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These days, liquid cooling is all the rage due to its performance benefits, but many people don’t have the time, money, or building experience to execute a custom-cooling setup.
That’s where all-in-one (AIO) coolers come into play. Because they’re so easy to install, just about anyone can join the water-cooling movement. This list will focus on twelve of the best 240mm AIO CPU coolers in 2023, to help you weigh the benefits of performance, aesthetics, and price so you can make the best possible decision.
Best 240mm AIO CPU Coolers in 2023 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the 12 best 240mm 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. Corsair Hydro Series H100i RGB Platinum SE ''Best 240mm AIO CPU cooler overall'' |  | 9.9 | |
2. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 ''Best 240mm AIO CPU cooler for the money'' |  | 9.8 | |
3. NZXT Kraken Z53 ''Best premium 240mm AIO CPU cooler'' |  | 9.7 | |
4. Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix ''Best performing 240mm AIO CPU cooler'' |  | 9.6 | |
5. EK-AIO 240 D-RGB ''Excellent all-around 240mm AIO CPU cooler'' |  | 9.6 | |
6. Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB 240 TT Premium Edition ''Best RGB implementation'' |  | 9.4 | |
7. Fractal Design Celsius S24 ''Editor's pick'' |  | 9.3 | |
8. NZXT Kraken X53 ''Most popular 240mm AIO CPU cooler'' |  | 9.2 | |
9. Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 ''Most underrated 240mm AIO cooler'' |  | 9.1 | |
10. MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R ''Honorable mention'' |  | 9.0 | |
11. ASUS ROG STRIX LC 240 ''Honorable mention #2'' |  | 8.9 | |
12. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 ''Honorable mention #3'' |  | 8.8 |
1. Corsair Hydro Series H100i RGB Platinum SE
Radiator Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 27 mm / 10.9 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: Up to 2200 RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: Up to 36 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Stunning aesthetics
- Top-of-the-line cooling performance
- Quiet operation at idle
- High-quality construction
- Covered by a 5-year warranty
- Bright RGB lighting
- Intuitive iCUE software
- Easy to install
REASONS TO AVOID
- Premium price
Our Rating: 9.9/10
Boasting RGB LED integration on the pump head and both of its 120mm fans, the Corsair Hydro Series H100i RGB Platinum SE looks like a high-end cooler. But does it perform well?
Well, you probably already know the answer, as it sits at the top spot on this list. Truth be told, the H100i is incredibly good at keeping the CPU temperatures low and staying quiet in the process, even under heavier loads. But that’s not all.
While other offerings from Corsair features limited RGB lighting, Corsair goes all out with the H100i Platinum SE and offers a full suite of RGB LEDs to really give you the opportunity to customize everything to your liking. To control the RGB lights, Corsair provides their iCUE software.
With this software, you’ll easily be able to change the color of the lights to match the rest of your build, as well as monitor and control the speed of the fans and pump. With this amount of RGB, the H100i is definitely an enthusiast-focused AIO. What makes this cooler the “special edition” model is the striking white paint job on the pump, radiator, and matching hoses.
Coming at a premium price, the H100i is the most expensive water cooler on this list. The big question is: is it worth the money?
For starters, It comes with a 5-year warranty, one of the best in the business. It is only topped by NZXT and ARCTIC, which offer a 6-year warranty for their AIO liquid coolers.
On top of that, the Hydro Series H100i boasts some high-quality components, as you would expect at that price point. Corsair’s signature chunky pump design is incredibly sturdy and allows for a 90-degree swivel of the hoses to aid in installation. The cooling plate is made of copper and milled totally smooth. Corsair took the liberty of applying the thermal paste so you don’t have to worry about getting messy.
In terms of compatibility, this Corsair cooler is compatible with basically every modern processor, even the Threadripper platform. You’ll have support for the Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, and 2066. AMD support includes the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, and TR4.
As we already mentioned, the H100i performs extremely well. In a test performed on an Intel I7-7700K, it outperformed the ThermalTake Floe Riing 240 by 6°C, the Alphacool Eisbaer 360mm cooler by 1°C, and even the be quiet! Silent loop 360 by 10°C under load. It’s one of the best-performing 240mm AIO coolers that will keep any modern CPU nice and cool no matter what.
