Best CPU Liquid Coolers

If you’ve wandered onto this review, you likely have some experience in building PCs and adjusting the settings of different gear to achieve the best performance possible. That’s why we recommend the NZXT Kraken X62, a sealed liquid cooler that’s fully programmable and aimed at those interested in opening up their PC’s potential.

The system comes with CAM software that allows for changing the temperature, setting fan speed, and overclocking your graphics card. We do have to warn you that the 2 fans in the cooler tend to get pretty loud even at a medium level. They are, of course, quieter than a regular cooler but still, we’d advise keeping them running at a low speed as the coolant itself should be enough.

You might also be looking for a cooler with a cool design as open-type rigs are in vogue right now. Well, the NZXT Kraken X62 would be a pretty good choice in that regard as well. The fans have LED lighting which is both pretty and useful as it lets you see inside the rig and make sure things are connected properly.

The cooler is compatible with most high-end Intel and AMD processors though we do have to say that it’s not the smallest model out there so you might have to clear some space for it. Still, we’d say the NZXT Kraken X62 is worth it for the excellent programmability, cool design, and powerful cooling. A perfect fit for experienced techies and those seeking the best liquid CPU cooler for high-end rigs.

Want to be able to easily control your cooler, raising its fan speed or lowering noise in a single click? Most models might not offer that but the Corsair H100i v2 certainly does! Thanks to the built-in PWM controls you can adjust the speed in the range of 400-2435 RPM depending on how intense the load on the processor is and how quiet you want the cooler to be. If you plan on playing a game with the resolution set to ultra, don’t hesitate to crack the speed up to the max while simple internet browsing doesn’t require anything above the lowest speed.

One issue that we did have with the Corsair H100i v2 has to do with the mounting screws. While they’re quite sturdy and easy to use, they might be just a bit too long for some rigs and, in that case, you’d have to buy replacement ones. Not a big expense but a flaw nonetheless. Still, the range of models that this Corsair cooler is compatible with is pretty broad so owners of high-end processors have nothing to worry about.

Last but not least we have to place the durability of the device as Corsair’s products are pretty well-known for long service life but this model goes above and beyond. It uses fluid dynamic bearings that won’t get worn out in years and the pump on this cooler is remarkably leak-proof for extra safety.

So if good design and customizability are important to you, the Corsair H100i v2 is a good find. It’s no bigger than your average cooler, can be set to run quietly or work more intensely to prevent overheating, and it’s pretty reasonably priced for the quality you get.

Liquid coolers are infamously expensive with even the sealed models costing more than high-end fan ones. However, you don’t necessarily have to break the proverbial piggy bank just to get a good water-cooling system. For example, the EVGA CL24 offers pretty much the same capabilities but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

While this model’s size and compatibility are pretty much run of the mill stats that you’d see in other devices of its kind, it does have standout features. For example, the blades of its 2 fans are angled to send the air bursts directly at the heat source, guaranteed to decrease the PC’s internal temp by a substantial margin. Besides, though the noise level of the EVGA CL24 can get as high as 40 dB, it’s less noticeable than in other models. That bonus is owed to the curved body of the cooler that absorbs vibrations and dampens sounds somewhat.

Since we’re on the subject of the design quality, we have another aspect to praise and one more that we did find a bit flawed. The Teflon nano bearings that the cooler uses are extremely durable and should ensure longer service life. However, the software that comes with the cooler is already a bit outdated and some users have complained about the program being incompatible with their updated systems. If the software isn’t patched regularly, you might have to resort to using some external apps, which is a bit of a bummer. Still, that’s an easy fix and we hope that the updates continue and keep the EVGA CL24 running as long as it should.

So if you want an affordable yet effective CPU water cooler, this is a fine choice. It’s not flawless but the price/quality ratio is pretty high, especially considering the excellent design and materials used. A good pick for a thrifty shopper.

Can’t stand another minute of buzzing from your PC’s basic fan cooler? We get it, the sound is annoying. That’s why we recommend the Corsair H60 with its outstanding 31 dB max noise level. This model is one of the quietest liquid coolers out there and it’s got a few more handy features to boot.

For one, in addition to being the quietest cooler, it’s also one of the smallest models on the market, half the size of most high-end liquid systems. Despite that, it boasts a respectable 2000 RPM fan speed though it does only have one fan instead of the standard two. Plus, the airflow is comparatively low, which usually tends to raise the noise level. However, it doesn’t seem to affect the Corsair H60 much as we’ve already mentioned.

If we were to talk about mounting convenience, we have to mention the pre-applied thermal paste that is spread out thinly to ensure maximum heat conduction between the processor and the cooler. This, coupled with the device’s small size, makes it easy to install the cooler in a spot that’d be most convenient for you. However, make sure to be careful with it as the bearings on this model aren’t as reliable as on the more expensive ones.

All things considered, the Corsair H60 is a great and reasonably priced model if your main priority is noise reduction. It’s pretty small, quieter than most high-end options, and though it’s not as flashy as the expensive competitors, it’s all about utility. So if you’re going for substance over style, the Corsair H60 is the right fit for you.

Would you be willing to sacrifice a bit more space than usual in your rig for a low profile cooler that’s not only practically noiseless but also offers high airflow for excellent temperature reduction? If you said yes, the Thermaltake Water 3.0 AIO is what you need.

This model is arguably the quietest among its peers with just 20 dB max noise and adjustable fan speed that lets you keep it even below that. Plus, it has a 99 CFM maximum airflow, which raises cooling capabilities to a whole new level.

But all that wouldn’t mean much if the rest of the system couldn’t keep up with the fans’ specs. Thankfully, the pump on this model is quite powerful and sends the coolant circulating at extra high speeds to ensure optimal cooling. It does have some flaws, though, as the raised speed requires extra thick hoses and those don’t bend all that well. This, in its turn, means that your placement choices are restricted by the large cooling system so you have to make sure your rig is capable of holding a model that big. It’s a shame as the cooler itself is pretty much average-sized with a low profile to boot, only the hoses make it a bit tougher to mount.

So if you’ve got the space for it, the Thermaltake Water 3.0 AIO is a fine choice for heavy-duty cooling and low noise. It certainly won’t be for everyone but those that do have a large enough rig will surely appreciate this extra powerful CPU liquid cooler.