An AIO or all-in-one cooler is a cooling device for your PC's CPU. Unlike CPU air coolers with a heat sink and a fan for airflow, AIO coolers consist of tubing with a cooling liquid and a radiator to keep your device from getting hot.
Although they might be a little pricey, they are worth the investment if you want the best for your PC. Look no further, as we're here to help you pick the best AIO cooler with our buying guide with comments from IT consultant, developer, and instructor Kevin Lee Cardoza, and a list of our recommended products.
Quick List - Top AIO Coolers
ASUS Republic of Gamers
Features Aura Sync Support to Customize Your Equipment to the Next Level
Kevin Lee is an educator who specializes in Information Technology (IT). He also has years of experience as a technical support specialist and is well-versed in programming, application development, software testing, and user experience design. Furthermore, his passion for building custom computers and creating electronic devices and systems keeps him up-to-date with the latest trends and information.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
AIO coolers offer the best and most efficient cooling method for CPUs. Due to the liquid tubing surrounding the unit, heat moves onto the cooler object and will keep the CPU from throttling. Furthermore, an AIO cooler is very helpful, especially for overclocking. As for customization, you can take advantage of AIO coolers with RGB lighting support and an up-to-date design.
One of the most significant advantages of using AIO is its higher "thermal mean." The thermal conduction properties of water allow it to absorb heat, especially thermal fluctuations that occur during CPU utilization bursts. This is very effective in avoiding CPU throttling due to temperature.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Aluminum and copper are the most used materials for any cooling device like AIO coolers. Aluminum is a favorite for heatsinks, which is the device that transfers heat from the CPU, due to its low cost and somewhat even heat distribution. However, if you want a more efficient heatsink, opt for one made from copper.
Copper is best in terms of heat distribution but it leans on the more expensive side and is heavier. Suppose you want one in the mid-range spectrum, look for a unit with a combination of the two materials like an aluminum faceplate and copper fins, or vice versa. Their cooling capabilities are somewhat decent, and their cost is quite affordable.
Copper is 40% better at conducting heat, making it great in heatsinks used in any temperature control setting. The only major takeaway for using copper over aluminum would be is its density and price. Copper is 3x heavier and is twice as expensive as aluminum.
For AIO coolers, the radiator size does matter. One that's too big or too small can affect your PC's performance, especially in overclocking. The bigger the AIO cooler is, the more fans it support. It can, however, consume more space inside your PC case. So, opt for one with a radiator size of 360 mm if you'll be overclocking. If not, you can buy one with a size of around 120 to 280 mm.
You must also look at its compatibility. You can identify that by knowing your CPU processor's version. Aside from compatibility, you can likewise check the cooler's thermal design power (TDP) rating and compare it to that of your computer. Ensuring your cooler's TDP rating exceeds your CPU's can effectively cool your computer even under any workload.
Having a bigger radiator equates to having greater thermal ranges that your CPU can tolerate. It means overclocking would become less of an issue for high-performance personal computers. Radiators come with their own problem that you need to resolve. Larger radiator sizes provide diminishing returns - the larger the radiator is, the more water it needs to contain, and the harder it is to dissipate the heat.
Fan speed, which is expressed by revolution per minute (RPM), measures the speed that the fan blades spin and the length of time to cool down your PC. The more RPM it has, the more airflow it can produce. Higher RPM also equates to better cooling performance. So, aim for a fan speed of 1000 RPM or more for optimum performance.
Pump speed, on the other hand, is responsible for how fast the liquid - propylene glycol and distilled water - can circulate its tube. A pump speed of 1000 to 1200 RPM is recommended for silent running and from there, you can increase it if your CPU reaches 60° C or above. These two things are critical because they’re responsible for cooling the system to avoid the PC from overheating.
Having faster fans push more air into the heatsink fins to dissipate the heat. But, higher RPM tends to make both the fan and the air resonate, creating grating, high-pitched sounds that could annoy you. The best fans you can employ for radiators would be high-performance PWM (pulse width modulation) fans that not only achieve higher RPMs but also can be digitally managed to strike a balance between high RPM and low noise.
Noise is annoying, especially when you want to focus during your gameplay or when you're studying and have tasks to do using the computer. The faster the fan can spin, and the bigger it is, the noisier it’ll be. Thankfully, some AIO coolers in the market now offer 18 dB to 20 dB low noise rates for peaceful working or gaming.