Overall, the Corsair Hydro Series H100i RGB Platinum SE is a fantastic liquid cooler. It’s one of the best 240mm AIO in terms of cooling performance, easily beating some of the larger, 360mm coolers. On top of that, the Platinum SE package makes this Corsair AIO one of the most visually appealing AIOs out there. It is a bit pricier than your average 240mm AIO cooler, but the combination of performance and aesthetics is definitely worth it.
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2. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240
Radiator Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38 mm / 10.9 x 4.7 x 1.5” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 200 ~ 1800 RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: Up to 35 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Superior cooling capabilities
- Impeccable build quality
- Thicker radiator for more efficiency
- Covered by a 6-year warranty
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Very quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
- No RGB lighting
Our Rating: 9.8/10
In a bold aesthetic move, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 totally forgoes RGB implementation in favor of raw performance. This proves to be a winning move, as the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 claims a second spot on this list.
While many AIO coolers offer some form of the trendy RGB LEDs that bedeck many modern computer towers, this AIO cooler from ARCTIC doesn’t feature any lights at all. Of course, this is still a nice-looking cooler. Its glossy black finish is accentuated by the silver Arctic logo printed on the pump head and in the center of both of the 120mm fans. The silver motif extends to the hoses, where the braided nylon is printed with silver stripes. It’s an industrial approach to a design space that typically trends toward bright and flashy.
ARCTIC’s commitment to cooling excellence extends to the build quality of the Liquid Freezer II. The cooler features a radiator that’s 38mm thick, slightly thicker than most other radiators. This allows the cooler to pump more water through the radiator, improving cooling efficiency with its multi-channel water flow.
Additionally, its hoses are fiber-reinforced to protect against kinking, leakage, and evaporation. And they are made of EPDM material, an industrial-strength rubber. There’s even a small 40mm fan on top of the pump to help with VRM cooling. ARCTIC really pulled out all the stops to ensure the Liquid Freezer II’s supremacy.
As far as compatibility goes, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 interfaces with the Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, the square ILM 2011-3, and the square ILM 2066. It’s also compatible with the AMD AM5, AM4, and so forth. This is a standard amount of socket support when compared to others on the list, and it shouldn’t be an issue for a majority of people using modern CPUs.
Performance is the reason to consider the Liquid Freezer II 240, where it’s the king of the 240mm class. In a test performed on an Intel I9-9900K clocked at 3.8 GHz, the machine only rose 26.2°C, one of the best in its class.
For comparison, the Corsair Hydro Series H100i RGB Platinum S and the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L each saw a 32.4°C rise in temperature in the same test. When overclocked to 4.7 GHz, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 continued to impress, only seeing a change in temperature of 49.2°C. That was almost 10 degrees better than the previously mentioned Corsair and Cooler Master.
The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 is one of the absolute best 240mm AIO water coolers on the market when it comes to raw cooling performance, but it’s also one of the quietest, with only around 35 dBA at maximum speed. You won’t be disappointed in this AIO’s performance, and you’ll be able to overclock with confidence.
All in all, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 is one of the best 240mm AIO CPU coolers on the market and more importantly, offers an excellent performance per dollar. If you’re looking for a well-performing, quiet, quality 240mm cooler and can forgo RGB lighting, this is the perfect cooler for you.
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3. NZXT Kraken Z53
Radiator Dimensions: 275 x 123 x 30 mm / 10.8 x 4.8 x 1.2” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 500 – 2000 ± 300 RPM | Noise Volume: 21 – 36 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Powerful fans designed for liquid cooling
- Superb cooling performance
- Compatible with all modern CPUs
- High-quality construction
- High degree of customization available with the LCD screen
- Long warranty period
REASONS TO AVOID
- On the louder side at maximum speed
- Quite a bit more expensive than similar models
Our Rating: 9.7/10
NZXT makes a little bit of everything, but they really struck gold with their Kraken series of AIO coolers. Versions of the NZXT Kraken can be found across several of our lists of the best CPU coolers of 2023, thanks to both the high construction quality and the huge variety in the lineup.
For this review, we’re looking at the Z53, a high-end version of their 240mm AIO cooler. There is also a full RGB version available for about $15 more.
The Kraken Z series is definitely on the expensive side, especially compared to the Kraken X models, which (depending on the model) will often run up to $100 less. The reason for this difference is the CPU block.
While both the X and Z models use a 7th gen Asetek pump, the Z models have an LCD screen on the faceplate that can be customized to display performance data like CPU temp, images, and even GIFs. It’s a really cool feature, and if you have some extra cash floating around then it can give your PC a really cool design boost.
