AIO CPU Coolers Archives - Tech4Gamers

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

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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]

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 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 420mm AIO CPU Coolers [Recommended By Our Experts]

Hayyan Serwer — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 04:30:20 +0000

420mm AIO CPU Coolers represent the pinnacle of AIO liquid cooling technology, offering unprecedented performance. Of course, the perceived performance of 420mm coolers alone is not enough to blindly pick any option without any prior research. It is imperative to weigh every aspect of a cooler to get an option that caters to your personal requirements. That is why I have tested a bunch of different 420mm AIOs to round up the top options.

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 my selection of the best 420mm AIO, all compared with each other:

AIO Cooler

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420

Silverstone IceMyst 420

Preview

Award

Best Overall 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best Performance 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

Best Looking 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, Copper Radiator, Noise

Performance, LCD

Noise, Value, VRM fan

Stackable fans, Design, Performance

What We Disliked

Inconvenient installation

Price

Looks

Noise

Dimensions

458 × 144 × 30 mm

457 × 137 × 53 mm

458 × 140 × 63 mm

456 × 120 × 28 mm

Fans

3x 140mm Fans

3x 140mm

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

1700 RPM

1750 RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

An all-rounder that delivers solid perfoormance and good looks without a high price tag.

A top-tier option that offers the most cooling performance possible.

A true bang for the buck that cuts down on extra bells and whistles to focus on core cooling.

A great choice for those who want to show-off their new builds, also does a great job at cooling neighboring components.

Amazon

Newegg

AIO Cooler

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

Preview

Award

Best Overall 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, Copper Radiator, Noise

What We Disliked

Inconvenient installation

Dimensions

458 × 144 × 30 mm

Fans

3x 140mm Fans

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

An all-rounder that delivers solid perfoormance and good looks without a high price tag.

Amazon

Newegg

AIO Cooler

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Preview

Award

Best Performance 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Performance, LCD

What We Disliked

Price

Dimensions

457 × 137 × 53 mm

Fans

3x 140mm Fans

Fan Speed

1700 RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

A top-tier option that offers the most cooling performance possible.

Amazon

Newegg

AIO Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420

Preview

Award

Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Noise, Value, VRM fan

What We Disliked

Looks

Dimensions

458 × 140 × 63 mm

Fans

3x 140mm Fans

Fan Speed

1700 RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

A true bang for the buck that cuts down on extra bells and whistles to focus on core cooling.

Amazon

Newegg

AIO Cooler

Silverstone IceMyst 420

Preview

Award

Best Looking 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

What We Liked

Stackable fans, Design, Performance

What We Disliked

Noise

Dimensions

456 × 120 × 28 mm

Fans

3x 140mm

Fan Speed

1750 RPM

RGB

Short On Time?

A great choice for those who want to show-off their new builds, also does a great job at cooling neighboring components.

Amazon

Newegg

Last Updated:

April 23, 2024: Some formatting changes to improve readability. I’ve also included benchmarks of my selections from their individual reviews.

[toc]

Want a smaller AIO?

Best 420mm AIO CPU Coolers

Here are the 420mm AIO CPU Coolers I would recommend:

Best Overall: Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420
Best Performance: CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT
Best Value: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420
Best Looking: Silverstone IceMyst 420

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

Best Overall 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

Cooler Type: 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Dimensions (LxWxH): 458 × 144 × 30 mm | Fans: 3x 140mm Fans | Fan Speed: 1500 RPM | Noise Level: – | Socket Support: Intel LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4 | RGB: Yes

Pros

Beastly cooling performance
Copper radiator
Reduced noise levels

Cons

Inconvenient installation

Check Price

The Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 is equipped with three AURORO LUX Pro 140mm fans that are capable of reaching a maximum fan speed of 1500 RPM. Moreover, Alphacool has made use of its DC-LT2 pump, which provides a maximum operational speed of 2600 RPM. We tested both Ryzen 9 7950X and Core i7-13700K, and the AIO kept these high-end CPUs at 84°C and 85°C, respectively, after a full 30-minute Cinebench R23.2 run.

Build quality on the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 is nothing short of remarkable. It comprises a metallic housing for the radiator, a copper fin stack, and a total of 12 channels designated for coolant flow. Aesthetically, the Eisbaer Aurora 420 is not vastly different from its predecessors. You get a similar-sized pump reservoir combination along with RGB lighting on top. It is worth mentioning that lighting can be controlled using the included controller or third-party software.

When our very own editor-in-chief, Sajjad Hussain, tested the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro AURORA 420, here’s what he said:

Their Eisbaer Pro AURORA 420 is an all-rounder liquid cooler capable of taming your high-end CPUs with the ability and capacity to handle overclocking as well. Plus, it comes with extensive socket support and an aura of digital RGB lighting effects.

