Recent high-end processors from the Raptor Lake Refresh and Ryzen 7000 series have made it extremely important to understand why users shouldn't settle for just any CPU cooler.
Record-breaking performance and increasingly high temperatures contribute to the need for an efficient CPU cooler. This is especially true in contrast to processors from previous generations. CPU chips are now more power-hungry than ever. Likewise, they run at much higher temps due to their die design. This particularly applies well to the Ryzen 3D processors, which have unusual stacking that creates thermal issues. However, with a powerful cooling solution, thermals can be controlled to achieve higher clock speeds and maintain them throughout the operation.
The Best CPU Coolers in 2024
Modern CPUs often require powerful and sustained cooling to maximize their overclocked performance. Here are some of The Best War Games's best picks!
Although there is a wide array of high-end CPU coolers available, the best-performing are easily AIO coolers. This is because of their water cooled design, utilizing the efficiency and lower temperatures associated with liquid cooled PC loops, and implementing this cooling power through a convenient, all-in-one (AIO) package.
Whether users are looking for an AIO cooler to maintain their CPU turbo speed or want to achieve higher clock speeds through overclocking, The Best War Games has compiled a list of the best AIO coolers for every budget.
How to Choose an AIO CPU Cooler
Radiator size: AIO coolers are categorized based on their radiator sizes. These sizes tend to vary, but 120mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, and 420mm radiators are the most popular ones on the market. While the smaller ones are ideal for power-efficient and budget gaming CPUs, bigger radiators are aimed toward fulfilling the cooling requirements of higher-end chips that tend to generate more heat. However, bigger coolers may have a compatibility problem depending on the PC case being used.
Fan and Pump speed: Each AIO cooler comes with a dedicated pump and cooling fans, which run at a particular range of speed measured in RPM. Higher speed means better heat dissipation but at the same time, more noise is generated. While the speed of the fans or pump can be controlled, it's best to figure out how much performance users may want before the purchase.
Software compatibility: AIO coolers that come with dedicated software support are easier to customize or control through the software. Users can change the fan speed, customize the RGB LEDs, and make custom speed graphs. However, AIO coolers without software support can be controlled via BIOS, which can be a frustrating task.
Tubing: Smaller coolers like 120mm AIO ones have shorter tubing, making it difficult to install the radiator in the front panel. This might not sound like a big deal, but depending on the PC case, installation of the radiators can pose a problem. Similarly, well-sleeved tubing should be preferred for more durability.
The Best War Games's Picks for the Best AIO CPU Coolers
DeepCool LT720 360mm
- Brand
- DeepCool
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- Yes, Addressable RGB LED
- CPU Socket Support
- All latest Intel & AMD Sockets
- Noise Level
- ≤32.9 dB(A)
- Fan Speed
- 500~2250 RPM±10%
The DeepCool LT720, available in both white and black color options, features an aesthetically striking 3D infinity mirror RGB design. This affordable and robust cooler offers compatibility with all the latest Intel and AMD sockets. Perfect for mid-range and budget systems, this AIO stands out for its best combined overall value, performance, and appearance.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Fan Airflow
- 85.85 CFM
- Quiet & Efficient
- Visually Appealing
- Inexpensive & Great Value
- Can't Change Logo RGB
- Needs A Spacious Chassis
- Fans Aren't RGB
The DeepCool LT720 provides a well-balanced cooling solution for all users, offering great value without compromising on its looks or performance. This AIO is unique in appearance because of its RGB infinity mirror cover block, which adds an elegant geometric aesthetic to any PC. While the fans on this AIO are not RGB, which could pose an issue for those seeking a more colorful build, this can be easily remedied by replacing the fans with ones that properly suit the desired result.
The DeepCool LT720 also maintains minimal noise levels during use, although it is common for the fans to spin at a higher RPM under heavy load. This may produce some unwanted noise while overclocking, gaming, or doing anything to spike CPU temperatures. Despite the lack of RGB fans, this AIO offers fantastic cooling performance at an affordable price, capable of keeping high-end processors cool during both general use and overclocking.
CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML120L RGB V2
- Brand
- CoolerMaster
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- Yes, RGB
- Noise Level
- <10 dBA
- Fan Speed
- 650-1800 RPM ± 5%
- Fan Airflow
- 62 CFM
The CoolerMaster ML120 offers an extremely attractive and affordable 120mm AIO, well-suited for budget components and small form factor builds. Ultimately, durability and reliability are key components associated with this AIO because of its industrial-grade seal, putting a user's mind at ease when it comes to concerns covering overall longevity and protection.