The Kraken Z53 uses two of NZXT’s AER P 120mm fans, and this creates a measurable difference in performance between the RGB and non-RGB versions of the cooler. The RGB models use a modified version of the AER F fans which are designed more for airflow.
The AER P fans are higher-performing static pressure fans, important for liquid cooling. They’ll pull air through a radiator more effectively by default, and also have a higher max RPM. This does make them a bit noisier, maxing out around 36db as opposed to the 33db you’d see on the less powerful RGB models.
Additionally, the tubing on the Kraken Z53 doesn’t look quite as robust as on the EK All-In-Ones, but it holds up well and is covered with a mesh sheath for added protection.
In terms of compatibility, the Kraken coolers support all modern CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 as well as AMD’s Socket AM5, AM4, sTRX4, and TR4, though the Threadripper brackets are not included in the packaging.
The NZXT warranty, along with ARCTIC, is the longest in the industry, covering against defects for up to 6 years. Most competitors only cover from 2 to 5 years. You can debate how much that actually means, considering that most defects are going to show up a lot quicker, but having a long warranty period at least shows that NZXT is standing by their products.
Overall, the NZXT Kraken Z53 is by far the best premium 240mm AIO cooler on the market. If you’re serious about cooling, you’re definitely going to want the non-RGB version which has more powerful fans. On larger coolers, it might make less of a difference, but as you cut down to 240mm (and especially 120mm) having the right fans becomes more important. Plus, the LCD screen is a remarkable addition but adds a lot to the price without any performance benefit.
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4. Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix
Radiator Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 27 mm / 10.9 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 2400 RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: 10 – 37 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- High levels of RGB customization with included iCUE Command Core
- High-quality construction
- Very bright RGB lighting
- Fantastic cooling performance
- Fans are very efficient
- Covered by a 5-year warranty
- Budget-friendly, especially for a brand like Corsair
REASONS TO AVOID
- Fans can be noisier than expected
- Additional purchase needed for LGA 1700 compatibility
- Installation can be difficult
Our Rating: 9.6/10
If Corsair knows how to do one thing, it’s making components that look like they belong in a gaming PC. Fortunately, that’s far from the only thing they know how to do, and the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix also has the high level of performance you’d expect from a premium gaming brand.
If you’re familiar with Corsair, you probably know that this is cooler going to be built with a definite emphasis on the fans. That’s not to say that other aspects are being neglected, but Corsair has put a lot of time and money into developing their ML 120 and 140 fans.
In fact, the ML 120s are on all fronts some of the best fans you can get in 2023. They’re a good blend of airflow and static pressure, however since they’re not strictly focused on static pressure, they make a bit more noise when trying to force air through a radiator. If they’re running at the full 2400RPM, you’ll notice 37db of noise which isn’t terrible for the speed but could make this one of the noisier AIO coolers on the market.
This cooler also ships with a Corsair iCUE Commander Core. This provides a central point of control for the fans, which have 8 LEDs each, and the 16 LEDs in the CPU block, and can all be customized to an extremely precise degree through the iCUE control software.
Despite the large number of LEDs on the CPU block, a lot of the faceplate is taken up by the Corsair logo and surrounding negative space, so you might not get as much pop from the custom lighting, though it will obviously be very bright.
Installation can be a bit tricky with the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix. The included screws are small and not easy to turn. The nozzles connecting the tubes to the block are also harder to position.
Out of the box, this is not compatible with the new LGA 1700 sockets. In official materials, Corsair provides a specific item number for a replacement part to rectify this. It’s helpful but they’re not going to the same lengths as EK or Lian Li to make it work.
Lastly, the Corsair warranty covers defects in AIO coolers for up to 5 years which is on the upper end as far as AIO cooler warranties go. However, like all other manufacturers, it doesn’t cover nonstandard or improper use.
With all that being said, the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix is a fantastic AIO cooler from the 240mm category. It scores high in almost every category, including cooling performance, aesthetics, quality, and even price. It’s a bit noisier under load than we’d like a 240mm cooler to be, but that’s honestly the only real drawback. Other than that, we can strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a 240mm AIO cooler with RGB lighting.
