There are two methods for CPU cooling, air cooling and liquid or water cooling. Air cooling uses large, loud fans to convey the heat generated by the CPU, while water cooling employs smaller, quieter fans in conjunction with a more effective heat transfer system. The liquid cooling of the CPU is referred to as “all-in-one cooling.” The best AIO cooler will keep your CPU and GPU well-ventilated. You can get the maximum performance out of your CPU and GPU when they are properly ventilated.
The water block is linked to the motherboard or GPU in order to transfer heat to the flowing liquid. Because water has a far higher heat transfer coefficient than air, liquid CPU cooling is substantially more efficient than air cooling. Water cooling also eliminates the need for loud fans that spin at high RPMs. Another benefit of adopting water cooling is that your clocks will be more accurate. A water block, tubing, fans, radiator, fittings, and a pump comprise the AIO cooler. Its tubes link the radiators to the water block. Throughout this closed cycle, the fluid is pumped by a pump. The heat is rejected by the radiator, which also serves as a heat sink.
Corsair Series H100i Pro-Best Liquid Cooler
Corsair Hydro Series H100i Pro is a high-end model that balances performance and aesthetics. Its attractiveness is enhanced with a bright RGB LED pump. It is a premium model that provides high-end tailored liquid cooling, which is why it is referred to as the Best Liquid CPU Cooler. The magnetic levitation-bearing PWM fans on the H100i Pro provide optimum airflow and static pressure while producing the least amount of noise. It has a broad range of speed control with PWM fan speed control to make the fans work hard. The speed may be adjusted between 400 and 2400 RPM. Relying on the flow of water and the passive cooling of the radiator alone.
Corsair iCUE software allows you to manage your RGB LEDs and fan speeds from a single, easy-to-use interface. Six fans and six Corsair RGB devices are supported by the Corsair iCUE software. The zero RPM control enables fans to stop even when the coolant temperature drops to 40 degrees Celsius or below, adding to the silence of this cooling unit.
The Black braided coolant tubing is employed to give it a more stunning and modern appearance. It comes with tool-free mounting brackets to make installation easier. It has a five-year guarantee to ensure product life and customer support.
Benefits
- iCUE software by Corsair
- Excellent fan speed control
- Operation is whisper-quiet.
- Its build quality is fantastic.
- The H100i can keep the CPU cool.
Drawbacks
- There is no flexible housing available.
- There is no AMD socket sTR4/sTRX4 bracket.
Specification
| Dimensions | 276mm X 120mm X 27mm |
| Base Height | 27mm |
| Weight | 4.38 lbs |
| Fans | 2 |
| Socket Support | Intel 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4 |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Lian Li Galahad-Best Budget Liquid Cooler
Lia Li Galahad is not only the best AIO cooler in terms of cooling and pricing; it is also known as the Best Budget Liquid Cooler. It features a variable-speed high static pressure fan. You may regulate the speed in either PWM or DC mode. The magnetic metal cover that can be removed enables you to swap between two alternative appearances. To provide a stronger lighting effect, 47 addressable RGB LEDs are used. The CPU block has a well-placed branding that contributes to its beauty.
It makes use of braided tubing. It makes the tubes simpler to bend and strengthens them, ensuring the leak-tight performance of the cooling water pressure-regulating double-blade radiator more central unit. It also has multi-chamber technology to improve heat transfer efficiency. Aluminum metal sheets are used on both sides of the radiator to give it a metallic appearance and to support the radiator.
To add another brick to the wall, Lian Li Galahad comes with a fantastic five-year guarantee period, making it the ideal package in terms of cooling water solutions.
Benefits
- Aluminum cover that can be removed
- Double-braided tubing 400m
- Water pump with three chambers
Drawbacks
- Complex wirework.
- There is no software management UI.
Specification
| Dimensions | 240mmx273x123.5x27mm |
| Base Height | 27mm |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs |
| Fans | 2 |
| Socket Support | LGA 115X, LGA 1366, LGA 775,LGA 1200, LGA 2011, LGA 2066, AM4 |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Deepcool 240 Pro V2-Best Ultra Cheap Liquid Cooler
When it comes to pricing and performance, the Deepcool Captain 240 Pro V2 is the best liquid cooler. That is why it was named the Best Ultra Cheap Liquid CPU Cooler. Its stainless steel construction contributes to its beauty and durability. It has anti-leak technology, which addresses a lot of difficulties with water cooling. The automatic pressure regulating radiator relieves excess pressure in the system, eliminating leaks and ensuring the system’s safety. To assist effective heat transmission, the base plate is composed of copper.