- CPU Socket Support
- All Intel & AMD
- Fantastic For Budget & SFF Builds
- Sleek RGB Effects
- Not Enough Cooling Power For High-End CPUs
- Not Ideal For A Large Chassis
The CoolerMaster ML120 is small but mighty, providing users with an efficient and budget-friendly cooling solution. Due to the compact nature of 120 mm AIOs, the CoolerMaster ML120 is best suited for budget builds and small PC cases. Users will find these AIOs most beneficial when paired with a CPU with a low thermal design power (TDP), as the 120 mm radiator maintains enough space to properly dissipate heat, but may struggle to keep up with the cooling needs of a power-hungry CPU.
Regardless, this AIO offers a sleek, simple, and visually striking design, making for the perfect addition to almost any setup.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 ARGB
- Brand
- Asus
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- RGB
- Noise Level
- 37.dBA
- Fan Speed
- 800-2500RPM
- Fan Airflow
- 80.95 cfm
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 is aesthetically pleasing and uses a fabulous CPU block with a 7th Gen Asetek pump that is made for high-performance cooling. The RGB lighting and the compatibility with RGB software allows users to play with the cooler's properties. Perfect for budget and mid-range CPUs, the Strix LC II 240 ARGB is an ideal cooler for overclocking.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- CPU Socket Support
- All latest AMD and Intel sockets
- Incredibly high airflow
- Mesmerizing aesthetics
- Great software support
- Very noisy at full fan speed
- Costs somewhat equivalent to premium 280mm coolers
Asus' ROG Strix series is typically expensive, but it also brings out the full potential of the hardware. Meet the ROG Strix LC 11 240mm cooler that brings exceptional looks through its mesmerizing CPU block and ARGB fans for the radiator. 240mm radiators are ideal for budget and mid-range CPUs. To make sure they don't thermal throttle when overclocked, the Strix LC II provides them with a 7th gen Asetek pump and a copper block to quickly dissipate the heat to the coolant and thereby the radiator.
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The fans are also incredibly fast, maxing out at 2500 RPM, throwing a massive airflow of up to 81 CFM, and delivering a superb 5.0 mmH20 of air pressure. This does, however, come at the expense of a noisier operation, and therefore, it's recommended to tone down the fan speed to 50% for a balanced operation. The PWM fans are controllable via BIOS or even the Aura Sync software to help users customize the fan speed and RGB lighting. The cooler is pretty straightforward in installation, but users should expect cable management to be a bit of a hassle.
NZXT Kraken 280 RGB
- Brand
- NZXT
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- RGB
- Noise Level
- 34.48dBA
- Fan Speed
- 500-1500RPM
The NZXT Kraken 280 RGB is one of the very few AIO coolers that has excellent airflow even at low fan speed. The Kraken 280 RGB is a high-performance cooling solution for high-end CPUs and boasts ARGB lighting on both fans. Its CPU block features a small LCD screen to display real-time metrics and has an ultra-quiet Asetek pump.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Fan Airflow
- 90.79 cfm
- CPU Socket Support
- All latest Intel and AMD sockets
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Insanely high airflow even with low fan speed
- LCD block to display metrics or custom images
- Costs close to $200
Going a little bigger, there are a plethora of amazing 280mm AIO coolers, and it can be pretty confusing to choose the best one from them. Many of them are pretty close to each other in performance and have their own pros and cons. The Best War Games chose the NZXT Kraken 280 RGB cooler as the best 280mm AIO cooling solution mainly because it doesn't fall behind in performance and has distinguished aesthetics. To accomplish this, the cooler uses dual 140mm ARGB fans and a fantastic LCD display on the CPU block to show real-time metrics of the hardware. Users can also have their own custom images if they want to see something different.
The Kraken 280 RGB stands out due to its ultra-quiet operation, out-performing the majority of high-end AIO coolers. This, however, doesn't stop it from performing well in thermal tests. The NZXT fans are incredibly airflow-oriented, throwing more than 90 CFM of air at a max speed of only 1500 RPM while remaining silent. As for the pump, it can run at a high 2800 RPM speed and can be controlled via NZXT CAM software along with various cooler properties such as LCD display, RGB, fan curves, etc.
EK AIO Nucleus CR360 Lux D-RGB
- Brand
- EKWB
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- D-RGB
- Noise Level
- 36dBA
- Fan Speed
- 550-2300RPM
- Fan Airflow
- 72 cfm
EK AIO Nucleus CR360 Lux D-RGB stands as one of the most popular 360mm AIOs for providing excellent value for the money. Its big 360mm radiator is capable of keeping thermal throttling in intensive overclocking sessions and the digital RGB lighting on the fans and CPU block lightens up the chassis from inside.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Exceptional cooling performance for the price
- Daisy-chaining for easy cable connection
- Digital RGB lighting
- Can be a little noisy at full speed compared to other 360mm AIOs
EKWB needs no introduction in the liquid cooling industry. From AIO coolers to custom cooling kits, it has it all. One of its most popular and well-performing coolers i.e., the EK 360 D-RGB, was replaced by the Nucleus CR360 Lux D-RGB for improved cooling performance and beautiful RGB lighting. The cooler provides flexibility in adjusting the tubing in the block through 90-degree rotary fittings and comes with a standard 27mm thick, 360mm radiator (the full length is 400mm).
