budget and don’t mind slightly louder fans, you won’t regret making this purchase.

– Hayyan Serwer

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Noctua NH-D15 G2

Best Air Cooler For Core i9-14900K

Noctua NH-D15 G2 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Beat all other air coolers in our testing
Excellent build quality
Over-voltage and over-current protected
6-year warranty

Cons

Far too costly for an air cooler
Height can be a problem (168mm)

Check Price

Read Our Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review

The Noctua NH-D15 G2 improves on the incredibly popular NH-D15 that we love. It features 8 heat pipes (vs. 6) and 2x Noctua NF-A14 G2 fans and provides a larger contact area for the CPU. The fans’ blade count is increased to nine, with more prominent curves. Build quality is no less than the very best we’ve come to expect of Noctua, and the fans’ liquid crystal polymer base is a notable change. All these improvements led to around a 4.5°C improvement in the i9-14900K’s temperature during our load testing, compared to the standard NH-D15. This places it at the very top among air coolers. Acoustic performance has also improved–we recorded 38dBA under load.

The cooler has a dual-tower design and expands on Noctua’s signature brown-beige theme. With that, there’s not much to admire about how it looks. Both the heatsink and heat pipes are made of aluminum, and the cooler can stand out, but only thanks to its great size and vanilla aesthetic.

I was blown away by the performance of the NH-D15 G2 in our review. This is what I said:

It features an enhanced heatsink design with eight heat pipes and a fin stack that provides 20% more surface area while maintaining a low noise level of 24.8 dBA. The cooler is undoubtedly a must-have for anyone after extreme performance from an air cooler.

✅Buy It If

You don’t want liquid cooling: If you prefer air coolers to AIOs, the NH-D15 G2 is the best you can get.

You want long-term reliability: With incredible overall build quality, fans rated for up to 150K hours of operation, and a 6-year warranty, Noctua amazes us again with its commitment to reliability with this cooler.

❌Don't Buy It If

Budget is limited: At $149, the cooler competes with many excellent 360mm AIOs in price and is the most expensive air cooler you can get.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For The Core i9-14900K?

If you really want to stick with an air cooler for your Intel i9, the Noctua NH-D15 G2 is your very best bet. It is the best air cooler we have tested so far and is enough for the CPU on the default power limits. With the cooler, you also get the comfort of a 6-year warranty and superb build quality, so you don’t have to worry about the cooler failing on you. It costs $149, and that’s what you’ll have to pay for the best air-cooling performance possible.

WARNING: The cooler’s height (168mm) may prove too much for some smaller cases; ensure compatibility before purchasing.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 9/10

ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler For Core i9-14900K

ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent thermal performance
Great noise efficiency
The RGB looks great
Daisy-chaining fans
Included extra coolant and easy refilling mechanism
Fairly priced

Cons

Clearance may be an issue with its 37mm thickness

Check Price

Read Our Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 Review

The Enermax Liqmaxflo improves on previous generation coolers with its dual-chamber pump design. Tunings include an enlarged coolant inlet, Shunt-Channel Technology (faster coolant flow), and an optimized fluid channel. Enermax uses Silent Flow fans rated at just 23.46 dBA, which have 5x 3mm wide blades for optimal static pressure. Lastly, the radiator is 38mm thick (the common thickness is 27mm nowadays!). It cooled the 14900K well in our testing, competing with coolers like the EK-Nucleus CR360, and was also among the quietest of the bunch.

The cooler’s RGB lighting is just as good as any we’ve seen. Both the fans and the pump feature RGB (the pump’s RGB is provided by the VRM fan). With the black-and-white contrast between the radiator and the fans, the cooler looks gorgeous even without RGB—so if RGB is not your thing, fret not!

Speaking of its design, here’s what our hardware expert, Nauman Siddique, said about the cooler:

The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.

✅Buy It If

You’re seeking performance on a budget: At $129, the Liqmaxflo 360 competes with more expensive AIOs on our list.

Low noise operation is important: The cooler’s acoustic performance is just as impressive; in our testing, it is kept under 50 dBA at maximum fan RPM.

You like the extra features: The cooler offers some great features, like the VRM fan, 100ml coolant for refills (the mechanism is straightforward), and tube clips for easy orientation.

