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Are you looking to upgrade your CPU cooling capabilities but running low on space inside your tower? If so, 120mm all-in-one (AIO) coolers are the solution.
And that’s why today, we will take a closer look at the 10 best 120mm AIO CPU coolers on the market in 2023. One of them is sure to meet your needs, whether it’s RGB bling or robust cooling performance for an overclocked machine.
Best 120mm AIO Coolers of 2023 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the best 120mm AIO CPU coolers currently available on the market. To read a full review, simply click on ’review>>’ in the respective row.
Product | Image | Rating | |
1. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB ''Best 120mm AIO CPU cooler in 2023'' |  | 9.8 | |
2. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 120 ''Best bang for your buck'' |  | 9.7 | |
3. Corsair Hydro Series H80i v2 ''Best performing 120mm AIO cooler'' |  | 9.6 | |
4. Asus ROG Strix LC 120 ''Best premium 120mm AIO cooler'' |  | 9.5 | |
5. Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync ''Best RGB implementation'' |  | 9.4 | |
6. Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120L V2 RGB ''Best budget 120mm AIO cooler'' |  | 9.3 | |
7. EK AIO D-RGB ''Editor's Pick'' |  | 9.2 | |
8. Corsair Hydro Series H60 ''Best Silent 120mm AIO CPU Cooler'' |  | 9.1 | |
9. NZXT Kraken M22 ''Most popular 120mm AIO cooler'' |  | 9.0 | |
10. EVGA CLC 120 ''Honorable mention'' |  | 8.8 |
1. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB
Radiator Dimensions: 157 x 119.6 x 27mm / 6.2 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 650 ~ 2000 RPM +/- 10 % | Noise Volume: 6 ~ 30 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent cooling performance
- Double-fan setup
- Quiet operation
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Easy installation
- Bright RGB lighting
REASONS TO AVOID
- Higher price
- Only a 2-year warranty
Our Rating: 9.8/10
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB is an enthusiast’s dream.
It comes dripping with addressable RGB LEDs that look incredible. This cooler is not shy about its appearance, and it boasts some of the best cooling performance in its class. This is the top-of-the-line choice, as it combines high performance with all the bells and whistles enthusiasts love.
However, premium things come with a premium price tag, as the ML120R is one of the more expensive AIO coolers in its class. Of course, you’ll get a lot of features at this price point, and Cooler Master includes a 2-year warranty as well. If you think of it as competing against coolers with larger form factors, and you should because of its performance, then this cooler actually represents great value.
Aesthetically, the ML120R leans heavily on its RGB integration. The RGB LEDs cover both fans and the pump head and integrate with all major motherboards. You can also control the RGB lighting via the included controller. Aside from the flashy lights, the rest of the cooler is painted a glossy black, which helps reflect the light and adds to the RGB experience.
As for quality, this Cooler Master AIO is exactly what you’d expect at this price point. All the components are sturdy and well-made. Hoses are sleeved to improve their longevity and eliminate kinks. The radiator boasts a copper cooling plate, similar to most other AIO coolers. It shares a lot of its components with the highly-rated ML120L, another offering from Cooler Master.
The ML120R is one of the most compatible coolers out there, and it matches most modern AMD and Intel machines. It supports LGA2066, 2011-3, 2011, 1366, 1200, 1700, 795, and 115X, as well as supporting the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, and FM1 sockets.
The selling point of the ML120R is its performance. It is one of the best-performing 120mm AIO coolers on the market. Its dual-fan setup allows it to cool more efficiently than some larger coolers and will easily keep the highest performing CPUs, like the Ryzen 9 7950X, incredibly cool even under heavy loads.
Our test on an i7 Intel CPU showed an impressive 1-degree C increase over ambient temperatures at idle and a 29-degree difference under load, which most 120mm coolers only dream of getting. When the clock speed was increased, those numbers only went up to 2 degrees and 45 degrees, respectively, which is still very impressive and proves that high performance can come in smaller packages.
Overall, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB is arguably the best 120mm AIO cooler on the market. If you can afford the higher price, you’ll be getting your money’s worth with the incredible RGBs and amazing cooling performance. The dual-fan setup is relatively unique and dramatically improves its cooling abilities.
This is not your typical 120mm AIO, and it leads off the list as the top pick for a 120mm AIO cooler in 2023.
2. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 120
Radiator Dimensions: 157 x 120 x 38mm / 6.2 x 4.7 x 1.5” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 200 ~ 1800 RPM +/- 10 % | Noise Volume: N/A | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Impeccable quality
- Superb cooling capabilities
- 6-year warranty
- Super quiet
- Easy to install
- Fair price
REASONS TO AVOID
- No RGB LEDs
- No software
Our Rating: 9.7/10
Dressed in all black with just a chrome logo, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 120 AIO cooler looks stately, like a man in a tuxedo. With no RGB to speak of, this cooler is all business.
While the lack of RGB may be a negative for some, it allows ARCTIC to go all-out with regard to its component quality and keeping the price down. In fact, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 120 is one of the best affordable 120mm AIO coolers on the market today.
Its hoses are fiber-reinforced and made of EPDM, an industrial rubber that lasts upwards of 50 years in most applications. The Liquid Freezer II also boasts an incredibly robust radiator compared to other AIO coolers in its class. The radiator is 38mm thick, a few millimeters thicker than others. This allows for more water volume and even more efficient cooling.
Additionally, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 120 features an optimized water pump for more efficiency and better acoustics. This pump is able to run at lower-than-usual speeds when idle and scales up depending on cooling requirements. Because of this, the Liquid Freezer II is silent at idle and uses less power than other pumps, making it one of the quietest 120mm AIO coolers on the market today.
Installing this ARTIC cooler is similar to installing many other AIO coolers. ARCTIC doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel here or anything; it’s just some simple screws and applying a bit of thermal paste. The included thumbscrews mean your screwdriver can stay in your bag while you install this cooler, and its small footprint will help it find a home in just about any tower.
Performance-wise, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II performs admirably and punches well above its weight class. It offers comparable performance to many much larger 240mm coolers. It’s incredibly efficient at idle and under load. In fact, it offers such stable performance that it’s even suitable for overclocking, and it handles those heavy loads while remaining very quiet.
Coming at more than a fair price and featuring a 6-year warranty, this cooler is an incredible bargain given its price and performance.
In terms of compatibility, this cooler is compatible with most modern sockets from Intel (1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, and the square ILM 2066). It’s also compatible with AMD AM5, AM4, and so forth.
Overall, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 120 is a fantastic AIO cooler. Its only downsides are the lack of RGB and the lack of supporting software. However, those are relatively minor details, and you can also pay extra for the RGB version if lighting is a must.
Nonetheless, its performance is incredible, especially given its price point, and its build quality is undeniable. All things considered, this cooler represents incredible value and is one of the very best 120mm AIO coolers on the market.
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3. Corsair Hydro Series H80i V2
Radiator Dimensions: 154 x 123 x 49mm / 6.0 x 4.8 x 1.9” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: Up to 2435 RPM | Noise Volume: Up to 37.7 dBa | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Superb cooling performance
- Extra thick radiator for better cooling
- Dual-fan setup
- Quality, Durable build
- 5-year warranty
- Comes with Corsair Link software
REASONS TO AVOID
- Premium price
- No RGB lighting
- Louder
Our Rating: 9.6/10
The Corsair Hydro Series H80i v2 takes aim at coolers with much larger form factors. With its extra-large radiator and dual-fan combination, this 120mm AIO certainly punches above its weight class. If you don’t have the space but need the cooling performance, you’ll love this Corsair cooler.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to make do without RGB LEDs, but for many, that won’t be a dealbreaker.
Coming at a premium price, you’ll notice this is on the high end for a cooler of this form factor. But to make things better, Corsair offers a 5-year warranty should something go awry with it.
What sets the Corsair Hydro Series H80i v2 apart from other 120mm coolers is the size and quality of its components, mainly the radiator and hoses. The radiator is 49mm thick, significantly thicker than the radiators that ship with other 120mm AIO coolers. This allows for more efficient heat transfer and better cooling capabilities. The beefy parts of this cooler are what make it so special and are what make it such a good value despite the higher price.
Additionally, the hoses are much thicker than other coolers of this form factor and are similar to hoses one would find on a 280mm cooler. It also boasts a dual-fan setup for quicker heat dissipation. Of course, the quality of these components is great and befitting of the high price point.
As for compatibility, you’ll have no issues if you’re running a modern machine. This cooler supports the Intel LGA 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, and 2066; as well as supporting the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, and AM2. It also supports the AMD TR4, but you’ll have to purchase a separate bracket from Corsair.
