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Air coolers have always been the go-to for most gamers to provide decent cooling performance for the best gaming CPUs. However, with the advancement in technology, AIO coolers are becoming more and more prominent. 240mm AIO coolers are in the moderate range, providing decent cooling performance for high-end processors without costing too much. Therefore, we have provided a list of the top 240mm AIO coolers after extensive research.
Take a look at our recommended 240mm AIO coolers, all compared with each other:
Last Updated:
- October 24, 2024: Our cooler experts have recently looked through the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240, and thanks to its attractive pricing, we have recommended it as the best budget 240mm AIO.
Best 240mm AIO Coolers
Following are our picks for the best 240mm AIO coolers:
- Best Overall: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB
- Best High Performance: EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB
- Best Budget: ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240
- Best White: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT
- Best RGB: Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB
Best Overall 240mm AIO Cooler
Specifications: Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38mm | Fans: 2x ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB | Fan Speed: 200 – 1,800RPM | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Excellent performance thanks to denser fin stacking
- 60mm VRM fan
- RGB pump and fans
Cons
- Contact frame makes installation a bit tricky for Intel builds
Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 White A-RGB Review
My first recommendation for the best 240mm AIO is the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB. I have tested both the older Liquid Freezer II 240 and the latest Liquid Freezer III 240 on my i7-13700K, and the performance difference between them is day and night. Apart from the high-performance P12 PWM PST A-RGB fans, the main reason why this AIO performs so exceptionally well is due to the denser fin stacking, giving the radiator ~23% more surface area.
Of course, the 60mm VRM fan is a great add-on that made sure my overclocking adventures remained as stable as possible. Plus, the pre-routed cables mean very little cable clutter. The radiator and the baseplate are made using aluminum and copper, so there are no issues with the build quality, either. As for the design, there is an RGB pump cover and fans, but I would have liked to control the lighting of the two independently. Nevertheless, it has a sleek design that looks like a breath of fresh air from its predecessor.
Here’s what I said about the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB in my review:
I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.
What Makes It The Best Overall 240mm AIO Cooler?
The main reason I’m recommending the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 over other coolers is that it is a complete package that does not compromise performance one bit. From the sleek pump design to the increased surface area on the radiator, ARCTIC has knocked it out of the park with the sheer amount of improvements in the Liquid Freezer III series. Plus, combined with the impressive pricing, there is no other option that I would call the best overall 240mm AIO.
Our CPU coolers expert team and I tested more than 10x 240mm AIOs to round up the top six, but the one that stood out the most to me was the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB. It is a true bang for the buck that delivers excellent performance while looking drop-dead gorgeous. Apart from a few installation hiccups because of the Intel Contact Frame, my experience with the Liquid Freezer III 240 has been as smooth as possible.
– Hayyan Serwer
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB
Best High Performance 240mm AIO Cooler
Specifications: Dimensions: 281 x 124 x 27mm | Fans: 2x EK-Loop FPT fans | Fan Speed: 550 – 2300 ± 10% RPM | Noise Level: 36dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, 1700 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: No
Pros
- Unparalleled performance
- Attractive pricing
- Stealthy design
Cons
- Tubing could have been longer
Read Our EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB Review
The EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB is the best high performance 240mm AIO you can get right now. In all of my testing, it handled both high-end gaming and long stress tests without breaking a sweat. In fact, the AIO performed so incredibly well that it topped my 240mm AIO testing charts by a mile. It uses the EK-Loop FPT fans that offer exceptional static pressure (hence the name Full Pressure Technology). Plus, the pump can operate at speeds of 3100 ±10% RPM, which is very impressive.
Going over the build quality, I had no issues at all. The radiator, pump, and even the tubing are built from high-quality materials and are meant to last; being EK, I don’t expect anything less. I only wished that the tubes were longer than 370mm. That would have made installation even easier (not that it is difficult right now). On the upside, the fans can be daisy-chained to reduce cable management. As for the looks, the AIO offers a stealth black design with no flashy RGB – perfect for neutral or black builds.
Here’s how I summarised the cooler in my hands-on review:
The EK-Nucleus CR240 Dark is a sleek, high-performance 240mm liquid cooler without RGB, designed for Intel and AMD platforms. It features efficient cooling with a copper cold plate, EK-Loop FPT fans, and a simple cable management system.
