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 The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Value 240mm
Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 V2
A pump up to 5300 RPM and 2000 RPM fans.
Best for: Budget gaming builds with a mid-size case.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 V2 (opens in a new tab)
Simplest Setup
CORSAIR Nautilus 240 RS ARGB
Daisy-chained fans with no software required.
Best for: Builders who want a clean install without a hub.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR Nautilus 240 RS ARGB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Fans
CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGB
Fans up to 2400 RPM with zero RPM mode.
Best for: Corsair iCUE builds that want headroom.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGB (opens in a new tab)
Best with a Display
NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGB
A 1.54-inch pump-head LCD.
Best for: Compact showcase builds.
Our take Check price for NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGB (opens in a new tab)
Budget Low-Speed Pick
Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V3
1500 RPM fans and a pump rated for 40,000 hours.
Best for: Budget builds that favour lower fan speeds.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V3 (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
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.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 240 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Value 240mm1 of 6
Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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
Simplest Setup2 of 6
CORSAIR Nautilus 240 RS ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Nautilus 240 RS runs its daisy-chained fans straight from the motherboard, with no hub or app, and a pump Corsair rates at 20 dBA.
Best for
- Builders who want a clean install without a hub.
Skip if
- Its maximum fan speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Its convex cold plate comes with pre-applied paste, and RS120 ARGB fans use magnetic dome bearings. 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.
It makes the most sense for builders who want a clean install without a hub, since it offers daisy-chained fans with no software required. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Coreliquid A13 240 and the pricier Kraken Plus 240, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its maximum fan speed; if that figure matters, the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- Cabling: Daisy-chained fans that connect straight to the motherboard
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Daisy-chained fans that connect straight to the motherboard
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Pump rated at 20 dBA
- Daisy-chained fans with no software required
Cons
- No published maximum fan speed
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 240 V3 at the time of writing
Fastest Fans3 of 6
CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 iCU 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 6 picks. There is no published pump speed figure, whereas the Frozen Notte 240 offers 5300 RPM.
Key dimensions & 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
Best with a Display4 of 6
NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 fifth of 6, between the cheaper Nautilus 240 RS and the pricier H100i RGB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its maximum fan speed; if that figure matters, the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM.
Key dimensions & 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
Budget Low-Speed Pick5 of 6
Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
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. You also get an octagonal ARGB pump head.
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 dimensions & 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)
Solid Alternative6 of 6
MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 240 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
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. It also comes with a split-flow radiator with the pump built into it and ceramic pump bearings. 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 Nautilus 240 RS, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed maximum fan speed should compare it with the H100i RGB, which offers 2400 RPM.
Key dimensions & 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
How We Chose These 240mm AIO Coolers
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Extras
- We recorded pump displays, VRM fans and zero RPM modes where listed.
- Pump and fans
- We noted listed pump and fan speeds and fan size.
- Setup
- We compared cabling, hubs and the software each unit needs.
- Fit and mounting
- We checked radiator size and listed socket support, including AM5 and LGA1851.
What to Look for in a 240mm AIO Cooler
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match radiator size to the CPU
A 240mm radiator handles most gaming CPUs. 280mm and 360mm units give more headroom for 170W chips and let fans run slower.
Count the cables and headers
Some AIOs daisy-chain fans or run everything through one hub; others need several fan headers and a USB header. Check what your motherboard has free.
Mount the pump below the radiator's top
Air collects at the highest point of the loop. Keep the radiator's top edge above the pump, or tubes-down at the front, to avoid pump noise and wear.
Confirm radiator support in your case
Cases list which radiator sizes fit at the front, top and side. A top mount also has to clear the motherboard's heatsinks and tall RAM.
Check the case's clearance figure for radiator plus fans.
AIOs have a finite life
Pumps and coolant age over years of use. Warranty length is a fair guide to how long the maker expects the unit to last.
Software is optional but useful
LCD screens and lighting usually need the maker's software. Pump and fan speeds can run from motherboard headers instead.
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 |
| Builders who want a clean install without a hub | Nautilus 240 RS | Daisy-chained fans with no software required |
| 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
Figures as each maker states them.
| AIO cooler | Max fan speed | Max pump speed | Fan size | Cabling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Notte 240 | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM | 120mm | Not listed |
| Nautilus 240 RS | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | Daisy-chained fans that connect straight to the motherboard |
| H100i RGB | 2400 RPM | Not listed | 120mm | One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans |
| Kraken Plus 240 | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | Not listed |
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | AIO coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Aqua Elite 240 V3, Frozen Notte 240 |
| About $50 to $100 | Coreliquid A13 240, Nautilus 240 RS, Kraken Plus 240 |
| About $100 to $150 | H100i RGB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an LCD pump head worth it?
Only for looks or quick temperature readouts. It does not change cooling performance.
Should the radiator be at the front or top?
Either works. Top-mounted exhausts keep warm air out of the case; front-mounted intake gives the CPU cooler air. Keep the pump below the radiator's top.
Does an AIO need maintenance?
Only dusting the radiator. The loop is sealed and is not meant to be refilled.
Do AIO coolers leak?
Leaks are rare with current sealed units, and several makers cover damage under warranty. Check the terms for your model.
Is an AIO better than an air cooler?
For CPUs rated at 170W or more, a 280mm or 360mm AIO usually runs cooler or quieter. For 65W to 120W chips, a good dual-tower air cooler is often just as effective.
Where do I plug in the pump?
Use the motherboard's AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN header, set to full speed or DC mode as the maker recommends.
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.