We have compiled a list of the top-performing AIO coolers after conducting extensive tests on their cooling efficiency and noise levels. Below are the models that stood out among the rest.
When selecting the optimal AIO cooler for your new PC or CPU upgrade, it is crucial to take into account key factors if you desire the highest sustained clock speeds for your Core i9-14900K or Ryzen 7 7800X3D, or if you simply wish for your system to operate quietly under heavy loads.
AIO coolers offer greater convenience and affordability compared to custom liquid cooling loops. Historically, they have consistently provided lower CPU temperatures and reduced fan noise compared to air coolers. However, it is worth noting that air coolers have made significant advancements and, in certain instances, have become more efficient and larger in size.
Ensure that there is adequate space available in your PC case to accommodate an AIO cooler, ideally positioned at the top or rear to expel the heat generated by your CPU out of the chassis. AIO coolers are commonly available in three different sizes, which are determined by the dimensions of the radiator and the number of fans the radiator can accommodate: 120mm (one fan), 240mm (two fans), or 360mm (three fans).
1. There are also 140mm, 280mm, and 420mm AIO coolers available, although they are not as widely used. Typically, the larger the radiator, the better the cooling capacity. However, factors such as radiator thickness, materials used, and the performance of fans and pumps also play a role in determining cooling efficiency and noise levels.
If your CPU doesn’t have a high number of cores or fast speeds of 5-6 GHz, and you don’t plan on overclocking, a 120mm AIO cooler should be sufficient. This type of cooler can typically be installed in the rear exhaust fan area of your PC case. However, it’s worth noting that Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen CPUs tend to require more demanding coolers. Similarly, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 lineup, although less thermally demanding than Intel’s chips, still requires effective cooling. If you prioritize lower temperatures and quieter fans, a 240mm AIO cooler would be a better option. Keep in mind that it may not fit in as many cases though.
If you are not worried about the cost and prioritize silent operation and low temperatures, you might want to think about opting for a custom cooling loop. To get a better understanding of their performance and aesthetics, take a look at our Blue Shift build feature. However, it is important to note that custom loops are significantly more expensive than other conventional cooling options, require a much more complex assembly and installation process, and can complicate future upgrades, particularly if you include your GPU in the cooling loop.
When searching for the top AIO cooler, it is essential to take into account thermal paste or another thermal interface material (TIM) to pair with your AIO cooler. While many coolers include some form of paste, either in a small syringe or already applied to the metal cold plate, it is crucial to ensure optimal thermal transfer between your CPU and cooler plate. Explore the variety of products we extensively evaluated to discover the most effective thermal paste for your CPU.
When looking for the best AIO cooler, it is important to consider thermal paste or another thermal interface material (TIM) to use with your AIO cooler. While most coolers these days will include some type of paste, either in a small syringe or pre-applied to the metal cold plate, it is essential to guarantee the most efficient thermal transfer between your CPU and cooler plate. Take a look at the numerous products we have thoroughly tested to identify the best thermal paste for your CPU.
QUICK LIST
BEST 360MM
Best 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler
The most capable 360mm AIO we’ve tested, the GA II Performance features a low noise mode which doesn’t result in performance reduction when paired with most CPUs. It’s also reasonably priced for its class, at
BEST 360MM ALTERNATIVE
Best 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler (Alternative)
Arctic’s Liquid Freezer II 360 is a top-tier cooler with superb acoustics, capable of cooling over 290W, for excellent sustained performance when paired with Intel’s i9-13900K. You can’t go wrong with this combination of silence and cooling performance.
BEST BUDGET 360MM
Best Budget 360mm
Iceberg Thermal’s IceFLOE Oasis 360 AIO delivers a stellar combination of performance, noise levels, and a It also comes with RGB fans, which is particularly impressive given its.
BEST MULTIPURPOSE
Best Multipurpose AIO Liquid Cooler
Unlike any other competitor, Silverston’s IceMyst AIOs have optional stackable VRM and RAM fans that provide additional cooling for other on-board components. CPU cooling results were also very good in our testing, with the best results we’ve seen from any cooler with the fans set to a quiet 38.2 dBA.
BEST 420MM
Best 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler
A large 420 mm radiator helps deliver the best cooling we’ve seen yet, and the IPS display is attractive and useful. Just be ready to pay up (and maybe buy a bigger case) if you crave this level of powerful and attractive cooling.