What Makes It The Best High Performance 240mm AIO Cooler?
Apart from the stealthy looks, high build quality, and great value for money, what makes the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB the best high performance 240mm AIO is its cooling capabilities. The AIO really knocks high-stress loads out of the park, and you can easily push even the latest flagship CPUs to the limit with it.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 8/10 |
ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240
Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler
Specifications: Dimensions: 276 x 120 x 27mm | Fans: 2x 120mm fans | Fan Speed: 700 – 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 18 – 35.2dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 2066, 2011, 1700, 1200, 115X AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Good build quality
- Decent performance
- Remarkable pricing
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Low noise fans
- Easy installation process
Cons
- Low overclocking potential
- RGB LEDs could be a bit brighter
The ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240mm AIO cooler is one of my favorite budget CPU coolers because of its beautiful aesthetics and remarkable cooling performance, albeit unable to beat most of its competition. Starting from its build quality, you’ll see a copper baseplate and an aluminum radiator with an 18 FPI. Although the number is less than 20-21 in most AIO coolers, the cooling isn’t as compromised.
Regarding its performance, the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240 is decent for most use cases, but I don’t recommend it if you want to achieve high overclocks on a flagship processor. You’ll be fine on a mid-range CPU, though. Furthermore, I like the cooler’s looks, featuring a neat-black design and gorgeous LED lights all over the pump. My only issue is that the RGB lights could be slightly brighter. Other than that, it’s perfect for a budget AIO cooler, costing half the price of its competitors.
What Makes It The Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler?
When talking about AIO coolers, you’ll first notice their thermal performance. Now, if a 240mm AIO cooler performs on the same level as a 360mm but comes at half the price, you’ll want it, right? That’s where the ID-Cooling FrostFlow X 240mm AIO cooler comes in. It provides decent performance, pleasing aesthetics, and excellent features while staying at a low price, making it the best budget 240mm AIO cooler.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT
Best White 240mm AIO Cooler
Specifications: Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 27mm | Fans: 2x AF RGB Elite 120mm Fans | Fan Speed: 2,400RPM | Noise Level: 34.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Decent thermal performance
- Removable pump cap
- Beautiful white aesthetics
- Easy installation
- Extensive socket support
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Non-magnetic hub
- USB 2.0 header requirement
Read Our Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO Cooler Review
The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler provides incredible thermal performance thanks to its 2x AF RGB Elite 120mm fans running at fast 2,400RPM speeds. During our dedicated performance testing, the AIO cooler showcased decent overclocking capabilities even with high-end CPUs. Regarding its build quality, the AIO cooler has a premium-sleeved low-permeation tubing material that improves the longevity of the fluid and radiator.
With an all-white snow-like design and remarkable RGB around the pump and fans, the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler has beautiful looks, making it perfect for a white PC build. Corsair has added a removable pump cap to improve its customization capabilities, allowing users to get aesthetics suited to their taste.
Loving the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT’s longer warranty period and remarkable thermal performance, Nauman Siddique states in his review:
“The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT White cooler is another top-performing AIO offer from the manufacturer in the 240mm size category. This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features with a 5-year warranty.”
What Makes It The Best White 240mm AIO Cooler?
The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler provides immense cooling capabilities thanks to its 2x fans running at 2,400RPM speeds while showcasing beautiful snow-white aesthetics with tons of RGB. Furthermore, it is the best white 240mm AIO cooler thanks to its sturdy build quality and decent overclocking potential.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 10/10 |
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240
Best RGB 240mm AIO Cooler
Specifications: Dimensions: 277.5 x 119.2 x 27mm | Fans: 2x 120mm Fans | Fan Speed: 300 — 2,450RPM | Noise Level: 30dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Beautiful RGB aesthetics
- Ultra-fast 2,450RPM fans
- Impressive cooling performance
- Premium build quality
- Easy installation process
- Removable pump cover
Cons
- Expensive
- Smaller 385mm tube
The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO cooler comes with ultra-fast 2x 120mm fans running at 2,450RPM speeds with an astounding 61.3CFM that helps improve the PC case’s airflow capabilities. During my testing, I observed the temperatures going lower with positive pressure airflow in the chassis. Furthermore, I loved the brushed aluminum radiator and the copper baseplate on the pump, which helps with heat dissipation. However, I disliked the smaller 385mm tubing that limits installation capabilities.