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5. EK-AIO 240 D-RGB
Radiator Dimensions: 275 x 120 x 27 mm / 10.8 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 550 – 2200 ± 10% RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: Up to 36.4 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Highly efficient cooling
- Preserves the liquid cooling aesthetic
- High-quality construction
- EK’s reusability program ensures maximum possible future compatibility
- Very quiet for a 240mm AIO cooler
- Covered by a 5-year warranty
- Vibrant RGB lighting
REASONS TO AVOID
- No control software for RGB elements
- Not ready for 12th Gen Intel processors out of the box
- A bit pricier
Our Rating: 9.6/10
EK, often referred to as EK Water Blocks, is exclusively a liquid cooling manufacturer. Whether they’re making all-in-one coolers or individual parts for custom cooling, they are an elite manufacturer, and hands down make several of the best cooling systems you can get in 2023. The EK-AIO 240 D-RGB is a fantastic example of what an experienced company can do, even with smaller dimensions.
The fins on the EK-AIO 240 D-RGB radiator are spaced a bit wider than you’ll see on an NZXT (for instance). This will both allow and require more airflow during peak usage. In addition, the cooler’s equipped with two EK-Vardar S fans, which max out at 2200RPM.
That’s on the high side for radiator fans, especially ones that come preinstalled on an AIO cooler. At a max noise rating of 33.5 dB, they’re also pretty quiet relative to their speed. A lot of the default fans on other brands are about as loud, but anywhere from 200RPM to 600RPM slower.
The CPU block is one of the bigger selling points here. The included pump is the same one EK sells for custom loops, so it’s going to be able to circulate coolant very quickly, and working together with the greater airflow across the fins, it’s going to provide very efficient cooling.
The block itself is translucent white and illuminated, and more closely resembles something you’d see in a full custom loop. If you want not just the efficiency but also the aesthetic of a liquid cooler, this is one of your better choices.
Since EK works exclusively with liquid cooling, they’re going to pay a lot of attention to potential problem areas. That means the tubing is very smoothly installed and covered with a high-quality braided sheath.
As of this moment, the EK-AIO 240 D-RGB is compatible with AM5, AM4, and so forth, and older LGA sockets (up to but not including the new 1700). However, EK has reusability programs that reduce the LGA 1700 backplate to 1 cent plus shipping and handling.
EK also indicates that they will continue to do so for any other upcoming CPU releases that use a new socket form factor. This could make an EK AIO cooler like the 240 D-RGB an even better investment than it appears to be at first glance.
Lastly, EK’s warranty covers their All In One coolers for 5 years after the date of purchase and includes a 30-day money-back return policy for products bought directly from their web store.
The EK 240mm AIO Cooler is one of the best 240mm AIO coolers you can get in 2023, and we have every reason to believe it will remain that way for years to come. It’s a little pricier than other 240mm AIO coolers but justifies that price difference with its high construction quality, great performance, and future compatibility.
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6. Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB 240 TT Premium Edition
Radiator Dimensions: 270 x 120 x 27mm / 10.6 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 500 ~ 1400 RPM | Noise Volume: 19.8 – 24.7 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- High-performing 240mm cooler
- Comes with a digital lighting controller
- Compatible with all modern processors
- Bright RGB lighting with lots of customization
- Software and iOS/Android app for control
- Quality and durable build
- Quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
- only a 2-year warranty
- Premium price
- Shorter hoses
Our Rating: 9.4/10
Thermaltake was one of the first companies to embrace the RGB trend in computer building, and their Floe Riing RGB 240 TT Premium Edition shows they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
The Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB 240 TT Premium Edition boasts an exquisite amount of RGB LED implementation, as both the 120mm fans and the pump head are covered in them. If that’s your thing, then you’ll love this AIO cooler, as only a very few companies do RGB better than Thermaltake.
You’ll also have software to control the lighting and even an IOS and Android phone app. With all of this RGB and customization, this is definitely an enthusiast-focused cooler.
Unfortunately, Thermaltake’s software is rather lackluster. You can adjust the lighting and fan speed, but changing profiles requires a system restart, so modifying your cooling settings on the fly is impossible. Additionally, the smartphone app only controls the RGB lights and not the fans or pump.
Another disappointing thing about this AIO is the high price point as it’s one of the most expensive coolers in its class.
On the bright side, the installation of the Floe Riing is very simple, in line with many other coolers. It basically just bolts into place. Thermaltake has even gone ahead and applied the thermal paste for you. The only difficulty one might encounter during the installation of this cooler is due to the shorter radiator pump pipes, meaning it might be a two-person job requiring someone to hold it in place while you bolt it down.
