Buying Guide
The Best 240mm AIO Liquid Coolers
Six 240mm AIO liquid coolers compared on pump and fan speed, cabling, displays and socket support for mid-size cases.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 240mm AIO fits nearly every mid-size case and handles most gaming CPUs. The differences between models are mostly in fan speed, cabling and extras.
We compared six 240mm AIOs on pumps, fans, cabling and socket support. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Value 240mm
Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 V2A pump up to 5300 RPM and 2000 RPM fans.
Best for: Budget gaming builds with a mid-size case.
Check price for Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Fans
CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGBFans up to 2400 RPM with zero RPM mode.
Best for: Corsair iCUE builds that want headroom.
Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best with a Display
NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGBA 1.54-inch pump-head LCD.
Best for: Compact showcase builds.
Check price for NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Budget Low-Speed Pick
Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V31500 RPM fans and a pump rated for 40,000 hours.
Best for: Budget builds that favour lower fan speeds.
Check price for Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 240The Coreliquid A13 240 puts the pump in the radiator and uses 390mm tubes, which makes front mounting easy in compact cases.
Best for: Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Check price for MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 240 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Value 240mm1 of 5
Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 V2
The Frozen Notte 240 offers a pump up to 5300 RPM and 2000 RPM fans at a budget price.
Best for
- Budget gaming builds with a mid-size case.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Aqua Elite 240 V3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Thermalright recommends a case wider than 250mm, so check the width. Its two fans reach 2,000 RPM at under 27.7dBA, and the ARGB syncs to a 5V header. On maximum fan speed it sits mid-pack at 2000 RPM: the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM, and the Aqua Elite 240 V3 comes in at 1500 RPM.
On pump speed it leads this guide at 5300 RPM, ahead of the Coreliquid A13 240 (3800 RPM). It also comes with a pump rated for 40,000 hours and braided tubing. Check that your case offers 240mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks.
The maker doesn't spell out LGA1851 mounting, so confirm it on the maker's site for a Core Ultra build. It was priced above the Aqua Elite 240 V3 and below the Coreliquid A13 240 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max fan speed
- 2000 RPM
- Max pump speed
- 5300 RPM
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Pump rated for 40,000 hours
- Braided tubing
- Maximum fan speed of 2000 RPM, ahead of the Aqua Elite 240 V3
- Highest pump speed of the picks (5300 RPM)
Cons
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 240 V3 at the time of writing
Fastest Fans2 of 5
CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGB
The H100i RGB lists the fastest fans here at 2400 RPM, with zero RPM mode for idle.
Best for
- Corsair iCUE builds that want headroom.
Skip if
- Pass on it if lighting and display control need iCUE rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It runs through Corsair's iCUE LINK hub. On maximum fan speed it leads this guide at 2400 RPM, ahead of the Frozen Notte 240 (2000 RPM). It also comes with a 20-LED pump cap.
Check that your case offers 240mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. The maker doesn't spell out LGA1851 mounting, so confirm it on the maker's site for a Core Ultra build. Plan to install iCUE for lighting control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers. Only the Kraken Plus 240 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Max fan speed
- 2400 RPM
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Zero RPM mode
- Yes
- Cabling
- One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- Software
- iCUE
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1700
Pros
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- QX120 RGB fans
- 20-LED pump cap
Cons
- Lighting and display control need iCUE
- No published pump speed
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 240 V3 at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published pump speed figure, whereas the Frozen Notte 240 offers 5300 RPM.
Best with a Display3 of 5
NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGB
The Kraken Plus 240 brings NZXT's 1.54-inch LCD pump head to a 240mm radiator for smaller cases.
Best for
- Compact showcase builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: lighting and display control need NZXT CAM.
Why we like it
Its 1.54-inch LCD shows temperatures, GIFs or Spotify, and the RGB Core fan frame installs with four screws and one cable. NZXT's Turbine pump targets high flow. It also offers RGB fans.
Check that your case offers 240mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. Plan to install NZXT CAM for lighting and display control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Coreliquid A13 240 and the pricier H100i RGB, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Pump display
- 1.54-inch
- Software
- NZXT CAM
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 1.54-inch pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- NZXT's Turbine pump
- RGB fans
Cons
- Lighting and display control need NZXT CAM
- No published maximum fan speed
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 240 V3 at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its maximum fan speed; if that figure matters, the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM.