BEST 280MM
Best 280mm AIO Cooler
The vibrant IPS display makes this 280mm AIO eye-catching. But its top-tier cooling performance and best-in-class low noise levels make it stand out from the competition
BEST 240MM
Best 240mm AIO Cooler
Lian Li’s Galahad II Trinity Performance 240mm offers an unbeatable combination of cooling performance and value, outperforming many larger 360mm AIOs.
BEST 360MM AIO LIQUID COOLER
1. Lian Li Galahad II Performance 360
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 396 x 130 x 32 mmPump Height: unspecifiedWeight: unspecifiedFans: (3) 120 x 28 mmSocket Support: Intel:/1700/1200/1151/115x AMD: AM5/AM4.
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+Unparalleled cooling performance from a 360mm AIO
+Low Noise and Full Performance Modes
+Remarkably strong noise-normalized performance
+Competitive pricing
REASONS TO AVOID
-Full Performance mode produces loud noise
Lian Li’s Galahad II Trinity Performance sets a new standard for AIO Cooling. Each component has been upgraded, resulting in absolute cooling supremacy. The installation process for the cooler is simple and effortless, and it is reasonably. With such exceptional results, it is difficult for me to recommend any other liquid cooler, making this the first CPU cooler to receive a 5-star rating from me. Without a doubt, this is currently the best liquid cooler available on the market.
While the cooling performance is undeniably impressive, noise levels are also a crucial factor to consider. In its default configuration, Lian Li’s GA II Trinity Performance operates at a loud 55.2 dBA. I have only encountered a few coolers that reach this level of noise during my testing.
Typically, I would consider this a drawback, but Lian Li has wisely included a built-in toggle switch for low-noise/high-performance mode, allowing you to reduce fan speeds and noise levels with ease. Most coolers that offer low-noise modes sacrifice thermal performance when engaged. However, I did not observe any difference in thermals between the two modes when testing it on my. When set to the low noise mode, the overall noise output is reduced to 49.2 dBA, which is comparable to MSI’s and DeepCool’s competing 360mm AIOs
BEST 360MM AIO LIQUID COOLER ALTERNATIVE
2. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 ARGB
Dimensions: 398 x 38 x 120 mmPump Height: -Weight: 1729gFans: (3) 120 x 120 x 25 mmSocket Support: Intel: 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3*, 2066* *Square ILM; AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3(+)
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
+Operates quietly while delivering powerful cooling
+Capable of handling up to 290W loads with Intel’s i9-13900K
+Does not obstruct tall components
REASONS TO AVOID
-Requires 2.5 inches of clearance for radiator and fans
BEST BUDGET 360MM AIO LIQUID COOLER
3. Iceberg Thermal IceFLOE Oasis 360mm
Best Budget 360mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Thickness: 52 mm
Width: 120 mm
Depth: 397 mm
Fans: (3) 120 mm
Socket Support: Intel: 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011-0 & 2011-3; AMD:AM5, AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM2(+), FM1
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Low noise levels (for an AIO)
+Strong noise-normalized performance
+Budget price of for the 360mm model
REASONS TO AVOID
-Can prove challenging to uninstall post-installation.
Iceberg Thermal may not be the most widely recognized brand in PC cooling, but the IceFLOE Oasis 360mm AIO offers a commendable combination of performance, low noise, and affordability. If performance and price are key factors for you, this cooler deserves consideration. While it may not offer the absolute best temperatures and cooling capabilities, it comes close. Additionally, with a noise level of 45.3 dBA at maximum settings, it may not be the quietest option available, but it is competitive with other top choices in this category.
When tuned to our noise-normalized 38.2 dBA (quiet, yet still slightly audible to most individuals), the IceFLOE Oasis 360mm excels, providing comparable cooling performance to higher-priced alternatives from Lian Li and Silverstone in this test. The IceFLOE is a compelling choice for those seeking a quiet or cost-effective 360mm AIO. For those looking for both qualities, it may very well be the top option available.
BEST MULTIPURPOSE AIO LIQUID COOLER
4. Silverstone IceMyst 360
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 28 mm thick, 120 mm wide, and 396 mm deep. It is equipped with three 120 mm fans and supports Intel sockets LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, and 2066, as well as AMD sockets AM5 and AM4.