Installation of the Corsair is incredibly simple. It offers the usual assortment of mounting brackets and thumbscrews, and you won’t even have to apply the thermal paste yourself. The only hiccup you could have is if you’re running the TR4 socket and neglected to purchase the separate mounting bracket. Otherwise, this cooler is very easy to install, thanks to the easy-to-read manual.
Performance-wise, the Corsair Hydro Series H80i v2 lives up to the hype and achieves its goal of matching the cooling performance of larger coolers. One test showed the Corsair perfectly kept pace next to the Silverstone TD 02 Slim, a 240mm AIO cooler, with both coolers posting the same numbers at idle and under load. When overclocked, the Corsair fares even better than its contemporaries and posted results that blew away its 120mm competition.
One downside of this cooler is its lack of RGB lights. It does, however, feature the usual Corsair LED light on the pump head and is compatible with Corsair Link software. At this price point, the lack of RGB could be seen as a sizable negative, as most enthusiasts with money to spend will likely be looking to customize their builds and want components that match the rest of their RGB setup.
All in all, the Corsair Hydro Series H80i v2 is one of the top 120mm AIO coolers on the market. It keeps pace with many larger coolers due to its oversized radiator and hoses. While the price is steep, the Corsair is a great deal and is perfect for someone with a powerful machine but limited space in their tower.
4. Asus ROG Strix LC 120
Radiator Dimensions: 150 x 121 x 27mm / 5.9 x 4.8 x 1.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 800 ~ 2500 RPM +/- 10 % | Noise Volume: Up to 37.6 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Great cooling performance
- High-quality construction
- 5-year warranty
- Easy to install
- Nylon-sleeved hoses
- Vibrant RGB lighting
REASONS TO AVOID
- Louder at max RPM
- Premium price
Our Rating: 9.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix LC 120 is a robust, high-performance AIO with customizable RGB lights on the pump head. It looks stylish and modern, and its cooling abilities are amazing, but it gets just a little bit too loud to take the top spot as the best 120mm AIO cooler.
As usual with the ROG product line, this cooler also comes at a premium price. However, it’s worth the money, given its performance and RGB integration. To be fair, though, it’s slightly more affordable than the rather pricey MasterLiquid ML120R RGB. Asus also offers a 5-year warranty, beating CoolerMaster in another department.
The ASUS ROG Strix LC 120 scores high marks for its looks. The RGB lights are very tastefully done and decorate only the pump head. Another interesting feature of the pump head is its tabbed design, making it look like a gear. It’s a nice touch that speaks to the hardiness of this AIO cooler.
The Republic of Gamers logo is printed on the pump head and illuminates when the RGB lights are turned on. The rest of the components are coated in glossy black paint. The paint job looks stunning and really complements the RGB lighting as it catches and reflects the light.
Quality-wise, this ASUS AIO is great. The pump is made completely out of aluminum, while the cold plate is highly-conductive copper. Its hoses are sleeved in nylon and are incredibly durable. You’ll be very impressed with the quality of the Strix LC 120.
Installing the Asus ROG Strix LC 120 takes only about ten minutes and is incredibly straightforward. Like many other AIO coolers, it only takes a few thumbscrews to mount. The only two caveats with this cooler are that you’ll have to apply the thermal paste yourself, and AMD AM4 users will be required to leave the backplate in place.
While the thermal paste application means installation isn’t quite as beginner-friendly as some other coolers on the market, it’s still a painless process.
As far as socket compatibility goes, you’ll be set if you’re running a modern processor. It supports the Intel LGA 115x, 1200, 1700, 1366, 2011, 2011-V3, and 2066. AMD support includes the AM5, AM4, and so on, and TR4, which is notable since many of the listed 120mm AIO coolers don’t support the Threadripper platform.
The Asus ROG Strix LC 120 buries most of its fellow 120mm AIO coolers in performance metrics. Our test on an i7 Intel CPU even showed this cooler stacking up next to the Lian Li Galahad, a 360mm cooler. In that test, the Asus cooler only ran 3 degrees warmer than the Galahad under stock load and 4 degrees warmer when overclocked.
That is mighty impressive for a cooler with such a small form factor. Unfortunately, the fan was working overtime during these tests and was quite loud.
