10 Best Liquid CPU Coolers (Tested) 2023

Whether you’re a gamer in need of a powerful processor, or you just want to keep your computer running as cool and quietly as possible, a liquid CPU cooler may be the perfect solution for you. But with so many different options on the market, which one should you choose? 

Not to worry – we’ve done all the research for you, and compiled a list of the best liquid CPU coolers available today.

So whether you’re looking for something affordable or top-of-the-line, read on to find the perfect cooler for your needs. Happy shopping!

If you don’t want to go through all of them, just check out our ‘Top Pick’ which is the Corsair Hydro Series H80i.

We have scoured through the internet to find you all of the best liquid CPU coolers out there in order for you to make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase your next CPU cooler.

Check out each of them below or skip down to our ‘Top Pick’. So without further ado, let’s get started.

At a Glance:

10 Best Liquid CPU Coolers

AwardDesignCPU CoolersRetailer
Affordable & Comes with Two Colors
Best Pick1. Corsair Hydro Series H80i
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Best Quit CPU cooler
2. Deepcool Captain 240 Pro V2
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Comers with RGB light
Budget Pick3. NZXT Kraken X53
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Easy to Adjust Fan Speed
4. EVGA CLC 280mm
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Available with two Different Colors
Staff Pick5. Corsair H115i AIO
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LED Lighting
6. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240 Illusion
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Available with Software Support
7. NZXT Kraken Z63
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Comes with Stylish Design
8. Ekwb EK-AIO 240 D-RGB
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Easy to Control
9. Corsair Hydro H115i Pro
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Affordable with Great performance
10. Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora All-in-One CPU Cooler​
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1. Corsair Hydro Series H80i

Affordable & Comes with Two Colors

Best Pick

The Corsair Hydro Series H80i is our top pick for the best liquid CPU cooler. This comes in two different colors; red and blue LED lights.

It can fit easily onto most motherboards and its bigger size allows it to dissipate heat well. Moreover, it has a 120mm radiator with a single-fan design. 

It comes with two fans, being able to suffocate heat very quickly thanks to its efficient cooling system. This CPU cooler is also very quiet and you will barely hear it running when it is in use.

This cooler comes in four different color variations for you to choose from.

The Corsair Hydro Series H80i holds up well against the other liquid CPUs that are on this list. It can keep cool all of your pc components as well as have an affordable price tag (see the lowest price here). 

Although there aren’t as many color options as some of the other liquid CPU coolers on this list, this doesn’t affect its performance too much and if anything makes it less likely for something to go wrong with your pc since it has a more standard design.

There isn’t much negative to say about this product, it is very effective with cooling off your CPU and also comes with two fans for maximum performance.

The only issue you might have is that the radiator’s size might make it harder to install, but once you figure out which motherboard slot fits best, it should be easy enough.

Pros

  • Quiet 
  • Two-color options
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Larger radiator might make it harder to install

2. Deepcool Captain 240 Pro V2

Best Quit CPU cooler

The Deepcool Captain 240 Pro V2 is a fantastic liquid CPU cooler that deserves to be on this list. This CPU cooler has a 120mm radiator as well as having two fans, but one of those fans is behind the radiator which helps it cool off very quickly.

It comes with all the necessary hardware and software needed for installation and also allows you to monitor your CPU temperature so you can adjust accordingly.

However, if you are using a smaller motherboard then this CPU cooler might be a bit too large as the radiator takes up most of the space. 

This can affect airflow and possibly increase your CPU temperature since there isn’t much room for the air to circulate. This CPU cooler also comes in two different color variations for you to choose from.

This CPU cooler is great at dissipating heat and despite having a large radiator, it still manages to be relatively quiet when running (scroll down to see noise test video).

If you are looking for the best liquid CPU coolers, this one definitely should be considered because of its stellar performance.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Two color options
  • Quiet while running 

Cons

  • Size might make installing harder on smaller motherboards

3. NZXT Kraken X53

Comers with RGB light

Budget Pick

The NZXT Kraken X53 is a fantastic CPU cooler that comes with an aluminum radiator and has a 140mm radiator that can dissipate heat very easily.

It comes with two fans, each one of them having its own independent controller which means you can adjust the fan speeds to your liking 

Additionally, this CPU cooler also has some RGB lighting on it which will make your pc look unique and stylish when all of your components are installed into your motherboard.

However, in order for the RGB lighting to work it needs to be plugged into your motherboard’s USB ports.

This cpu cooler is compatible with most motherboards out there but you need to make sure that it fits before purchasing since not every motherboard might have enough spacing for larger radiators.

This CPU cooler also comes in two different color options for you to choose from.

The NZXT Kraken X53 has a solid design and comes with everything you might need to install it onto your motherboard.

Additionally, this product is very quiet when running which is great if you are using it as headphones during gaming or whenever you are doing something that would require sound being played through your speakers or headset.

Pros

  • Two-color options 
  • RGB lighting
  • Quiet while running 

Cons

  • Might not fit on all motherboards because of size 

4. EVGA CLC 280mm

Easy to Adjust Fan Speed

The EVGA CLC 280mm is an excellent CPU cooler that has a large radiator and comes with two 120mm fans. It also comes with several fan speeds that allow you to adjust how fast or slow you want your fans to run while playing games.

This CPU cooler also comes in two different color options for you to choose from which is great if you’re looking for something that will make your pc stand out.

This product has a solid design and the fans on it are very quiet when running at their highest speed setting, which makes this CPU cooler even better at dissipating heat effectively.

However, if you are using smaller fans then this CPU cooler might be a bit too large to fit into your motherboard.

Additionally, the radiator is fairly narrow so it might not have enough space for much airflow to pass through it which can increase your CPU temperature.

The Deepcool Captain 120 EX is another fantastic liquid CPU cooler that deserves to be on this list since it has an aluminum radiator and comes with two 120mm fans.

It also has some RGB lighting that won’t just look good on your pc but will also allow you to monitor how much heat your system is producing at any given time.

It also comes with all of the necessary hardware needed for installation and like other products on this list does come with software support as well (corsair link software).

However, like some other CPU coolers on this list, this product might have a large radiator which means that it will not fit with certain motherboards 

If you’re looking for the best liquid CPU cooler then this one should definitely be considered as well since it performs very well and is also quiet while running. 

Pros

  • Two-color options
  • Quiet while running 
  • Comes with fan controllers to adjust fan speeds

Cons

  • Might not fit with all motherboards 

5. Corsair H115i AIO

Available with two Different Colors

Staff Pick

The Corsair H115 is an excellent CPU cooler that comes in two different color options since it has a large aluminum radiator with two 120mm fans.

This product also comes with some nice design elements such as the rubber tubing that is used to connect the fan to your motherboard which prevents accidents from happening when moving around your pc.

Additionally, this CPU cooler also comes with software support which is great for anyone who’s looking for something that they can monitor through their computer instead of having to open up their case just to check how much heat their system is producing.

However, this CPU cooler might not be compatible with every motherboard out there since it does use a very large radiator.

The Corsair H110i is another excellent liquid CPU cooler that just like the other products on this list comes with two 120mm fans and an aluminum radiator.

It also includes some nice design elements which include the rubber tubing used to connect the fans to your motherboard, something that not all coolers on this list offer so it’s great if you’re looking for something better than standard fan cables.

This product might be slightly more expensive than other options on this list but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worthy of being called one of the best CPU coolers since its solid construction will let you game comfortably without worrying about overheating problems 

Pros

  • Comes in two different color options
  • Rubber Tubing to prevent accidents
  • Comes with software support

Cons

  • Might be too large for some motherboards 

6. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240 Illusion

LED Lighting

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid is another awesome liquid CPU cooler that comes in two different color options (white, or black).

It also has some nice design elements with the rubber tubing used to connect the fans to your motherboard which will allow you to game uninterrupted 

This CPU also includes LED lighting so if you’re looking for something extra special for your pc then this might be the one for you.

Additionally, it can dissipate heat very well and doesn’t produce too much noise when running at full speed although there are some users who say that it does run louder than their previous CPU coolers. 

Finally, this product comes with software support just like most other products on this list so you won’t have to open up your case every time you want to check on your system’s temperature.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO has been around for a long time and people have praised it as one of the best liquid CPU coolers on the market since it performs very well and doesn’t take up much room inside your case.

It also comes with two 120mm fans that can dissipate heat quickly without creating too much noise while at full power.

