Cooling systems are one of the most crucial parts of your rig. We often don’t put as much thought into this component as we should, as measuring the increase in performance is harder. Many of us - especially me - get more wrapped up in GPUs and RGB-flashing RAM to do more thought than a cursory search.
A good cooling system can stop your PC from turning into a space heater and keep your CPU safe and cozy so that it can perform at optimal levels. If you prefer all-in-one coolers to fans or water-cooling, you’ll be pleased with these options for an AIO CPU cooler.
Updated Jun 26, 2025 by Kenny Kimberly:As someone who’s PC recently overheated while fighting Automotons at Malevelon Creek, I can safely claim there’s few things more important than an adequate cooling system. We’re back to brush the dust off this piece, remove some dated options, and add in some more choices for people that are still looking for the best AIO cooler. Enjoy!
Corsair Hydro Series H80i GT Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
Sleek and effective
The Corsair Hydro Series H80i GT cooler is one of the sleekest and most effective options on the market. It isn’t suitable for absolute powerhouse CPUs, but will keep most of them at a perfect temperature.
Our choice for the best overall doesn’t come from having the most staggering performance on the market. Rather, the Corsair Hydro Series H80i GT does everything that the average PC enthusiast would need. This option has an affordable price tag and fits cozily in your case without taking up much room.
For some PCs, this may not offer the performance you need. However, the H80i GT should be more than adequate for any standard gaming PC. If you’re working with a top-of-the-line CPU while you run processor-heavy tasks, you may want to consider something with higher performance.
Corsair H60X iCUE Elite Liquid CPU Cooler
RGB, sleek, and unobtrusive
If you’re looking for a 120mm CPU cooler, Corsair is a great brand to trust. The H60X iCUE Elite Liquid CPU Cooler is a phenomenal cooler, particularly if you’re a fan of RGB features.
Corsair is a name you’ll often see appear when looking upgood peripheralsand components. Their line of CPU coolers are particularly effective, with their H60X Elite Liquid CPU Cooler being our choice for the best cooler in the 120mm size range.
This cooler blends a sleek black aesthetic with RGB features, making the cooler itself blend into most cases and allowing the lights to shine. Its small form factor helps further this benefit so you can enjoy a simple, minimalist case with some nice RGB lighting.
Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite Liquid CPU Cooler
More Power Than Most Need
The Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite is one of the highest performance coolers you can find. This system is compatible with the iCUE software, Corsair’s peripheral control software.
If you’re looking for an AIO cooler with strong performance, Corsair’s H100i RGB Elite is among the best performers on the market. This unit has two fans, which helps give it more cooling power than most other models. That also means it’ll take up more room, so measure before you buy!
The iCUE software isCorsair’s peripheral-controllingsoftware. Most people use this feature for RGB customization, but there are some other customizations you’re able to make within the software.
Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 Black Liquid CPU Cooler
Two Fans, Low Price
Thermalright’s Frozen Prism uses two 120mm fans to provide excellent cooling to your CPU. It’s slightly louder than some other options, but comes at an unbeatable price.
Thermalright isn’t as big of a name as titans like Corsair or NZXT, but they’re still a reputable and beloved brand for many. Their Frozen Prism 240 Black makes use of two 120mm fans to provide excellent cooling to your CPU. The system is also one of the quietest on this list, coming in at around 27 decibels according to their specs.
This Taiwanese brand has made dozens of coolers that perform at the highest levels. Most of all, Thermalright is known for itshard-to-beat pricing. Their AIOs are cheaper than most air cooling options. If you’re putting together a budget PC, this is an almost unbeatable option.
NZXT Kraken 240 Liquid CPU Cooler
Removing Ambiguity And Heat
NZXT’s Kraken 240 comes with customization that other options won’t deliver. The system has a square LCD display on the cooler to help you keep track of your metrics.
NZXT has been a big name in the component game for years, making it many people’s preferred brand outright. Products like the Kraken 240 make it easy to see how they’ve earned their positive reputation.
One of the biggest selling points of this model is the customizable square LCD. This display will show you performance metrics, heat readings, and more to help you keep track of how well yourPC is performing. While this is information you may readily get from your desktop, it’s “cool” to have it so easily available.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II 240 Liquid CPU Cooler
A little noisy, but plenty effective
The ASUS ROG Strix is among the most powerful coolers you can find. However, it pays for this by also being among the loudest.
ASUS ROG is known for everything from its peripherals and components to its full systems. In the cooling industry, their ASUS ROG Strix LC II is among the best options you can find from a performance standpoint. It’s also one of the most customizable, coming in RGB options, two-fan models, and three-fan models.
However, one trade-off is that the system is louder than many competitors. This model we’ve featured operates at about 37.6 dB according to ASUS’s specs. While this may sound loud in comparison, 37 decibels is still barely above a whisper, so it’s unlikely you’d notice this sound unless your room was otherwise silent.
Thermalright Frozen Prism 360 White Liquid CPU Cooler
Bright White and Flashing Lights
If you’re tired of every AIO option being stealthy, you can opt for something with a brighter color scheme. This three-fan RGB white AIO cooler is perfect for builds that want a bit of showiness.
Many PCs aim for darker color schemes, but what if you want something flashier? Thermalright’s Frozen Prism 360 is a perfect option. The name comes from the three 120mm fans that the system includes, so make sure you have enough room for this system before you make your purchase.
The AIO’s body is bright white, making it fit in well with systems that include white components. The RGB options also help the system stand out. It’s a perfect choice if you want something flashy without sacrificing high performance.
FAQ
Are AIO Coolers Better Than Air Coolers?
Neither option is superior to the other. It depends on the needs of the user. AIO coolers are often better at the cooling aspect and are sometimes quieter, but this depends heavily on the two models in comparison.
Are AIO Coolers Easier To Use Than Other Coolers?
From a casual standpoint, no cooler is difficult to use. However, installing an AIO may feel more difficult than installing afan-based CPU cooler.
Do AIO Coolers Last As Long As Other Types Of Coolers?
Yes. With proper maintenance and care, your AIO will last as long as any other option on the market.