Buy It If:

Here are a few shots we took of the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 during our testing:

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

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✅You want the ideal 140mm cooler: Packed with powerful 140mm fans and Alphacool’s DCLT 2 pump, the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 provides impeccable cooling performance without compromising on build quality, appearance, or noise levels.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌You want convenient installation: Requiring 17 parts for the installation of the CPU block, setting up the cooler can be a hassle, especially for beginners.

What Makes It The Best Overall 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?

The Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 comes with decently powerful AURORA LUX Pro fans, a capable pump, and robust build quality without costing an egregious amount. Adding on to that, the cooler also does not disappoint when it comes to aesthetics, making it the Best Overall 420mm CPU Cooler.

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

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Best Performance 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Pros

Top-notch cooling performance
LCD Screen

Cons

Expensive

Check Price

420mm coolers are heralded for their beastly performance; however, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT takes that up a notch with its dense radiator and powerful AF140 Elite RGB fans. Speaking of which, the fans offer a maximum speed of 1700 while also peaking in at an airflow of 89 CFM. No wonder this beast kept the 13700K at 84°C after a full stress test in our in-house testing.

Weighing in at a whopping 1.95 kilograms, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite is undoubtedly a monolithic cooler, which is precisely why it has been backed up by a solid structure. It uses an aluminum construction for the radiator, low permeation rubber for the tubing, and a copper CPU plate. Between clean-looking A-RGB on the fans all the way to the 480×480 LCD screen, the level of customizability the cooler offers is fantastic. That is further enhanced thanks to the clean black coating on the radiator, which blends well with all of the lighting on display.

Here’s what Nauman Siddique, our CPU cooling expert, had to say after testing the CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT:

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.

Buy It If:

Take a look at the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT from our testing:

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

1 of 3

✅You want the best possible performance: The Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT ranks among the most powerful 420mm coolers you can your hands on.

✅You want a functional LCD screen: Its position as an enthusiast-grade AIO CPU cooler means the presence of an LCD screen is anything but extraordinary.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌You are on a limited budget: Coming in at a premium price tag, the Corsair iCUE h170i Elite LCD XT will be out of the question for anyone working with a limited budget.

What Makes It The Best Performance 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?

The Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT comes with powerful fans, a zero RPM mode, and an LCD screen for added customizability. Above all, it provides unparalleled cooling performance, taking the spot as the Best Performance 420mm CPU Cooler.

Read Our Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT Review

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

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420

Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420

Pros

Phenomenal cooling performance
Lower noise levels
Enlarged radiator
Fantastic Value
VRM fan

Cons

Plain looks

Check Price

Much like the previous iterations in the Liquid Freezer series, the 420mm does not disappoint in terms of cooling performance. The P14 fans reach a maximum speed of 1700 RPM, which falls slightly behind the maximum operational speed of the pump, which stands at 2000 RPM. The AIO comes with fiber-reinforced tubing while also incorporating built-in cable management to hide any cables running through. In short, you get top-notch performance, and I was simply blown away by how well it handles high-end CPUs without breaking a sweat.

As for looks, the cooler comes encapsulated in a matte-black coating, which extends all the way to the P14 fans. Similarly, the water block also does not have any RGB or LCD, although its size is fairly large due to the presence of an additional VRM fan. It is worth mentioning that separate variants of the cooler do come with A-RGB fans for a little extra.

Praising the Liquid Freezer II’s exceptional noise performance, here’s what Nauman Siddique said in his review:

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer – II 420 is a powerful cooler in the market that comes with a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty and offers fantastic thermal performance at almost silence, which is unheard of.

Buy It If:

Here are some of our shots when we tested the Arctic Liquid Freezer II – 420:

✅You need the best value possible: The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420’s value supersedes that of any other 420mm cooler in the market, that too by a considerable margin.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌You need fancier aesthetics: The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 does not necessarily excel on the basis of visuals.

What Makes It The Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?

Not only does Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420’s performance benefit from the larger 37mm radiator, but it also blows every 420mm AIO out of the water when it comes to sheer value. Combine that with the addition of an integrated VRM fan, an efficient in-house pump, and high-performance P14 fans, and you get the Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler.

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

Silverstone IceMyst 420

Best Looking 420mm AIO CPU Cooler

Silverstone IceMyst 420

Pros

Great performance
Aesthetically pleasing design
Stackable fans

Cons

Average noise output

Check Price

IceMyst has gone to extraordinary lengths to maximize the cooler’s performance. The 140mm fans it arrives with offer a maximum speed of 1750 RPM. Perhaps the biggest peculiarity the series brings is the ability to stack fans on top of the pump to cool down separate parts of the motherboard. Everything ranging from VRMs, SSDs, and RAM modules can be cooled down using these fans. As a result, not only my 13700K was kept under optimal temperatures, but my board’s VRM temps also saw a marginal decrease during stress testing.

