An all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler not solely ensures a extra silent operation over a standard air cooler, but it surely may even decrease temperatures sufficient to allow you to overclock additional. AIOs are an excellent easy option to watercool your PC with none of the mess or the headache of selecting parts.
Most builds name for a 240mm AIO. To that finish, we suggest the Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Professional XT, because of its slew of lighting choices, glorious included followers, and good price ticket. You’ll be able to bounce up or down relying in your PC construct measurement or cooling wants, too, with varied choices obtainable.
Notice: Earlier than diving in, you may have to pay attention to your CPU socket earlier than choosing up an AIO water cooler. Each CPU cooler is a bit completely different, so you may have to know what CPU socket your motherboard has to see if the cooler helps it.
Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Professional XT
Execs
- 240mm radiator plus two followers
- iCUE help
- Wonderful socket help
- Nice configuration choices
- Fairly inexpensive
Cons
- Whereas socket help is nice, will not be suitable together with your construct
Socket compatibility: Intel: LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA2011, LGA2066
AMD: AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 277mm by 120mm by 27mm
Included followers: two Corsair ML120 followers
Fan pace: 400 to 2,400 rpm
The Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Professional XT is the results of Corsair’s years of creating AIO coolers. Now fitted with help for the iCUE software program, you’ll be able to sync up all your varied RGB equipment for a unified look inside your construct. Moreover, the software program means that you can examine in your CPU and coolant temperature to verify every little thing is operating easily.
Along with a 240mm radiator, the package comes with two Corsair ML120 followers. They’ve a large vary you could management with PWM, from 400 rpm as much as 2,400 rpm. In iCUE, you can even configure a profile to show the followers off when temperatures are low.
The Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Professional XT is a simple AIO to suggest. Corsair is behind among the finest desktop CPU coolers, and the cooler clocks in at solely round $120. Socket help is great, too, with mounting choices for all latest Intel and AMD processors, together with Threadripper.
Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Professional XT
Arctic Liquid Freezer II
Execs
- Hefty 360mm radiator for additional cooling cooling energy
- Nice worth for worth
- Computerized adjustment based mostly on CPU efficiency
Socket compatibility: Intel: GA1151, LGA1150, LGA1555, LGA1156, LGA2011-3, LGA2066
AMD: AM4
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 398mm by 120mm by 38mm
Included followers: Three Arctic 120mm followers
Fan pace: 200 to 1,800 rpm
In the case of uncooked thermal efficiency, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II is one of the best 360mm AIO cooler available on the market. It reaches related efficiency to competing coolers at NZXT and Corsair whereas being very cheap. The 360mm choice is barely $125, whereas the NZXT Kraken X73 — one other 360mm AIO — clocks in at almost $200. The value is much more spectacular when you think about the cooler’s options. Particularly, the pump is managed by PWM, permitting it to modulate with the workload fairly than run at full pace on a regular basis.
The Liquid Freezer II additionally features a 40 mm fan subsequent to the pump, set to sit down over your motherboard’s VRM chips. In extra excessive overclocking classes, this may increasingly enhance stability. In any other case, it contains three Arctic 120 mm followers to maintain air flowing.
This cooler is all about efficiency and worth. It will get these two bits proper, however not with out some concessions. It would not function any kind of lighting, and the design will not be to everybody’s tastes.
Nonetheless, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II hits a candy spot that different coolers cannot compete with. Socket help is a bit restricted, however the Liquid Freezer nonetheless helps most up-to-date chips. On AMD, it helps AM4 CPUs, and on Intel, it helps all LGA115x sockets, in addition to 2011-3 and 2066 with a sq. Unbiased Loading Mechanism (ILM).