The revised design makes use of ultra-quiet TF 120 double-blade fans. Double-bladed fans are much more quiet than single-bladed fans. Double-bladed fans provide effective liquid cooling with a high flow rate while producing minimal noise. Sleeved coolant tubing provides a clean appearance.
It is really simple to install, which is a fantastic after-purchase benefit. The assembly plates are strong. The pump is powered by a powerful motor. It has a TDP of 250Watt, which is typical of most high-end motherboards/processors. It is covered by a three-year warranty.
Benefits
- Anti-Leak technology
- Radiator with pressure regulation
- Controlling RBG and PWM is simple.
Drawbacks
- There is no 4-pin pump hookup.
- Under excessive load, the operation is noisy.
Specification
| Dimensions | 282mm X 120mm X 27mm |
| Base Height | 27mm |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs |
| Fans | 2 |
| Socket Support | Intel LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1366, AMD TR4, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
NZXT Kraken X53-Best 240mm Liquid Cooler
With this masterpiece, the KRAKEN firm just revamped its X series. The NZXT X series is a family of the finest liquid CPU coolers, delivering a good combination of price and performance. The prize for Best 240mm Liquid CPU Cooler went to NZXT Kraken X53. It offers significantly better cooling for casual gamers with this size radiator. Its redesigned design gives the CPU block more surface area.
The Asetek pump provides great cooling while producing little noise. The NZXT logo will stay in position regardless of which way the pump is going. The lighting effects may be customized by CAM. It’s basically the Kraken X53, just with a larger radiator and a useful LCD display on the pump head.
The LED ring is 10% larger, making the RGB more vibrant. RGB fans are very effective at moving air through fins. .Water cooling also allows you to get rid of noisy fans running at higher RPMs. The nylon mesh sleeve tubing makes handling simple and safe. It has two Aer P 120mm fans and is best suited for compact and mid-sized cases. The greatest thing about this incredible mix of features is that it comes with a 6-year guarantee.
Benefits
- Manual in many languages.
- The block has an LCD infinite effect.
- Asetek pumps with high performance
- Great thermal performance
Drawbacks
- There is no direct fan control.
- There is no Thread Ripper bracket.
Specification
| Dimensions | 275mm X 123mm X 30mm |
| Base Height | 30mm |
| Weight | 4.1lbs |
| Fans | 2 |
| Socket Support | Intel LGA 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AM4, sTRX4, TR4 |
| Warranty | 6 Years |
EVGA CLC 280mm-Best 280mm Liquid CPU Cooler
EVGA CLC 280mm is a high-performance, low-cost cooling solution from EVGA. When it comes to price against performance, it is the greatest value for money and the best AIO cooler. Because of its exceptional performance, the product is regarded as the Best 280mm Liquid CPU Cooler. It is based on the most recent Asetek pump generation. Asetek pumps provide great liquid cooling while producing minimal noise, making this device both effective and quiet. The cooling block’s design has been changed to allow for more heat transfer area. Heat transmission is improved because of the copper base plate. Thermal paste is included with the block’s bottom plate.
In terms of aesthetics, a distinctive fan design with square blocks and circular edges enhances the elegance of a cooler. The radiator is made out of copper for a little extra cooling potential. It is one of EVGA’s greatest products. Teflon Nano-bearings add to a unit’s long lifetime. It comes with braided tubing, which is utilized by the majority of high-end coolers on the market.
EVGA thinks that by offering good warranty statistics, it can attract and keep consumers. This model has a five-year liquid guarantee term, which increases trust and confidence in this liquid cooler unit. Liquid coolers can offer a whole lot more—from advanced RGB lighting
Benefits
- Fan control on the motherboard
- High performance with little noise
- Teflon Nano Bearing technology is a kind of bearing that is made of Teflon.
Drawbacks
- Heaviness and bulkiness
- There is no LGA 2066 support.
Specification
| Dimensions | 312mm X 140mm X 27mm |
| Base Height | 27mm |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Fans | 2 |
| Socket Support | Intel LGA20XX, 1200, 115X, 1366, AMD TR4, AM4, AM3, AM2, FM2, FM1 |
| Warranty | 5 Year |
Corsair H150i Elite Capellix-Best 360mm Liquid CPU Cooler
Corsair is one of the earliest PC component manufacturers. The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix is a 360mm model, the company’s biggest. It’s also referred to as the Best 360mm Liquid CPU Cooler. Because of its large radiator size, it has a significant capability for heat removal. The radiator is designed such that most high-end games will operate at maximum settings without overheating or lagging. The cold plate design incorporates 128 micro-saved FIP, which aids in heat transmission. It also supports overclocking, making it an excellent choice for gamers and other high-end GPU users.