Coming in black and white variants, the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO provides beautiful aesthetics for all consumers with tons of RGB customization properties. Moreover, I loved the removable pump cover that allows for better customization. You can even 3D print a pump cover with your preferred design and install it as you like.
What Makes It The Best RGB 240mm AIO Cooler?
The Lian Li Galahad Trinity II 240mm AIO cooler has ultra-fast fans, providing outrageous airflow capabilities and premium build quality. The cooler also showcases beautiful A-RGB throughout the fans and the pump, improving its aesthetics. Lastly, multiple color variants improve the cooler’s viability for gamers, making it the best RGB 240mm AIO cooler.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 10/10 |
Benchmarks Of The Best 240mm AIO Coolers
To make sure my recommended 240mm AIOs are truly the best in the market, my team and I tested several 240mm AIOs. Our testing methodology included stress testing the i7-13700K with a full 30-minute load on Cinebench with power limits removed. Basically, we pushed the AIOs to their limits. However, for gaming scenarios and most day-to-day use, you’ll not experience such high thermals unless you install the cooler incorrectly.
Why We Didn’t Go For These 240mm AIO Coolers
Our hardware experts have tested countless 240mm AIO coolers, but here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t make the cut for our list and why:
- NZXT Kraken Z53 RGB: A higher price for lower performance makes it a less viable purchase.
- DeepCool Castle 240EX: It has an older generation pump, making it less suitable for the latest high-end CPUs.
- EK AIO 240mm D-RGB: It has been discontinued and doesn’t support LGA 1700 right out of the box.
How We Picked & Selected These 240mm AIO Coolers
When it comes to choosing an AIO for your CPU, we always advise our users to consider all factors before making a decision. Choosing an AIO cooler can sometimes be difficult due to the variety of options available, but don’t worry; we’ve collected a list of buying recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
- Socket Compatibility: Every CPU has a different number of pins, meaning a different socket size. Before choosing a 240mm AIO, make sure it supports your CPU socket. Buying an AIO with the wrong CPU socket compatibility will not work. To check the socket compatibility options for your preferred cooler, visit the manufacturer’s site.
- TDP: Knowing your preferred AIO cooler’s Thermal Design Power is another important factor, as you don’t want the AIO’s TDP to be lower than the CPU’s. Otherwise, you won’t be able to cool your CPU correctly, leading to thermal throttling and lowering your PC’s performance.
- Noise Levels: Sometimes, some users prefer dead silent PCs; that is why we always say to make sure to do your research before purchasing a product with so many moving parts. AIO coolers contain fans and pumps that tend to make a lot of noise at times, and lowering RPM speeds reduces thermal performance, too.
- Aesthetics: In the end, you can always go for good looks. 240mm AIO coolers are available in countless shapes and designs, from the good-looking Corsair 240mm radiators to the decent and silent be quiet! You can always choose the AIO that best suits your personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 240mm radiator isn’t ideal for crazy overclocking, but it will be more than enough for gaming and other tasks.
A 240mm radiator can support up to two 120mm fans on each of its faces.
The 240mm radiator is not as effective as any 280 or 360mm radiator out there, but it will be more than enough for any user out there seeking superior cooling.
An AIO cooler generally has a lifespan of about 3-6 years, so don’t worry. Your 240mm AIO cooler will do you well for many years.
The heated liquid flows through the tubing from the water block to a radiator. It is then subsequently dispersed from the radiator by fans, which may be installed in a variety of configurations for maximum cooling.
Recent Updates
- April 23, 2024: Some formatting changes to improve readability. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 was replaced with its successor, the Liquid Freezer III, as it is newer and offers better performance. Similarly, I have also changed the Eisbaer Pro Aurora 240 with the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB, as our testing showed it offers better performance for the price.
- February 22, 2024: We have replaced the NZXT Kraken Z53 240mm with the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT due to the latter’s lower pricing for better performance. Similarly, we interchanged the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT with the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity because it has more RGB elements with similar thermal performance in our testing.
- August 31, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
- June 6, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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Feedback By:
Yasmin Zing
Thanks for including the benchmarks!! I was really missing benchmarks in other sites
Great detailed information! All different brands included, unlike some sites who only pick top brands which are always expensive
[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]
Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.
Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com
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