Tou get an aluminum radiator optimized specifically for higher pressures along with a convexed copper baseplate in order to maintain better contact with the CPU. While the pump doubles down as a mount for the stackable fans, its original functionality is also utilized through the three-phase, six-pole design in order to increase its overall reliability and efficiency.

On an aesthetic level, the Silverstone IceMyst 420 outdoes most coolers it competes against. Not only is the design remarkably uncluttered, but Silverstone has managed to sneak in clean RGB elements on the pump as well as the fans. This is further evidenced by their clean cable management system, which allows you to synchronize RGB through a single header for all of the fans.

Buy It If:

Silverstone IceMyst 420 cooling other parts of the motherboard

✅You are looking for a visually appealing 420mm cooler: From the silver finish on the pump to the neat RGB, the IceMyst 420’s design is certainly visually striking.

✅You intend to cool other components: Adding fans on top of the pump housing allows you to cool other components on the motherboard, which might be ideal for a motherboard that lacks onboard cooling.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌You want a silent experience: While the Silverstone ICeMyst 420 is reasonably quiet, its noise levels can be a problem for anyone who likes a quieter environment, especially if you add more fans to cool other components.

What Makes It The Best Looking 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?

Packed with an efficient motor consisting of a three-pole, six-phase design, and great value, the Silverstone IceMyst 420 does not miss the mark when it comes to integral components. It also does not fall behind in terms of build quality, all the while incorporating the novelty of stack fans. All of that is topped off with the cooler’s sleek visual appearance, which gives it the title of the Best Looking 420mm CPU Cooler.

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

Best White CPU Coolers

Thermal Performance Results

I’ve also tested my recommended 420mm AIO on the i7-13700K. Take a look at their results:

Thermal Results Of The Best 420mm AIOs (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

It is easy to be inundated by the number of technical terms usually thrown in by manufacturers. Here are brief definitions of a few CPU Cooler key terms for anyone unaware of technical terms within the space.

TDP: The thermal design power of a CPU cooler is a direct measure of its overall cooling capacity, determining the amount of heat it can dissipate.
Liquid Cooling: Use of a liquid coolant to dissipate heat from computer components, namely the CPU in the case of an AIO cooler.
Radiator: A radiator’s job is to dissipate the heat flowing into it into the surroundings. This is done through a combination of metal fins and fans.
Pump: The pump serves the purpose of transferring the liquid to the radiator, where the heat can be dissipated.
Thermal Paste: Thermal compound is a conductive material used to eliminate gaps between two surfaces and improve heat transfer.
Noise Level: As suggested by the name, the noise output refers to the amount of noise generated from your AIO liquid cooler.

How We Selected The Best 420mm AIO CPU Coolers

There are a lot of factors you need to account for when selecting a CPU cooler. Here are a few factors I took into consideration when rounding up my top 420mm AIOs.

Cooling Performance: Cooling performance is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of a CPU cooler. Of course, the kind of performance you require will depend on the processor you are using. To put into perspective, a flagship processor will require a top-of-the-line cooler, especially if you intend on overclocking it. Components affecting AIO coolers’ cooling performance include the fans, radiator, and pump. Every cooler featured on my list performs well, facing no issues accommodating high-end processors.
Acoustic Performance: A significant concern for triple-fan radiators can be the loud noise generated by the constant operation of the fans and the pump. In order to avoid this, you’ll need a cooler that remains quiet even under load. Thankfully, my list features several AIO CPU coolers that remain silent.
Build Quality: A well-built cooler is the key to a sustainable computer system, which is precisely why you must opt for a cooler that does not compromise on its build quality. Ideally, an AIO cooler should consist of a well-constructed radiator, an efficient pump, as well as a solid fan that provides heat dissipation.
Aesthetics: While aesthetics might not be the main concern for some, anyone interested in enhancing the look of their setup will need to purchase a cooler that matches the overall theme of the build. For instance, a white PC build will require a white cooler to match the rest of the system.
Value For Money: Lastly, one must carefully analyze the value-for-money a cooler offers. This can be done by simply evaluating the price-and-performance ratio while also weighing in other aspects, including features, aesthetics, and sound, in contrast to its price. I made sure to cover every inch of detail, making it easier for readers to gauge the actual value a cooler offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 420mm overkill?

Yes, 420mm is certainly overkill for anyone who does not require the best cooling possible.

Does AIO size matter?

The AIO size can be a determining factor of the cooler performance your cooler provides.