The number of LEDs has previously been increased. Its cooler pump is outfitted with 33 ultra-bright RGB LEDs. The CPU will overheat under heavy load. It is backward compatible with all existing sockets, and installation is simple and fast thanks to tool-free mounting brackets. The pump includes two separate caps that enhance the radiance of the RGB lights. It also has a redesigned iCUE commander core for easy and smooth fan and pumps control. Because of its tailored software, it is the greatest liquid CPU cooler. you’ll need to take note of your CPU socket before picking up an AIO water cooler.
The outstanding construction quality, particularly of the tubing, is a bonus. The tubing is more flexible and coated. It comes with a 5-year guarantee, assuring long-term customer support and increasing product dependability. The display can also provide handy system performance data, like your CPU temperature.
Benefits
- Exceptional heat dissipation
- The iCUE commander software
- Tool-free attaching bracket
- Cooling performance nips at the heels of 360mm coolers.
Drawbacks
- There is no support for the sTRX4 socket.
- There is no motherboard synchronization software.
Specification
| Dimensions | 397mm X 120mm X 27mm |
| Base Height | 27mm |
| Weight | 2.42 lbs |
| Fans | 3 |
| Socket Support | Intel 115x, 2011, 2066, AMD AM3, AM2, AM4, sTR4 |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Cooler ML240P Mirage-Best RGB Liquid CPU Cooler
The best RGB AIO cooler is the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R. Because of its high-end complex cooling mechanisms, Cooler Master is a prominent name in cooling solutions. The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240P Mirage exemplifies this. Cooler Master prioritizes aesthetics in this model, which is why it won the Best RGB Liquid CPU Cooler award. LED enhances its elegance with a new cap and a wider infinity mirror ring. Aesthetically, the transparent pump design adds to it. It allows you to watch the impeller working inside the pump. Its design combines twin tubing, giving it longevity and a quality appearance. Lacks cooling power compared to Corsair’s H100i Pro.
For simplicity of routing, the tubing and fitting on the pump’s side may be turned. It contains anti-vibration rubber cushions to decrease noise. The fan’s square exterior housing allows the blade to spin smoothly and quietly.
The radiator is designed to provide minimum resistance and high flow rates. It improves cooling by increasing the rate of heat transfer. It comes with a two-year guarantee, which is insufficient for consumer satisfaction and trust-building. High-performance gaming rig covered with its capability.
Benefits
- Thread ripper assistance
- Design of a Transparent Pump
- PWM motor is driven by a quiet driver
Drawbacks
- Extra bright RGB
- There is no graphene coating.
Specification
| Dimensions | 277mm X 120mm X 27mm |
| Base Height | 27mm |
| Weight | 3.63 lbs |
| Fans | 2 |
| Socket Support | Intel LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 775 AMD TR4, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora
This AIO cooler brand is extremely wide, providing a variety of designs that provide consumers with copper as a smooth cooling solution. Its most practical feature is refilling, which is why we named it the Best Refillable Liquid CPU Cooler. When compared to aluminum, using copper as a radiator material dramatically boosts heat transmission. The heat transfer coefficients of aluminum and copper vary significantly, although copper takes the lead. The 360mm radiator on the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora is standard. When compared to its competitors, it has substantially narrower fin spacing, or 15 FPI (which offers 21 fins per inch roughly). Great cooling performance.
Pumps and fans may be outfitted with bright RGB LEDs. It features an illuminated pump block that provides an illuminated view. The build quality is also pretty high and on the rise. It comes with a two-year warranty. Overclocking generates a significant amount of heat, which if not dispersed might harm the CPU’s components. It creates a fluid cooler rather than an air cooler and so cools heat considerably more effectively.
As a result, water cooling boosts your PC’s overclocking capabilities and pushes it to the next level. Water cooling is also more suited for hot climates.
Benefits
- Radiator constructed of copper.
- Pump housing that is adaptable.
- RGB LED digital controller.
- Better cooling performance
Drawbacks
- There is no threadripper support.
- It is a little tricky to install.
Specification
| Dimensions | 397 x 124 x 30 mm |
| Base Height | 30mm |
| Weight | 3.36 lbs |
| Fans | 3 |
| Socket Support | 775, 1056, 1155, 1150, 1151, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD AM2, AM2 +, AM3, AM3 +, FM1, FM2, FM2 + , AM4 |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Final Words
If you’ve chosen to go with liquid cooling, the Corsair Hydro Series H100i Pro is the best choice since it’s the king of liquid coolers. With the Corsair iCUE software, you can manage your RGB LEDs and fan speeds from a single interface. Fans may even stop when the RPM is set to zero. It is a premium model aimed at high-end gamers, and it is by far the best AIO coolers on the market.
