Introduction
When it comes to CPU cooling, there are plenty of great options out there to keep your CPU running frosty. One of the best ways to cool your processor is with an all-in-one liquid cooler. Selecting the best AIO for your build can be complicated, though, with different radiator sizes, fan types and pump specs available.
With this in mind, it can be tricky to pick the perfect cooler for your CPU and build configuration, something we’re hoping to demystify with in this roundup!
Suggested Article: Best Air Coolers to Buy in 2022
Is Liquid Cooling Worth It?
The Liquid vs Air CPU cooling argument is a long lasting point of contention in the PC gaming space. Many argue for both sides, but I think it primarily boils down to usage. Liquid and air coolers both have their place within the market and there are multiple reasons why you might want to pick up a liquid cooler over an air cooler.
The main one is thermal efficiency. AIOs are designed to move the heat away from your CPU much quicker than an air cooler. This doesn’t mean air coolers are inherently bad, because there are some stellar air coolers out there. However, if you plan on building a PC that will be maintaining a high temperature for a consistent amount of time, then a liquid cooler is plainly a better option. This means those of you that decide to overclock, or are opting for a very powerful system, will likely need to buy an AIO.
Liquid AIO CPU Cooler Manufacturers
The liquid cooler market has grown very popular over recent years, with manufacturers providing plenty of varying options in terms of pricing, aesthetics, features, and sizes. We’ve listed some of the most popular manufacturers in this space below:
Top 3 CPU AIO Liquid Coolers to Buy
We’ve picked three of the coolers from our roundup and given them a GeekaWhat award based on how great they are. We’ve taken into account usage, pricing, performance, and aesthetics to weigh up which of the selection are the best options.
Best Budget Liquid Cooler: DeepCool Castle 240 RGB V2 AIO
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Very cheap for a liquid cooler. ✅ Customisable RGB fans and pump design. ✅ 240mm radiator is easy too accommodate in most builds. | ❌ There are better AIO options for thermals alone. ❌ Does run louder under load than more pricey options. ❌ Installation could be simpler. |
Check the price on:
Best Liquid Cooler For Overclocking: MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ One of the best liquid coolers on the market. ✅ Comes equipped with a customisable LCD display. ✅ Perfect for overclocking. | ❌ One of the most expensive AIOs. ❌ LCD could be seen as excessive. ❌ May cause clearance issues with components such as RAM. |
Check the price on:
Best Looking Liquid Cooler: Corsair H150i RGB Elite Capellix
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ The water block and fans look incredible. ✅ Excellent for overclocking. ✅ Great price to performance. | ❌ Radiator can cause clearance issues. ❌ Awkward to install. ❌ White edition is more expensive than black version. |
Check the price on:
Our Recommendations
1. DeepCool Castle 240 RGB V2
DeepCool‘s Castle 240 is an excellent AIO that provides great cooling without needing to raid your entire bank account. Both the fans and pump have an RGB design, allowing you to add some additional flair to your build. The RGB on the water block design adds depth, and the whole thing feels very sleek.
Key Facts:
- Pump Max RPM: 2550
- Fan Max RPM: 1800
- Connector Type: 4-Pin
- Radiator Size: 240mm
- RGB: Yes
- Ideal For: Budget & Mid-Range Systems
Buy the DeepCool Castle 240 RGB on:
2. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
Cooler Master‘s ML240L V2 is another cheap AIO that is perfect for gaming PCs on the budget side. The fans and water block both have addressable RGB that can be customised in various software suites. This AIO has a more minimalist design when compared to the competition, sporting a sleek black look. Not too dissimilar from the Castle 240 mentioned above, this cooler is ideal for budget and mid-range systems.
Key Facts:
- Pump Max RPM: 2400
- Fan Max RPM: 1800
- Connector Type: 4-Pin
- Radiator Size: 240mm
- RGB: Yes
- Ideal For: Budget & Mid-Range Systems
Buy the MasterLiquid ML240L V2 on:
3. Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix
The H100i Elite Capellix is the H150i’s younger sibling, while still boasting excellent RGB and top-tier performance. This model is the 240mm version, reducing some of the size/compatibility limitations that come with larger radiators and coolers. The biggest standout feature on this AIO is of course the RGB, with Corsair’s super bright, Capellix technology integrated. You also get access to Corsair’s quiet, but powerful, ML (magnetic levitation) fans, along with a stunning water block which can be customised in the industry leading iCUE software.
Key Facts:
- Pump Max RPM: 2650
- Fan Max RPM: 2400
- Connector Type: 4-Pin
- Radiator Size: 240mm
- RGB: Yes
- Ideal For: Mid-Range & High-End Systems
Buy the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix on:
4. Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix
The Corsair H150i Elite Capellix is a cooler that we’ve put into many builds in the past, because it offers both excellent performance, and an unmatched aesthetic. Not dissimilar from the H100i, this AIO comes with iCUE RGB fans, and a beautiful water block, equipped with vivid and illuminant iCUE LEDs. This cooler can of course be customised with Corsair’s iCUE software, allowing you to create your own lighting options to best match your builds theme.
Key Facts:
- Pump Max RPM: 2400
- Fan Max RPM: 2400
- Connector Type: 4-Pin
- Radiator Size: 360mm
- RGB: Yes
- Ideal For: High-End & Overclocking
Buy the Corsair H150i Elite Capellix on:
5. NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB
The NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB is a top performing cooler that provides an awesome look to any build. This cooler also comes with an LCD display on the CPU cooling block which can be customised with GIFs, animations, or thermals, which can all be done within NZXT’s Cam software. The ring of RGB LEDs on each fan is subtle and nice touch, too. When looking at performance, the Kraken Z73 is excellent in pretty much all scenarios, and can move heat away from your CPU very quickly.
Key Facts:
- Pump Max RPM: 2800
- Fan Max RPM: 1500
- Connector Type: 4-Pin
- Radiator Size: 360mm
- RGB: Yes
- Ideal For: High-End & Overclocking
Buy the NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB on:
6. MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360
MSI‘s MEG CoreLiquid S360 is one of the best coolers available on the market that provides optimal thermals in pretty much every scenario. This cooler is both ‘cool’ and very quiet, producing little noise even when the CPU is under heavy loads. Although this cooler is lacking in RGB, it makes up for this with an awesome LCD display. This display can be fully customised in MSI’s Dragon centre, giving you the option to add thermals, memes, or animations to your heart’s content.
Key Facts:
- Pump Max RPM: 2800
- Fan Max RPM: 2000
- Connector Type: 4-Pin
- Radiator Size: 360mm
- RGB: Yes
- Ideal For: High-End & Overclocking
Buy the MEG CoreLiquid S360 on:
