Best 240mm AIO Coolers in 2023 [In-Depth Review]

Liquid cooling has always been a better option, especially for high-end CPUs. And those who consider using LC in their PC build mostly choose the 240mm AIO coolers.

But which 240mm AIO is worthy of purchasing? With the vast amount of options to choose from, it’s easy to get confused. So, to help you make a sound purchase decision, me & my team has thoroughly tested several 240mm AIO coolers.

Among those, here are the 6 best 240mm AIO coolers you should consider.

In case you’re in a hurry, go for Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT, as it’s the best overall option in the market.

Best 240mm AIO Coolers: Our Top 6 Pick

Truth be told, the 240 mm AIO coolers are the best option for mini-ITX builds. They are considerably better than many air cooling options and offer a competent performance. If you want an even smaller option, check out these 120mm AIO coolers.

But there are a lot of brands that are offering similar sorts of AIOs. That’s why I’ve shortlisted the best ones that can stand out & offer something unique. So why waste time comparing prices and charts when we’ve already done the work for you?

Take a look at our curated selection of the best 240mm AIO coolers in the market:

1. Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Specification

• Radiator Size: 240mm
• Fan Speed: Up to 2400RPM, 2x120mm mag-lev fans
• Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066; AMD AM5, AM4
• Tubing Length: 380mm

What We Liked About It

I don’t think I have to regurgitate how well-received and well-known Corsair products are among the mainstream PC audience, and their AIO coolers are no different. The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT offers a high level of performance you’d expect from a premium brand.

The previous Corsair H100i model, RGB Pro XT, was an already easy choice in the 240mm AIO segment. The newer Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT elevates the aesthetic and performance bar even higher. How? Let me explain.

From the unboxing experience to the installation, Corsair has made the whole process extremely convenient for the DIY crowd.

The included 120mm fans offered a good blend of airflow and static pressure. With the iCUE software, I was able to customize the RGB and fan speed up to 2400RPM. The noise level during full load was around 37db(A), which isn’t uncommon for 2400RPM 120mm fans.

Despite its clear focus on aesthetics(OML the white one!), the Corsair H100i CAPELLIX is a beast when it comes to cooling performance. During the 2-hour playtime of CyberPunk 2077 on my i9 13900k+RTX 4080 rig, the CPU temp hovered around 66 degrees which is pretty solid.

The AIO also comes with a 5-year warranty which is pretty much on par with any top-end AIO coolers on the market right now.

What We Didn’t Like

If I have to nitpick, the fan noise reached 41dBA under load which will certainly be audible in a quiet room. It’s also situated in a slightly higher price bracket compared to other 240mm AIOs.

Who Is It For?

If you’re looking for the best 240mm AIO that offers great performance along with a brilliant light show, then the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT should be at the top of your list.

Verdict

Overall, the combination of the ML RGB fans and an eye-catching pump head offered great aesthetics backed up by decent thermal performance. It has a robust build quality and enough cooling capacity to keep my i9-13900k chill under heavy workloads.

What more can we want from an AIO? That’s why the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT won our Editor’s Choice award in the best 240mm AIO category.

See the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT →

Also, here’s our guide on how to know if the AIO cooler is working, just in case you face any issues with your computer’s liquid cooling.

2. ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 ARGB

Specification

• Radiator Size: 240mm
• Fan Speed: Up to 2500RPM, 2x120mm fans
• Compatibility: AMD: AM5, AM4, TR4; Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115x,1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066
• Tubing Lenght: 380mm

What We Liked About It

Although the Asus Strix LC II 240 ARGB isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary, the execution of the product makes it a formidable choice in the 240mm AIO cooler market, especially for mid-sized PC builds.

From the build quality to the ARGB lighting aesthetics, the product screams high-end AIO cooler. On top of that, it is reasonably priced, which is very uncommon for a ROG Strix product. It is also compatible with a wide range of platforms from both Intel and AMD.

The cooler came with two 120mm ARGB fans and all the necessary mounts for easy installation.

In my opinion, the 3-pin ARGB fans are the biggest highlight of this AIO cooler as they are both well-performant and quiet. Unfortunately, the water pump wasn’t as quiet as the fans, even in idle.

As for performance, my colleague tried this cooler on his i7-13700k build. And the temps on his build were under control, with no sign of overheating during stress tests.

What We Didn’t Like

As I have mentioned before, the pump can be audible even in idle, which can be annoying to some users who prefer to have an extra quiet PC. So keep that in mind while making your purchase decision.

Who Is It For?

If you have an ROG motherboard or want a solid ARGB AIO cooler around $160 budget, then you should definitely consider the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 for your gaming build.

Verdict

Overall, this 240mm cooler is another great choice for a mid-sized build, offering top-notch performance at a reasonable price. Hence, the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 ARGB is our second-best pick for the top 240mm AIO coolers.

See the ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 ARGB →

3. MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2

Specification

• Radiator Size: 240mm
• Fan Speed: Up to 1800RPM, 2x120mm PWM fans
• Compatibility: AMD (AM5, AM4, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2) and Intel (LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1700,1200, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066) CPU sockets
• Tubing Lenght: 400mm

What We Liked About It

Although MSI has a nice track record of making quality hardware, they kinda missed the mark with their MAG CoreLiquid 240R AIOs. The issue (sediment occurring in the CPU block) was so severe that MSI had to recall these AIOs and give replacements with a V2 model.

Despite this hiccup, the V2 model still managed to win back the crowd’s appreciation due to its tremendous value for money.

Not only does this AIO include mounts for almost every modern CPU socket, but it also has a nice build quality and aesthetic that can match up+glow up any PC build. Additionally, the included 120mm ARGB PWM fans were incredibly quiet and efficient.

Users can also change the fan speed from 500 to 2000 RPM according to their preference. I found the sweet spot to be 1800RPM where the noise(30dB) was barely noticeable during my 3-hour-long Fortnite session.

Not to mention, the CPU temp remained under 62 degrees Celcius which is amazing for an i9 13900K.

What I found unique about the AIO is the 270 degrees rotatable CPU block that illuminates the MSI Dragon logo. Both the fans’ and the block’s RGB lighting can be customized via the MSI Mystic Lighting software.

What We Didn’t Like

Although the fans are mostly quiet, sometimes the fan speed was ramping up and down despite my selected fan curve. This is probably a software issue that might get fixed later on. MSI is also providing only 3 years of warranty which is quite short compared to other 240mm AIOs.

Who Is It For?

For those who are looking for a reliable and effective ARGB cooling solution but don’t want to cross the 100 dollars mark, the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 is a no-brainer.

Verdict

In a nutshell, the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 is a great high-profile cooler with a relatively lower price tag. In the current 240mm AIO market, it is undoubtedly the best bang for the buck.

Check the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 →

4. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB

Specification

• Radiator Size: 240mm
• Fan Speed: Up to 1800RPM, 2x120mm PWM Fans
• Compatibility: AMD AM5, AM4, Intel 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3*, 2066* *Square ILM
• Tubing Length: 450mm

What We Liked About It

After using the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB, I can surely say that ARCTIC has really knocked it out of the park. The company has managed to make the AIO cooler compatible with virtually any CPU socket while delivering excellent performance.

The cooler’s package included all the necessary mounts and MX-4 thermal paste for easy installation in any Intel or AMD builds. The liquid tube is also long enough for a mid or full-sized PC.

What I liked most about this cooler is how user-friendly it was for installation. It came with pre-installed fans and tidied-up cables, which made the installation process very quick and easy.

Similar to other AIOs at this price point, the ARCTIC LF II 240 RGB also includes fancy RGB lighting on its included two PWM fans. Speaking of fans, at their max speed of 1800RPM, they were barely audible at 32dB.

And the noise level remained the same even during the 3-hour-long CPU stress test on my colleagues’ i7 13700K PC. Not to mention, the AIO managed to keep the CPU temp below 70 degrees while gaming, which can be considered an A-tier performance for an AIO of this price.

What We Didn’t Like

Although the Liquid Freezer II kept the 13700K chilled during various workloads, the CPU became pretty toasty after overclocking. The radiator was also quite bulky compared to other 240mm coolers and after mounting the fans, it became very chunky.

Not to mention, the lack of RGB lighting on the CPU block can be a deal breaker to some users. If you want an AIO with better RGB, here’s our shortlist of some of the best RGB AIO coolers on the market.

Who Is It For?

If you want a great valued 240mm AIO for your PC but aren’t sure about the compatibility, definitely consider the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB.

Verdict

Overall, I think the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB is one of the best 240mm AIO coolers for any mainstream and higher-end PC build. And considering its six years of warranty and universal compatibility, it is our top pick for the most compatible 240mm AIO cooler that we can recommend.

See the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB →

5. NZXT Kraken 240 RGB with LCD Display

Specification

• Radiator Size: 240mm
• Fan Speed: Up to 2000RPM, 2x120mm RGB Core fans
• Compatibility: Includes all necessary mounting hardware for both Intel & AMD sockets
• Tubing Lenght: 400mm

What We Liked About It

For many PC enthusiasts and hardcore gamers, having gaudy RGB lighting just isn’t enough anymore. They need some extra flare, a wow factor; and the NZXT Kraken 240 RGB aims to provide that.

This NZXT 240mm AIO cooler really tried to stand out from other AIOs on the market by including a fancy display on the CPU block. You might think of it as a gimmick, but you can’t deny the unique characteristics that it brings to the table.

Although there are some other CPU coolers on the market that have screens on the CPU block, NZXT’s implementation definitely looks the best. But aesthetics is not everything for an AIO; what about performance?

Well, I’m happy to report that the NZXT Kraken 240’s cooling is effective enough to handle even high-end CPUs under overclocking profiles. It managed to keep the CPU temp of my i9 13900K rig under 67 degrees threshold, which is a top-notch performance for a 240mm AIO.

