Best CPU Coolers 2023: AIO and Air Coolers

Best Closed-Loop Liquid CPU Coolers You Can Buy Today

Lian Li Galahad II Performance

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Specifications

Dimensions: 396 x 130 x 32 mm
Pump Height: not specified
Weight: not specified
Fans: (3) 120 x 28 mm
Socket Support: Intel:/1700/1200/1151/115x AMD: AM5/AM4
Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+
Best cooling we’ve ever seen from a 360mm AIO
+
Low Noise and Full Performance Modes
+
Extremely strong noise-normalized performance
+
Competitive price

Reasons to avoid

-
Full Performance mode runs loud

Lian Li’s Galahad II Trinity Performance raises the bar for AIO Cooling. Every component has been upgraded, resulting in absolute cooling domination. The cooler installation is simple and easy, and it’s reasonably priced at only $169 USD. With results like this, I find it hard to recommend any other liquid cooler, making this the first CPU cooler I have ever awarded a 5-star rating. This is the best liquid cooler on the market right now, without question.

While cooling performance is absolutely amazing, thermals are only one part of the picture. How loudly the cooler runs is very important as well. In its default configuration, Lian Li’s GA II Trinity Performance runs loudly at 55.2 dBA. I’ve only tested a handful of coolers that reach this level of noise. 

Normally I would consider this a mark against the product, but Lian Li wisely included a built-in low-noise/high-performance toggle switch, allowing you to reduce maximum fan speeds and noise levels with the flip of a switch. Most coolers that support low-noise modes have reduced thermal performance when engaged. But I didn’t observe any difference in thermals between the two modes when tested on my i7-13700K. When set to the low noise mode, total noise output is reduced to 49.2 dBA, which is on par with MSI’s and DeepCool’s competing 360mm AIOs. 

Read: Lian Li Galahad II Performance Review


(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 360mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler Alternative

Specifications

Dimensions: 402 x 120 x 27 mm
Pump Height: -
Weight: 1856g
Fans: (3) 120 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel: LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 AMD: AMD: sTRX4/sTR4/AM5/AM4
Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+
Strongest cooler we’ve tested, in terms of cooling capacity
+
Handles up to about 315W loads with Intel’s i9-13900K
+
Won’t get in the way of your tall RAM

Reasons to avoid

-
A bit loud at full fan speeds 

If you want to squeeze the best sustained performance possible out of your new Core i9-13900K CPU, DeepCool's LT720 AIO is the best we've tested yet using Intel's latest flagship CPU. The 360mm AIO managing to keep our CPU running at an impressive 315 Watts during our Cinebench tests.

It also has a unique infinity mirror CPU cover, and will stay out of the way of your RAM. The main downside? This cooler can get a bit loud when running at full speed. But if you bought a Core i9 and are running it full-bore with the power limits removed, a bit of extra fan noise probably isn't your biggest concern. The price of the LT720 is also quite nice, with multiple outlets selling it for around $130 and some as low as $120. If you need lots of cooling for your overclocked flagship CPU and you don't want to spend several hundred dollars on custom cooling, this is the best option we've tested with Raptor Lake.

Read: DeepCool LT720 AIO review


Best 360mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler With a Display: MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 360mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler With a Display

Specifications

Thickness: 1.125" / 28.6mm
Width: 4.75" / 120mm
Depth: 15.5" / 393.7mm
Fans: (3) 120 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 115x, 1200, 1700, AMD AM2(+), AM3(+), FM1, FM2(+) AM4,TR4, sTRX4, SP3
Warranty: 3 years

Reasons to buy

+
Top-notch cooling performance
+
Brilliant, customizable LCD display
+
Useful software suite

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

MSI's MEG CoreLiquid S360 delivers top-notch cooling performance, quiet(er) cooling fans and an excellent implementation of a simple-to-use MSI Center UI and a brilliant display above your CPU to deliver system performance stats, or even your favorite photo or animated GIF. At $280, it’s definitely a premium cooler, but MSI backs up that price with some real performance clout.

For those without concern for the high price, looking for excellent cooling and endless customization options via the display, the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S36 is worthy of serious consideration. Its toughest competition may come from Corsair's H150i Elite, although we haven't had a chance to test that cooler yet.

Read: MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 review


(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Specifications

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
Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+
Strongest cooler we’ve tested with Intel’s i9-13900K, handling up to 325W
+
Comprehensive software suite
+
2.1-inch High-quality IPS display
+
Fan curves tied to coolant temperature, rather than CPU temperature
+
Won’t get in the way of tall RAM

Reasons to avoid

-
420mm radiator severely limits case support
-
Expensive

Corsair’s iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT AIO offers the best cooling performance we’ve tested yet with Intel’s i9-13900K, handling over 325W in our most intensive thermal tests. And unlike other coolers, the noise level of the H170i Elite is tied to the CPU coolant temp, resulting in quieter operation during most common tasks and the elimination of bursty fan behavior. The tradeoff is that we saw noisier operation under the kinds of sustained loads that we use for testing.

The Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT is one of the best coolers currently available in terms of performance and features. It’s also quite expensive at $310, but if you don’t mind going without the pretty 2.1-inch display, the company also sells an iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT with the same radiator and pump for around $240.

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.

Read: Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT review 


Best 280mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 (Image credit: Arctic)
Best 280mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler

Specifications

Thickness: 1.5" (2.75" w/fans)
Width: 5.5" (139.7mm)
Depth: 12.5" (317.5mm)
Fans: (2) 140 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 115x; AMD AM4
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Great cooling performance
+
Unique pump and auxiliary fan design
+
Low operational noise levels
+
Attractive price

Reasons to avoid

-
Boxed unit ships with pump and fans managed by single PWM splitter
-
Lack of RGB lighting (for those looking for the option)

While our thermal measurements indicate that it's integrated voltage regulator fan is little more than a gimmick, great CPU temperatures at ultra-low noise levels prove the Liquid Freezer II 280 far-more-valuable than its far-costlier rivals.

Read: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 AIO review


Best 240mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler: Corsair H100i RGB PRO XT  (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 240mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler

Specifications

Thickness: 1.0" (2.13" w/fans)
Width: 4.75" (120.7mm)
Depth: 10.9" (277mm)
Fans: (2) 120 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 1366, 115x, AMD AM2(+), AM3(+) AM4, FM1, FM2(+), TR(X)4
Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+
High-performing 240mm AIO cooling
+
iCUE software suite allows for customized cooler and lighting control
+
Priced well for premium performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Noisy fans at 100% speed
-
Awkward, small screws used to secure fans to radiator
-
RGB lighting is pump-only

The Corsair H100i RGB PRO XT takes over where the H100i Pro left off by providing enthusiast levels of thermal load management from a 240mm AIO and making use of Corsair’s iCUE software suite for RGB lighting control, fan curve configuration and pump performance settings.  Paring the capability of the cooler with a set of user-friendly software tools provides a great deal of value for system builders of any technical proficiency, in real time. 

Read: Corsair H100i RGB Pro XT review

Best 240mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler Alternate: Deepcool Gamer Storm Captain 240 Pro

The Gamer Storm Captain 240 Pro makes up for in low noise what it lacks in cooling power compared to Corsair's H100i Pro, to the point that the Captain 240 Pro has a significantly better cooling-to-noise ratio.  We favor it for anyone who needs virtual silence at 50% fan speed, where most users in most environments won't hear it. Even those able to push a CPU hard enough to require 100% fan speed will find its hushed murmur less than half as noisy as the H100i Pro.


(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler Alternate

Specifications

Thickness: -
Width: 120 mm
Depth: 282 mm
Fans: (2) 120 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011 x, 115x, 1200, 1700; AMD AM4, AM5, sTRX4, xTR4
Warranty: 3 years

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent performance,capable of cooling 230W+ with Alder Lake
+
User Customizable Face Plate
+
Unique fan connection system

Reasons to avoid

-
No software for lighting & fan controls 

With Alder Lake’s increased cooling demands, many coolers that performed well on older platforms literally take the extra heat. But in our testing with Intel's Core i9-12900K, DeepCool’s LS520 delivered incredible cooling performance for its compact package. It handled our Alder Lake CPU without power limits in most situations. While it lacks software for its RGB lighting and fans, at just $109 its value is currently unbeatable.

Read: DeepCool LS520 review 


Best 120mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler: NZXT Kraken M22
Best 120mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler

Specifications

Thickness: 1.1" (2.25" w/fans)
Width: 4.75" (120.7mm)
Depth: 6.15" (156.1mm)
Fans: (1) 120 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 1366, 115x, AMD AM2(+), AM3(+) AM4, FM1, FM2(+)
Warranty: 6 years

Reasons to buy

+
Great cooling for a compact AIO
+
Handsome, sleek design
+
CAM software is attractive &
+
intuitive

Reasons to avoid

-
$99.99 price is higher than other 120mm AIO solutions
-
RGB controls only apply to CPU block face
-
CAM software sends data to NZXT cloud services

The NZXT Kraken M22 is an incredibly compact, high-performance liquid cooler that delivers sleek styling and vibrant RGB lighting options, while offering support for current AMD and Intel processor sockets. Specifically, if you're building a small home-theater PC or a compact gaming build, the Kraken M22 offers surprising cooling potential in a condensed cooling package.

Just don't try to strap one to your Threadripper system. The demanding thermals and massive surface of those high-end CPUs aren't supported by this cooler.

Read: NZXT Kraken M22 review


Best Reconfigurable Closed-Loop Cooler: Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 240 CPU Digital RGB (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best Reconfigurable Closed-Loop Cooler

Specifications

Thickness: 2.25” (57.2mm)
Width: 4.88” (124mm)
Depth: 10.75” (273mm)
Fans: (2) 120 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 1366, 115x, AMD AM2(+), AM3(+) AM4, FM1, FM2(+), TR4, C32, G34
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Quick disconnects for no-spill expansion
+
Solid thermal performance
+
Built with DC-LT pump and copper radiator water cooling components

Reasons to avoid

-
Tubing length could be longer to allow for more diverse installations
-
Pump has coolant top-up port, but coolant must be purchased separately

Alphacool's Eisbaer is a factory-filled hybrid design, featuring a closed-loop-style pump and CPU cold plate with open-loop style fittings that including an anti-leak, in-line quick connector. Alphacool offers wide range of factory-filled companion parts, from additional radiators to GPU blocks, to suite nearly any expansion need. It's perfect for buyers who lack the time to assemble, purge, and leak test their own scratch-built component systems, as well as those who have more cash than self-confidence.