❌Don't Buy It If

Compatibility is a concern: With a 37mm thick radiator and an overall thickness of 64.8mm with the fans, this cooler may not fit in all builds.

What Makes It The Best Budget Cooler For The Core i9-14900K?

While $129 isn’t the friendliest price tag, it buys a cooler that competes with the best 360mm AIOs on the market—and so, a cooler that is plenty for the i9-14900K. In our testing, it showed superb thermal management and didn’t make a lot of noise during the process. Couple that with its great looks, a handy VRM fan providing extra cooling to your motherboard’s phases, a refillable coolant design, and a 5-year warranty, and this is a stellar option.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Relatively affordable
Solid cooling performance
Inclusion of VRM fan
Impressive acoustics

Cons

Not ideal for extreme overclocking
No RGB on the pump block

Check Price

Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB AIO Cooler Review

My tests reveal that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm’s 200W heat dissipation capacity is extraordinary, and that allows it to handle the i9-14900K in almost any day-to-day scenario. Sure, the overclocking potential is slightly limited in my experience, but its exceptional value surely makes up for it. I found that ARCTIC has upheld exceptional build quality in the Liquid Freezer II, even at its affordable price. I was particularly impressed by the pump block, which incorporates a 45mm fan to enhance airflow around the motherboard’s VRM components, thereby optimizing VRM performance.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AiO cooler showcases a refined and stylish appearance with its sleek all-black pump block. I found that the tubing, adorned with a subtle yet eye-catching black-and-white pattern, contributes an element of refinement to the cooler’s design.

I loved the cooler’s performance during my review, along with its remarkable value. This is what I had to say:

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is ONE-OF-A-KIND AIO for around 110 dollars. Considering its cooling capabilities and excellent performance, it is a good value for money!

Buy It If:

✅ You want high-end performance without breaking the bank: The Liquid Freezer II dominates the 240mm AIO category in my testing due to its exceptional performance and modest price. You can attempt slight overclocking without getting bottlenecked by the CPU’s temperatures.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You can’t handle difficult AIO installations: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240mm AIO comes with a slightly difficult installation. If you’re new to AIO coolers, I recommend not buying this one.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?

Since it delivers admirable thermal performance for a 240mm AIO, has quiet fans peaking at just 106.4dB(A), and comes at a very reasonable price point, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is the best 240mm CPU cooler for i9-14900K.

Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 7/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K

CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT

1 of 4

Pros

Industry-leading cooling performance
Attractive RGB implementation
Unique LCD display feature
Excellent build quality

Cons

Pricy
Compatibility concerns

Check Price

Read Our Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT AIO Cooler Review

We think it is hard to look past the sheer excellence of the Corsair H170i Elite when it comes to its cooling performance. The 420mm cooler can handle the i9-14900K quite comfortably. It is one of the few CPU coolers that can keep pace with a heavily overclocked Core i9-14900K, per our testing. The Corsair H170i Elite upholds a high standard of build quality. In addition to its superbly crafted radiator and top-tier pump combination, we particularly liked the presence of fiber-reinforced tubing, as it significantly boosts its build quality.

The H170i Elite stands out as one of the most visually captivating liquid coolers available. The RGB lighting within the fans is skillfully diffused, mirroring the well-distributed illumination surrounding the pump block. We personally think the LCD screen is a fantastic feature that adds aesthetic value to the cooler.

Talking about the cooler’s aesthetics, Nauman Siddique applauds Corsair for its RGB placement in his cooler review:

With excellent thermal performance that is augmented by a well-executed IPS LCD Screen and extensive customization options using iCUE and lighting effects, the iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT is definitely a worthy contender should your wallet afford it in addition to your PC Case. It comes recommended by us.

Buy It If:

✅ You want to overclock the Core i9-14900K: If you want to push the Core i9-14900K to its absolute limits through manual overclocking, our test results show that the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite is your best bet to do so without thermal throttling the CPU.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ Your budget is limited: Although it justifies its price tag, the Corsair H170i Elite is a premium CPU cooler that can definitely deplete your savings. So, if you’re short on budget, this cooler might not be for you.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900K?

Thanks to its unparalleled cooling capabilities, unique features, and extraordinary overclocking potential, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite XT is the best 420mm CPU cooler for i9-14900K.

Best 420mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Why We Didn’t Opt For These CPU Coolers?