Budget Low-Speed Pick4 of 5
Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V3
The Aqua Elite 240 V3 is a budget AIO with a 2800 RPM pump rated for 40,000 hours and 1500 RPM fans, which favour quiet over headroom.
Best for
- Budget builds that favour lower fan speeds.
Skip if
- Skip it if maximum fan speed matters most to you; the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM.
Why we like it
The fourth-generation pump head sits on a 240mm aluminum radiator with mesh-sleeved tubing. Fans and pump sync ARGB through a 5V 3-pin motherboard header. The two TL-C12B-S V2 fans are 120mm PWM units rated at up to 66.17CFM and 25.6dBA or less.
On maximum fan speed it trails the group at 1500 RPM, while the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM. Its 2800 RPM pump speed is the lowest in this group; the Frozen Notte 240 leads at 5300 RPM. Check that your case offers 240mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks.
The maker doesn't spell out LGA1851 mounting, so confirm it on the maker's site for a Core Ultra build. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Frozen Notte 240 was closest.
Key specs
- Max fan speed
- 1500 RPM
- Max pump speed
- 2800 RPM
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Octagonal ARGB pump head
- Pump rated for 40,000 hours
- 1500 RPM fans and a pump rated for 40,000 hours
Cons
- Maximum fan speed trails the H100i RGB (2400 RPM)
- Pump speed trails the Frozen Notte 240 (5300 RPM)
The catch
Maximum fan speed is its weakest area, and the H100i RGB covers it better at 2400 RPM.
Solid Alternative5 of 5
MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 240
The Coreliquid A13 240 puts the pump in the radiator and uses 390mm tubes, which makes front mounting easy in compact cases.
Best for
- Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Skip if
- The maker gives no maximum fan speed, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It supports LGA 1851 out of the box. The split-flow radiator uses an integrated three-phase pump that spins up to 3800RPM on ceramic bearings. The pump runs up to 3800RPM, the tubing is 390mm, and it supports LGA 1851 out of the box.
The tubing is triple-layered netted plastic under mesh sheathing to keep coolant in. Dual 120mm ARGB PWM fans are included, and thermal paste comes in the box. On pump speed it sits mid-pack at 3800 RPM: the Frozen Notte 240 offers 5300 RPM, and the Aqua Elite 240 V3 comes in at 2800 RPM.
Check that your case offers 240mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. Its price falls between the Frozen Notte 240 and the Kraken Plus 240, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Max pump speed
- 3800 RPM
- Tube length
- 390mm
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Split-flow radiator with the pump built into it
- Ceramic pump bearings
- Pump speed of 3800 RPM, ahead of the Aqua Elite 240 V3
Cons
- No published maximum fan speed
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 240 V3 at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed maximum fan speed should compare it with the H100i RGB, which offers 2400 RPM.
How We Chose These 240mm AIO Coolers
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five AIO coolers on maximum fan speed, pump speed, fan size and software as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 1 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while maximum fan speed and pump speed have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Frozen Notte 240 to the Coreliquid A13 240, state sockets named.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Kraken Plus 240 and the Coreliquid A13 240 give no maximum fan speed; the H100i RGB and the Kraken Plus 240 give no pump speed.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Aqua Elite 240 V3 (under $50) to the H100i RGB ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a 240mm AIO Cooler
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much maximum fan speed you need
Across these 3 picks maximum fan speed spans 1500 RPM (the Aqua Elite 240 V3) to 2400 RPM (the H100i RGB). For less, the Frozen Notte 240 is the runner-up at 2000 RPM (under $50 tier). The Kraken Plus 240 and the Coreliquid A13 240 give no maximum fan speed figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Pump speed across these picks
Here pump speed runs from 2800 RPM on the Aqua Elite 240 V3 to 5300 RPM on the Frozen Notte 240, an 89% spread. Start with the Frozen Notte 240 if pump speed decides it. The H100i RGB and the Kraken Plus 240 give no pump speed figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them Features beyond the spec table
The Kraken Plus 240: RGB fans. The Aqua Elite 240 V3: a pump rated for 40,000 hours. The Coreliquid A13 240: ceramic pump bearings.