Read: Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 240 CPU Digital RGB review


Best Custom Cooling Kit: Alphacool Eissturm Hurricane Copper 45
Best Custom Cooling Kit

Specifications

Thickness: 1.8” (45mm)
Width: 5.75” (146mm)
Depth: 18.5” (470mm)
Fans: (3) 140 x 25mm
Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 1366, 115x, 775, AMD AM2(+), AM3(+) AM4, FM1, FM2(+), TR4
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Great cooling performance
+
Professional-grade components
+
Very good value for a full watercooling kit

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey compared to AIO alternatives

With an enormous 3x 140mm radiator, this kit allows for enough thermal expansion of the loop to include a graphics card waterblock (or even two), if desired. By using industry standard G1/4 threaded fittings for all components, the cooling loop almost begs you to add more components to the party. A radiator of this size and potential allows for this kind of load because of the quality design and engineering that went into building it. A pump of this pedigree pushes coolant like few others are capable. Quality-milled components and attention to detail are seen on each and every piece within the kit.

For anyone looking for a complete, high-quality watercooling kit in a single box, this Alphacool Eissturm Hurricane Copper 45 kit is an excellent choice for those with room in their chassis for the monstrous 3x 140mm radiator and large pump/reservoir combo.

Read: Alphacool Eissturm Hurricane Copper 45 Review

MORE: Best Air CPU Cooling

MORE: How To Choose A CPU Cooler

Matt Safford

After a rough start with the Mattel Aquarius as a child, Matt built his first PC in the late 1990s and ventured into mild PC modding in the early 2000s. He’s spent the last 15 years covering emerging technology for Smithsonian, Popular Science, and Consumer Reports, while testing components and PCs for Computer Shopper, PCMag and Digital Trends.

  • abryant
    Archived comments are found here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3707693/cooling.html
    Reply
  • bit_user
    Thanks for including a down-draft cooler. I feel better having direct airflow on the VRM, which tower-style coolers don't provide. RAM temps also typically benefit.

    An interesting test would be to measure the difference that occurs when you reverse the fan direction of such a cooler. So, flip the fan and run it as an updraft cooler. The rationale is that case exhaust fans are often right next to the CPU, in which case they'd be fighting the airflow of a downdraft cooler. However, if you instead run it in the updraft direction, the airflow rate should benefit and more of the hot air should get exhausted.
    Reply
  • Carsten_3
    I wonder why you link a 5 month old review, instead of reviewing the latest ENERMAX LIQTECH TR4 II serie?
    As the old Enermax LIQTECH TR4 360mm AIO Liquid CPU Cooler got 35% 1 star customer reviews on Amazon.
    Reply
  • madymadme
    why is swiftech water cooler included here ?
    Reply
  • fredfinks
    Should be stated that gunk builds up on the insides of liquid coolers. Also theres chance of pump failure & leaks.

    A big dumb block of metal, combined with a top notch fan (i.e. the noctua - guaranteed for 7 years) will function for a LONG time.
    The only thing stopping it being mounting kit obsolescence. (low & behold noctua will send out a mounting kit in future if you ever need it, for free anywhere in world)
    Indefinite lifespan. Eff liquid AIOs. (custom loops go ahead)
    Reply
  • bit_user
    21349247 said:
    A big dumb block of metal, combined with a top notch fan (i.e. the noctua - guaranteed for 7 years) will function for a LONG time.
    The enemy of air is dust. Of course, this also applies (somewhat) to liquid cooling radiators.

    Bigger, slower fan = less dust buildup.

    I also run a positive-pressure case setup, with removable dust filters behind the intake fans. This has worked remarkably well at keeping the case clean.

    Of course, it also helps not to have pets.
    Reply
  • medicjambi
    It would be nice to see stats on how much cooling each one provides. As in how many watts of energy it can dissipate or cool, etc. I've not been able to find the cooling capacity on these coolers. I understand the larger the radiator and more fans equal more cooling capacity, but it would be nice to see how much each is able to cool.
    Reply
  • medicjambi
    I have the Liquid Freezer 240 and I was able to find the stats that it is able to dissipate 300 Watts TDP. Information like that should be listed in a review like this. That's quite the oversite there Tom's Hardware. You guys are slipping.
    Reply
  • jill.and.molly.bff
    The most important aspect of a cooling system is its heat dissipation capacity, which CPU makers express as Watts TDP. If the cooler's TDP capacity does not at least equal the CPU's, the CPU will overheat under heavy load. Can't even imagine why this important fact is entirely omitted from the article...
    Reply
  • Chupacabra69
    Err where are the cooling performance comparisons.. is this an opinion or marketing piece?
    Reply