After extensive and detailed testing, we could only place a select number of CPU coolers in our listicle. Here are a few CPU coolers that barely missed the mark:

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT: It comes with a higher price tag and has a non-magnetic hub with loose Intel brackets.
NZXT Kraken X53: There is too much cable clutter, and the NZXT CAM software can be buggy at times.

Benchmarks Of These CPU Coolers

Tech4Gamers prioritizes authenticity and values objectivity over anything else, which is why we thoroughly test each product in our roundups. In order to find the best CPU cooler for the Core i9-14900K, our team put each cooler through a series of tests to determine its performance. Here are the results.

Thermal Test Results

1 of 4

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

Understanding these key terms can help you make informed decisions when selecting a CPU cooler that best suits your needs.

Air Cooler: A CPU cooler that relies on fans and a heatsink to dissipate heat without using liquid cooling, known for its reliability and affordability.
Liquid Cooler: A CPU cooling solution that uses a loop of liquid coolant to transfer heat away from the CPU, often providing superior cooling performance compared to air coolers.
TDP (Thermal Design Power): The maximum amount of heat a CPU is designed to dissipate, which helps in selecting an appropriate CPU cooler for cooling requirements.
Heatsink: A passive cooling component that dissipates heat generated by the CPU to the surrounding air, typically made of metal with fins for better heat dissipation.
Heat pipes: Heat-conductive pipes filled with a coolant that transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Radiator: The component of a liquid CPU cooler that dissipates heat from the liquid coolant using fans, typically located outside the CPU housing.
AIO Cooler: A pre-assembled, closed-loop liquid cooling solution that is easy to install and offers the benefits of liquid cooling without the complexities of custom setups.
Overclocking: Increasing a CPU’s clock speed and voltage settings beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, often requiring enhanced cooling solutions like high-performance CPU coolers.

How We Tested & Picked These CPU Coolers For i9-14900K

When choosing a CPU cooler for your PC, it is easy to get confused due to the different thermal requirements of various CPUs. Moreover, the ideal CPU cooler differs from person to person based on various factors, some of which are listed below.

Performance: It’s important to verify a cooler’s thermal dissipation capacity matches your CPU’s requirements. Research and compare benchmark results to gauge its cooling efficiency in different scenarios. A high-performing CPU cooler not only controls temperatures but also allows better overclocking results for your CPU.
Noise Levels: Exploring user reviews and acoustic benchmarks will provide insights into peak noise levels, helping you find a balance between efficient cooling and a peaceful experience. Look for a cooler with adjustable fan speeds or PWM control for noise adjustment.
Compatibility: For air coolers, check the height to fit within your case without blocking other components like the memory. With water coolers, verify the radiator size and case mounting points for trouble-free installation.
Aesthetics: Look for coolers with adjustable RGB lighting options for fans and pump blocks, enabling you to create seamless lighting patterns that add personality to your build. Certain high-end coolers may also provide customizable screens capable of showing system data or personalized graphics, introducing a distinctive element to your build.

Share Your Thoughts With Us

Loading poll ...

Coming Soon

Which CPU provides the best performance-to-price ratio?

FAQs

What cooling is needed for i9-14900K?

The Core i9-14900K is a high-performance flagship CPU that can output a lot of heat even at stock settings. While you can make it work with an air cooler or a 240mm AiO liquid cooler, it is recommended to pair the i9-14900K with a 360mm AiO cooler for optimal results.

Does i9-14900K require liquid cooling?

No, the Core i9-14900K does not require liquid cooling, although it is definitely recommended. You can use high-end air coolers with the i9-14900K and get satisfactory results, but a premium liquid cooler is going to be a better overall pairing.

Is 360mm AIO enough for 14900K?