Altogether, this cooler offers looks and performance but comes at a relatively high price when compared to other 120mm coolers. However, if you look at its performance, it’s mostly comparable to larger coolers and is, therefore, quite a bargain.
It falls just short of the incredibly high bar set by the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB. You’ll love the ASUS ROG Strix LC 120 AIO cooler if you have a powerful machine but are hard-pressed to make space for a cooler with a larger form factor.
5. Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync
Radiator Dimensions: 153 x 120 x 27mm / 6.0 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: Up to 1500 RPM | Noise Volume: Up to 28.2 dBA | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Vibrant RGB lighting
- Good cooling capabilities
- Interfaces with different software
- Incredibly quiet
- Budget-friendly
- Slim design
REASONS TO AVOID
- Shorter hoses
- No second fan
Our Rating: 9.4/10
If dazzling RGB is your thing, you’ll love the Thermaltake TH120 AIO cooler. This cooler is absolutely dripping with RGB LEDs and also boasts great cooling performance at an affordable price. In fact, its comparatively low price point makes it one of the most attractive options on the list for a bargain hunter.
The first thing anyone will notice about this cooler is obviously the RGB lighting. The 120mm fan and pump are both covered in them. Thermaltake also provides a controller with 7 light modes and 8 preset colors. The light system also interfaces with ASUS Aura, Gigabyte RGB FUSION, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASROCK polychrome, so no matter your setup, you’ll have full control over these lights. This is an ideal pump for an enthusiast show-piece build.
The Thermaltake TH120 also is highly compatible with almost all modern sockets. Pretty much everyone sees support aside from those sporting a TR4 socket. This means support for the Intel 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, and 1156 as well as the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2, and FM1.
Installing the Thermaltake TH120 is an incredibly easy affair. Those who have experience with PC building will likely have it up and running within 10 minutes. Those new to building or installing coolers will be thankful for the easy-to-read manual and toolless installation. It’s so simple that swapping between AMD and Intel brackets doesn’t even require a screwdriver.
The TH120 boasts an incredibly slim profile, making it ideal for a smaller tower. Despite its smaller size, this cooler still packs a big punch. It has been shown to perform as well as much larger coolers in stress tests and at idle. Additionally, the single fan is nearly silent, which is surprising for a small cooler.
The TH120 also scores high marks for quality. There are virtually no complaints to be made about it, aside from the length of the hoses. They are just a little bit shorter than you’d like them to be, but the quality of the components is top-notch especially the incredibly quiet TT-1225 fan.
As far as price is concerned, the Thermaltake TH120 is an absolute bargain. It’s one of the most affordable 120mm AIO coolers, and on top of that, it comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Altogether, this Thermaltake 120mm AIO is an incredible cooler. You won’t find a cooler with more RGB LED support if that happens to be your thing. You’ll have tons of customization options for those lights as well.
Additionally, this cooler also is highly compatible with almost all modern sockets and is totally painless to install. Its cooling performance is also impressive, as it goes head-to-head with some larger coolers and does it at an absolute bargain of price while staying quiet.
Related reading: Best CPUs Under $300
6. Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120L V2 RGB
Radiator Dimensions: 157 x 120 x 27mm / 6.2 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 650 ~ 1800 RPM +/- 10 % | Noise Volume: 8 ~ 27 dBa | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Great cooling performance
- Budget-friendly price
- Awesome RGB lighting
- Quick installation
- Plug and play
- Fairly quiet
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only a 2-year warranty
- Aesthetics
- Feels a bit cheap
Our Rating: 9.3/10
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120L RGB V2 is an attractive cooler on all fronts. It boasts vibrant RGB LEDs that dazzle on its competitors while also managing to provide cooling performance on par with some larger coolers. It’s not the best in its class, but its lower price point makes it an attractive bargain.
Like many other AIO coolers, installing the Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120L RGB V2 is very easy. It’s as simple as fastening a few screws, and PC builders of all levels will have no issues getting this cooler up and running.
To make installation even easier, Cooler Master even includes a small tube of thermal paste, rather than just a smattering of it. You’ll have more control over the paste’s application, and it won’t be a messy affair. Otherwise, you’ll find the usual assortment of cooler installation tools, including mounting brackets for Intel and AMD sockets.