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
You can find the best deals for this product on Amazon.
REASONS TO BUY
1. Innovative stackable VRM and RAM fans.
2. Impressive noise normalized performance.
3. Excellent overall cooling capabilities.
4. Reasonable price.
5. Convenient refill port.
REASONS TO AVOID
1. The default fan settings result in louder operation than necessary.
Silverstone’s IceMyst AIOs demonstrate that there is still ample opportunity for innovation within the CPU cooling industry. In addition to effectively cooling the CPU, this cooler offers the unique capability of adding multiple fans ($16 additional cost per fan) around the CPU block’s base, allowing for targeted airflow over components such as VRMs, RAM, SSD, and more. This exceptional feature sets it apart from any other product currently available on the market. Furthermore, the IceMyst coolers are priced lower than numerous high-end AIO cooler alternatives.
During our CPU cooling evaluations, the IceMyst AIOs (we examined both the 360 and 240mm variants) exhibited exceptional performance, consistently ranking among the top-performing coolers in terms of their ability to effectively cool the chips. Moreover, when all the coolers’ fans were adjusted to the same low noise level of 38.2 dBA, Silverston’s IceMyst 360 outperformed any other cooler we tested by efficiently managing 237 watts. Similarly, the 240mm model also showcased commendable performance by effectively handling 228W.
1. The sole issue I have encountered is that the pre-installed radiator fans of IceMyst tend to run louder than necessary, but this can be resolved by setting up a personalized fan curve. In case fan noise is a concern for you, rest assured that the 360mm IcyMyst delivers exceptional noise normalized performance when configured to run quietly, surpassing any other cooler available in the market.
BEST 420MM AIO LIQUID COOLER
5. Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT
Best 420mm AIO Liquid Coole
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions:
– Thickness: 27 mm
– Width: 140 mm
– Depth: 457 mm
Fans:
– (3) 140 x 25mm
Socket Support:
– Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066
– AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, sTRX4, sTR4
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
1. Exceptional cooling performance with Intel’s i9-13900K, capable of handling up to 325W.
2. Includes a comprehensive software suite for easy customization.
3. Features a high-quality 2.1-inch IPS display.
4. Fan curves are tied to coolant temperature, ensuring efficient cooling.
5. Designed to accommodate tall RAM modules without obstruction.
REASONS TO AVOID
1. The 420mm radiator may limit compatibility with certain cases.
2. Considered expensive compared to other options.
The iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT AIO from Corsair provides exceptional cooling performance when paired with Intel’s i9-13900K processor. It effortlessly handles over 325W in our rigorous thermal tests, making it the top performer in our evaluations. What sets the H170i Elite apart from other coolers is its ability to adjust the noise level based on the CPU coolant temperature. This results in a quieter operation during everyday tasks and eliminates the annoying fan bursts. However, it’s worth noting that under sustained heavy workloads, the cooler tends to produce more noise, which we observed during our testing procedures.
The Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT stands out as a top-notch cooler in both performance and features. However, may be considered steep for some. Alternatively, Corsair offers the iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT, which lacks the visually appealing 2.1-inch display but retains the same radiator and pump, at a more affordable.
That is still a significant sum of money for a cooler. However, if your requirements are demanding enough to justify a 420 mm radiator, you likely have the means to invest a little more in ensuring optimal cooling for your high-performance CPU during heavy usage.
That’s still no small amount of money for a cooler. But if your needs are extreme enough to warrant a 420 mm radiator, you can probably afford to spend a bit extra on keeping your powerful CPU as cool as it can be under load
BEST 280MM AIO COOLER
6. Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280
Specifications:
Dimensions: 396 x 130 x 32mm
Pump Height: not specified
Weight: not specified
Fans: (3) 120 x 28 mm
Socket Support: Intel:/1700/1200/1151/115x AMD: AM5/AM4
Today’s Best Deals:
Reasons to Buy:
+Stronger than most 360mm AIOs
+Low noise levels
+Vibrant 2.9-inch IPS LCD Display
Reasons to Avoid:
-Display makes for an expensive AIO
The Galahad II LCD 280 by Lian Li demonstrates that a 360mm AIO or a noisy cooler are not necessary to prevent modern high-end CPUs from throttling when the design is done right. Its performance ranks among the top of all AIOs we have tested, and its compact 280mm size allows it to be installed in cases where a 360mm model may not fit. Additionally, the vibrant included LCD screen enhances the cooler’s aesthetics with eye-catching functionality.
