Buying Guide
The Best PC Liquid Cooling Systems
Six all-in-one liquid coolers from 240mm to 420mm, so you can match the radiator to your case and CPU.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
An all-in-one liquid cooler moves CPU heat to a radiator, so the case's radiator support sets what fits. Larger radiators suit hotter chips; 240mm units suit smaller cases and cooler CPUs.
We compared radiator size, fans and cabling from each listing; we did not test these coolers.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Radiator
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 A-RGBA 420mm radiator with 140mm fans and a VRM fan.
Best for: The hottest CPUs in large cases.
Check price for ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 A-RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 360mm ARGB System
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGBA 360mm radiator with a VRM fan and ARGB fans.
Best for: RGB builds with hot CPUs.
Check price for ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Plain 360mm
Cooler Master 360L Core ARGBA 360mm radiator for AM5 and LGA1851.
Best for: Builds that skip software.
Check price for Cooler Master 360L Core ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 360mm
ID-COOLING FX360 PROA 360mm radiator with 120mm fans.
Best for: 360mm cooling on a budget.
Check price for ID-COOLING FX360 PRO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 280mm Option
be quiet! Pure Loop 3 280mmA 280mm radiator with daisy-chained PWM fans.
Best for: Cases with 140mm mounts.
Check price for be quiet! Pure Loop 3 280mm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 240mm With LCD
NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGBA 240mm radiator with a 1.54-inch LCD.
Best for: Smaller cases.
Check price for NZXT Kraken Plus 240 RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Radiator1 of 6
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 A-RGB
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 uses three 140mm fans on a larger radiator.
Best for
- The hottest CPUs in large cases.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the FX360 PRO, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Check that your case offers 420mm radiator support. Its 420mm radiator uses 140mm P14 PRO fans, and an integrated VRM fan cools the power stage. A contact frame for LGA1851 and LGA1700 is included.
It also offers native offset mounting. Check that your case offers 420mm 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.
You also get this: fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB and the pricier Kraken Plus 240, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 140mm
- VRM fan
- Yes
- Cabling
- Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Built-in fan that cools the motherboard's power stages
- Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- P14 PRO fans
Cons
- Costs more than the FX360 PRO at the time of writing
Best 360mm ARGB System2 of 6
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB is the lit version of ARCTIC's thick-radiator 360, with the same VRM fan and offset mounting.
Best for
- RGB builds with hot CPUs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the FX360 PRO, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
An integrated VRM fan cools the motherboard power stage, and the offset cold plate targets the CPU hotspot. The A-RGB P12 PRO fans add lighting without losing airflow. The contact frame spreads pressure evenly on Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 chips.
Its fan cables run inside the tube sleeve, so only one cable reaches the motherboard. The P12 PRO fans spin faster than the standard P12 when needed. The VRM fan is PWM-controlled, and the contact frame is aimed at longer CPU life on Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700.
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. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper 360L Core and the pricier Liquid Freezer III Pro 420, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- VRM fan
- Yes
- Cabling
- Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Built-in fan that cools the motherboard's power stages
- Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- P12 PRO A-RGB fans
Cons
- Costs more than the FX360 PRO at the time of writing
Best Plain 360mm3 of 6
Cooler Master 360L Core ARGB
The 360L Core uses Cooler Master's dual-chamber pump and includes CryoFuze paste.
Best for
- Builds that skip software.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the FX360 PRO cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its frosted fan blades spread ARGB light evenly, and the PWM blade design improves airflow and pressure. The minimalist pump cap keeps the look clean. 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. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the FX360 PRO at the time of writing. Its price falls between the FX360 PRO and the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Gen S dual-chamber pump
- CryoFuze paste in the box
- A 360mm radiator for AM5 and LGA1851
Cons
- Costs more than the FX360 PRO at the time of writing
Best Budget 360mm4 of 6
ID-COOLING FX360 PRO
The FX360 PRO is ID-COOLING's budget 360 rated at 350W.
Best for
- 360mm cooling on a budget.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
ID-COOLING rates it for 350W, and its three 120mm fans move up to 82.5 CFM. The all-black finish suits dark cases. Its fans daisy-chain to each other, which cuts down on cables to the motherboard.
The fans are rated at 2.55mmH2O static pressure. It also comes with simple fan cable management. 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. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the 360L Core the next step up.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- 350W rating
- Simple fan cable management
- A 360mm radiator with 120mm fans
Best 280mm Option5 of 6
be quiet! Pure Loop 3 280mm
The Pure Loop 3 280 is be quiet!'s low-noise take, with Pure Wings 3 fans that daisy-chain and a PWM pump.