Speaking of sockets, this Cooler Master is compatible with most current sockets. You’ll be able to interface with Intel LGA 2066, 2011 v3, 2011, 1200, 1700, 1151, 1150, 1156, 1155, and 1366. On the AMD side, you have support for AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, and FM1.
As far as looks go, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120E RGB boasts highly-customizable RGB lighting set off against its elegant matte black paint job. This is a very attractive AIO cooler and would certainly look great in any machine.
The RGB lights on the pump and fan interface with an RGB-compatible motherboard or can be manipulated with the included controller. If RGB isn’t your thing, this cooler still looks sleek with the lights off, thanks to the matte finish.
The small form factor of this Cooler Master 120mm AIO makes it a great mate for a slim tower design or any machine in which space is at a premium. Despite its small size and 120mm radiator, this cooler goes head-to-head with larger coolers and can provide a similar level of cooling efficiency as its larger 240mm cousin. Under heavy loads, it will, however, get quite loud. Unlike the TH120, this cooler’s fan is noisy as it needs a much higher RPM to achieve its maximum efficiency.
As for the price of the MasterLiquid LC120L, this cooler represents a good bargain. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cooler with more RGB and this level of cooling performance for less money. However, the warranty on this AIO is only 2 years, compared to Corsair’s or ASUS’s 5-year warranty. That might be a deal-breaker for some, as the peace of mind can easily be worth a few dollars more.
Overall, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC120L RGB V2 is a solid offering. It has some of the best RGB integration in the 120mm AIO space, good performance metrics, and is compatible with most modern machines. Despite this, the warranty is a few years shorter than you’d like to see. All in all, though, there’s a lot to like about this cooler.
7. EK AIO D-RGB
Radiator Dimensions: 155 x 120 x 27mm / 6.1 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 550 ~ 2200 RPM +/- 10 % | Noise Volume: Up to 36.4 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- High quality
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Vibrant RGB lighting
- Super easy to install
- 5-year warranty
REASONS TO AVOID
- Higher price
- No dedicated software
Our Rating: 9.2/10
If you’re looking for a high-quality all-in-one water cooler at a relatively affordable price, the AIO D-RGB is a decent option. Boasting RGB on its fans and CPU block, not only does it look flashy, it offers incredible durability due to its reinforced tubing and diamond-cut rotary fittings.
One of the most impressive features of this cooler is its ease of installation. You’ll have everything you’ll need to install the AIO D-RGB right out of the box. You won’t even need a screwdriver of your own, as EK even includes one for the installation of the mounting brackets.
It also accommodates both AMD and Intel sockets and provides a bracket for both. Setting up this cooler is incredibly easy, and the provided instructions mean that anyone, even someone without a lot of PC-building experience, can have this cooler up and running in short order.
As mentioned, the EK AIO D-RGB is compatible with both AMD and Intel sockets. It supports the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, and so forth, and a host of Intel LGA sockets, including the 115X, 1200, 1700, 2011, 2011-3, and 2066. The universal radiator also only needs a single mount.
The enthusiast crowd will be pleased with all of the RGB lighting on this AIO cooler. It features these spectacular lights on both the EK-Vardar S fan blades as well as on the CPU block. You can easily manage the RGB settings via your motherboard or the standalone controller. The RGB lights are high-quality and feature diffusers, so the colors blend beautifully.
As far as build quality is concerned, the EK AIO D-RGB is top-notch. The rubber tubing is reinforced, sleeved, and fitted with an aluminum cover, so you won’t have to worry about leaks. The diamond-cut rotary fittings also allow for some adjustment upon installation, so even cramped towers will be able to accommodate this EK cooler and its small footprint. Should anything go wrong, EK also offers a five-year warranty.
Performance-wise, the smaller 120mm radiator won’t be able to cool larger and more powerful machines, but if you have a smaller build, you’ll notice a marked improvement over an air-cooled system. Its performance is average for a 120mm cooler, and you won’t be doing much in the way of overclocking or other intensive operations.
All in all, this is a great option for an AIO water cooler. It has a small footprint, so you’ll be able to install it in most towers, and it’s highly durable due to the quality of its components. The included 5-year warranty is also a welcome sight. Overall, the EK AIO D-RGB represents good value.
However, there are a few better options on the market. Some offer more in the way of RGB, and others offer better performance and allow for overclocking. Despite that, there’s a lot to like about this cooler, so you definitely won’t be let down if you opt for this one.