Yes, a 360mm AiO cooler is ideal for the Core i9-14900K. The 360mm AiO liquid coolers provide the best balance of performance, compatibility, and value for money.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

Recent Updates

May 10, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
March 28, 2024: I replaced the Corsair A115 with the DeepCool Assassin IV due to its better compatibility and lower overall noise levels.
November 1, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K In 2024 [Hands-On Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Our Tested Best White CPU Coolers – With Benchmarks

Hayyan Serwer — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 12:30:02 +0000

Other than performance, aesthetics play a great role in driving your PC build’s liking. If you are among those users who want to complement their all-white PC build with a flawless white cooler. you are at the right place. That’s because my team and I have tested and rounded up some excellent cooler options that pack performance in stunning white looks. Let’s look at some of the best white CPU coolers that are available in the market today.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

Here are our picks for the best white CPU coolers:

Cooler

be quiet! Light Loop 360mm

Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240-ARGB White

CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 White

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall White CPU Cooler

Best 360mm White AIO Cooler

Best 240mm White AIO Cooler

Best Budget White CPU Cooler

Best White Air CPU Cooler

Type

Triple Fan AIO liquid Cooler

Triple fan AIO liquid cooler

Dual Fan AIO liquid Cooler

Dual fan AIO liquid cooler

Dual-Tower Air Cooler

What We Liked

Impressive performance, Catchy block design, Compatible with all latest sockets

Appealing overall design, Great cooling performance, Loads of customization options

Thermal Performance, Future Proof, Stunning Looks

Value for money, RGB fans, Low profile design

Highly budget-friendly, 200W+ cooling capacity, Impressive performance

What We Disliked

No daisy chain mechanism, Warranty period is slightly short

Too expensive, Fans can get a little loud

Nothing Significant

RGB Controller, Installation

Looks basic, Short term warranty

RGB

Fans

3x Light Wings LX 120mm

3x QX120 ARGB Fans

2x 120mm

2x 120mm ARGB fans

2x TL-C12C-S Fans

Fan Speed

500-2100 RPM

480-2400 RPM

2000 RPM

650-1800 RPM ± 5%

1550 RPM

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

be quiet! Light Loop 360mm

How It Looks

Award

Best Overall White CPU Cooler

Type

Triple Fan AIO liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Impressive performance, Catchy block design, Compatible with all latest sockets

What We Disliked

No daisy chain mechanism, Warranty period is slightly short

RGB

Fans

3x Light Wings LX 120mm

Fan Speed

500-2100 RPM

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD

How It Looks

Award

Best 360mm White AIO Cooler

Type

Triple fan AIO liquid cooler

What We Liked

Appealing overall design, Great cooling performance, Loads of customization options

What We Disliked

Too expensive, Fans can get a little loud

RGB

Fans

3x QX120 ARGB Fans

Fan Speed

480-2400 RPM

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240-ARGB White

How It Looks

Award

Best 240mm White AIO Cooler

Type

Dual Fan AIO liquid Cooler

What We Liked

Thermal Performance, Future Proof, Stunning Looks

What We Disliked

Nothing Significant

RGB

Fans

2x 120mm

Fan Speed

2000 RPM

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 White

How It Looks

Award

Best Budget White CPU Cooler

Type

Dual fan AIO liquid cooler

What We Liked

Value for money, RGB fans, Low profile design

What We Disliked

RGB Controller, Installation

RGB

Fans

2x 120mm ARGB fans

Fan Speed

650-1800 RPM ± 5%

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Cooler

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB

How It Looks

Award

Best White Air CPU Cooler

Type

Dual-Tower Air Cooler

What We Liked

Highly budget-friendly, 200W+ cooling capacity, Impressive performance

What We Disliked

Looks basic, Short term warranty

RGB

Fans

2x TL-C12C-S Fans

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

Amazon

Newegg

Read Our be quiet! Light Loop 360 White Review

Review

Last Updated:

October 12, 2024: Now that we have tested even more white coolers, our team decided to replace our previous recommendations with some of the new releases that offer even better value.

[toc]

You might also want to take a look at:

5 Best White CPU Coolers

These are my top white CPU coolers that offer best performance for the buck:

Best Overall White: be quiet! Light Loop 360mm
Best 360mm White: CORSAIR iCUE Link H150i
Best 240mm White: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB
Best Budget White: CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 White
Best White Air Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

be quiet! Light Loop 360

Best Overall White AIO Cooler

be quiet! Light Loop 360 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Impressive performance
Catchy block design
Compatible with all latest sockets
Not over-the-top expensive
DIY radiator refill kit and port
Bundled with ARGB hub
Minimal noise

Cons

No daisy chain mechanism
Warranty period is slightly short

Check Price

Light Loop 360 White AIO liquid cooler is a breath of fresh air from be quiet!’s side, as for the first time they’re finally offering fully A-RGB lit liquid coolers. This Light Loop 360 is equipped with 3x 120 mm Light Wings LX A-RGB fans that can go as high as 2100 RPM and use rifle bearings. The new cooler also features a revamped jet and cold plate for maximum heat dissipation on newer Intel & AMD processors.

