Top 8 Best 240mm AIO CPU Coolers in 2023 – for Intel / AMD, with RGB

AIO CPU Liquid coolers are in trend these days for their better cooling capacity and their aesthetic looks.

The radiator of an aio cooler comes in different sizes and 240mm is a commonly used size.

Other sizes are 120mm and 360mm. In general a bigger radiator is always better as it can dissipate heat faster.

However the radiator size that can be used installed would depend on the PC case, as some cases may support only 240mm radiators.

PC Cases usually have radiator space on the top and front side. And every pc case can support only a maximum size of radiator which is usually 240mm or 360mm.

So before you buy an aio cooler with a specific radiator size, make sure that its compatible with your pc case. Otherwise you either have to choose a different cooler or a different case.

Air Cooler vs Liquid Cooler

Air coolers generally tend to be cheaper compared to liquid coolers. However, it has its drawbacks such as its bulkiness, noise, and limited cooling power.

It can also raise the ambient temperature of your unit since it just relocates it away from the CPU. The open-loop coolers are harder to implement for the casual user, more expensive than the closed-loop coolers (AIO), and demand more maintenance.

AIO coolers solve some of the problems of air coolers, but they have their own drawbacks as well. AIO coolers take less space over the processor leaving more clearance space for RAM and graphics card without creating obstructions.

Also the fans make less noise as the radiators are designed to dissipate heat over a larger surface area.

However aio coolers may be slightly difficult to install for beginners and in the event of failure they are difficult to fix immediately and may need replacement. Air coolers on the other hand are much less likely to fail.

Our Top Picks for Best 240mm AIO CPU Coolers in 2021

Below are some of our top picks for 240mm radiator aio coolers. Most of them have RGB lighting and support most of the Intel and AMD sockets. Top brands include Cooler Master MSI, NZXT and Corsair.

1. Cooler Master MasterLiquid LC240E RGB AIO Cooler

Kicking off this list is Cooler Master's MasterLiquid LC240E. It compliments CPU performance well by implementing a dual pump system and handles airflow properly by using two 120mm fans. It also comes with an RGB feature on its fans.

Features

• Dimensions: 10.9 x 4.7 x 1.1 inches
• Brand: Cooler Master
• Wattage: 50
• Noise Level: 31.5 dB
• Size: 240mm Radiator
• Air flow: 66.7 CFM
• Dual Chamber Pump
• 2 x 120mm fans
• Sleeved FEP Tubing
• RGB controller
• CPU socket support: Intel: LGA2066, LGA2011 v3, LGA2011, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1366, AMD: AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1

Review

The MasterLiquid LC240E offers a great introduction to liquid cooling. At its price range, it can keep up with most mid-tier air coolers. The tubes where the coolant passes through are also reinforced with Fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) for durability and assurance that the liquid will smoothly flow along the cycle.

Its pump and fans also do not make excessive noise on regular load, but it gets louder as the CPU load increases. The installation process will not give you difficulty, as promised by most AIO liquid coolers. It can also support CPU overclocking.

Additionally, it does not look like a budget liquid cooler because of its RGB lighting. You can customize this with RGB supports from different motherboards. For a budget liquid cooler, it definitely offers good value-for-money performance as it does its job well of reducing significant temperature values.

2. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240R ARGB AIO Cooler

The other product from Cooler Master that made it to this list is the MasterLiquid ML240R ARGB. It is a lustrous and efficient liquid CPU cooler that is compatible with the majority of AMD and Intel processors. It also has a dual-chamber pump with two 120 mm fans.

It also features an Addressable RGB header which gives you more room for customizing it and have it to complement your PC aesthetic. The ARGB also provides motherboard support, unlike the earlier LC240E. If your motherboard is not included in the motherboards that this device supports, it still has a wired external controller at your disposal.

Features

• Dimensions: 10.9 x 4.71 x 1.06 inches
• Brand: Cooler Master
• Wattage: 210
• Noise Level: 30 dB
• Air flow: 66.7 CFM
• Dual Chamber Pump
• 2 x 120mm fans
• Max Fan Speed: 2000 rpm
• Removable pump cap
• Sleeved FEP Tubing
• Wired addressable RGB Controller (ARGB) for non-RGB motherboards for customizing colors.
• 1 to 3 addressable RGB Splitter cable for multiple ARGB fans
• CPU socket support: Intel: LGA2066, LGA2011 v3, LGA2011, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1366, AMD: AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1

Review

The MasterLiquid ML240R ARGB is a decent cooler. In terms of thermal performance, it rivals some coolers of the 360mm installation such as the Raijintek Orcus 360.