NZXT Kraken X53
Execs
- Wonderful thermal efficiency
- Compact, trendy design with mirror pump cap
- Good guarantee
Cons
- Could also be too pricy for some patrons
Socket compatibility: Intel: LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA2011, LGA2011-3, LGA2066
AMD: AM4, TR4, sTRX4
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 230mm by 123mm by 30mm
Included followers: Two Aer P120 120mm followers
Fan pace: 500 to 2,000 rpm
Though considerably dearer than the Liquid Freezer II, NZXT’s third technology of Kraken X coolers are price their asking worth. This 240mm mannequin clocks in at round $130, which nonetheless is not too costly. The design is far more interesting than Arctic’s providing whereas attaining related ranges of thermal efficiency.
For seems, the Kraken X’s infinity mirror pump cap is a showstopper. It bounces mild round contained in the cap to create the phantasm of infinite LED rings. Like almost all NZXT merchandise, the Kraken X53 is totally built-in with CAM, permitting you to observe temperatures and tweak your lighting settings. Over the X52, the X53 additionally contains an NZXT Hue 2 connection on the pump, providing energy for as much as six Hue 2 equipment. If you wish to trick out your rig with synced-up RGB, the NZXT Kraken X53 is for you.
Unsurprisingly, socket help is great, with help for TR4 and AM4 on AMD, and LGA115X, 20XX, and 1,200 on Intel. NZXT charges the Kraken X53 for six years of steady use — 60,000 hours, technically — which is round what we would count on for many AIO coolers. NZXT provides a six-year guarantee, although, so that you’re lined from any defects for the rated lifetime of the cooler.
Corsair H80i v2
Execs
- Finest 120mm AIO you will discover
- Additional thick radiator for extra cooling energy
- Twin fan design
Cons
- Could require an AM4 bracket for some builds
Socket compatibility: Intel: LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA2011, LGA2066
AMD: AM4 (requires CW-8960046 bracket), AM3, AM2
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 154mm by 123mm by 49mm
Included followers: Two Corsair SP120L 120mm followers
Fan pace: 2,435 rpm
120 mm AIOs normally aren’t excellent, however the Corsair H80i v2 is one of the best 120 mm AIO round. With out correct floor space on the radiator, most 120 mm coolers simply aren’t as much as snuff relating to cooling energy. The Corsair H80i v2 solves that drawback. The radiator is twice as thick, clocking in at 49mm in comparison with the usual 25mm. The H80i v2 would not match the cooling efficiency of a 240mm radiator, but it surely will get lots nearer than a regular 120 mm one. And the Corsair H80i continues to be comparatively low-cost at round $100.
To get by the additional thick radiator, Corsair contains two SP120L PWM followers, so it is simple to arrange a push-pull configuration, however you may have to issue within the additional thickness of such a configuration when mounting.
As for help, the Corsair H80i v2 comes with Intel mounting {hardware} for socket 1366 as much as LGA1200 (Intel’s redesign of LGA1151, designed for Comet Lake CPUs). Mainly, you probably have an Intel processor launched after 2008, you are superb. AMD help is a bit sparser. The cooler technically helps AM2 as much as AM4, however the field solely ships with mounting {hardware} for as much as AM3. You will want a separate AM4 bracket. Fortunately, Corsair sells them for just a few {dollars}. There is not any RGB on this one, both, although you’ll be able to management fan pace and monitor temperatures by Corsair’s iCue software program.
Cooler Grasp MasterLiquid ML240L v2
Execs
- Nice funds choose
- Unbelievable socket help
- Reasonably priced RGB choices
Cons
- Thermal efficiency is not nice
Socket compatibility: Intel: LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2066, LGA2011-3, LGA2011
AMD: Am4, Am3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 157mm by 119.6mm by 27.2mm
Included followers: Two Sickleflow 120RGB 120mm followers
Fan pace: 650 to 1,800 rpm
Cooler Grasp provides a spread of “lite” AIOs, that are mainly earlier iterations of Cooler Grasp’s MasterLiquid line with elevated socket help and double FEP tubing. At round $80, the Cooler Grasp ML240L v2 is one of the best funds AIO obtainable. It comes with a 240mm radiator, two RGB followers, and a small RGB controller. Thermal efficiency is not nice, and the noise degree is larger than some extra expensive choices. Nonetheless, the ML240L clocks in round $50 cheaper than most competing 240mm AIOs. Plus, you’ll be able to all the time swap the followers out later for extra lighting choices and barely higher noise ranges.