During our testing, the cooler was able to maintain great temperatures when paired with the i7 13700k, ever under high load. The all-white color scheme coupled with the A-RGB lighting on both the fans and the pump makes the cooler shine distinctively. Not to mention, the coolant refill port ensures its longevity with no compromise on thermal performance.

This is what I said about the Light Loop 360 White in my dedicated review:

The be quiet! Light Loop 360 is a high-performance AIO cooler with impressive features, including fully illuminated A-RGB fans and a revamped cooling system designed to handle flagship CPUs. It delivers strong thermal performance and reduced noise levels compared to previous models, but installation is somewhat complex, requiring multiple components. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those looking to manage high temperatures, though a longer warranty would have been appreciated.

✅Buy It If

You are searching for a great-looking and well-performing AIO liquid cooler: The be quiet! Light Loop 360 White’s thermal performance is excellent, and its unique approach to A-RGB lighting makes it stand out.

You need a long lifespan: This AIO’s radiator features a refill port, so the user can refill its coolant with the bundled coolant bottle to further expand its lifespan.

Hub is a must: If having a PWM fan hub is one of your preferences, then this cooler is the one, as it includes a hub that can connect up to 6 fans simultaneously and is powered via a SATA connector.

❌Don't Buy It If

You do not like cable mess: The AIO does not feature a daisy chain design for any of its components, which ends up making cable clutter.

What Makes It The Best Overall White CPU Cooler

This is the best overall white CPU cooler, all thanks to its great blend of looks and performance with minimal noise. The cooler doesn’t compromise on either of the things, and even goes one step ahead to provide more value by including a DIY coolant refill kit.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 8.5/10	Design: 8.5/10

Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD

Best 360mm White AIO Cooler

Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD Pictures From Our Review

1 of 3

Pros

Appealing overall design
Great cooling performance
Loads of customization options
LCD screen
Cable clutter-free design
6 years long warranty

Cons

Too expensive
Fans can get a little loud

Check Price

Read Our Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD Review

The AIO is equipped with a 360 mm white radiator same as its Capellix version, however, this one features the new 3x Corsair’s QX120 ARGB fans that can be connected in a daisy chain configuration because of the iCUE Link compatibility. The fans can also operate at 2400RPM peak and as low as 0RPM. Moreover, its closed-loop design and 250W TDP rating enable it to produce excellent thermal performance.

Another feature that lets it stand out is the IPS LCD screen installed over the pump, which can be heavily customized along with other AIO stuff via the iCUE software.

When Nauman Siddique, our hardware tester and an expert in AIOs and CPU cooling, got his hands on the Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD, he said:

The Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD is a premium liquid cooler, distinguished by its 2.1” IPS LCD screen and striking ARGB lighting. It excels in thermal performance and is compatible with major Intel and AMD sockets. The design minimizes cable clutter, enhancing aesthetics. This cooler is ideal for users who prioritize high-end features in their cooling solutions, with some consideration for budget and noise levels.

✅Buy It If

You are seeking superior performance: The Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD is from Corsair’s flagship series of AIO liquid coolers and packs exceptional cooling capabilities to help reduce CPU temps by a noticeable margin.

You hate cable clutter: This H150i AIO features Corsair’s link technology, which allows the fans to be connected in a daisy chain configuration to mitigate cable clutter.

❌Don't Buy It If

You don’t have a flexible budget: This liquid cooler costs over $200, which makes it one of the most expensive 360 mm AIOs, so if you’re on a strict budget, better skip on this one.

What Makes It The Best 360mm White AIO CPU Cooler

The iCUE Link H150i LCD White is the best 360 mm White AIO liquid cooler in my opinion because of the top-tier thermal performance that it exhibits. While also delivering aesthetically pleasing ARGB illumination all over along with the customizable IPS LCD.

