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:
- 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.
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: DeepCool Liquid Cooler LT520
- Best White: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT
- Best RGB: Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240
- Best Silent: Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 240mm
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
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.
Buy It If
I took these pictures of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 White A-RGB during my testing:
✅You want to cool high-end CPUs: I tested the Liquid Freezer III 240 with the i7-13700K, and it gave me zero performance hiccups. As such, it is a great AIO to go for if you have high cooling needs.
✅You are after good value for your money: The Liquid Freezer III 240’s performance, design, and build quality more than justify its already attractive pricing, making it a very good bang for the buck.
✅You want VRM cooling: The 60mm VRM cooler is a great addition that does a surprisingly good job at keeping the VRMs stable. I tested the cooler on the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX, and it ran better than before.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You are on the Intel platform and want an easy installation: For Intel builds, you have to install the Contact Frame, which means removing the stock ILM. Basically, the installation is not as basic and requires a bit more expertise.
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
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.
Buy It If
Take a look at some of the pictures of the EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB from my testing:
✅ You plan to overclock with the best cooling AIO: The EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Lux D-RGB does not compromise on performance at all. It left all the other 240mm AIOs I tested behind in terms of sheer cooling capabilities.
✅ You don’t want to spend top-dollar: Despite its remarkable performance, the AIO is not as expensive as you would think, making it a great value-for-money option. The main reason behind the AIO’s impressive pricing is the lack of RGB.
✅ You hate cable management: Since all the fans can be daisy-chained, all you have to do is plug in the single cable with EK-OmniLink.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You want longer tubing: While installation wasn’t difficult for me, if you think the 370mm tubing is not enough for you, you may want to explore some other options.
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 |
DeepCool Liquid Cooler LT520
Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler
Specifications: Dimensions: 282 × 120 × 27mm | Fans: 2x FK120 Fans | Fan Speed: 500 — 2,250RPM | Noise Level: 32.9dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4, sTRX4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Excellent thermal performance
- Brilliant digital lighting
- Lower power requirements
- 3D infinity mirror
- Remarkable value
Cons
- Noisy fans
- No separate A-RGB controller
The DeepCool LT520 240mm AIO cooler provides impressive cooling performance thanks to its 2x 120mm FK120 fans running at remarkable 2,250RPM speeds. During our dedicated performance testing, the AIO had no problems keeping the test bench cool even at full load, showcasing slight overclocking capabilities. The AIO cooler has sturdy build quality with an anti-vibration rubber cushion along the fans. Moreover, the aluminum radiator has a thicker 20 FPI count, which helps with heat dissipation without causing any issues.
Although on the budget end, the DeepCool LT520 offers beautiful white aesthetics with remarkable RGB lighting. Additionally, the square design of the fan’s frame complements the cooler’s aggressive but sophisticated appearance. So even though the fans don’t have any RGB, they improve the cooler’s overall looks.
While criticizing its louder noise output, Nauman Siddique, one of our hardware reviewers, complimented the AIO’s incredible thermal performance in his review:
“The DeepCool LT520, with its superb cooling performance albeit at higher noise output, is a fantastic cooler offering a good blend of stunning visuals on the block cover and the thermal performance.”
Buy It If
We took a few images of the AIO cooler during our dedicated review:
✅ You don’t want to thermal throttle your CPU on a tighter budget: If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t want your high-end CPU to thermal throttle at full load, then we recommend purchasing the DeepCool LT520 240mm AIO cooler because of its lower price and impressive cooling performance.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You require a separate A-RGB controller: We don’t recommend buying the DeepCool LT520 AIO cooler if you dislike that it relies on the A-RGB connector on the motherboard or case rather than including its own A-RGB controller.
What Makes It The Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler?
The DeepCool LT520 is a remarkable cooler that balances eye-catching aesthetics on the block cover and thermal performance, notwithstanding its noisier performance. For its lower price, the AIO is one of the only options that provides real value for money. So, making it the best budget 240mm AIO cooler.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
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
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.”
Buy It If
We captured a few images of the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix XT during our review:
✅ You want to overclock your CPU in a white-themed PC build: If you’re trying to overclock your mid-range or high-end CPU in a white-themed PC and require a 240mm AIO cooler that fits the bill without breaking the bank, then we recommend purchasing the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT because of its beautiful aesthetics and performance.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You require a magnetic hub for your fans and RGB: We don’t recommend buying the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT 240mm AIO cooler if you need a magnetic hub to install it in your PC case for your fans easily and RGB as the one provided isn’t magnetic and needs double-sided tape to stick properly.
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.
Buy It If
✅ You want lots of RGB customization with ultra-fast fans: If you’re looking for a 240mm AIO cooler with ultra-fast fans and lots of RGB customization capabilities to suit your unique tastes, then I recommend purchasing the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO because of its 2,450RPM fans and customization ability.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You’re on a tighter budget: I don’t recommend buying the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm AIO cooler if you’re on a tighter budget because it comes with a higher price tag without providing the same performance level as its competition, making the purchase less viable for budget gamers.
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 |
Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 240mm
Best Silent 240mm AIO Cooler
Specifications: Dimensions: 274 x 120 x 27mm | Fans: 2x Silent Wings 3 120mm Fans | Fan Speed: 2,200RPM | Noise Level: 17.8dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTRX4, TR4 | RGB: Yes
Pros
- Impressive cooling performance
- Impressively low noise
- Subtle RGB
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Lower overclocking headroom
The Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 240mm AIO cooler has a 3-chamber pump, which helps improve its cooling capabilities. Combine that with its 2x 120mm fans running at 2,200RPM speeds, and you get impressive thermal performance. My testing showed similar results with high-end CPUs at full load. The AIO cooler’s sleek design provides greater cable management flexibility and helps keep the noise levels to a minimum. I loved the brushed aluminum pump top cover that gives the Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 240mm has a premium appearance while reducing temperatures.
Featuring a dark, sleek design, the AIO cooler looks beautiful with slight A-RGB lighting on the pump and around the fans. This AIO cooler will keep you happy if you’re building a stealthier PC and require some RGB. I also loved the tubing that helps compliment the cooler’s looks.
Buy It If
✅ You want a silent cooling solution that won’t thermal throttle your PC: If you’re looking for a 240mm AIO cooler that doesn’t produce as much noise but provides impressive cooling performance to not thermal throttle high-end CPUs, then I recommend purchasing the Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 240mm AIO.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You want to achieve greater overclocks: I don’t recommend buying this AIO cooler if you want to achieve higher overclocked boost clocks on your CPU because the Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 240mm AIO has slightly lower thermal headroom, according to my testing.
What Makes It The Best Silent 240mm AIO Cooler?
The Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 240mm is our choice for the best silent 240mm AIO cooler as it maintains a high performance while keeping the noise levels to the minimum at the same time. The cooler also showcases beautiful aesthetics and sturdy build quality, improving its overall value.
We have also reviewed the 360mm variant of the AIO cooler:
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
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 The Best 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 will not fail with overclocking, but it will not be at par with a 360mm radiator, which is best suited for overclockers.
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.
Any 240mm AIO will be able to cool down an i9 12900K with a TDP rating of 125W.
Recent Updates
- 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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[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.
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