Despite the software shortcomings, the performance of the Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB 240 TT Premium Edition is quite impressive. A test performed on an Intel I7 3930K revealed that the Flow Riing is amongst the best coolers in its class and even took on a slightly larger 280mm cooler.
At 3.8 GHz clock speed, the Floe Riing cooled the CPU to only 5.5°C over ambient at idle and 38.6°C over ambient under load. When the machine was overclocked to 4.4 GHz, the Floe Riing showed its prowess and posted a change in temperature of 16.8°C at idle and a very impressive 40.5°C under load. The Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB 240 TT Premium Edition is a high-performing AIO cooler that can handle whatever comes its way.
While the price of this AIO is on the higher end for a 240mm cooler, you’ll be getting your money’s worth as far as performance goes. You’ll be able to safely overclock your machine and look stylish in the process, thanks to the RGB LEDs on the cooler’s fan blades and pump head.
While Thermaltake’s software support is pretty lackluster, you’ll have control over all aspects of the cooler. This is a great choice for an enthusiast with a bit of money to spend; you’ll simply love the RGB and will appreciate the Floe Riing’s performance.
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7. Fractal Design Celsius S24
Radiator Dimensions: 284 x 122 x 31 mm / 11.2 x 4.8 x 1.2” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 500 – 2000 RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: Up to 32.2 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Fans are among the quietest available
- Great cooling performance
- Quality overall construction
- Compact, efficient design
- Covered by a 5-year warranty
- One of the cheapest 240mm coolers
- Easy to install
REASONS TO AVOID
- Lower flow rate
- No RGB lighting
Our Rating: 9.3/10
Fractal Design is one of a very small number of PC brands that operate out of Europe rather than the US or East Asia. As such, there are inevitable comparisons to be made between them and fellow European brand be quiet!.
Both make a range of cases, PSUs, and coolers, both liquid, and air. Fractal Design gets a bit more adventurous with their design choices, and even something on the more basic end of their product range like the Celsius S24 is going to have a unique look to it.
The Fractal Design Celsius S24 uses two of the in-house Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM fans, which are a hybrid suitable for both airflow and static pressure. They sit tightly on top of the radiator and leave much less space around the edges than some other AIO coolers.
This helps maximize the amount of the cooler that is getting direct airflow, which is always a good thing. Fractal Design calls these fans “nearly silent,” which is true enough at low speeds, but at max speed (2000 RPM) they’re fully 32db, so on par or only slightly quieter than most competitors.
Looking at the Fractal Design Celsius S24, you can probably guess what the biggest issue is going to be. The CPU block is a lot shorter than most other AIO coolers. Because of that, there’s less room for the pump and chambers, and that really drops the flow rating.
It’s still going to be more efficient than air cooling, but if you’re overclocking a high core-count processor, this is going to struggle in ways that an EK or an NZXT Kraken are flat-out not going to.
Another issue that’s obvious just from the picture on the box is the configuration of the nozzles that attach to the CPU block. Rather than being on the side and adjustable like most AIO coolers (including most of Fractal Design’s lineup), they’re fixed to the center. That’s going to make it harder to keep the tubes out of the way or work with limited space.
Compatibility-wise, the Celsius S24 supports all modern CPUs. From Intel’s side of things, the cooler is compatible with the LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-v3, and 2066 sockets. In terms of AMD CPUs, you have support for the AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, AM5, FM1, FM2, FM2+, and Threadripper sockets.
Finally, the Fractal Design Celsius S24 is covered by a five-year warranty, but if you customize it in any way, it limits itself to specifically individual components since you could theoretically have introduced issues with the connection.
In summary, the Fractal Design Celsius S24 is one of the best 240mm coolers for budget-conscious users. There are more efficient coolers on the market, but this one is cheap, quiet, installs very easily, and is not going to require a lot of changes to your configuration.
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8. NZXT Kraken X53
Radiator Dimensions: 275 x 123 x 30 mm / 10.8 x 4.8 x 1.2” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 26 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 500 ~ 2000 RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: 21 ~ 36 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Good overall cooling performance
- One of the most popular AIO coolers to this date
- High-quality build
- Covered by a 6-year warranty
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Easy to customize via software
- Quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not the best-performing AIO
- No RGB on the fans
- Higher price
Our Rating: 9.2/10
Featuring the incredibly stylish mirrored pump head like its cousins, the NZXT Kraken X53 is one of the most popular 240mm coolers on the market. It also boasts relatively easy-to-manipulate RGB integration.