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The CPU block contains a removable and rotatable top cover that features digital RGB lighting that can be customized via various popular RGB software. The installation of the cooler is perhaps one of the easiest ones and also comes with Daisy-Chaining which allows managing the fan cables. In terms of thermal performance, expect it to beat almost any 360mm AIO on the market, which makes it the best 360mm AIO for overclocking. However, a noisy operation should be expected if the fans are run at a high speed.
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite CAPELLIX XT
- Brand
- Corsair
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- RGB
- Noise Level
- 33.8dBA
- Fan Speed
- 500-1700RPM
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite CAPELLIX XT provides a big surface area for heat dissipation and performs very well with flagship Intel and AMD CPUs. The cooler uses a 420mm radiator that constantly dissipates heat with the help of high airflow fans and has distinguished RGB lighting. The fan curve can be customized with respect to the coolant temperature which is an excellent way of improving its performance
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Fan Airflow
- 89 cfm
- Excellent for overclocking high-end and flagship processors
- Customizable fan curves that are linked with coolant temperature
- iCue Commander to control lighting and fan speed
- Very expensive
- Not many cases can support 420mm radiators
Before users opt for a 420mm AIO cooler, they should ensure they have a compatible PC case that supports 420mm radiators. These coolers are huge and can create clearance problems. Nonetheless, a 420mm cooler like the H170i Elite Capellix XT can result in a significant dip in temperature, providing users with more room for overclocking by increasing the voltage. Overall, H170i Elite can handle the most powerful CPUs without breaking a sweat and can handle over 300W of CPU power.
A 420mm radiator provides a massive aluminum array of fins to provide more surface area for faster heat dissipation. Using the 140mm Corsair AF RGB Elite PWM fans, the cooler is able to provide unparalleled thermal performance and alluring looks at the same time. The fans and the CPU block boast RGB lighting that can be controlled via iCue software. Connecting and managing the fan cables is also hassle-free, since Corsair provides an iCue Commander controller to connect up to six fans. From here, users can simply control each and every fan individually through the software and can customize fan speed or RGB lighting.
ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler
- Brand
- ASUS
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- ARGB Fans, 3.5-Inch LCD Display
- Noise Level
- 36.45dBA
- Fan Speed
- 600 - 2200 RPM +/- 10%
The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler is ASUS's latest premium tri-fan AIO that offers better cooling, an upgraded LCD, and a new Asetek 8th generation pump as some of its salient features. Thanks to a thicker radiator and a new cold plate, it can reduce temperatures drastically versus both its predecessor and its competition.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Fan Airflow
- 70.07 CFM
- Elite cooling performance
- Big LCD display for metrics, GIFs or custom images
- Magnetic Daisy-chaniable fans
- Too expensive as a CPU cooler
- Noisier operation at full fan speed
If budget isn't a problem, here is what enthusiasts would like the most. The Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB is honestly an overpriced AIO cooler but, thankfully, provides exceptional thermal performance. Moreover, the aesthetics are on another level, bringing a bigger LCD display than the Kraken cooler. Users can monitor their hardware metrics or have their own GIFs or custom images on a 3.5" LCD, which will be easily readable. The fans also feature RGB LEDs and bring forth a Magnetic daisy-chain mechanism to get rid of the cable clutter.
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With a full fan speed of 2200 RPM, users can expect it to deliver similar or even better thermal performance than the EK Nucleus 360mm cooler, but the price-to-performance ratio of the latter is still far better. The ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB remains an elite-class cooling solution for a small percentage of PC users, which is unbeatable in functionality, cooling, and aesthetics. The Best War Games recommends getting a high-airflow PC case with this cooler for unlocking the full potential of processors.
FAQ
Q: What is an AIO cooler?
AIO is short for “All In One”, and this type of liquid cooler is named as such because it comes with a closed-loop liquid cooling system that is most often plug-and-play.
Q: Is the AIO CPU cooler better?
AIO coolers are typically better than air coolers for overclocking and quicker thermal dissipation. They also provide better clearance for the system RAM modules. However, they are pricier and have the risk of coolant leaking.
Q: Which AIO has the best radiator?
Among the popular AIO coolers, the Arctic Freezer II 360 cooler has one of the best and thickest 38mm radiators that provides a larger surface area for faster heat dissipation.
Q: What is an AIO cooler?
AIO is short for “All In One”, and this type of liquid cooler is named as such because it comes with a closed-loop liquid cooling system that is most often plug-and-play.
Q: What is the best AIO liquid cooler?
Arctic's Liquid Freezer II AIO coolers are considered to be the top-of-the-line AIO coolers. The series has 240mm, 280mm, as well as 360mm editions.