You may also choose one with RGB LED lights if you want to go for the "gamer aesthetic." But, it is best to get one that allows you to control its lighting, enabling you to turn it on and off anytime as you please. However, keep in mind that RGB LED does not help your computer's performance in any way, but it only adds to visual appeal.
The best utility feature you can have for an AIO would be an LCD indicator for the thermal and pump statistics like CPU temperature, pump and fan speed. It not only provides you with in-depth information without looking for it through software but it also provides aesthetic appeal as it is inside the case, giving it some sort of customized touch.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Asus Republic of Gamers Ryujin 360 | ![]() | An All-in-One, Heavy-Duty Cooler Perfect for Gaming | |
2 | ASUS Republic of Gamers Strix LC II 240 ARGB | ![]() | Features Aura Sync Support to Customize Your Equipment to the Next Level | |
3 | NZXT Kraken X73 RGB|RL-KRX73-RW / RL-KRX73-R1 | ![]() | A Premium AIO Cooler for Serious Gamers | |
4 | Corsair H55 RGB|CW-9060010-WW | ![]() | A Dependable AIO Cooler at an Affordable Price | |
5 | DeepCool Castle 240 RGB V2|DP-GS-H12AR-CSL240V2 | ![]() | Multi-Colored AIO Cooler With Anti-Leak Technology to Protect Your Computer | |
6 | Cooler Master Masterliquid ML240L ARGB V2|MLW-D24M-A18PA-R2 | ![]() | An AIO Cooler That's Compatible With Most Motherboards | |
7 | Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 RGB | ![]() | AIO Cooler That's Designed to Consume 80% Less Power | |
8 | MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R RGB Liquid Cooler | ![]() | Cools Down Your PC With Less Noise | |
9 | Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID Ultra 240|CL-W322-PL12GM -A / CL-W322-PL12GM-B | ![]() | An Outstanding Cooler That Can Handle Overclocking | |
10 | darkFlash Twister DX120 | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Cooler That's Suitable for Work From or Home School PCs |
This AIO cooler design from ASUS ROG delivers the best cooling performance for your CPU. It features the Noctua Industrial PPC fan that keeps your CPU’s voltage regulator module (VRM), M.2 slot, and other surrounding components cooler by up to 20°C. This feature helps maintain the normal temperature of your CPU to avoid overheating.
The fan has a speed of up to 2000 RPM and has a minimal noise rate, even at high loads. It also has an embedded 1.77" LiveDash OLED display system for customizing the graphics and light display. This makes the Ryujin 360 the best choice for customizing your gaming set as it is compatible with almost all processors from competing brands.
This beautiful AIO cooler from ROG features a pump and fans with PWM or pulse-width modulation, an enhancement that can minimize the kit's power consumption without compromising its performance. This is one feature most users look for since having an AIO cooler on your computer can consume extra electric power and would mean higher energy bills.
Plus, the Strix also has AURA Sync support, which lets you manipulate the fans' RGB light. You can also use this to turn the light on and off your pump cover's illuminated ROG logo. Your setup can be further elevated with the engraved ROG lettering on the side of your radiator, matching the iridescent lettering on the hubs of its fans.
This AIO cooler from NZXT can fit in most full and mid-tower cases thanks to its versatile form factor. And to achieve a solid gaming-looking setup, it has been equipped with a bright infinity mirror ring LED. The logo can even be re-oriented in various directions, making your setup look cooler.
As for the fans, the Kraken utilizes three 120mm Aer RGB 2 radiator fans with their lighting readily customized through NZXT CAM. To prevent leaks, its rubber tubing has been strengthened by fine nylon mesh sleeves. More RGB accessories can then be attached via its RGB Connector.
At a budget-friendly price point, Corsair’s AIO cooler already includes features that make it a great option for many people. It has a self-contained cooling system that can refill itself by circulating the liquid inside the tubes. It also has an improved fan that lowers the noise while maintaining its current performance. Better thermal performance is likewise expected as it maximizes its copper material.
The tubes where the liquid flows have flexible traits so it can avoid leakage that can damage the internal parts of your computer. It also allows the user to freely adjust the tubes. And speaking of adjustments, this cooler can be mounted and unmounted effortlessly due to its magnetic mounting bracket, which makes computer cleaning easier.