The Cooler Grasp ML240L comes with almost common socket help, too. On Intel, it helps LGA1200, LGA20xx, LGA115x, and LGA1366, and on AMD, it helps AM2 to AM4, in addition to FM2 and FM1. For the worth, it is laborious to beat the ML240L.
Cooler Grasp MasterLiquid ML240L v2
EK-AIO 240 D-RGB
Execs
- Designed for optimum RGB
- Excessive max fan pace
- Reasonably priced
Socket compatibility: Intel: LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA2011-3, LGA2066
AMD: AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 275mm by 120mm by 27mm
Included followers: Two EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB 120mm followers
Fan pace: 550 to 2,200 rpm
If you need one of the best RGB AIO cooler, the EK-AIO 240 D-RGB goes off the deep finish. In need of a small black strip the place the tubes join, the mounting block has a translucent, barely subtle floor, washing out the lights inside into a phenomenal show of colour. EK is the place for customized water cooling, and the EK-AIO 240 exhibits why.
In the case of uncooked thermal efficiency, EK beats the Corsairs and NZXTs of the world. It contains two EK-Vardar S followers that run from 550 rpm to 2,200 rpm and contains help for different RGB PC parts by Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Mild, and ASRock RGB Sync for the followers and pump.
The EK-AIO 240 is a greater choice on account of the truth that it is cheap. At round $120, it is cheaper than the 240mm counterpart at NZXT, and the identical worth as Corsair’s ever-popular H100i. Like plenty of the opposite choices on this record, it’s obtainable in 120mm and 360mm variants, too. On Intel, the EK-AIO 240 helps LGA115x and LGA20xx, in addition to LGA1200. On AMD, it simply contains an AM4 bracket. You’ll be able to management the followers instantly by your motherboard, however if you happen to’re brief on spots, you’ll be able to choose up an EK-Loop Join controller for one more six PWM connections.
Corsair H100i Elite LCD
Execs
- Sharp LCD panel
- Wonderful thermal efficiency
- Assist for iCUE software program
Socket compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1366, LGA 2011, LGA 2066
AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3, sTRX4, sTR4
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 277mm x 120mm x 27mm
Included followers: Two ML Elite Collection 120mm followers
Fan pace: 450 – 2000 rpm
That is Corsair’s first all-in-one liquid cooler with a built-in LCD on the pump block. The iCUE H100i Elite LCD is a step past the older H100i RGB Professional XT and a very good selection if you happen to care about RGB lighting and customizations. The brilliant 2.1-inch panel comes with a 480×480 decision making it sharper than most AIO LCD shows. It may be used to showcase quite a lot of issues together with system temperatures, customized art work, GIFs, movies, and extra. This may be carried out with Corsair’s iCUE software program which additionally provides further details about the cooler.
The AIO comes with two 120mm Corsair ML RGB ELITE magnetic levitation followers for excellent cooling efficiency whereas sustaining quiet operation. There may be additionally help for a zero-RPM cooling profile that enables the followers to cease fully at low temperatures thus eliminating any fan noise. Anticipate glorious thermal efficiency because of the customized chilly plate that includes a high-density stack of 128 micro-skived fins per inch offering extremely environment friendly cooling.
Other than the 240mm choice, the Corsair Elite LCD AIO can also be obtainable in 360mm and 420mm configurations and there’s help for all fashionable CPU sockets together with the most recent Intel LGA 1700 and AMD’s upcoming AM5.
Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora
Execs
- Refillable design for long-term upgrades
- Copper parts for additional cooling
- Expansive RGB choices
Cons
- No official help for Threadrippers
Socket compatibility: Intel: LGA775, LGA1056, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA2011, LGA2011-3, LGA2066
AMD: AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4
Dimensions (size by width by peak): 400mm by 124mm by 30mm
Included followers: Three Alphacool 120mm PWM followers
Fan pace: 800 to 2,000 rpm
The Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora is a CPU cooler you could refill. In contrast to different AIO liquid coolers, you’ll be able to swap out the fluid, improve the hoses and fittings, and even develop the loop. The newest mannequin helps digital RGB on the followers and CPU block, too, permitting you to trick out your lighting nonetheless you need.