Budget
Under $50 buys the Aqua Elite 240 V3 and the Frozen Notte 240; $50 to $100 buys the Coreliquid A13 240 and the Kraken Plus 240; $100 to $150 buys the H100i RGB at our last check.
A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC Match the pick to your priority
Budget gaming builds with a mid-size case: the Frozen Notte 240. Corsair iCUE builds that want headroom: the H100i RGB. Compact showcase builds: the Kraken Plus 240.
How to Choose a 240mm AIO Cooler
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget gaming builds with a mid-size case | Frozen Notte 240 | A pump up to 5300 RPM and 2000 RPM fans |
| Corsair iCUE builds that want headroom | H100i RGB | Fans up to 2400 RPM with zero RPM mode |
| Compact showcase builds | Kraken Plus 240 | A 1.54-inch pump-head LCD |
| Budget builds that favour lower fan speeds | Aqua Elite 240 V3 | 1500 RPM fans and a pump rated for 40,000 hours |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The H100i RGB leads on maximum fan speed at 2400 RPM, ahead of the Frozen Notte 240 at 2000 RPM. "Not listed" marks maximum fan speed where the Kraken Plus 240 and the Coreliquid A13 240 leave the figure out.
| AIO cooler | Max fan speed | Max pump speed | Fan size | Software |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Notte 240 | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM | 120mm | Not listed |
| H100i RGB | 2400 RPM | Not listed | 120mm | iCUE |
| Kraken Plus 240 | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | NZXT CAM |
| Aqua Elite 240 V3 | 1500 RPM | 2800 RPM | 120mm | Not listed |
| Coreliquid A13 240 | Not listed | 3800 RPM | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Aqua Elite 240 V3, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the H100i RGB at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | AIO coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Aqua Elite 240 V3, Frozen Notte 240 |
| About $50 to $100 | Coreliquid A13 240, Kraken Plus 240 |
| About $100 to $150 | H100i RGB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H100i RGB ahead of the Frozen Notte 240 on maximum fan speed?
The H100i RGB leads at 2400 RPM, with the Frozen Notte 240 at 2000 RPM. The Aqua Elite 240 V3 closes the ranking at 1500 RPM. The Kraken Plus 240 and the Coreliquid A13 240 don't state a maximum fan speed figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the highest pump speed: the Frozen Notte 240 or the Coreliquid A13 240?
The Frozen Notte 240 tops pump speed at 5300 RPM; the Coreliquid A13 240 follows at 3800 RPM, 39% apart. The spread runs down to the Aqua Elite 240 V3 at 2800 RPM. No pump speed figure is published for the H100i RGB and the Kraken Plus 240, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the H100i RGB worth paying more than the Aqua Elite 240 V3?
What it brings is maximum fan speed (2400 RPM against 1500 RPM). The Aqua Elite 240 V3 sat in the under $50 tier and the H100i RGB in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if maximum fan speed decides your purchase.
What makes the Frozen Notte 240 the Best Value 240mm?
The label rests on a pump up to 5300 RPM and 2000 RPM fans. It suits budget gaming builds with a mid-size case.
Do the H100i RGB and the Kraken Plus 240 differ on software?
The H100i RGB uses iCUE; the Kraken Plus 240 uses NZXT CAM. The makers of the Frozen Notte 240, the Aqua Elite 240 V3 and the Coreliquid A13 240 don't state software, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Frozen Notte 240 and the H100i RGB apart?
The Frozen Notte 240: a pump rated for 40,000 hours. The H100i RGB: QX120 RGB fans. The Kraken Plus 240: NZXT's Turbine pump.
Bottom Line
The Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 is the value pick, the Corsair Nautilus 240 RS is the simplest install and the Corsair H100i RGB has the most fan headroom.
The NZXT Kraken Plus 240 adds a display, the Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V3 is the quiet budget choice, and the MSI Coreliquid A13 240 suits front mounting.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best 280mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Related guideThe Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Related guideThe Best CPU Air Coolers
- Lower budgetThe Best AIO Coolers Under $60
- Similar guideThe Best 240mm AIO Coolers by Pump Speed
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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