It can withstand overclocking without the CPU throttling down to manage the heat from the stress. A stress test showed that even when overclocked, it did not pass the 71°C-mark.

The noise levels of the fans are quiet on idle but will steadily grow noisier as the load increases, thus increasing fan speed. The ARGB fans and ARGB pump header definitely gave this a tasteful look. This liquid cooler has a well-deserved spot among the mid-tier liquid CPU coolers in the market.

3. MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R - AIO RGB CPU Liquid Cooler

The MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R is one of the newer AIO CPU liquid coolers. It is MSI's latest entry. It has quality materials and effective heat dissipation technology. It also has unique features like a 270-degree rotating and artistic blockhead that lights up. It also integrates the pump into the radiator, improving its durability as it is now further away from the heat source.

Features

• Dimensions: 12.48 x 8.07 x 5.39 inches
• Brand: MSI
• Material: Aluminum
• Wattage: 1.8 Watts (fan) and 4.08 Watts (pump)
• Power Connector: 4-Pin (PWM), 3-Pin ARGB
• Noise Level: 14.3 - 34.3 dBA
• Air flow: Up to 78 CFM
• Radiator Pump Design
• Rotatable Blockhead
• 2x 120mm RGB PWM fans
• Fan speed: Up to 2000 rpm
• Total RGB Fan Control
• Compatible Socket & CPU: Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200, LGA1366, LGA2011, LGA2011-3, LGA2066 / AMD AM4, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2

Review

The rotatable blockhead design is not just an aesthetic choice, but it also gives the user the freedom to find the best angle at which the tubes can go to the blockhead without stressing the material, thus having an easier time installing the cooler. Controlling the speed and the color of the RGB fans is made easier through MSI's software.

The synthesis of the radiator and the pump is said to have a sound dampening and noise reduction effect. In terms of thermal dissipation, another smart design is implemented by MSI by splitting the path of the warm liquid for faster dissipation. Some stress tests on the cooler gave around under 70° C on heavy load.

The changes in the design and structure of a typical AIO cooler might not be groundbreaking, but a little goes a long way in terms of the convenience it gives to the user. This AIO cooler offered a more user-friendly installation by adding a huge amount of socket mounting compatibility.

Its thermal performance did not disappoint, and any disadvantages that the CoreLiquid 240R poses are outshined by its cool structure and vibrant RGB lights.

4. NZXT Kraken X53 240mm AIO RGB CPU Liquid Cooler

NZXT's entry to this list came from their Kraken X series, which combines the quality of their top Kraken Z line and the affordability of their Kraken M line. The Kraken X53 offers improved cooling, gorgeous visual effects, and easier installation. It has a 10% bigger LED ring for improved RGB effects and offers better control using CAM's sophisticated and user-friendly interface.

Features

• Dimensions: 12.09 x 8.35 x 5.39 inches
• Brand: NZXT
• Material: Nylon
• Power Connector: 4-Pin (PWM)
• Noise Level: 21 - 36 dBA
• Air flow: 18.28 - 73.11 CFM
• 360° Rotatable Cap
• 2x 120mm Aer RGB PWM fans
• Fan speed: 500-2,000 + 300 rpm
• Compatible Socket & CPU: Intel Socket LGA 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 / AMD Socket AM4, TR4 (bracket not included)

Review

The Kraken X53 RGB is an entry point to NZXT's X series. While it comes off as a little pricey, it offers improvements such as a rejuvenated design, Aer RGB fans, 7th generation Asetek pump, and better monitoring with NZXT's CAM software.

The thermal performance is not the best in its category but will still provide decent output, good enough for most applications. It also comes with reduced noise levels, with its fans belonging to the quietest among several models so its flaws might be negligible to most users.

Its infinity mirror ring looks nice, and its cap can rotate for 360° so the logo will not be inverted upon installation.

If you do not mind spending a few extra bucks or you are loyal to the brand, the X53 would be a good purchase as it does its job and with looks that can surely improve your PC aesthetic.