This AIO cooler from DeepCool has an anti-leak feature that maintains dryness and avoids liquid spills, which often cause internal damage. Made from pure copper, it protects the CPU from overheating. It also has a micro water channel with a unique E shape to maximize cooling performance through continuous heat circulation.
As for customization, it has 46 interchangeable light modes that can be changed anytime. It also has a 16.7 M RGB color that flows in 5 different built-in effects. Furthermore, the Castle supports almost all Intel and AMD processors, hence it is worth the purchase!
The sealing of Cooler Master’s AIO cooler is made of specially formulated industrial-grade EPDM, which prevents any leakage. And to keep this product cool, its surface area has been increased by 25%, allowing heat to dissipate better than other AIO coolers. These features give this cooler better compatibility among Intel and AMD processors.
The Masterliquid is likewise equipped with a new 3rd gen dual chamber pump that allows the AIO cooler to operate with a low noise level. This cooler can also work quietly thanks to its brand new Sickleflow 120 ARGB, which features optimized Air Balance Fan blades, an innovative rifle bearing, and a more robust fan frame.
If you’re just starting to build your gaming PC, then this AIO cooler is for you. The Liquid Freezer has 3 pulse width modulation (PWM)-controlled fans, making it powerful yet energy efficient. With this, it can quietly cool your voltage converters and the socket area by up to 15 °C. It also has a PWM-controlled water pump that can operate at low noise levels.
Coolant evaporation is then prevented through its fiber-reinforced 45 cm tubing. This component can help you minimize the need to refill the compact water cooling system regularly. As for cable management, it only requires you to connect two connectors to the mainboard, which makes your desktop setup cleaner and tidier.
MSI’s AIO cooler utilizes a new radiator pump design that aims to keep its operating noise at a low level. This integrates the pump into the radiator, which helps in dampening sound and reducing noise. The particular design also allows the former to achieve a longer service life since it is placed away from the heat source.
Vibrations can often damage AIO coolers. But with its durable three-phase motor, it can only generate minimal vibrations throughout its operation, prolonging the life expectancy of the cooler. For added customizability, this AIO cooler also features a rotatable blockhead so you can position it based on your liking.
Overclocking can help a computer attain better performance. However, not all AIO coolers can handle this process as it requires faster fan speeds for more efficient cooling. The Thermaltake, fortunately, has TOUGHFAN 12 Turbo fans that can boast a fan speed of up to 2500 RPM. These fans can help overclock your PC without expecting any issues.
And to make sure the heat will be dissipated effectively, it is equipped with a high-performance copper base plate. It also has a reliable pump that can enhance water circulation, decrease coolant loss, and minimize the need for a refill. Lastly customizing this cooler is fun as its 2.1" LCD Display can show some GIFs or images based on your liking.
DarkFlash’s Twister utilizes a large copper bottom to ensure faster heat dissipation. Dense liquid channels are also integrated into this cooler to make cooling more efficient and improve liquid circulation. As for the fans, they maximize a special blade design that does not only cancel operation noises but also provides strong airflow.
But, what's great about this product is that it is compatible with almost all CPU processors, reducing your hassle if you don't know your CPU model. The excellent thermal performance, minimal noise output, and compatibility of this AIO cooler make it a great option for those who are still studying or working at home as it can be paired with any desktop setup.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by IT Consultant, Developer, and Instructor Kevin Lee Cardoza.
All-In-One coolers are to be installed to the CPU, where the CPU fan should be. Meanwhile, position the radiator at the top of the case internally if you want to have it in a horizontal position, or in front of the case if you want it vertical.
No. Most of the AIO coolers don't allow you to refill the coolant as the contents are vacuum sealed, therefore there should have no reduction in contents.
Replace the AIO cooler if the temperature is unusually high or your CPU is lagging. These are symptoms of thermal throttling and this means that the coolant didn't circulate or there are blockages inside the system that prevents the coolant from circulating.
Take time to browse on our other articles related to computer parts and accessories and consider to setup a formidable desktop computer system at home. This works well with laptops too!
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Re-editor: Christian Autor
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Asus Republic of Gamers|Ryujin 360
No. 2: ASUS Republic of Gamers|Strix LC II 240 ARGB
No. 3: NZXT|Kraken X73 RGB|RL-KRX73-RW / RL-KRX73-R1
No. 4: Corsair |H55 RGB|CW-9060010-WW
No. 5: DeepCool|Castle 240 RGB V2|DP-GS-H12AR-CSL240V2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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