And the noise level was only around 35dB while doing so.

Furthermore, it supports pretty much every available Intel and AMD CPU socket in the market, including the LGA 1700. All the necessary mounts and tools are provided with the cooler.

The two included RGB Core fans with fluid dynamic bearings provide an optimal balance of static pressure and airflow for an effective cooling solution.

The best part about this AIO is the amazing personalization capabilities, from the RGB lighting of the fans to the LCD display of the CPU block. Users can display any image or the CPU stats like temperature on the CPU block as well as the fans’ RGB lighting with NZXT CAM software.

If this NZXT AIO has caught your attention, you might want to check out these amazing NZXT AIO CPU Coolers.

What We Didn’t Like

Despite remaining exceptionally quiet in idle, the NZXT Kraken 240’s fans can ramp up pretty fast during heavy CPU load and can be a bit noisy in a quiet room.

Who Is It For?

If you want to flare up your gaming rig with a reliable 240mm cooler that also comes with a long warranty period, then the NZXT Kraken 240 RGB with LCD Display is the right choice for you.

Verdict

Although it’s not the only AIO with an LCD display, its competitive cooling performance and compatibility, along with the eye-catching design, make it a showcase-ready AIO. That’s why the NZXT Kraken 240 RGB AIO is our top pick for gamers.

See the NZXT Kraken 240 RGB →

6. Coolermaster Masterliquid ML240P Mirage

Specification

• Radiator Size: 240mm
• Fan Speed: 2000RPM, 2x120mm 3-pin ARGB fans
• Compatibility: LGA1200, LGA2066, LGA2011-v3, LGA2011, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156, TR4, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1
• Tubing Lenght: 400mm

What We Liked About It

The Cooler Master ML240P Mirage is another great choice in the 240mm AIO category. It comes bundled with all sorts of mounting hardware that can support nearly every AMD and Intel CPU bracket over the last decade, including threadrippers.

The cooler boasts a transparent pump block which looks elegant in any modern PC case.

Among all the 240mm coolers I have had my hands on, the ML240P had the most exceptional performance while staying extremely quiet, at only 32dB. The PWM ARGB fans, along with the dual chamber pump and redesigned radiator, can easily dissipate heat even when coupled with a high-end overclocked CPU.

On my i9 13900K gaming rig, I pushed the CPU clock to 5.8GHz and ran a 3-hour long stress test. To my surprise, this 240mm AIO managed to keep the temp below 64 degrees while remaining below 33 dB.

What We Didn’t Like

Despite having a wide range of compatibility, the installation process and cable management can be a bit tricky as the cooler has different leads for PWM control and ARGB lighting which also requires SATA power.

It also came with only 2 years warranty which is a shame considering its hefty price tag.

Who Is It For?

If you have enough money and want the best 240mm AIO cooler on the market, then the Cooler Master ML240P is the perfect option for you.

Verdict

Not every AIO cooler can offer a nice price-to-performance ratio, but some coolers can surely offer great cooling performance+quiet operation albeit at a higher price point. That pretty much sums up the Cooler Master’s ML240P Mirage CPU cooler.

Hence, it’s our pick for the best premium 240mm AIO cooler available right now.

Check the Coolermaster Masterliquid ML240P Mirage →

Which One Should You Pick?

Now that I have provided an in-depth look at the best 240mm AIOs of 2023, let’s try to answer the underlying question in hand: Which 240mm AIO should you buy?

Well, there are lots of factors you need to consider before making a purchase decision. The first ones are your budget and compatibility with your existing PC. If you’re looking for a well-rounded 240mm AIO, go for Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT.

But if you’re tight on budget but still don’t want to sacrifice performance, then the MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R V2 is a must-have option for you. When you’re shopping for an AIO, you have to keep certain attributes in mind:

• Price and availability
• Compatibility
• Size
• Noise level
• Aesthetics

On a side note, these are also some of the main contributing factors when we made our list of the best 240mm AIO coolers. But our process was a bit complicated as we had to evaluate, compare and categorize each cooler to make a comprehensive list.

As an honorable mention, you can also check out the Aigo AIO CPU cooler.

To be honest, every AIO comes with unique attributes that can serve the specific needs of different users. So, to make it more convenient, here’s a compiled look at the different characteristics of the best 240mm AIO coolers:

Hopefully, this table will help you make a sound purchase decision. If you have any further queries about 240/360mm AIO coolers, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 240mm AIO for LGA 1700?

Currently, the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT is the best 240mm AIO for LGA 1700 CPUs.

Can a 240mm AIO cool an i9 12900K?

Yup. A decent 240mm AIO like NZXT Kraken 240 RGB is more than capable of handling i9 12900K, even after overclocking.

How much TDP can a 240mm AIO handle?

Different AIO comes with different TDP limit. But in general, a decent 240mm AIO can handle up to 350W TDP.