An all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler not solely ensures quieter cooling in your CPU in comparison with a standard air cooler, however may facilitate in lowering temperatures to an extent that enables for overclocking. AIOs present a simple methodology for water-cooling your PC with out the effort of coping with messy parts choice. We additionally advise contemplating a liquid cooler, particularly if you happen to already personal or intend to amass a high-performance processor like an Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD’s Ryzen 7950x.
Most builds name for a 240mm AIO. Nonetheless, you may go up or down relying in your PC construct measurement or cooling wants, too, with varied choices accessible.
Notice: Earlier than diving in, you will must pay attention to your CPU socket earlier than choosing up an AIO water cooler. Each CPU cooler is a bit of completely different, so you will must know what CPU socket your motherboard has to see if the cooler helps it.
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Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite
Greatest 240mm AIO cooler
Execs
iCUE assist
Wonderful socket assist
Nice configuration choices
Fairly reasonably priced
Cons
RGB followers could be appreciated
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1700, LGA1200
AMD socket:
AM5, AM4, sTRX4, sTR4
Dimensions:
277mm x 120mm x 27mm
Included followers:
Two Corsair AF Elite 120mm
Fan velocity:
400 to 1850 rpm
The Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite is a minor replace to the H100i RGB Professional XT, which has been our prime advice for some time. It options an up to date pump design with 16 RGB LEDs, and due to iCUE, you may sync up all your varied RGB equipment for a unified look inside your construct. The software program additionally means that you can test in your CPU and coolant temperature to ensure every little thing is working easily.
Along with a 240mm radiator, the equipment comes with Corsair’s new AF Elite followers. These are high-performance 120mm PWM fluid dynamic bearing followers that mix a low-noise design with the corporate’s ‘AirGuide’ expertise for highly effective cooling, quiet operation, and distinctive sturdiness. In addition they assist Zero RPM and Variable Pump Velocity specialised cooling modes in iCUE to maintain noise to a minimal when your system is idle or beneath mild masses.
The Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite is a straightforward AIO to suggest. The corporate is behind among the finest desktop CPU coolers, and the cooler clocks in at about $140. Socket assist is superb, too, with mounting choices for all latest Intel and AMD processors, together with Threadripper.
Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite
Greatest 240mm AIO cooler
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Arctic Liquid Freezer II
Greatest 360mm AIO cooler
Execs
Hefty 360mm radiator for additional cooling cooling energy
Nice worth for worth
Computerized adjustment primarily based on CPU efficiency
Cons
No RGB
Pump block will be too massive for sure motherboards
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1555, LGA1156
AMD socket:
AM5, AM4
Dimensions:
398mm x 120mm x 38mm
Included followers:
Three Arctic 120mm followers
Fan velocity:
200 to 1,800 rpm
With regards to uncooked thermal efficiency, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II is the most effective 360mm AIO cooler available on the market. It reaches related efficiency of competing coolers from NZXT and Corsair whereas being very cheap. At present promoting for about $130, the worth is akin to and in some instances lesser than best 360mm AIO coolers on the market.
The pump on the AIO is managed by PWM, permitting it to modulate with the workload relatively than run at full velocity on a regular basis. The Liquid Freezer II additionally features a 40mm fan subsequent to the pump, set to sit down over your motherboard’s VRM chips. In additional excessive overclocking classes, this may increasingly enhance stability. In any other case, it contains three Arctic 120mm 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 characteristic any type of lighting, and the design might not be to everybody’s tastes. Nonetheless, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II hits a candy spot that different coolers cannot compete with. Socket assist is a bit of 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).
Arctic Liquid Freezer II
Greatest 360mm AIO cooler
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NZXT Kraken X53 RGB White
Greatest AIO cooler for white builds
Execs
Wonderful thermal efficiency
Compact, fashionable design with mirror pump cap
Good guarantee
Cons
Could also be too pricy for some consumers
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x,LGA1366
AMD socket:
AM5, AM4, sTRX4, TR4
Dimensions:
230mm x 123mm x 30mm
Included followers:
Two Aer RGB 2 120mm followers
Fan velocity:
500 to 1,500 rpm
NZXT’s third-generation Kraken X coolers are properly definitely worth the asking costs. The cooler is now accessible in an all-white end with two 120mm Aer RGB 2 followers making it good in your subsequent white PC construct. This 240mm mannequin clocks in at round $145, which nonetheless is not too costly. The design is way more interesting than Arctic’s providing whereas attaining related ranges of thermal efficiency.
For appears, 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 practically 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.
Socket assist is superb, with assist for TR4 and AM4 on AMD, and LGA115X, 1,700, 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 might anticipate 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.