If you’re someone who enjoys overclocking then you’ll be happy to know that this product comes with excellent support which will allow you to do all of those things without having to worry about overheating problems ruining your fun.

However, this product is fairly large so make sure that there is enough clearance before purchasing it or else there might be some issues when installing it on your pc.

Pros

  • LED lighting for extra customization
  • Comes with software support for overclocking
  • Solid construction to prevent noises

Cons

  • Can be too large for certain motherboards 

7. NZXT Kraken Z63

Available with Software Support

The NZXT Kraken might be a little on the smaller side but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t capable of performing just as well as all of the other products on this list.

It also comes with some nice design elements such as the LED lighting which you can use to customize your PC’s interior even more so than before 

This product is similar to some of the previous entries on this list since it does come with software support which will let you monitor your pc from within Windows.

Additionally, if you’re someone who enjoys overclocking then this CPU cooler has got you covered because it comes with NZXT’s excellent CAM software which will allow you to do all kinds of things without having to open up your case or install 3rd party software.

The Kraken also dissipates heat better than most other liquid CPU coolers so you won’t have to worry about your pc overheating while running graphically demanding games.

It might be slightly more expensive than some of the previous entries on this list but it’s still worth every penny since you’ll be getting an awesome product that will let you game comfortably without having to worry about problems like noise or overheating

This product might be a little on the more expensive side but that doesn’t take away from its solid construction and ability to dissipate heat quickly.

Some users have reported that their pc remained cool even when running at overclocked speeds so if you’re someone who washes keeping your CPU temperatures low then this might be the ideal option for you.

Pros

  • Comes with LED lighting for great customization options
  • Software support to monitor temperatures
  • Solid construction prevents noise transfer

Cons

  • Might not fit in some motherboards

8. Ekwb EK-AIO 240 D-RGB

Comes with Stylish Design

The EKWB AIO cooler is another great option if you’re looking for something with some excellent features and design elements.

This CPU cooler comes with 2 120mm fans that can dissipate heat very quickly even when running at full speed so there shouldn’t be too much of a problem with noise or overheating.

Additionally, this product comes with LED lighting which gives your PC’s interior some extra flair but it shouldn’t affect the performance of this liquid CPU cooler in any way  

This product also comes with software support just like most other products on this list. So you won’t have to worry about not getting the best experience out of your pc by having to open up your case every time you want to monitor things like temperature.

If you’re someone who enjoys overclocking then this CPU cooler has got your back since it comes with a decently large radiator that will allow you to run pretty much any clock speed without overheating or having to worry about noise.

The Ekwb might not come with as much LED lighting as some other products on this list but it still looks very sleek and stylish. If you’re someone who cares more about performance than beauty then this CPU cooler might be something you want to look into.

Pros

  • Very fast heat dissipation thanks to the 2 fans included
  • Looks very sleek and stylish (more so than most other options)
  • Solid construction that doesn’t transfer noise

Cons

  • Might not fit in some motherboards

9. Corsair Hydro H115i Pro

Easy to Control

If you’re looking for a CPU cooler with good aesthetics and solid performance then the Corsair Hydro might be an excellent choice because it comes with everything you could possibly want out of a liquid CPU cooler.

Firstly, this cooler comes with a 280mm radiator which means that heat will dissipate very quickly. 

This CPU cooler also comes with 2 140mm fans which help to ensure that this liquid CPU cooler is capable of dissipating heat very quickly even when running at high speeds for extended periods of time without having to worry about things like noise or overheating.

This liquid CPU cooler can be customized using Corsair Link software which gives you access to quite a few features such as RGB lighting and the ability to monitor pc temperatures from within Windows.

 If you’re someone who enjoys overclocking then you’ll be glad to know that this CPU cooler has got your back since it comes with a decently sized pump that allows you to overcome any amount of stress without worrying about the pump failing on you.

Overall, if you’re looking for a great liquid CPU cooler that will look sharp and dissipate heat quickly then the Corsair Hydro might be something worth considering.

Pros

  • Software support to monitor temperatures
  • Looks very sleek and stylish (more so than most other options)
  • Decently sized pump that allows for overclocking without problems.

Cons

  • Might not fit in some motherboards.

10. Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora All-in-One CPU Cooler​

Affordable with Great performance

The Alphacool Eisbaer is another great option if you’re looking for something with excellent aesthetics. This CPU cooler comes with a big 360mm radiator which means that heat will dissipate quickly even when running at full speed 

Additionally, this product comes with 3 fans included meaning that it’s capable of delivering exceptional cooling performance even during high-stress scenarios. So you won’t have to worry about overheating or having to deal with noise.

This product also includes software support just like most other coolers and it’ll allow you to monitor pc temperatures and customize the RGB lighting installed in your motherboard or pc case.

You might find that some aspects of this product feel a bit cheap but this shouldn’t affect the overall performance of the cooler. Additionally, this product doesn’t come with LED lighting which is something that might be a bit disappointing for some people.

Overall, if you’re looking for a CPU cooler that will look sharp and dissipate heat quickly then this might be an excellent option to consider.

Pros

  • 360mm radiator ensures exceptional cooling performance
  • Software support included monitoring temperatures
  • Looks very sleek and stylish (more so than most other options)

Cons

  • Might not fit in some motherboards

Buying Factors to Consider When Looking for a Liquid CPU Cooler

As you might have noticed from the top ten lists listed above, it can be quite difficult to pick out which CPU cooler is going to be the best option because there are so many different products that all look very similar.

However, most of these factors influence both air and liquid cooling options in one way or another. So they will be your main components to consider when looking for a new CPU cooler 

The first thing you might want to look into is how easy it would be to install this product on your motherboard.

There are some coolers that come with installation manuals that make getting started extremely simple while others will require more time spent tinkering before you get everything up and running smoothly.

Another important factor to consider is how big the radiator of this liquid CPU cooler will be. This mainly has to do with the size of your pc case since you don’t want it taking up too much room that would otherwise go wasted.

You’ll also want to make sure that this product comes with sufficient installation points for fans since some products only come with 1 or 2 fans which can limit cooling performance compared to having more installed.

The most important thing however is probably going to be the computer temperature monitoring software that’s bundled with this product.

There are a number of different products listed in our top ten list and we’re pretty confident that all of them support at least one type of temperature monitoring software but if you want something even better then we would recommend you take a look at our top recommendation. 

The Corsair Hydro might be something worth considering because it comes with support for the company’s very own corsair link software which allows you to monitor and change fan speeds as well as other customizable features.

Finally, another thing that might influence your decision is going to be the price of these products since they can vary quite a bit from one product to another depending on what additional features they have installed. 

That being said, we would strongly recommend that you try looking into quality liquid CPU coolers without worrying too much about how expensive or cheap it may be since most of them are affordable enough that you’ll definitely be able to find something suitable within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best liquid CPU cooler?

The Corsair Hydro Series H80i likely provides you with the best overall performance since it comes with an ergonomically designed mounting system, a 1-year warranty, and two fans that are capable of providing excellent cooling performance.

What is water cooling?

Water cooling can be defined as a method of keeping your CPU nice and cool by using liquid instead of traditional air-based systems. This allows you to keep your computer running efficiently even if it’s being used for extended periods without overheating or needing

Is CPU liquid cooling worth it?

While it may cost a little more than traditional air-based systems, liquid CPU coolers can often keep your computer running a lot cooler and they’re easier to install if you don’t know much about pc building.

What liquid do CPU coolers use?

A liquid CPU cooler uses a combination of water and anti-boil coolants to keep your computer from overheating during extended periods of use. This allows you to run even the most intensive games without worrying about it overheating.

How do I choose the best liquid CPU cooler?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a liquid CPU cooler is likely going to be the overall performance that you get out of it by keeping your computer running nice and cool while also keeping acoustics

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has given you all the information that you need in order to make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a new CPU cooler. It can definitely be tricky to choose the right one so it’s important that you read as much as you need to in order to make sure that your purchase is well worth it.

Thank you for reading this article! If you enjoyed our content, we’d love it if you tweeted about it or shared it with your friends. Subscribe to our blog to get updates whenever we post new articles and check out our other series on building a gaming PC and building a Hackintosh computer. Check back often!

Youtube video……..

If you’re still not 100% confident in your ability to install a cooler then it might be useful for you to watch some short installation tutorials online before making the purchase. This will ensure that there are no issues down the road when trying to get things up and running smoothly. Additionally, most companies include installation manuals with their products so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Just make sure that everything looks easy enough for you to understand before proceeding any further .


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Aaron
By Aaron


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