Buying Guide
The Best Quiet CPU Coolers
From the H115i RGB to the Kraken Plus 360: five liquid coolers ranked on maximum fan speed and fan size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A liquid cooler is quietest when its fans can stop at idle and the pump stays inaudible. Every pick has a zero RPM fan mode, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for max fan speed, fan size and pump display; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out max fan speed, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
CORSAIR iCUE LINK H115i RGBUndercutting the Kraken Plus 280 on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $150.
Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK H115i RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
NZXT Kraken Plus 280NZXT's Turbine pump.
Best for: Buyers who want NZXT's Turbine pump.
Check price for NZXT Kraken Plus 280 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGBA FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor.
Best for: Buyers who want FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor.
Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Maximum Fan Speed
CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGBThe highest maximum fan speed here (2400 RPM).
Best for: Buyers who put maximum fan speed first.
Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK H100i RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
NZXT Kraken Plus 360The top of this price range, adding NZXT's Turbine pump.
Best for: Spending more than the H100i RGB costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for NZXT Kraken Plus 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
CORSAIR iCUE LINK H115i RGB
The H115i RGB runs pump and fans through Corsair's iCUE LINK hub, with fans up to 2000 RPM and zero RPM mode.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $150.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: lighting and display control need iCUE.
Why we like it
It belongs in Corsair-based builds. On maximum fan speed it trails the group at 2000 RPM, while the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM. Like the Titan 360 RX and H100i RGB, it has iCUE software, while the Kraken Plus 280 uses NZXT CAM software.
Check that your case offers 280mm 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Kraken Plus 280 was closest.
Key specs
- Max fan speed
- 2000 RPM
- Fan size
- 140mm
- 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
- QX140 RGB fans
- 20-LED pump cap
Cons
- Lighting and display control need iCUE
- Maximum fan speed trails the H100i RGB (2400 RPM)
The catch
Maximum fan speed is its weakest area, and the H100i RGB covers it better at 2400 RPM.
Also Consider2 of 5
NZXT Kraken Plus 280
The Kraken Plus 280 pairs 140mm fans with NZXT's 1.54-inch LCD pump head and zero RPM mode.
Best for
- Buyers who want NZXT's Turbine pump.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: lighting and display control need NZXT CAM.
Why we like it
It suits builders who want a display without a separate controller. Like the Kraken Plus 360, it has NZXT CAM software, while the H100i RGB uses iCUE software. It also offers a single breakout cable from the pump cap.
Check that your case offers 280mm 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. When we checked, only the H115i RGB cost less, and the Titan 360 RX cost more.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 140mm
- Pump display
- 1.54-inch
- Zero RPM mode
- Yes
- Software
- NZXT CAM
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 1.54-inch pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- NZXT's Turbine pump
Cons
- Lighting and display control need NZXT CAM
- No published maximum fan speed
- Costs more than the H115i RGB at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed maximum fan speed, look to the H100i RGB instead: it offers 2400 RPM, while this one gives no figure.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB
The Titan 360 RX runs pump and fans through one iCUE LINK hub, with fans up to 2100 RPM and a zero RPM mode.
Best for
- Buyers who want FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: lighting and display control need iCUE.
Why we like it
It fits builds already in Corsair's ecosystem. On maximum fan speed it sits mid-pack at 2100 RPM: the H100i RGB offers 2400 RPM, and the H115i RGB comes in at 2000 RPM. Like the H115i RGB and H100i RGB, it has iCUE software, while the Kraken Plus 280 uses NZXT CAM software.
It also offers a FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor. Check that your case offers 360mm 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 iCUE for lighting control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers. When we checked, only the Kraken Plus 280 and cheaper picks cost less, and the H100i RGB cost more.
Key specs
- Max fan speed
- 2100 RPM
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Zero RPM mode
- Yes
- Cabling
- One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- Software
- iCUE
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor
Cons
- Lighting and display control need iCUE
- Costs more than the H115i RGB at the time of writing
Highest Maximum Fan Speed4 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
- Buyers who put maximum fan speed first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: lighting and display control need iCUE.
Why we like it
It runs through Corsair's iCUE LINK hub. Nothing else here matches its 2400 RPM maximum fan speed; the Titan 360 RX comes closest at 2100 RPM. Like the H115i RGB and Titan 360 RX, it has iCUE software, while the Kraken Plus 280 uses NZXT CAM software.
It also offers 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. When we checked, only the Titan 360 RX and cheaper picks cost less, and the Kraken Plus 360 cost more.
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
- Costs more than the H115i RGB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
NZXT Kraken Plus 360
The Kraken Plus 360 adds a 1.54-inch LCD to NZXT's pump for temperatures or custom images, with zero RPM fan control through NZXT CAM.
Best for
- Spending more than the H100i RGB costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when lighting and display control need NZXT CAM is a problem.