8. Corsair Hydro Series H60
Radiator Dimensions: 157 x 120 x 27mm / 6.2 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 1700 RPM | Noise Volume: Up to 28.3 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Extremely quiet
- Great cooling capabilities
- High-quality build
- 5-year warranty
- Easy to install
- Fair price
REASONS TO AVOID
- No RGB lighting
- Doesn’t support Corsair’s Link software
- Not as powerful as other offerings
Our Rating: 9.1/10
The stately Corsair Hydro Series H60 comes dressed in all black. Boasting a high-density radiator and near-silent fan, this all-in-one-cooler scores high marks for performance without breaking the bank.
The appeal of all-in-one systems is the ability to quickly install them, and in that the Corsair Hydro Series H60 is no different. It boasts toolless installation like many others, so it can go straight from the box to your machine. Inside the box, you’ll also find the mounting kit compatible with many modern processors and the 120mm fan.
This H60 is compatible with most modern sockets, including the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, and AM2. On the Intel side of things, it matches with the LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, and 2066 sockets.
The most noticeable thing about the Corsair Hydro Series H60 is how quietly the fan and pump runs. Sitting at a desk with the tower closed off, the cooler seems totally silent, especially with the fan running at its lowest settings. If you need more power, it’s simple to adjust the fan speed. Even as fan speed ramps up, it still manages to stay almost unnoticeable.
Despite the silence, the Corsair is pumping away and provides great cooling abilities, both at idle and under heavier loads. This is thanks to the high-density radiator with an IP32 rating, meaning it’s resistant to dust and water. Additionally, the hoses of the Corsair Hydro Series H60 are coated in rubber and are resistant to kinking. The nylon coating offered on other hoses might look better, but Corsair is focused on keeping the costs down here.
Priced at the mid-range, this cooler skips out on the RGB LEDs that more expensive options provide. That may be a disappointment for some, especially those looking to color-match their cooler with the rest of their build. The Corsair logo on the pump is a bright white LED light that can’t be turned off while the cooler is powered, another minor disappointment.
On the software side of things, the Corsair H60 doesn’t support Corsair Link, so you’ll have to configure the cooler via BIOS. This is marginally disappointing, given the cost of this AIO.
Despite the lack of flashy RGB, the Corsair Hydro Series H60 is a dynamite all-in-one cooler. It offers great cooling capabilities in a small footprint, and it is compatible with many modern machines.
The mid-level price is attractive for folks that aren’t looking to break the bank and can deal with a less-than-stellar-looking cooler. Corsair also offers a 5-year warranty should something go awry with it. All in all, the flaws with this all-in-one cooler are minimal, and the performance and quality are top-of-the-line.
READ ALSO: Best CPUs Under $100
9. NZXT Kraken M22
Radiator Dimensions: 152 x 120 x 32mm / 6.0 x 4.7 x 1.3” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 500 ~ 2000 RPM +/- 300 | Noise Volume: 21 ~ 36 dBA | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
- 6-year warranty
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Awesome RGB Lighting
- Plenty of customization and lighting modes
- Quality construction
REASONS TO AVOID
- Average cooling capabilities
- Louder
- Higher price
Our Rating: 9.0/10
The NZXT Kraken M22 is perhaps the most impressive-looking AIO cooler on the list. Its pump boasts an “infinity RGB” design that honestly looks spectacular. But is this cooler all show and no substance?
First things first, the RGB design of this cooler is breathtaking. RGB LEDs are nestled on the pump and, when activated, provide an “infinity mirror” look. This is easily the best-looking 120mm AIO cooler on the market. The RGBs are totally customizable and can even be configured to change color based on the temperature, something no other 120mm cooler on the list is able to do.
As far as software is concerned, the Kraken M22 is compatible with NZXT Cam. This software lets you adjust the fan’s RPM and the RGB LED configuration. It’s quite simple and straightforward and allows you a great deal of control. In fact, the RGB controls are some of the most intuitive you’ll find.
Unfortunately, the software requires a Facebook or Google account to save profiles, but you can run it in guest mode if you refuse to link a profile because you’re concerned about how NZXT handles your information. You just won’t be able to save your settings.
Like many other 120mm AIO coolers, the NZXT Kraken M22 is highly compatible with most sockets. Only the AMD TR4 is really left out as far as modern machines go. It boasts support for Intel 2066, 2011-3, 2011, 1366, 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, and 1150 as well as the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, and FM1.