5. EK 240mm AIO D-RGB CPU Liquid Cooler

EK Water Blocks is more infamous in terms of its custom water-cooling or open-loop liquid cooler designs. However, while they hold control over the custom loop line, its market is limited with it being inaccessible to most. The EK 240mm AIO D-RGB is its latest entry into the AIO category.

Features

• Dimensions: 12.99 x 8.5 x 5.35 inches
• Brand: EK
• Material: Aluminum (Radiator), ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) (Pump)
• Power Connector: 4-Pin (PWM), 3-Pin Addressable 5V D-RGB header
• Noise Level: 36.4 dBA
• Air flow: 66.04 CFM
• 2x 120mm D-RGB PWM Fans
• Ultra-Low Evaporation Rubber with Nylon Braided
• Fan speed: 550 – 2200 rpm ± 10%
• Fully Customizable D-RGB Lighting
• Compatible Socket & CPU: - Intel Sockets LGA: 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 AMD Sockets: AM4

Review

The cooler will catch your eyes with its acrylic top, printed with EK’s logo that acts as a diffuser for the Addressable RGB nodes inside it. Along with the block, the fans also come with their own ARGB lighting. The lighting has no manual RGB control so if your motherboard does not have an ARGB header, you might need to spend on EK’s EK-Loop Connect hub.

The build quality of the CPU block is dense, boasting good internal arrangement from its pump to its radiator and fans. This cooler does not provide especially low noise levels, but it is relatively quiet on lower RPMs and will scale as it goes up.

In terms of thermal performance, benchmark testing gave good temperature differences (single digit) when compared with other coolers such as the ML240R on this list.

All in all, the EK 240mm AIO looks luxurious, and its performance can compete with the coolers in its category. Some even say that it can rival its 360mm counterpart.

With its premium and durable design, universally compatible CPU block, and fully customizable D-RGB lighting, you can tell that EK has its customers in mind in the making of this product. The slightly expensive price is justified with all the convenience this AIO liquid cooler offers.

6. Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT 240mm AIO Cooler

The Corsair H100i RGB Pro XT is an update of the older H100i Pro. The updates are not major, it mostly focused on the color of the cooler. This model offers improved cooling with its quality radiator system and highly customizable pump.

Features

• Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.72 x 1.18 inches
• Brand: Corsair
• Material: Aluminum (Radiator)
• Power Connector: 4-Pin PWM, 3-Pin RGB (w/splitter), SATA, Micro-B USB to 9-pin header
• Noise Level: 10 - 37 dBA
• Air flow: 75 CFM
• 2x 120mm Corsair Magnetic Levitation PWM Fans
• Black Sleeved Low-Permeation Rubber
• Fan speed: 2400 RPM
• Corsair iCUE Software
• Compatible Socket & CPU: Intel LGA: 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4

Review

The first thing to notice is that this cooler does not have RGB fans, a trait that is uncommon with AIO coolers. But do not be fooled, the lights can be seen elsewhere, with its pump containing 16 individually Addressable RGB LEDs.

You can set different LED color profiles along with fan and pump speeds on Corsair’s iCUE software. This centralized RGB matches well with the cooler’s all-black look.

What it lacks in flashiness, it makes up with solid thermal performance. At full fan speed, it provides an advantage of a few degrees compared to other AIO 240mm coolers. It is a quiet cooler, in terms of both sound and aesthetic. Its noise level gives a good trade-off with cooling performance. The H100i RGB Pro XT is another testament to Corsair’s excellence when it comes to PC peripherals.

7. Corsair Hydro Series™ H100i RGB PLATINUM SE 240mm Liquid CPU Cooler

At first glance, the Corsair H100i Platinum SE AIO cooler looks like the brighter sibling of the H100i Pro. But aside from the loud color of the Platinum SE, its internal design varies from it.