NZXT Kraken X53 RGB White
Greatest AIO cooler for white builds
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Corsair H80i v2
Greatest 120mm AIO cooler
Execs
Greatest 120mm AIO yow will discover
Additional thick radiator for extra cooling energy
Twin fan design
Cons
Could require an AM4 bracket for some builds
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1200, LGA115x,LGA1366
AMD socket:
AM4 (requires bracket), AM3, AM2
Dimensions:
154mm x 123mm x 49mm
Included followers:
Two Corsair SP120L 120mm followers
Fan velocity:
As much as 2,435 rpm
Often, 120mm AIOs aren’t superb, however the Corsair H80i v2 is the most effective 120mm AIO round. With out correct floor space on the radiator, most 120mm coolers simply aren’t as much as snuff on the subject of cooling energy. The Corsair H80i v2 solves that downside. 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, however it will get rather a lot nearer than a typical 120mm one.
To get by the additional thick radiator, Corsair contains two SP120L PWM followers, so it is easy to arrange a push-pull configuration, however you will must issue within the additional thickness of such a configuration when mounting.
As for assist, 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, in case you have an Intel processor launched after 2008, you are advantageous. AMD assist is a bit of 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 only some {dollars}. There isn’t any RGB on this one, both, although you may management fan velocity and monitor temperatures by Corsair’s iCUE software program.
Corsair H80i v2
Greatest 120mm AIO cooler
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Thermalright Frozen Prism 240
Greatest 240mm AIO cooler on a price range
Execs
Wonderful worth
Quick pump motor
Nice efficiency for the asking worth
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x,LGA 1366
AMD socket:
AM5, AM4
Dimensions:
276 mm x 120mm x 27mm
Included followers:
Two Thermalright TL-E12 V2 120mm followers
Fan velocity:
As much as 1,850 rpm
Thermalright won’t be the most well-liked model, however the firm has been making some spectacular worth for cash CPU air coolers and it additionally provides AIO liquid cooling options, just like the Frozen Prism 240. At present promoting for just below $50, it is a very reasonably priced AIO cooler, contemplating it’s decrease than a variety of fashionable air coolers. The cooler guarantees nice efficiency because of the highly effective pump motor that may run as much as 3300 rpm whereas the bundled two 120mm followers can go as much as 1,850 rpm to supply an air move of 70.4 CFM and air stress of two.64mm H2O.
It is fairly good selection if you happen to do not need to spend some huge cash on an an AIO liquid cooling answer. It would not include RGB followers and the efficiency is not as goo das the highest fashions, however it’s nonetheless an incredible purchase at this worth.
Thermalright Frozen Prism 240
Greatest 240mm AIO cooler on a price range
Lian Li
Lian-Li Galahad II Trinity SL-INF 240mm
Greatest AIO cooler for RGB lovers
Execs
Designed for max RGB
Interchangeable pump covers
3200 rpm pump motor velocity
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x
AMD socket:
AM5, AM4
Dimensions:
277.5mm x 119.2mm x 27mm
Included followers:
Two Lian-LI SL-Infinity 120mm RGB followers
Fan velocity:
200 to 2,100 rpm
Lian-Li launched the brand new Galahad II Trinity sequence of AIO liquid coolers this yr in quite a lot of fashions and configurations. In case you are on the lookout for one thing that gives nice efficiency and sports activities loads of RGB lighting, then the brand new Galahad II Trinity SL-INF 240 ought to fulfill your wants. This model comes with Lian-Li’s SL-Infinity 120mm RGB followers which are simply loaded with RGB lighting throughout. It even comes with infinity mirror results, on the principle fan hub and either side of the body to offer a singular look, and like most Lian-Li followers they are often daisy chained simply for higher cable administration. Even the pump-head will be custom-made with three deferent caps bundled within the field for a singular RGB look.
As for the efficiency, the pump motor velocity goes as much as 3200 rpm with a seven blade impeller for robust water move. The AIO additionally features a straightened coolant pathway to scale back water move resistance, a bigger copper plate fin spacing to forestall substance buildup over time and a bigger tube diameter to extend water move for sooner warmth dissipation. The radiator has additionally been up to date which is now 27mm in thickness and options single-wave radiator fins with 20 fins per inch, which is much less airflow restrictive and may end up in improved thermal efficiency.
Lian-Li Galahad II Trinity SL-INF 240mm
Greatest AIO cooler for RGB lovers
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Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora
Greatest refillable AIO cooler
Execs
Refillable design for long-term upgrades
Copper parts for additional cooling
Expansive RGB choices
Cons
No official assist for Threadrippers
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x
AMD socket:
AM2, AM3, AM4
Dimensions:
400mm x 124mm x 30mm
Included followers:
Three Alphacool 120mm PWM followers
Fan velocity:
800 to 2,000 rpm
The Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora is a CPU cooler that you may refill. Not like different AIO liquid coolers, you may swap out the fluid, improve the hoses and fittings, and even develop the loop. The latest mannequin helps digital RGB on the followers and CPU block, too, permitting you to trick out your lighting nonetheless you need.