It has the ability to overclock and push your PC to its maximum capability. The EVGA CLC 280mm is the greatest budget-friendly CPU cooler on the market right now. The build quality is also quite commendable. It was a high-level overview and specification of the most cost-effective cooling system.
However, when it comes to the combination of both of these items, Lian Li Galahad takes the lead. It is the best liquid CPU coolers in terms of cooling and price. It contains a fan speed control system that can be set to PWM or DC. It also allows for some overclocking. It also has multi-chamber technology, which increases the efficiency of heat transmission. So, in a conclusion, I recommend purchasing a cooler with a balanced price/performance ratio. The best liquid cooler combines all of the characteristics required by gamers. It is the finest mix of features available within the price range stated. It is the ideal compromise between performance, aesthetics, and cost.
Buying Guide For liquid Coolers for Your CPU
The following are the most important considerations for providing the optimal cooling for your PC:
Radiator Size
First and foremost, you must choose an AIO cooler that is compatible with your case. 92mm, 140mm, 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, and 360mm are the most popular sizes. The bigger the size, the more effective it will dissipate heat. However, the bigger the radiator, the more room it will need. As a result, it would be advantageous if you made your selection properly.
No. of fans and RPM
The CPU cooler is the loudest component of a PC in terms of fan count and RPM. Large-diameter fans are quieter than small-diameter fans in coolers. It is commonly established that utilizing more cooling fans or fans with higher RPMs can maximize heat transmission, but increasing noise is a turn-off in this case. To address the noise problem, we may utilize additional fans with lower RPM. As a result, it would be advantageous if you choose your water cooling system properly.
Efficiency
If you need to overclock your PC, you’ll need high-end liquid cooling to do it. However, if you are a casual gamer, a mid-range CPU cooler would suffice. Overclocking allows you to push your PC to its boundaries and get the most out of it. However, not every user feels the need for it. As a result, you must choose the best CPU cooler for your PC.
TDP Rating
The amount of heat produced by a CPU or GPU must be removed by the cooling system. To provide the optimal cooling solution for your PC, you must have a cooler with a greater TDP rating than your CPU. The most suitable liquid CPU cooler for your system is one with a higher TDP rating than your processor. As a result, having a big buffer between your CPU and your fan’s TDP is advantageous.
CPU Socket
Various CPU coolers have different sockets, and manufacturers specify this in their catalogs. You must ensure that the CPU cooler you want to purchase is compatible with your motherboard-processor combo. It would be the finest option for a cooler that is fully compatible with your CPU socket.
Air Coolers vs Liquid Coolers
Air coolers are effective at diverting heat away from the CPU but bear in mind that this heat is subsequently spread throughout the chassis. This may elevate the overall temperature of the system. Liquid coolers perform a better job of moving heat outside of the system through the radiator’s fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Is liquid cooling less noisy than air cooling?
An all-in-one liquid CPU cooler will generally be quieter than an air cooler positioned directly on top of the processor. Because the fans linked to the cooling radiator are often bigger, they may spin at a slower rate than an air cooler. Water pumps are frequently highly insulated, so they don’t make much noise.
However, there are enormous air coolers with massive heatsinks and fans that can compete with the noise generated by an AIO liquid cooler. The most silent of them would be a completely passive cooler with no moving components. However, they are not always capable of handling the most powerful and heaviest CPUs.
Q.Which is superior, an AIO cooler or an air cooler?
In many ways, AIO coolers outperform air coolers. They are more expensive than air coolers but more effective; for example, the Deepcool Captain 240 Pro V2 is aio liquid coolers that offers all the benefits of liquid cooling at a low price, even when compared to an air cooler. AIO liquid coolers have superior heat transmission capabilities over air coolers. They are quieter than air coolers. They are more energy-efficient yet have a great heat dissipation capacity. They provide a greater margin of overclocking for high-end gamers/users.
Q.How do you put CPU coolers through their paces?
The correct CPU cooler, like other components, is determined by a number of factors, including performance needs, case compatibility, budget constraints, and aesthetics. To discover the best CPU coolers, we put them through comprehensive stress testing using Prime95 and a variety of recent PC games. Our best picks were determined on thermal performance, noise, value, and overall feature sets.