Why we like it
Like the Kraken Plus 280, it has NZXT CAM software, while the H100i RGB uses iCUE software. You also get a single breakout cable from the pump cap. Check that your case offers 360mm 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the H100i RGB the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Pump display
- 1.54-inch
- Zero RPM mode
- Yes
- Software
- NZXT CAM
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 1.54-inch pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- NZXT's Turbine pump
Cons
- Lighting and display control need NZXT CAM
- No published maximum fan speed
- Costs more than the H115i RGB at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed maximum fan speed, look to the H100i RGB instead: it offers 2400 RPM, while this one gives no figure.
How We Chose These Quiet CPU 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.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five AIO coolers on maximum fan speed, fan size, pump display and zero RPM mode from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and maximum fan speed and pump display are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the H115i RGB to the Kraken Plus 360, state fan size, zero RPM mode and software and share zero RPM mode.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Kraken Plus 280 and the Kraken Plus 360 give no maximum fan speed; the H115i RGB, the Titan 360 RX and the H100i RGB give no pump display.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the H115i RGB ($100 to $150) to the Kraken Plus 360 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Quiet CPU 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 2000 RPM (the H115i RGB) to 2400 RPM (the H100i RGB). For less, the Titan 360 RX is the runner-up at 2100 RPM. The Kraken Plus 280 and the Kraken Plus 360 give no maximum fan speed figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Zero RPM mode
The H115i RGB, the Kraken Plus 280, the Titan 360 RX, the H100i RGB and the Kraken Plus 360 have it. Settling zero RPM mode first narrows 5 picks to 5.
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them Features beyond the spec table
The H115i RGB: a 20-LED pump cap. The Kraken Plus 280: a single breakout cable from the pump cap. The Titan 360 RX: pre-mounted RX RGB fans.
How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the H115i RGB, the Kraken Plus 280, the Titan 360 RX and the H100i RGB; $150 to $250 buys the Kraken Plus 360 at our last check.
A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC Match the pick to your priority
Keeping the cost under $150: the H115i RGB. Buyers who put maximum fan speed first: the H100i RGB. Spending more than the H100i RGB costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the Kraken Plus 360.
How to Choose a Quiet CPU Cooler
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $150 | H115i RGB | Undercutting the Kraken Plus 280 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want NZXT's Turbine pump | Kraken Plus 280 | NZXT's Turbine pump |
| Buyers who want FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor | Titan 360 RX | A FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor |
| Buyers who put maximum fan speed first | H100i RGB | The highest maximum fan speed here (2400 RPM) |
| Spending more than the H100i RGB costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Kraken Plus 360 | The top of this price range, adding NZXT's Turbine pump |
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 Titan 360 RX at 2100 RPM. "Not listed" marks maximum fan speed where the Kraken Plus 280 and the Kraken Plus 360 leave the figure out.
| AIO cooler | Max fan speed | Fan size | Pump display | Zero RPM mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H115i RGB | 2000 RPM | 140mm | Not listed | Yes |
| Kraken Plus 280 | Not listed | 140mm | 1.54-inch | Yes |
| Titan 360 RX | 2100 RPM | 120mm | Not listed | Yes |
| H100i RGB | 2400 RPM | 120mm | Not listed | Yes |
| Kraken Plus 360 | Not listed | 120mm | 1.54-inch | Yes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the H115i RGB, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Kraken Plus 360 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | AIO coolers |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | H115i RGB, Kraken Plus 280, Titan 360 RX, H100i RGB |
| About $150 to $250 | Kraken Plus 360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Titan 360 RX compare with the H100i RGB on maximum fan speed?
Between the top two, it is 2400 RPM on the H100i RGB against 2100 RPM on the Titan 360 RX, a 14% difference. The H115i RGB is at the other end of this group with 2000 RPM. No maximum fan speed figure is published for the Kraken Plus 280 and the Kraken Plus 360, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
What makes the H100i RGB the Highest Maximum Fan Speed?
It earns the label for the highest maximum fan speed here (2400 RPM). The Titan 360 RX is next on maximum fan speed at 2100 RPM, so this pick's 2400 RPM is 14% further out. It suits anyone who puts maximum fan speed first.
Do the H115i RGB and the Kraken Plus 280 differ on software?
The H115i RGB, the Titan 360 RX and the H100i RGB use iCUE; the Kraken Plus 280 and the Kraken Plus 360 use NZXT CAM.
Beyond the specs, what sets the H115i RGB and the Kraken Plus 280 apart?
The H115i RGB: QX140 RGB fans. The Kraken Plus 280: NZXT's Turbine pump. The Titan 360 RX: a FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor.
Should I pick the H115i RGB or the Kraken Plus 360?
The H115i RGB suits keeping the cost under $150; the Kraken Plus 360 suits spending more than the H100i RGB costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the H115i RGB, chosen for undercutting the Kraken Plus 280 on price when we checked. Look at the Kraken Plus 280 for NZXT's Turbine pump, the Titan 360 RX for a FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor and the H100i RGB for the highest maximum fan speed here (2400 RPM) if those matter more to you.
Set a gentle fan curve in the BIOS; the default often ramps too fast.
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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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