If you’re looking for a flashy cooler for your showy build, then the NZXT Kraken X53 might just be the perfect cooler for you. The mirrored pump head is like nothing else offered on an AIO cooler. It provides an “infinity mirror” style look and is ringed in RGB LEDs. It’s incredibly eye-catching and makes this cooler perhaps the best-looking 240mm AIO on the market. If you have a glass-windowed tower, this cooler is the perfect mate for it.
You can control the RGBs via NZXT’s CAM software. The CAM software is good at monitoring your setup but disappointingly lacks fan control options. What could have been a big win for the Kraken X53 is instead rather middling.
Installation of the Kraken X53 is a relatively simple affair. Like many other coolers, you’ll first bolt down the radiator, then the backing plate, and finally the pump. However, you might run into an issue installing the fans, as they must be connected to the motherboard individually. On most other coolers, the fans are connected to the pump enclosure. NZXT pre-applied the thermal paste, so you won’t have to get messy with that.
The NZXT Kraken X53 offers middling performance. It’s not a world-beater by any means, but it will provide adequate cooling, even on an overclocked machine. It’s most comparable to the Corsair H115i RGB Pro XT, which retails for around $60 more than the Kraken.
They posted the same change in temperature at idle (6.5°C) while the Corsair was about one degree more efficient under load in a test performed on a stock I7 9700K. Acoustically, the Kraken was also found to have average metrics with a 36.8 dBA.
Average performance comes at an average price point, with the Kraken X53 coming at a bit higher price than you would have expected. But, NZXT offers a six-year warranty, the most robust warranty offered on the market.
As far as connectivity goes, the Kraken X53 is compatible with the Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, and 2066. AMD support includes the AM5, AM4, and TR4, though Threadripper users will have to use a separate bracket that likely came with their processor.
While offering decent performance, the NZXT Kraken X53 is one of the most popular 240mm AIO coolers on the market. Its infinity mirror is eye-catching, incredibly unique, and sure to draw attention from some enthusiasts.
While its performance is respectable, it’s far from world-beating, especially at this price point. If you’re not planning on overclocking your CPU, the X53 might be a perfect fit for you thanks to its looks, decent cooling capabilities, and a best-in-class 6-year warranty.
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9. Lian Li Galahad AIO 240
Radiator Dimensions: 273 x 124 x 27 mm / 10.7 x 4.9 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 800 – 1900 RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: 32 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- High static pressure fans
- Cools quietly and efficiently
- One of the cheapest RGB AIO coolers
- Covered by a 5-year warranty
- High-quality build
- LGA 1700 upgrade program
- Very easy to install
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not a lot of direct control or customization
- A little at max speeds
Our Rating: 9.1/10
It’s fitting, though not surprising considering the manufacturer, that something named after a knight prominently features a metallic finish.
If you’ve got strong opinions about Arthuriana or component design, you might have hoped for something a bit more elegant, but the Galahad AIO 240 is pretty much what you should expect from Lian Li. It’s blocky, efficient, and covered in brushed metal.
The Lian Li Galahad AIO 240 uses a triple chamber design and features two ST120 fans. They’re the better choice for an all-in-one cooler, especially a 240mm one, but they do lack the cool angular RGB frame you get with the SL 120s on the 360mm model.
This is something you’ll notice fairly often with the smaller versions of AIO coolers, that the manufacturer has made some sacrifices to design and style to keep performance high. Once installed, the 1900 RPM max speed and 32db volume level make up for any disappointment you might have over the simplified design.
Lian Li is all about modularity, so you’ll quickly note just how many options you have for installation. There are multiple types of screws and brackets, and a ton of replacement cables. As of writing this, Lian Li does not ship an LGA 1700 socket adaptor with the cooler itself, but it does sell one on their site for 1 cent plus shipping.
They’re one of a small number of brands to do this, but it’s a really nice touch, considering it ships with the parts necessary to install on all other currently circulating sockets.
Another thing that Lian Li does with their CPU coolers that you might appreciate is giving you the choice to cover the logo. The CPU block has a ring of LEDs, and a faceplate with the Lian Li logo in the middle. They include a second magnetic plate that will cover the logo without obscuring the ring of LEDs.
The sheath on the tubing connecting the block and the radiator isn’t as tightly woven as some others are, but that’s not something that will be closely inspected or even regularly visible in a lot of cases.
Similar to the majority of manufacturers in 2023, The Lian Li warranty covers their AIO coolers against defects for five years.
