When it comes to high-performance CPUs, it’s imperative to keep temperatures in check to achieve optimal performance. That’s where liquid AIO (all-in-one) coolers come into the picture. These coolers use a closed-loop system to transfer heat away from the CPU and dissipate it through a radiator. As a result, liquid AIO coolers have become a popular choice among PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. If you’re also on the hunt for the best liquid AIO coolers, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best liquid AIO coolers in 2023 for high-performance CPUs. We’ll compare their features, performance, and value to help you decide on your next PC build or upgrade.
But first, you might want to check out:
- Learn to cool your CPU using these various tricks
- Make sure to buy one of these CPU thermal pastes for the best performance
1. CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2
- Fans: 240mm (2 x 120mm)
- RGB: Yes | Max Fan Speed: 1800 RPM
- Socket Compatibility: Intel 1200, 115X, 1366, 2066, 2011; AMD AM4, AM5
When it comes to budget AIO water cooling solutions for your PC, CoolerMaster’s MasterLiquid is one of the go-to options out there. The MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 offers a great balance between performance and value. It features a dual-chamber pump design that improves the overall cooling efficiency by separating the coolant and airflow. This allows for better heat dissipation, resulting in lower CPU temperatures.
You also get fancy, adjustable RGB lighting with the device. Also, the company offers an upgrade kit for the newer Intel Alder Lake LGA1700 socket. Do note that you will need to buy the same separately.
2. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240
- Fans: 240mm (2 x 120mm)
- RGB: No | Max Fan Speed: 1800 RPM
- Socket Compatibility: Intel 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2066, 2011; AMD AM4, AM5
Compared to the CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L, there’s no RGB on board here. Instead, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 comes in a matte black finish that should blend well with most PC cabinets. While it misses out on RGB, it more than makes up for it in other departments. For starters, the ARCTIC cooler is compatible with Intel’s latest 1700 socket. So you don’t have to spend extra on an adapter.
Secondly, the cooler’s fans are equipped with an anti-vibration system that reduces noise and improves overall performance. In fact, the folks over at Tom’s Hardware noted this AIO cooler to have a very silent operation. And that’s when paired with a top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor.
3. MSI MAG CoreLiquid 360R V2
- Fans: 360mm (3 x 120mm)
- RGB: Yes | Max Fan Speed: 2000 RPM
- Socket Compatibility: Intel 1700,1200, 115X, 1366, 2066, 2011; AMD AM4, AM5
For a little more than the previous two options, you can choose to fit a 360mm radiator inside your case that will keep your CPU very happy. The MSI MAG CoreLiquid 360R V2 comes with three ARGB PWM fans that operate at high RPMs, while still being quite quiet.
While the fans come with their share of RGB lighting, the company has beautified the MSI logo on top of the water block with controllable RGB LEDs too. One interesting thing about the block head is that it can be rotated by up to 270 degrees. As such, you can just mount the AIO in any which way, and then just rotate the block head to align the MSI logo properly.
The icing on the cake is that the cooler supports both, Intel’s LGA 1700 and AMD’s AM5 sockets, thereby future-proofing your investment.
4. DeepCool LT720
- Fans: 360mm (3 x 120mm)
- RGB: Yes | Max Fan Speed: 2250 RPM
- Socket Compatibility: Intel 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2066, 2011; AMD AM4, AM5
More notably, the DeepCool LT720 is among the rare breed of AIO coolers that can be installed in an SFF build as well. The cooler’s cable doesn’t interfere with your RAM modules either, which is great. And despite its size, the LT720 is perfectly capable of cooling powerful CPUs, including Intel’s 13th-gen i9 processors.
In terms of design, the water block has an infinity mirror design on it. This may or may not appeal to you. However, you still get the RGB lighting, which is always welcome. Do note that the cooler is not exactly silent, but considering its performance output, it’s not a deal-breaker.
5. CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD
- Fans: 420mm (3 x 140mm)
- RGB: Yes | Max Fan Speed: 1600 RPM
- Socket Compatibility: Intel 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2066, 2011; AMD AM4, AM5
The CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD comes with a massive 420mm radiator. As a result, it won’t fit into most mid-tower PCs. But then again, the H170i ELITE is meant for gaming enthusiasts with a beefy case and powerful CPUs.
One of the highlights of this cooler is that the fan curves work relative to the coolant temperature, rather than CPU temperature. As a result, you get a comparatively silent operation, even under strenuous loads.
Another unique feature of the cooler is that it comes with a 2.1-inch high-quality IPS display on top of the water block. As such, you can actually play GIFs or display system stats on your water block. Talk about looking cool. Get it?
6. NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm
- Fans: 360mm (3 x 120mm)
- RGB: Yes | Max Fan Speed: 2000 RPM
- Socket Compatibility: Intel 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2066, 2011; AMD AM4, AM5
If you already own an NZXT cabinet, the Kraken Z73 would fit like a glove. At the same time, it’ll accentuate your PC’s looks that much more. You will also get top-of-the-line performance here, and the noise level is relatively low, with the fans spinning at around 500-2000 RPM, depending on the load.
Also, similar to the CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD, you get a display on top of the water block. However, the Z73 features a bigger 2.36-inch LCD screen capable of displaying 24-bit color. As such, not only do you get a bigger display, but there are also more items to showcase.
One thing to note here is that while the Kraken Z73 does support both the Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets, some sellers might have older stock on hand. As such, you can just request NZXT for either the LGA 1700 or the AM5 bracket, and they’ll ship to you for free. So unlike the CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L, you don’t have to pay extra for the newer brackets. But then again, you’re already paying a premium for the AIO cooler, so there’s that as well.
FAQs About AIO Liquid Coolers
A liquid AIO cooler is a type of CPU cooler that uses liquid to transfer heat away from the CPU. It consists of a pump, radiator, and tubing filled with liquid coolant. The liquid coolant absorbs the heat generated by the CPU and transfers it to the radiator, where it is dissipated by fans.
Unlike normal liquid cooling solutions, AIO coolers don’t require refilling. There is a very low possibility of a leak occurring. As such, AIO coolers are not safer, but will also easily last you for years.
Most liquid AIO coolers, including the ones in our list, come with thermal paste pre-applied on top of the water block. However, you can always invest in a good thermal paste for better results and lower temperatures.
Give Your CPU a Chill-Pill
With the right liquid AIO cooler, you can unlock the full potential of your CPU and take your computing experience to the next level. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or a professional in need of a reliable and efficient cooling solution for your high-performance CPU, there’s a liquid AIO cooler out there that will meet your needs.
We hope our list of some of the best liquid AIO coolers was able to help you make the right decision. So which of these coolers will you be buying? Let us know in the comments below.
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Last updated on 28 April, 2023
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