THE PERFECT CPU LIQUID COOLERS FOR GAMING

Updated 11 Jul 2022

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We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 11 Jul 2022

Written by

Revuu Buddy

Corsair Hydro Series H150i PRO

Bottom Line
Customers' Most Wanted
This liquid CPU cooler is a great option because it offers excellent performance and very quiet fan speeds.

Pros
The RGB LED lights can be colored as desired. Silent but powerful fans are included. The software has much power and precision for controlling fan and pump speeds. It's not difficult to install, either—efficient design for low noise.

Cons
It's a little pricey.

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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2

Bottom Line
A reputable brand
This liquid CPU cooler is a fantastic bargain, outperforms, and appears much better than you would expect at this low price point.

Pros
RGB LED lights with a wireless controller. Adaptable. Extremely powerful. Customizable RGB LED lighting with a wired controller is available for purchase at a reasonable price. Robust construction. A cooling system that is efficient in operation and energy consumption.

Cons
Its installation instructions could be more clear.

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NZXT Kraken Z73

Bottom Line
The Best for Specialists
The Kraken's unusual circular display distinguishes it from the competition and its unique liquid CPU cooling system, which is overkill for most gaming PCs.

Pros
The LCD is very convenient because it shows the temperature and custom images. It runs silently so that you won't be disturbed. It is exceptionally durable and flexible. The user-friendly software makes it simple to install.

Cons
High cost.

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EVGA CLC 360

Bottom Line
Deal Price
EVGA's best liquid CPU cooler is an excellent option for keeping your gaming PC running cool and quiet. This is perfect for anyone who wants to play any game without worrying about their PC's temperature or noise levels.

Pros
This computer runs quietly and has customizable RGB lighting. You can use the companion software to control the fan. It is easy to install and has a sturdy design. It is reasonably priced, and you can also be flexible with the tubing.

Cons
This is a more extensive liquid CPU cooling system with greater capacity.

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Thermaltake TH240 ARGB Snow Edition

Bottom Line
Most Beautiful
This high-end yet low-cost option is one of the most popular liquid coolers on the market. It's stylish, handy, and inexpensive.

Pros
This light is affordable and durable. It has bright, customizable RGB lighting, which you can control with the LED controller. It is surprisingly efficient for the price. The construction is premium, and it looks stylish. Installation is easy.

Cons
This product is best for larger cases, as its cables are on the long side.

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HOW WE TESTED

We have carefully researched the best products in this category, and these are the ones that we recommend. Our research is guided by experts who consider the most important factors. We spend hours looking into these factors to bring you our selections.

Buying guide for

THE BEST LIQUID CPU COOLERS FOR GAMING

If you're a PC gamer, you know that your computer can get very hot while playing games. This is because the CPU is working hard to power your games. A liquid CPU cooler is a device that helps keep the CPU cool by using liquid to absorb heat.

The liquid CPU cooler's responsibility is to keep the internal components cool and handle all the heat generated by the CPU. Heatsinks, metal blocks that sit on top of the CPU and aid in ventilation, were formerly used in conventional computers. Liquid cooling is now utilized in modern PCs, which may seem strange at first but is the key to a quiet and well-performing machine.

Before the introduction of liquid CPU coolers, several components in prior liquid CPU coolers were prone to leaking, making them difficult and dangerous. Since then, finding a leak-proof CPU cooler that is also simple to set up has been considerably easier. We're here to help if you're ready to make your gaming PC a super-cooled powerhouse.

Most liquid CPU coolers include water, with a few additions to improve the system's fire resistance.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

There's a lot of variation in the liquid CPU cooler market, so it's a good idea to research ahead of time to know what you're looking for. To assist you in narrowing your search, consider the following:

What is the maximum size for your PC case?

An essential thing to know is how much room you have for physical installation. Many liquid CPU coolers take up a lot of space inside a computer case, forcing you to arrange the water-cooling tubes around your system's internal components. That might not be easy, especially if you have a large video card. Examine your PC's interior and make sure you have plenty of room for the pump, radiator(s), and cooling fans. You might also want to check whether your motherboard has a unique liquid cooling mount. Some manufacturers provide a proprietary water block and backplate combination that bolts onto an existing CPU cooler mount. This simplifies installation but can be more expensive than buying a separate CPU block, radiator, pump, and fans.

Do you have a see-through PC case?

There are two types of PC gamers: those who play for fun and those who take it seriously. If you fall into the first category, you'll probably want to look into a liquid CPU cooler that includes programmable colored LEDs. It's possible to have a lot of fun illuminating your computer; you can buy an RGB controller to help manage all the different colors. If you don't care about seeing your computer's insides, you can save a few bucks by sticking with air coolers.

What level of noise does your gaming PC need to make?

Aside from heat, your gaming PC's other major drawback is noise. Powerful CPUs need powerful cooling solutions with intense fans, which adds to a considerable amount of noise. If you play with headphones on or at a location where you can turn the volume up, you don't have to be concerned about how loud your liquid CPU coolers' fans are.