Overall, the Lian Li Galahad is not the best-performing or flashiest AIO cooler out there, but for the money, it offers solid performance across the board. It provides efficient and quiet cooling, quality construction, and even RGB on both fans and the pump. There’s not much that really jumps out about it, but when recommending CPU coolers we’ve never steered anyone away from the Lian Li all-in-ones.
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10. MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R
Radiator Dimensions: 274 x 120 x 27 mm / 10.8 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 500 ~ 2000 RPM (PWM) | Noise Volume: 14.3 – 34.3 dBA | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Easy to install
- Very budget-friendly
- Vibrant RGB lighting
- Great cooling capabilities
- Low noise and vibrations
- Comes with a smart controller
REASONS TO AVOID
- Loud at max speeds
- Bulky pump head
Our Rating: 9.0/10
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R is a stylish 240mm AIO cooler that boasts a unique rotating pump head and addressable RGB implementation. This MSI AIO cooler also offers solid cooling performance at a very affordable price.
In the box, you’ll find two ARGB PWM 120mm fans, a smart fan controller, fan mounting screws, and the installation guide. You’ll have everything you need to get it set up in short order.
Part of the allure of AIO cooling is the ease of installation, and in that the CoreLiquid 240R is no different than many others. Installing this cooler is quite simple, only requiring a few screws to mount the pump and fans. Most PC builders will have no issues getting this AIO up and running in about 10 minutes.
This cooler is highly compatible and interfaces with most modern processors. It’s compatible with Intel LGA 1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, and 2066 sockets. AMD support includes AMD AM5, AM4, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, and AM2.
As mentioned, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R is one good-looking cooler. It boasts addressable RGB LED implementation on the fan blades and on the MSI logo printed on the pump head. It’s very tastefully done, and even those who are averse to RGB will appreciate the splash of color it provides. Controlling the RGB lights is done with the included remote or your motherboard. The rest of the cooler is the usual glossy black, which catches the lights well and looks fantastic.
This MSI cooler boasts a few unique features that set it apart from other coolers on the list. Its pump head rotates 270 degrees, allowing you to mount the cold plate however you need to while keeping the pump upright.
Additionally, its pump is built into the radiator. This innovation allows for two things: better sound dampening so the pump runs quieter and an increase in longevity by keeping the pump away from the heat source. The radiator also features a split pathway design to allow for more efficient heat transfer than traditional radiators. These unique features make the CoreLiquid 240R an intriguing cooler.
As far as performance goes, this AIO performs on par with coolers. It doesn’t offer best-in-class cooling, but it keeps pace just fine. One test on a Ryzen 3 3600 overclocked at 4.1 GHz showed the CoreLiquid 240R cooling the system to 39°C at idle and 45°C under load. This test demonstrates that this cooler is suitable for an overclocked machine and will capably handle stress.
While its cooling performance was decent, the best quality of the CoreLiquid 240R is how quiet it runs. On average, it’s 5 decibels quieter than other coolers in its class. The embedded radiator is no doubt to thank for that.
Overall, this MSI AIO represents good value. The MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R offers good performance, quality styling, and some unique features that set it apart from other coolers. There’s a lot to like about it, and nothing at all that sticks out in a bad way – it represents a great balance of price, noise dampening, RGB implementation, and overall cooling performance.
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11. ASUS ROG STRIX LC 240
Radiator Dimensions: 272 x 122 x 27 mm / 10.7 x 4.8 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 800 ~ 2500 RPM +/- 10% | Noise Volume: Up to 37.6 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
- High-quality build
- Great cooling performance
- Covered by a 5-year warranty
- Bright RGB lighting
- Easy installation
- Quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
- Premium price
- Better-priced coolers are available
- Loud at max speed
Our Rating: 8.9/10
Focused on mid-sized gaming builds, the Asus ROG STRIX LC 240 is a formidable AIO cooler that boasts RGB lighting on its pump head.
Aesthetically, the ROG Stix LC 240 isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary. Its flat black paint job is typical for AIO coolers, and its fans don’t feature RGB LEDs like many others in its class.
Enthusiasts will be disappointed in their exclusion, but the RGBs that decorate the pump head are very bright and high-quality. Additionally, the pump head also illuminates the “Republic of Gamers” logo for added swagger. You’ll be able to easily control the RGB lights thanks to the integrated ASUS Aura Sync.
