Best Closed-Loop Liquid CPU Coolers
Best Liquid CPU Coolers
1. CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML360R RGB
Best 360mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Rating: 4.5/5 (Editor's Choice)
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
Pros: Excellent cooling ability • Sleek design and aesthetics • Lower price than other 360 AIOs
Cons: Cable / controller management could be better
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, PC 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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2. EVGA CLC 280
Best 280mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Rating: 4/5
Thickness: 1.1" (2.2" w/fans) | Width: 5.5" (138mm) | Depth: 12.25" (312mm) | Fans: (2) 140 x 25mm | Socket Support: Intel 115x, 1366, 2011x/2066, AMD AM4, 4-bolt Legacy | Warranty: 5 years
Pros: Excellent CPU cooling performance • Exceptional voltage-regulator cooling performance (when top-mounted) • PWM fans can be controlled by motherboard or onboard controller
Cons: Somewhat noisy • Onboard controller adds to price
It's not exactly quiet, but EVGA’s CLC 280 combines tried-and-true cooler technology with high-speed PWM fans (which can be controlled via the motherboard or a controller on the cooler) to produce the ultimate-cooling 2x 140mm system.
Read Review: EVGA CLC 280
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3. Corsair H100i Pro
Best 240mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Rating: 4.5/5 (Editor's Choice)
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
Pros: Great performance • Desktop UI control and customization • Powerful high-flow fans
Cons: Might not provide adequate RGB lighting for some • High noise levels at full speed
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 2,400 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
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4. NZXT Kraken M22
Best 120mm Closed-Loop Liquid Cooler
Rating: 4/5
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
Pros: Great cooling for a compact AIO • Handsome, sleek design • CAM software is attractive & intuitive
Cons: $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 CPU 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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5. Enermax Liqtech 360 OC TR4
Best AMD Threadripper
Rating: 4/5
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
Pros: Excellent cooling performance • Aggressive pricing • Easy installation • Full coverage of Threadripper CPUs
Cons: No software UI for real-time management • No RGB or LED lighting on fans (might be a plus, for some)
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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6. Alphacool Eissturm Hurricane Copper 45
Best Custom Cooling Kit
Rating: 4.5/5 (Editor's Choice)
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
Pros: Great cooling performance • Professional-grade components • Very good value for a full watercooling kit
Cons: 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 apparent 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)
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.
The cooling capacity is based on the combination of surface area to be cooled and the CFM of air that passes through them.
The reason you don't see filters on rack-mounted servers is because their design is predicated on the assumption they will be racked up in a data-center where the HVAC system has multiple layers of filtration and maintenance is done on routine to replace the filters. Have one at home, and you will be cracking that box open very often!
As for PC cases, absolutely love the washable filters at both the PSU intake and front side of the case. But IMHO this should be standardized with a tab that makes removing and cleaning them as easy at pulling a lint filter from a cloths dryer. I often have to clean mine every 3-4 months in my office (it's not that bad, but very noticeable how much it collects). My case makes it rather a PITA.
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