Best 360mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8.5/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB

Best 240mm White AIO Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 Pictures From Our Review

1 of 3

Pros

Excellent thermal performance
Overclocking capabilities
Future Proof
Value for money

Cons

Installation can be a bit difficult for beginners

Check Best Offer

Read Our Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB Review

With support for even the future sockets, i.e., LGA1851, ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III is a future-proof CPU cooler. In my analysis, it can keep i9-13900K operating under 86°C, an excellent performance metric. Its 2x radiator, 1x pump, and 1x VRM fans ensure optimal cooling of every major component. Looking at its thermal performance, it is suitable for overclocking capabilities. Featuring fluid dynamic bearings and premium quality pump components, this 240mm A-RGB AIO cooler does not compromise on delivering top-notch build quality. The refined copper cold plate design further enhances heat dissipation properties. A noticeable feature of this AIO that I appreciate is the in-house pump design. Moreover, ARCTIC has also improved contact frame design to reduce mechanical stress on the CPU.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB offers a captivating look with its spaceship-like pump housing design incorporating stunning RGBs. The addressable RGBs can also be seen on the two radiator fans. These RGBs and a flawless white design make it a compelling choice for users focusing on white-themed builds.

This is what I said in my ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB review:

I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.

✅Buy It If

You Are An Overclocking Enthusiast: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB delivers exceptional cooling performance capable of handling overclocking.

You Require Stunning Aesthetics: Coming with extensive addressable RGBs, a captivating housing design, and a flawless look, the white variant of Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB can deliver stunning aesthetics.

You Want Future Proof Cooler: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB is compatible with Intel’s future CPU socket, i.e., LGA1851.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Are A Beginner Who Prefers Easy Installation: If you're building an Intel build, then I don't recommend this cooler to those who prefer easy installation. That's because using the LGA1700 contact frame can make the whole process just a bit challenging.

What Makes It The Best White 240mm AIO Cooler

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB is the best white 240mm AIO cooler due to its exceptional cooling performance,future-proofing, and overall aesthetic appeal. With features like extensive addressable RGBs, high-quality fans, Intel LGA1851 support, and an improved contact frame, it offers a winning combination of performance and durability.

Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Performance: 10/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB White

Best Budget White CPU Cooler

CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 White

Pros

Dual 120mm RGB fans
Low profile design
TDP rating of 200W

Cons

Cooler installation may require some effort
RGB Controller

Check Best Offer

Read Our Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite ML240L RGB Review

The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 White excels in cooling performance with its efficient closed-loop liquid cooling system. Its dual 120mm RGB fans operate at a maximum speed of 1800 RPM. Even at maximum speed, I did not notice any significant fan noise. These fans and the high-density aluminum radiator provide excellent cooling capabilities designed to handle a TDP of 180W. Featuring a sturdy aluminum radiator and reinforced plastic pump housing, the ML240L RGB V2 White exhibits impressive build quality. Its low-profile design contributes to efficient heat dissipation and ensures compatibility with a wide range of CPU sockets. I like how the universal mounting kit further enhances its versatility and ease of use.

This cooler adds a touch of style to your system with customizable RGB lighting. Its dual 120mm RGB fans and pump housing illuminate in various colors and patterns. With these features, you get a range of various aesthetic combinations. The low-profile design and white finish make it visually appealing for users seeking a budget-friendly yet stylish cooling solution.

PRO TIP: To maintain the stunning looks of your white PC build, prefer PC cases with easily detachable dust filters and regularly clean them.

✅Buy It If

You Want Budget-Friendly Cooling: For users looking for an affordable yet efficient cooling solution, the ML240L RGB V2 White offers excellent value for its performance.

You Want Stunning Aesthetics: If customizable RGB lighting and a visually appealing design are priorities for your build, this cooler provides an attractive solution without breaking the bank.

❌Don't Buy It If

You Want High-End Performance: With the rated TDP of 180W, this AIO might not be suitable for overclocking and high-end use.

You Want Simple RGB Controller: If you prefer intuitive and user-friendly RGB controls, the included RGB controller may not meet your expectations.