The appears are proper, however Alphacool did not sacrifice thermals with the Eisbaer Aurora. The radiator is made out of copper for a bit of additional cooling potential, and the nickel-plated copper CPU block has been barely enlarged in comparison with earlier variations. For CPU assist, the Eisbaer Aurora helps most fashionable processors, although it would not formally assist Threadripper chips.
Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora
Greatest refillable AIO cooler
NZXT
NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB
Greatest AIO with LCD show
Execs
Sharp and crisp LCD
Improved efficiency over predecessor
Number of SKUs
Cons
Followers really feel low-cost
Cables could possibly be simplified
Would not come low-cost
Specs
Intel socket:
LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x,LGA1366
AMD socket:
AM5, AM4, AM3, sTRX4, sTR4
Dimensions:
315mm x 143mm x 30mm
Included followers:
Two F140 RGB Core 140mm followers
Fan velocity:
500 to 1,500 rpm
The NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB liquid cooler is an replace to the favored Kraken Z63 that includes an all-new LCD show. It’s now sharper because of greater 640 x 640 decision and even provides a 60Hz refresh fee for easy animations. The display screen can be utilized to show customized photos, animated GIFs, and system info with adjustable orientation. NZXT claims that the AIO additionally comes with an up to date Asetek pump that gives the most effective cooling efficiency and as much as 2,800 rpm whisper-quiet operation.
Bundled within the field is the radiator and two F140 RGB Core 140mm followers in addition to an RGB Controller and a USB Y-cable. The one breakout cable makes the set up course of much more easy, whereas the rubber tubing has been strengthened with nylon-braided sleeves to forestall leaks. The brand new Kraken Elite sequence AIOs are additionally accessible in 240mm in addition to 360mm sizes in both black or white and you’ll even go for the cooler with non-RGB followers.
NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB
Greatest AIO with LCD show
Incessantly Requested Questions
What do you have to search for in an AIO cooler?
Crucial a part of an AIO CPU cooler is the radiator measurement. A bigger radiator provides higher cooling efficiency, however it is advisable to be certain that it may match inside your case. In any other case, have a look at the socket assist to ensure you should use the cooler along 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 anticipate an AIO cooler from a good model to run for six years with out points, however each cooler is a bit of completely different. We suggest trying up particular person AIO cooler critiques to see if others have had points with reliability.
What ought to before you purchase an AIO cooler?
Earlier than shopping for an AIO cooler, it is advisable to know concerning the dangers it might pose to your PC. Though failures are few and much between, each AIO cooler remains to be placing water dangerously near your treasured PC parts, so there’s at all times a danger that the cooler may leak or fail and harm your elements. The truth that AIO coolers are closed makes issues worse as a result of you may’t open the loop to see if there are any issues.
One of the simplest ways to mitigate danger is to keep watch over 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 keep watch over each, yow will discover most issues earlier than they do any catastrophic harm.
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 the most effective air coolers. AIO coolers are a well-liked choice so as to add liquid cooling as a result of they provide the entire cooling system in a premade bundle that is comparatively straightforward to arrange, and so they are typically very quiet.
That being stated, AIO coolers might not be your best option for each gaming station. As we talked about above, not all PC instances have a whole lot of room so as to add a radiator, pump, and tubing. In case you aren’t concerned with overclocking and your present system manages temperatures simply advantageous, you could not see a whole lot of profit from switching to an AIO cooler, both.
Are AIO coolers noisy?
That is dependent upon a number of elements. The pump that strikes the liquid within the cooler is often silent or at the very least inconsequential in comparison with different PC noises. AIO fashions often have followers, which is able to get noisy in the event that they function at excessive velocity or are soiled. You’ll be able to lower fan noise by retaining them freed from mud and monitoring their settings through the BIOS if doable. The excellent news is that, with liquid cooling, followers often do not need to work as laborious and are much less more likely to make plenty of noise.
One other supply of noise will be gurgling from the liquid because it flows, particularly at greater pump speeds. In case your AIO cooler is chilling your PC simply advantageous at decrease pump speeds, you may simply hold noise ranges down this fashion. If annoying gurgling noises persist, there could possibly be air biking within the system. Correct set up and pump placement can typically assist keep away from effervescent points like this, so it might be time to try your mounting selections. You can too 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 carefully or use the included directions and take note of the small print. Corsair has a clear-cut information on the 2 only mounting selections for the radiator (on the entrance or on the prime of the case). The radiator ought to be at the next place than the pump to assist keep away from air bubble issues, which implies you do not need to set up it on the backside of the case.
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