Features

• Dimensions: 4.72 x 1.06 x 10.91 inches
• Brand: Corsair
• Material: Aluminum (Radiator)
• Power Connector: 4-Pin PWM, 4-Pin RGB, SATA, Micro-B USB to 9-pin header
• Noise Level: Up to 36 dBA
• Air flow: 63 CFM
• 2x 120mm Corsair LL120 RGB PWM Fans
• Black Sleeved Low-Permeation Rubber
• Fan speed: 360 to 2200 RPM
• Corsair iCUE Software
• Compatible Socket & CPU: Intel 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 AMD AM4, AM3, AM2, sTRX4, sTR4

Review

With its white and RGB colorway, the performance of this unit is as enticing as its exterior. The noise level of the LL120 fans scaled gracefully with its RPM.

Much like the CPU block of the earlier Pro XT, the fans and the pump of the Platinum SE also contain several individually addressable RGB LEDs, with the fans containing 48 and 16 in the pump. This goes well with the clean white housing of the components of the AIO. This is also customizable with Corsair’s iCUE software.

Not only that, but the iCUE can also set different fan speeds going as low as 0 rpm for complete silence when there is little to no load from the CPU. The installation process is not complicated for all the numerous support CPU sockets.

The Hydro Series™ H100i RGB PLATINUM SE 240mm is both pleasant to the eyes of the user and to the CPU that will be experiencing the premium cooling performance this AIO will provide with its expanded radiator core and thermally optimized cold plate.

8. ID-COOLING Auraflow X 240 Snow CPU Water Cooler

Compared to the other more established CPU cooling brands in this list, ID-Cooling is relatively new but that does not mean they cannot keep up with the others. The AuraFlow X 240 Snow is an all-white version of the X 240.

It fits great with those clean looking light PC builds. Its clean looking exterior makes it harder to believe that this cooler belongs to the budget category. The X 240 Snow’s price range plays around to those of the 120mm variations but still offers the performance of a 240mm AIO.

Features

• Dimensions: 4.72 x 1.06 x 10.91 inches
• Brand: ID-Cooling
• Wattage: 2.4 W (Fans), 4.32 W (Pump)
• Material: Aluminum (Radiator)
• Power Connector: 4-Pin PWM, 4-Pin RGB, 3-Pin Pump Connector
• Noise Level: 18 – 35.2 dBA
• Air flow: 74.5CFM
• 2 x 120mm PWM Fans
• Premium Sleeved Tubing
• Fan speed: 700 to 1800 rpm
• Compatible Socket & CPU: Intel LGA2066/2011/1366/1151/1150/1155/1156/1200 & AMD AM4

Review

The ID-Cooling AuraFlow X 240’s strong point is not only its price range. It also provides a wide range of compatibility with different CPU sockets, simplicity, sleek design, and a sturdy build.

If the RGB header can pair with your motherboard, you can customize your Addressable RGB however you want. But if your motherboard does not support it, it poses no problem as the X 240 has a wired controller powered by a SATA cable.

The fan LEDs appear a little dim, but that is because the light source is centralized, unlike the usual RGB frame set up. Its cooling performance is good relative to its price range. When tested on an overclocked Ryzen 2700 CPU at a 25°C ambient temperature, the X 240 gave around 68°C at 100% fan speed.

The approach that ID-Cooling went with here is that they offered a glimpse of what an AIO cooler can be. The unit can be better, but they cut the cost for accessibility. This is good for first timers who are shifting towards the world of AIO liquid coolers.

Conclusion

Most modern cpus with 4 or more cores and hyperthreading need good cooling when under load. The stock coolers that come with most of the Intel and AMD cpus are usually in-adequate and will make a lot of noise when the cpu heats up.

Alternatives are aftermarket air coolers or aio coolers. If you are looking for a low noise cooler that can cool powerful cpus then aio are a decent option.

PC enthusiasts still make the mistake of not investing on a proper PC cooler. They end up wasting the potential of their expensive components.

Powerful CPUs will throttle down to half of their max clock speeds if they are not properly cooled. There is a limit as to what the stock air cooler that comes with your CPU can do after all, especially if you are overclocking.

If not, it would not hurt to still get one for the longevity of your components.

Easier installation, versatile positioning, softer noise levels, bottleneck prevention, and of course, better cooling performance. These are the reasons why you should go for AIO liquid coolers such as those above.

They might be a bit more expensive than the air coolers, but they surely return great value for money. Not to mention that they all offer great addition to the aesthetic of your PC set up. The RGB effects are almost enticing enough to buy it for that reason alone. So, treat your processor right and choose from the list above according to what fits your set up the most.