Installing the Kraken M22 is a little trickier than installing other AIO coolers, but it’s still quite simple. The difference between this cooler and other all-in-one coolers is the pump’s location over the radiator. Due to this, airflow is more limited than in traditional designs, and it could negatively impact cooling performance. Otherwise, installation is as easy as bolting down a few screws, so just about everyone will be able to configure this cooler without an issue.
Quality-wise, the NZXT Kraken M22 is up to par. Like a few other coolers on this list, its hoses are sleeved in nylon and are resistant to bending and kinking, so you won’t need to worry about leakage. In a nod to acoustic performance, the Kraken M22 boasts a rubberized housing for the fan, helping keep it quiet when it’s spinning at its maximum RPM.
The Kraken’s performance leaves a bit to be desired, especially given its price point. At close to a premium price, this is one of the more expensive 120mm coolers on the market, but many cheaper options provide much better cooling at lower prices. It’s also on the louder end compared to other coolers.
All things considered, this AIO cooler is beautifully designed but just a little bit flawed. You can find better cooling functionality for less money, even in the 120mm class. NZXT also offers a 6-year warranty, which is the longest manufacturer warranty offered on this list. For this cooler to be a good deal, you’ll have to love the look of the infinity RGB. But if that’s you, this cooler is well-made and features a warranty that makes it a worthy investment.
10. EVGA CLC 120
Radiator Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 30mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1.2” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 1800 RPM +/- 10 % | Noise Volume: Up to 32.1 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- 5-year warranty
- Decent cooling capabilities
- Top-notch build quality
- Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Loud
- Plain looks
- No RGB
Our Rating: 8.8/10
The EVGA CLC 120mm is one of the simplest cooler designs on the list. It’s not flashy like some of the more RGB-bedecked coolers, it doesn’t boast super impressive performance metrics, and it doesn’t feature any advanced or off-the-wall technology. It’s just a simple, barebones offering that might leave the more discerning customer a little less than satisfied.
The standard model of the EVGA CLC 120mm features no RGB LEDs, a letdown for some, especially given its price point. Admittedly, it could have used something to liven up its appearance, which is rather lackluster.
Everything composing this cooler, from the pump to the radiator to the tubing, is the same flat black. It is not a stylish AIO, especially compared to some of the other AIOs on this list. It could have used the help on that end to make it a better value proposition.
Compatibility-wise, the EVGA CLC 120 matches with all common Intel sockets, including the LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, and 2066 as well as the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, and FM1 sockets.
However, the quality of this EVGA cooler is top-notch. It features a curved fan housing designed to reduce noise. The fan’s bearings are also made of Teflon, making them highly resilient and long-lasting.
Additionally, it boasts an elegant wiring system to help keep your build tidy. Those that need a small form factor cooler to fit in their tower will certainly appreciate the cable management solution.
As far as performance goes, the EVGA CLC 120 AIO is on par with other 120mm coolers. It’s not the most robust 120mm cooler on the market, but it will get the job done. It’s not an ideal cooler for a more powerful machine, but it’s been tested and proven to reduce CPU temps by an average of 8 degrees C at idle and under heavier loads.
When pushed to its limit at 1800 RPM, the fan is incredibly loud and is very noticeable. Dialing the RPM back a bit obviously reduces the noise output but reduces its cooling capabilities significantly.
All in all, the EVGA CLC 120 is a decent cooler and makes a good match for someone looking to avoid RGB lighting for whatever reason. Its performance is good, and it stacks up to other AIO coolers in its class, but you’ll likely be able to find a better deal on a similarly performing cooler.
Aesthetically, the EVGA is rather basic and it doesn’t stand out in any way. If that’s your style, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of its design. EVGA also offers a 5-year warranty, improving the cooler’s total value. Overall, you might be better served by a cheaper or better-performing AIO, but the EVGA CLC 120 won’t disappoint you.
Final Words
There you go; these are the top 10 best 120mm AIO CPU coolers you’ll be able to find on the market in 2023.
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Besides that, if you have any additional questions or are still not sure which cooler is best for your needs, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be more than happy to help you out.
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Dunno if it’s changed since January or you just read it wrong, but the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 120 comes with a SIX year warranty.
Hi Fred,
Thanks for the heads-up, I will update the review ASAP.
Richard