The quality of this Asus cooler’s components is great. You’ll find the hoses have been reinforced and sleeved in black nylon to match the rest of the cooler. They’re also 38cm long, a bit longer than other coolers’ tubing. This should aid installation and allow you more freedom while you build.
Asus has further optimized the ROG STRIX LC 240 fans. The 120mm fans are designed specifically for the ROG STRIX LC Series radiators and provided notable increases in airflow (81 CFM for the Asus versus the average of 71 CFM) and in static pressure.
The Asus ROG STRIX LC 240 is compatible with a wide range of modern processors. Just about everyone but older AMD users will be supported. This includes the Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1152, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, and 2066. It also supports the AMD AM4 and TR4.
Installing the ROG STRIX LC 240 is a simple affair. Like most other AIO coolers, it’s as simple as picking the appropriate mounting block and fastening a few screws. Asus has even gone ahead and pre-applied your thermal paste. The only hiccup you might encounter is, if you’re an inexperienced PC builder, you might struggle to read to manual. The diagrams are a bit confusing, but a trip to YouTube will have things sorted out in short order.
The main drawback of this AIO cooler is its premium price and the lack of premium features to support it. As of today, there are just much better options available on the market.
Overall though, the ASUS ROG STRIX LC 240 is a solid option in the 240mm class. It comes with some RGB LED implementation that’s easy to customize with the included software and boasts a very high build quality. ASUS’ various optimizations do have some practical benefits and the fans are some of the best offered on a 240mm cooler. However, the premium price is not really justified by anything and you will be better off looking elsewhere, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
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12. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2
Radiator Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 27mm / 10.9 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fans Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 650 ~ 2000 RPM (PWM) ± 10% | Noise Volume: 6 ~ 30 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Bright RGB lighting
- One of the cheapest 240mm AIO coolers
- Great cooling capabilities
- Very budget-friendly
- Supports a large variety of CPUs
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only 2-year warranty
- Plain aesthetics
- Worse performance compared to others
Our Rating: 8.8/10
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L represents one of the best deals on the market, coming at an astonishingly low price. If you’re looking to add a sleek, stylish cooler with excellent performance without breaking the bank, you’ve found your perfect cooler.
This Cooler Master is a good-looking cooler, boasting RGB LEDs on the pump head and on both of its 120mm fans. You can customize these lights with the included controller or with a compatible motherboard. Other aesthetic features include a matte black paint job on the pump head and braided nylon sleeves for the hoses, which also serve to eliminate kinking and prevent leakage. It certainly looks like more of an enthusiast-level cooler due to its RGB implementation.
Installation of the ML240L is pretty straightforward. Both fans even come preinstalled in their housing, eliminating the potential headache of pre-mounting the fans. The only thing setting installation of this cooler apart from others is that you’ll be applying the thermal paste yourself, but that allows the paste to adhere to the cold plate more effectively.
New PC builders shouldn’t fear the application of thermal paste, as applying it yourself ensures a stronger bond and more efficient heat management. You’ll see later in the list how pre-applied paste can become an issue.
This AIO features support for almost all modern processors, including the Intel LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1156, and 1155. As for AMD, you’ll find support for the AMD AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, and FM1. It also supports the TR4 processor, but the mount for that is not included.
Performance-wise, you’ll be pleased to find the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L is in the middle of the pack in the 240mm class in both raw cooling ability and in noise dampening. One test on an Intel i7-5930k clocked at 4.2 GHz showed the Cooler Master keeping the PC at 37° C over ambient with both fans at maximum RPM.
This was still 12°C better than the Gamer Storm Captain 240. This means that the Cooler Master is ready to take on powerful machines, and is one of the best choices for doing so. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as quiet.
Of course, this cooler is bargain-priced and comes with a two-year warranty. Though the warranty is a bit shorter than you’d expect, the price is an absolute steal. It’s on par with many coolers in the same category and offers a lot more in the way of cooling performance.
All in all, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L is a decent value for a 240mm AIO cooler. You’ll be hard-pressed to find this level of cooling performance at a cheaper price. Of course, it also boasts the added bonus of RGB LED integration, further elevating its value.
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Final Words
There you go, these were our selections for the 12 best 240mm AIO CPU coolers available on the market in 2023. Whether you’re looking for a premium or budget liquid cooler, use this article as a guide to help you find the best 240mm AIO for your needs.
Lastly, we love hearing from our readers. If you have a question or need a hand with anything, feel free to comment down below and we will be more than happy to help you out!
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