Best Closed-Loop Liquid CPU Coolers
CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML360R RGB
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 AIO
Corsair H100i Pro
Best Liquid CPU Coolers
Best 360mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML360R RGB
Best 360mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Thickness: 1.1” (2.3" w/fans) | Width: 4.8" (120.7mm) | Depth: 15.5" (393.7mm) | Fans: (3) 120 x 25mm | Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 1366, 115x, 775, AMD AM2(+), AM3(+) AM4, FM1, FM2(+) | Warranty: 2 years
When it comes to keeping overclocked CPU load temperatures in check, Cooler Master’s MasterLiquid ML360R RGB is the new chilling champ. As the 360 variant of our previously reviewed MasterLiquid ML240R RGB, the newly available MasterLiquid ML360R adds 33 percent more radiator surface area for even more cooling prowess. The result? It cools even better than the mighty NZXT Kraken X72.
Power users, gamers, system builders and overclockers in the market for a new large CPU cooler should take note. The Cooler Master ML360R RGB is our current 360 AIO thermal performance leader. And while $160 isn’t exactly cheap, there are plenty of competing products that cost more while delivering less-impressive performance.
Read Review: CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML360R RGB
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Best 280mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280
Best 280mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
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
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 Review: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 AIO
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Best 240mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Corsair H100i Pro
Best 240mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Thickness: 1.1" (2.15" w/fans) | Width: 4.75" (120.7mm) | Depth: 10.88" (276.4mm) | Fans: (2) 120 x 25mm | Socket Support: Intel 2066, 2011x, 1366, 115x, AMD AM2(+), AM3(+) AM4, FM1, FM2(+), TR4 | Warranty: 5 years
The addition of the new 240mm H100i to Corsair’s Hydro Pro lineup provides impressive cooling performance, more akin to a larger 360mm model, with the benefit of leaving extra space in your case and spare cash in your pocket. Although the H100i Pro runs a bit light on now-ubiquitous RGB lighting effects, this understated marvel certainly makes up for it where CPU core temperatures are concerned.
By utilizing faster 2400 RPM fans on the H100i Pro, Corsair delivers system builders the option of a great-performing liquid cooler with manageable noise levels. When paired with a smart fan curve, idle and lighter loads will allow for quiet operation. When your CPU cores roll up their sleeves and get to work, the powerful fans will certainly make their presence known. But our tests show that this cooler can keep your CPU temps cooler under load than some larger, pricier alternatives.
Read Review: Corsair H100i Pro
Alternate: Deepcool Gamer Storm Captain 240 Pro
What the Gamer Storm Captain 240 Pro makes up for in low noise what it lacks in cooling power 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.
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Best 120mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
NZXT Kraken M22
Best 120mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
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
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 Review: NZXT Kraken M22
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Best AMD Threadripper
Enermax Liqtech 360 OC TR4
Best AMD Threadripper
Thickness: 1.125" (2.25" w/fans) | Width: 4.75" (120.65mm) | Depth: 15.50" (393.7mm) | Fans: (3) 120 x 25mm | Socket Support: AMD TR4, SP3 | Warranty: 2 years
In the Liqtech 360 TR4 OC, Enermax has graced the Threadripper world with a cooler that covers these large enthusiast processors in full, providing performance similar to custom liquid cooling with the easy installation and moderate cost of an AIO cooler. Enermax also keeps costs down by avoiding RGB lighting and the relevant software integrations. The lack of lighting might turn away some buyers who prefer millions of colors and a software UI. However, Threadripper fans seeking excellent cooling performance, and who wish to set up some simple fan-cooling curves, will find just that in the Liqtech 360 TR4 OC.
Read Review: Enermax Liqtech 360 OC TR4
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Best Custom Cooling Kit
Alphacool Eissturm Hurricane Copper 45
Best Custom Cooling Kit
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
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 Review: Alphacool Eissturm Hurricane Copper 45
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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.
As the old Enermax LIQTECH TR4 360mm AIO Liquid CPU Cooler got 35% 1 star customer reviews on Amazon.
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)
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.