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We can evaluate the EK AIO 240 D-RGB from the data collected from our Intel i7-5930K test system running at 4.20 Ghz @ 1.20v on an MSI X99S XPower AC board with 16GB of Crucial Ballistix DDR4-2400 memory, all housed in a Corsair Graphite 760T chassis, all powered by a be quiet! 1200 Dark Power PRO.
We’ll look at how it compares against some other notable 240mm AIO coolers we use for high-end thermal comparisons in this product segment.
Benchmark Results
The EK AIO 240 D-RGB runs neck and neck with some of the best 240mm coolers we’ve tested, staying within 1 degree Celsius of both the Corsair H100i RGB PRO XT and Cougar Aqua 240. Thermal load performance across the testing group is within single-digit percentage differences.
Comparing fan RPMs gives us clear indication that we’re looking at performance-focused coolers that aren’t afraid to make use high-airflow volume to achieve results. This often comes at a cost of elevated noise levels while fans operate at full speed.
Not to say we told you so, but... well, we told you so. Ideally, system builders will make use of motherboard BIOS fan curves, dedicated software UI performance settings or a fan controller to manage fan speed and decibel levels when 100% performance isn’t needed. Or maybe you don't mind constant fan noise.
With thermal load performance differences so closely grouped, small differences in registered dBA does make the chart jump about a bit, favoring those with slightly lower volume levels.
Priced at $132 at launch, the EK AIO 240 D-RGB is the most expensive of the testing group, giving it a disadvantage when evaluating price on top of our acoustic efficiency chart. However, performance and value mean different things to different people, making strong differing arguments for all four cooling solutions, depending on utilization, user knowledge and ultimately, what CPU will be cooled.
Thermal imaging from our FLIR ONE Pro camera shows some noticeable heat blooms throughout the radiator and coolant tubing, especially at lower fan speeds where airflow is diminished. We also see a notable difference in heat soak on the pump top itself between both images. As expected, fan hubs show increased thermals at full RPM from power usage and friction, while at the same time the fan chassis registers cooler from the increase in airflow.
The EK AIO 240 D-RGB looks and feels like a luxury or premium liquid cooler when compared to most, which is also echoed by the elevated price point. The lack of software control out of the box (without purchasing another $60 EK box) is likely going to be a major dissuasion point for many users, especially those who may be less comfortable setting fan curves. But for those ready and willing to dive into their BIOS and who don't want to fiddle with extra software or hardware, this could be a selling point.
Cooling performance and appearance really drive the purpose of this liquid cooling solution, making it a solid choice, particularly for those looking to add some of EKWB’s hardware to their build, without the cost or complications typical of custom-cooling setup.
