Introduction
When it comes to CPU coolers, the most important aspects are usually considered to be performance, airflow, and noise levels. However, a lot of consumers will also pick a CPU cooler based on looks. For those looking to build an all-white build in particular, finding a white CPU cooler can be quite hard. Whilst it might not be as important to the aesthetics as a white PC case or GPU, a white CPU cooling system will help with the overall synergy of an all-white PC build.
In this buyers guide, we’ve tested a number of different designs to provide an overview of the best white AIO liquid coolers on the market. Our recommendations include a range of designs available at various price points.
Suggested Article: The Best Silent CPU Coolers To Buy For Any Gaming PC Build
All the White CPU Coolers in Our Testing Roundup
Best White Liquid CPU Coolers
1. MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R V2
MSI’s MAG CORELIQUID 240R V2 is an excellent looking cooler that sports a 240mm radiator designed to dissipate heat rapidly using the split pathway design found on the inside of the radiator. The tubing connector from the radiator to the pump is evaporation proof, reducing the chance of any liquid being lost due to high thermals. The unique pump design also generates minimal vibrations designed for long-lasting operation whilst keeping your noise levels low and removing any annoying buzzing or whirring sounds.
The MAG CORELIQUID has extensive compatibility, providing you the option to choose between AMD and Intel with support for the latest LGA1700 and AM5 sockets. Not to mention this CPU cooler looks awesome. The triangle design on the pump with the integrated RGB logo provides some much needed flair, and the RGB fans are both silent and vibrant allowing you to create a lightshow in your PC case!
Whilst this 240mm CPU cooler is a great choice for keeping the temperatures of budget and mid-range coolers to a minimum, it will struggle to stay on top of the demands from high-end builds. Additionally, the noise levels of the CORELIQUID 240R V2 are fairly high, which means this cooler will be quite loud in most builds.
Buy the MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R V2 White on:
2. Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix
The iCUE H150i Elite Capellix from Corsair a firm favourite in the GeekaWhat office. Alongside this cooler offering excellent thermal dissipation and performance, its biggest selling point is how good it looks. All of the Capellix designs feature Corsair’s unique ‘Capellix RGB’ lighting. This proprietary technology allows Corsair to integrate small but vibrant RGB LEDs into their components giving users the opportunity to create incredible lighting effects and colours using Corsair’s industry leading iCUE software.
The low-noise centrifugal pump delivers an excellent flow rate to ensure that heat is dispersed quickly and efficiently while remaining extremely quiet even while offsetting a significant workload. The magnetic levitation fans also deliver powerful airflow for great CPU cooling, combined with near-silent operation due to the magnetic bearing design.
Unfortunately, this premium design comes with a fairly steep price tag, making it a less viable option for price-conscious buyers. However, compared to other 360mm AIO coolers on the market, which makes the H150i Elite Capellix a solid choice for any high-end gaming PC.
Buy the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix on:
3. NZXT Kraken X73 RGB
If there’s one thing that NZXT is good at, it is making fine looking components. For years, NZXT have been the go-to for cases due to their sleek and minimalist design, along with usability tweaks which make the building process much simpler. When the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB came along, we knew we would have to get our hands on one to show off in a number of gaming PC builds.
The Kraken X73 RGB features an infinity mirror design with RGB lights lining the inside that just look awesome. Customising the lighting with a number of different colours and effects using NZXT Cam is extremely easy. All three of the Aer RGB 2 fans can make your build shine brightly and can be synced up with any other NZXT components or accessories. This cooler will be perfect for a high-end build that needs a powerful solution to sustain lower temperatures, but also for users that want to put their PC on display in all its glory!
But in order to get access to the minimalist design and strong set of features, you’ll have to shell out a lot of cash for the privilege. Simply put, the Kraken X73 is one of the most expensive AIO coolers on the market, which means that it is reserved for PCs filled with the best components available.
Buy the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB on:
CPU Cooling Requirements
To provide some further context on the kind of CPUs that will need a liquid cooler, we’ve created a table that covers both AMD and Intel SKUs, and whether we’d recommend using an air cooler or liquid cooler for each range.
CPU SKUs | Air Cooler | Liquid Cooler |
AMD Ryzen 9 7000 Series | ❌ | ✅ |
AMD Ryzen 7 7000 Series | ❌ | ✅ |
AMD Ryzen 5 7000 Series | ✅ | ✅ |
AMD Ryzen 9 5000 Series | ❌ | ✅ |
AMD Ryzen 7 5000 Series | ✅ | ✅ |
AMD Ryzen 5 5000 Series | ✅ | ❌ |
Intel Core i9 13th Gen | ❌ | ✅ |
Intel Core i7 13th Gen | ✅ | ✅ |
Intel Core i5 13th Gen | ✅ | ❌ |
Intel Core i9 12th Gen | ❌ | ✅ |
Intel Core i7 12th Gen | ✅ | ✅ |
Intel Core i5 12th Gen | ✅ | ❌ |
How We Tested the Best White CPU Coolers
When testing the latest CPU coolers to arrive at GeekaWhat HQ, there are multiple factors that we evaluate to determine whether consumers should consider buying the cooling solution in question. These factors include:
- Thermal regulation
- Airflow
- Form factor
- Aesthetic
- Value for money
Conclusion
Best White CPU Liquid Cooler: MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R V2
All of the white CPU coolers featured in this testing roundup are strong choices for a white-themed gaming PC. However, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R V2 is our top pick, as it offers a striking balance of aesthetics and performance for a reasonable price. As a 240mm AIO cooler, the CORELIQUID 240R V2 is likely to fit into a wider range of PC cases, making it more versatile than its 360mm counterparts.