Best for
- Cases with 140mm mounts.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the FX360 PRO cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits quiet builds that skip RGB software. Its PWM pump has a six-pole motor for low vibration, and flexible sleeved tubes make mounting simple. 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. Only the Kraken Plus 240 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 140mm
- Cabling
- Daisy-chained PWM fans
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Daisy-chained PWM fans
- PWM pump with a six-pole motor
- Pure Wings 3 fans
- A 280mm radiator with daisy-chained PWM fans
Cons
- Costs more than the FX360 PRO at the time of writing
Best 240mm With LCD6 of 6
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
- Smaller cases.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers 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. 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. When we checked, only the Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Pure Loop 3 280 cost more.
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
- Costs more than the FX360 PRO at the time of writing
How We Chose These PC Cooling Systems
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 six AIO coolers on fan size, VRM fan, cabling and sockets named, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and VRM fan and cabling are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 to the Kraken Plus 240, state fan size and sockets named.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The 360L Core, the FX360 PRO, the Pure Loop 3 280 and the Kraken Plus 240 give no VRM fan; the 360L Core, the FX360 PRO and the Kraken Plus 240 give no cabling.
- Price range
- From the FX360 PRO to the Pure Loop 3 280, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a PC Cooling System
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Extras that separate them
The FX360 PRO: simple fan cable management. The Pure Loop 3 280: Pure Wings 3 fans. The Kraken Plus 240: RGB fans.
How much to spend
All 6 sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, from the FX360 PRO at the low end to the Pure Loop 3 280 at the top, so decide on features first.
A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC Start from what matters most
The hottest CPUs in large cases: the Liquid Freezer III Pro 420. RGB builds with hot CPUs: the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB. Builds that skip software: the 360L Core.
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.
A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans 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.
How to Choose a PC Cooling System
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The hottest CPUs in large cases | Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 | A 420mm radiator with 140mm fans and a VRM fan |
| RGB builds with hot CPUs | Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB | A 360mm radiator with a VRM fan and ARGB fans |
| Builds that skip software | 360L Core | A 360mm radiator for AM5 and LGA1851 |
| 360mm cooling on a budget | FX360 PRO | A 360mm radiator with 120mm fans |
| Cases with 140mm mounts | Pure Loop 3 280 | A 280mm radiator with daisy-chained PWM fans |
| Smaller cases | Kraken Plus 240 | A 240mm radiator with a 1.54-inch LCD |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 420, the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB and the rest, as their makers list them.
| AIO cooler | Fan size | VRM fan | Cabling | Sockets named |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 | 140mm | Yes | Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB | 120mm | Yes | Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| 360L Core | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| FX360 PRO | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| Pure Loop 3 280 | 140mm | Not listed | Daisy-chained PWM fans | AM5, AM4, Intel |
| Kraken Plus 240 | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the FX360 PRO our Best Budget 360mm pick?
It earns the label for a 360mm radiator with 120mm fans. It is aimed at 360mm cooling on a budget.
Does the Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 have VRM fan, and which others do?
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 and the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB have it. The 360L Core, the FX360 PRO, the Pure Loop 3 280 and the Kraken Plus 240 have no VRM fan listed, so 2 of 6 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 and the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB include?
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 420: P14 PRO fans. The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB: P12 PRO A-RGB fans. The 360L Core: a Gen S dual-chamber pump.
Who should choose the Liquid Freezer III Pro 420?
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 carries our Largest Radiator label for a 420mm radiator with 140mm fans and a VRM fan. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits the hottest CPUs in large cases.
Should I pick the Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 or the Kraken Plus 240?
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 suits the hottest CPUs in large cases; the Kraken Plus 240 suits smaller cases.
Bottom Line
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 420 suits the hottest CPUs in large cases, and the 360 A-RGB version adds lighting. The 360L Core and FX360 PRO are plain 360mm options, the Pure Loop 3 280 suits 140mm mounts, and the Kraken Plus 240 fits smaller cases.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Related guideThe Best 280mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Related guideThe Best 240mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Similar guideThe Best PC Cooling Fans
- Similar guideThe Best Case Fans for Gaming PCs
- ExplainerPC Airflow Explained
- ExplainerHow Many Case Fans Do You Need?
- Check compatibility: processorsHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- Similar guideThe Best Budget 360mm AIOs for Gaming
- Topic hubAll cpu coolers and cooling guides
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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