The seems are proper, however Alphacool did not sacrifice thermals with the Eisbaer Aurora. The radiator is made out of copper for a bit additional cooling potential, and the nickel-plated copper CPU block has been barely enlarged in comparison with earlier variations. For CPU help, the Eisbaer Aurora helps most fashionable processors, although it would not formally help Threadripper chips.
Regularly Requested Questions
What must you search for in an AIO cooler?
An important a part of an AIO CPU cooler is the radiator measurement. A bigger radiator provides higher cooling efficiency, however you could make sure that it may match inside your case. In any other case, take a look at the socket help to verify you should use the cooler together with your motherboard and purchase from a good model.
How dependable are RGB AIO coolers?
Most AIO coolers have a lifespan of six years, no matter if they’ve RGB or not. You’ll be able to count on an AIO cooler from a good model to run for six years with out points, however each cooler is a bit completely different. We suggest trying up particular person AIO cooler opinions to see if others have had points with reliability.
What ought to you already know before you purchase an AIO cooler?
Earlier than shopping for an AIO cooler, you could know in regards to the dangers it might pose to your PC. Though failures are few and much between, each AIO cooler continues to be placing water dangerously near your valuable PC parts, so there’s all the time a danger that the cooler might leak or fail and injury your elements. The truth that AIO coolers are closed makes issues worse as a result of you’ll be able to’t open the loop to see if there are any issues.
The easiest way to mitigate danger is to regulate your cooler to see if there are any indicators of leaking and to observe your CPU temperature to see if the pump is failing. So long as you regulate each, you will discover most issues earlier than they do any catastrophic injury.
Are AIO coolers higher than air coolers?
In a typical setup, sure, liquid cooling is solely higher at capturing and dissipating warmth than an air cooling system alone — nonetheless, they are not essentially higher than one of the best air coolers. AIO coolers are a preferred choice so as to add liquid cooling as a result of they provide the entire cooling system in a premade bundle that is comparatively simple to arrange, they usually are usually very quiet.
That being mentioned, AIO coolers will not be the only option for each gaming station. As we talked about above, not all PC instances have plenty of room so as to add a radiator, pump, and tubing. When you aren’t eager about overclocking and your present system manages temperatures simply superb, chances are you’ll not see plenty of profit from switching to an AIO cooler, both.
Are AIO coolers noisy?
That depends upon a number of elements. The pump that strikes the liquid within the cooler is often silent or a minimum of inconsequential in comparison with different PC noises. AIO fashions normally have followers, which is able to get noisy in the event that they function at excessive pace or are soiled. You’ll be able to lower fan noise by conserving them freed from mud and monitoring their settings by way of the BIOS if potential. The excellent news is that, with liquid cooling, followers normally do not need to work as laborious and are much less prone to make a lot of noise.
One other supply of noise could be gurgling from the liquid because it flows, particularly at larger pump speeds. In case your AIO cooler is chilling your PC simply superb at decrease pump speeds, you’ll be able to simply maintain noise ranges down this fashion. If annoying gurgling noises persist, there may very well be air biking within the system. Correct set up and pump placement can usually assist keep away from effervescent points like this, so it might be time to try your mounting selections. You can even run the cooler by a course of to filter air bubbles.
How do you mount an AIO cooler?
If that is your first time putting in an AIO mannequin, it is best to discover and observe a information intently or use the included directions and take note of the small print. Corsair has a clear-cut information on the 2 handiest mounting selections for the radiator (on the entrance or on the prime of the case). The radiator must be at the next place than the pump to assist keep away from air bubble issues, which suggests you do not need to set up it on the backside of the case.
Editors’ Suggestions