The Galahad II LCD 280 placing it at the higher end of the AIO spectrum. However, if you prefer a non-LCD display or are looking to save money, you can opt for the non-LCD versions of the Galahad II. The 360mm version is available for $159.99, while the 240mm.
BEST 240MM AIO LIQUID COOLER
Specifications:
Dimensions: 277 x 119 x 52mm
Pump Height: not disclosed
Weight: not disclosed
Fans: (2) 120 x 25 mm
Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700/1200/1151/115x AMD: AM5/AM4
Today’s Best Deals:
Reasons to Purchase:
+Outstanding performance
+Competitive with 360mm AIOs
+Low noise levels during typical tasks
+Reasonably priced
Reasons to Avoid:
-None
Our analysis indicates that the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240mm is a top-performing AIO cooler in its class. Not only does it offer exceptional cooling capabilities, but it also operates quietly under most conditions. Additionally, with a competitive it presents a compelling value proposition for those seeking a reliable 240mm AIO solution.
Version 1: I had not anticipated the extent of cooling superiority that a 240mm AIO could possess. Lian Li’s Galahad Trinity II Performance 240mm has proven capable of matching or even surpassing 360mm AIOs that were once regarded as top-tier options.
BEST 240MM AIO LIQUID COOLER ALTERNATIVE
Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler Alternate
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 277 x 119 x 52 mm
Pump Height: unspecified
Weight: unspecified
Fans: (2) 120 x 25 mm
Socket Support: Intel: LGA 115x/1200/1700 AMD: AM5/AM4
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+ Minimal noise levels during regular tasks
+ Exceptionally powerful performance for a 240mm AIO
REASONS TO AVOID
– Slight variation in noise levels at maximum speed.
Upon installation and evaluation, I was greatly impressed by Cooler Master’s latest offering, the MasterLiquid 240 Atmos. It is evident that the company has made significant enhancements to its leading all-in-one (AIO) cooling solution. The noise levels remain minimal during typical tasks, and despite its compact 240mm design, the 240 Atmos stands out as one of the few AIOs I have tested that effectively maintains Intel’s i7-13700K within optimal temperature limits, even under demanding workloads.
The packaging of this product showcases the meticulous attention to detail, as it includes installation instructions and RGB lighting. Additionally, Cooler Master demonstrates their confidence in the product’s quality by providing fans with a rated lifespan of over 160,000 hours and a pump with a rated lifespan of 210,000 hours. To further assure customers.
1. Lian Li’s Galahad II Trinity Performance 240 offers a slightly superior cooling performance at a slightly lower price point compared to Cooler Master’s Atmos. However, Cooler Master’s Atmos comes with an ARGB controller box for synchronizing lighting with other components. If the controller is a feature you can utilize, considering it would typically cost around separately, both coolers essentially end up being similarly priced.
BEST 120MM CLOSED-LOOP LIQUID COOLER
9. Enermax LiqMaxFlo SR 120mm
Best 120mm AIO Liquid Cooler
SPECIFICATIONS
Thickness: 1.06″ (2.12″ with fans)
Width:
Depth:
Fans: (1) 120 x 26mm
Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700/1200/115x/2066/2011/2011-3(Square ILM)/1366, AMD AM5/AM4
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Offers a good balance of performance and low noise
+Features a unique CPU block fan
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not the absolute best performer
In the majority of cases, opting for an air cooler can provide superior performance at a more affordable cost compared to a compact 120mm AIO. Additionally, an air cooler eliminates the possibility of pump hum affecting your PC. However, specific system configurations, such as extremely compact setups or those with limited clearance above the CPU socket and no room for a larger 240mm radiator, may necessitate the use of a small 120mm AIO as the optimal or potentially sole option available.
We conducted tests on four well-known models of these compact liquid coolers. Although the Enermax LiqMaxFlo SR 120mm did not rank as the top performer in terms of cooling, it provided the optimal combination of cooling efficiency, low noise levels, and affordability.