What Makes It The Best Budget White CPU Cooler

The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 White qualifies as the best budget white CPU cooler due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio. This AIO cooler perfectly balances efficient cooling performance, stylish aesthetics, and a budget-friendly price tag. The cooler's build quality, universal socket compatibility, and high-quality performance features make it a compelling choice for users seeking value without compromising performance.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8.5/10

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Best White Air Cooler

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB

Pros

Highly budget-friendly
200W+ cooling capacity
Impressive performance
Decent memory clearance
Low profile build compatible

Cons

Looks quite basic
Short term warranty

Check Price

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin comes in a dual-tower design and features a total of six copper heat pipes that are expanded across both towers. Besides that, the cooler also uses two of the TL-C12C-S 120 mm ARGB fans that can ramp up to 1550 RPM. All this was more than enough to hold the i5 14600k under 65C in our testing. While being great in the performance department, its white color scheme adds another layer of value and makes it ideal for white-themed builds.

Not to mention, this whole package comes at a highly affordable price of less than $60, rendering it one of the best-performing budget air coolers you can buy if you're tight on budget.

✅Buy It If

You are looking for the best-performing air cooler on a budget: The cooler is capable of cooling down an i5 14600K, which speaks volumes about its cooling capabilities. That too, while coming at an incredibly affordable price, makes it the best-performing air cooler on a budget.

You want a white air cooler with RGB: If you're in search of a white air cooler that also features A-RGB lighting, then the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE should be your pick as it checks both boxes.

❌Don't Buy It If

You can’t compromise on warranty period: Thermalright provides a 3-year warranty as their standard warranty period if that’s something you’re not fine with and prefer a more extended warranty. Then it’s better to look for something else.

What Makes It The Best White Air CPU Cooler

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE A-RGB is titled the best white air cooler as it performs great even with CPUs like the i5 14600K. It is also suitable for white-themed PCs because of its white color scheme and the inclusion of A-RGB lighting.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 7/10	Design: 8/10

Our Tested Benchmarks

Over the years, my team and I have tested a lot of different coolers and AIOs, and that's why we have such in-depth knowledge about what makes a cooler good or bad. As such, to round up the top choices that offer solid performance while maintaining a clean and beautiful white design, we tested dozens of different coolers. Here are our test results of just some of them:

Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)

How We Chose The Best White CPU Coolers

When buying a CPU cooler for your processor, we need to make sure it fits your taste. Here are some things we took into account when choosing the best white CPU cooler:

Size: When buying a good cooler for your CPU, you need to make sure it provides enough RAM and PCIe clearance. High-end RAM kits tend to get extremely warm when paired with huge coolers because they are not given enough space. A slimmer cooler provides enough room for the RAM to ‘breath’ since it improves the airflow, lowering the overall temperatures.
Budget: Choosing a budget can be difficult, given the vast amount of options. Air coolers may perform slightly less than AIO liquid coolers, but they are generally less expensive than AIO liquid coolers, providing better value for your money. If you do not mind spending more on a cooler, AIO liquid coolers are always a better option.
Efficiency: A cooler's efficiency is mostly identified from the TDP; however, companies like Noctua have their very own measure for their cooler's efficiency. The rated TDP of your cooler must exceed your CPU's TDP by a significant margin.
Noise: Although getting a CPU cooler with more fans will increase the cooling performance, it also comes with a huge increase in noise levels. If that is a problem for you, you are better off getting a low-profile cooler with minimum noise levels.
Compatibility: You need to ensure that the CPU cooler you end up using supports your processor; otherwise, it will just end up not fitting at all. A single cooler comes with different mounting brackets for different sockets. If your CPU socket is mentioned in the list of supported sockets, then you should be good to go.

Recent Updates

July 28, 2024: We have changed the formatting to improve readability.
March 12, 2024: Few text changes for improved readability. One product was replaced.
February 23, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.

FAQs

What is an AIO CPU cooler?

An AIO (All-in-One) CPU cooler is a liquid cooling system that combines a pump, radiator, and fan into one unit. It helps keep your processor cool by circulating liquid through a closed loop, offering better cooling than traditional air coolers.

How to choose a cooler for a CPU?

To choose a CPU cooler, consider your processor’s power, the cooler's compatibility with your motherboard, and your case size. Also, look at fan noise levels, aesthetics, and whether you plan to overclock.

Should I get AIO or air cooled CPU?

It depends on your needs. If you're after quieter performance and better cooling for overclocking, an AIO is a good choice. Air coolers are simpler, more affordable, and work well for most regular setups without heavy overclocking. Choose based on your budget, space, and performance goals.