COOLING PERFORMANCE: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Socket compatibility

CPUs are available in various form factors and directly plug into your motherboard, which serves as the CPU socket. Because CPU form factors are so particular and numerous, any liquid CPU cooling system must also fit that form factor. The bottom line is that if you're unsure what CPU socket your current motherboard and CPU use, you can buy a CPU and a motherboard simultaneously or buy a CPU that comes with its cooling system.

LED lighting

If you like illuminating your PC case, we've great news: most liquid CPU coolers include LEDs inside so you can personalize the interior to your liking. It's all about personal preference, but if you're into it, you may want to look at how other people are lighting their rooms. Some liquid CPU coolers have software that lets you control the lighting on the cooler. This can match the lighting on other parts of your computer that are lit up with RGB lighting.

Wattage

Your CPU cooler consumes electricity, just like everything else in your PC. While you can use a standard computer case as a CPU cooler, it's not recommended because they're often made of cheaper materials with smaller fins that might harm your graphics card or other components. To ensure that the liquid CPU cooler you buy works with your motherboard and power supply, do some research or ask a salesperson before making your purchase.

"Some of the most affordable liquid CPU coolers are combos. If you're looking for a new CPU or motherboard, look for combinations and save money. Because bundle components are guaranteed to function together, they're also excellent for first-timers."

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COOLING PRICES OF LIQUID CPU COOLERS

Inexpensive

The most basic entry-level liquid CPU coolers cost between $50 and $100. The models in this range are modest yet practical. You may get a solid performer without paying an arm and a leg if you want a liquid CPU cooler and don't need anything extra like multiple fans or colored lights.

Mid-range

The best value for money in liquid CPU coolers are those costing $50 to $150. These systems strike a good balance between features and price. If you're prepared to spend more than $100, there are many choices, including multi-fan models and even ones that work with numerous CPU socket types. You'd be crazy not to want the best CPU coolers if you're overclocking.

Expensive

Extreme gamers should invest in high-end liquid CPU coolers that cost more than $150, but casual individuals don't need to spend this much. Models in this price range are designed for intensive gaming and usually contain every conceivable feature, such as multicolored lights or specialized software for monitoring temperatures.

CAUTION

The layer of thermal paste between the CPU and the cooling unit is very thin. Heat management requires thermal paste, a glue designed for that purpose. Never construct or install a PC or CPU cooler without it - you risk damaging both components permanently.

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TIPS

Ensure that your liquid CPU cooler is compatible with your CPU socket. Before you buy, check to see whether your liquid CPU cooler will work with the format of your CPU. Ensure your liquid CPU cooler is compatible with your socket type before purchasing, so you won't regret it later. If you're not sure, go for a model with hardware for working with various CPU socket types.
Measure the temperatures of your CPU. If you're replacing a CPU cooler, use software to check your existing CPU temperatures against the new CPU's so you can see how they compare. Core temperature monitoring is available in a variety of freely available programs. Install a temperature monitor and observe what temperatures your CPU keeps after installation, then do the same once you've installed your new liquid CPU cooler to see if there are any improvements.
Consider overclocking. Your CPU was meant to operate at a certain speed, but with the appropriate liquid CPU cooler, you may overclock it and make it run even faster because the temperatures are so low that the system stays stable. Overclocking is popular among gamers. Just be sure your new CPU cooler maintains temperatures within acceptable bounds. An overheated CPU can lead to a system crash. Be careful not to get the liquid in your eyes or skin. Avoid getting any of the liquid in your eyes or on your skin, as this can irritate you. If you get any on you, wash it off immediately with water.

If you're new to PC building, check out the instructions for any CPU coolers you're thinking of purchasing. The supplied directions may be simple at times; on other occasions, they might cause you to wonder. Take some time to look over the installation procedure before purchasing to know what to expect during installation.

FAQ

Q.Can, a liquid CPU cooler be installed by a beginner?

A. It entirely depends on your experience with computer construction. Installing a liquid CPU cooler entails working with your PC's internal components. The most significant step is generally connecting the CPU to the motherboard, placing the liquid CPU cooler on top of that, and finally connecting the cooler to the motherboard and power supply. If you're familiar with building PCs, you should have no problem installing a liquid CPU cooler. However, if you're unfamiliar with the process, it's probably best to leave it to a professional.

Q. Why are some websites discussing the necessity of refilling CPU coolant?

A. You can use a liquid CPU cooler with or without an assembly. Most of the time, purchasing the components separately is unnecessary because they're all built into the unit. Everything is sealed in modern liquid CPU coolers, so you won't have to refill it manually. (If you come across a liquid CPU cooler that necessitates coolant refills, stay away from it!)

Q. I'm considering buying a liquid CPU cooler with LED lights, but I'm unsure if I should turn them off.

A. Yes, it is. Using the included software, it's usually simple to turn off LED illumination in most situations. If you buy a liquid CPU cooler that doesn't include any software, that's OK - many of these models have lights that require their power source, so you can leave them unplugged.