With a maximum height of 154 mm, the entry-level SE-225-XT Black delivers exceptional case compatibility and perfect memory and graphics card clearances. Add in solid performance and style, and you have an excellent option for those building a budget system.
DeepCool's AS500 Plus delivers compelling performance for a single-tower cooler that gives some of the biggest air coolers a run for their money. Add the white version's aesthetically pleasing looks, simple installation, and acceptable noise profile and anyone looking to grab one for their build is in for a treat!
Alphacool revamps the Eisbaer Aurora 360 with the new HPE, or High-Performance Edition. Sporting an entirely new copper radiator design, higher-performance fans, and exceptional performance, it remains one of the few and best examples of a pre-filled AIO that can be expanded and serviced.
MSI looks to improve its share of the all-in-one liquid cooler market with the MEG CORELIQUID S280. The built-in IPS display on the pump and active cooling for the VRM result in this halo product delivering not only unique features, but also solid performance.
The Zalman Reserator5 Z36 is a cost-efficient all-in-one liquid cooler that will shake up the market. Instead of going with fancy LCDs, unnecessary software, or excessive features, Zalman delivered a solid no-frills performer that won't set your wallet on fire.
Sapphire looks to break into the all-in-one liquid cooler market with the Nitro+ S240-A. Based on Asetek technology and equipped with hybrid fans, ARGB lighting, and a unique look, it appears to be a winner, but appearances can be deceiving.
DeepCool looks to assert dominance with its latest dual-tower air cooler, the AK620. Featuring an accommodating height of just 160 mm, it fits where other large coolers won't—all while packing serious performance with clean and stylish looks.
Arctic looks to dominate with the Liquid Freezer II 280 A-RGB. This 280 mm all-in-one liquid cooler boasts exceptional performance, a six year warranty, and an affordable price, making it a clear winner in a cut-throat market with no shortage of competitors.
Cooler Master's MasterLiquid PL240 Flux is the newest addition to their all-in-one liquid cooler lineup. With clean looks, ARGB lighting, and a solid warranty, it hits many of the right notes, but its price tag may be its Achilles heel.
SilentiumPC looks to build on its recent successes with the new and improved Fortis 5 series of coolers. Bigger and bolder and with improved mounting hardware, the Fortis 5 series delivers solid performance without excessive noise while staying true to its value-oriented roots.
The SilverStone Hydrogon D120 ARGB is a compact middle-of-the-pack dual-tower cooler with some exciting features, such as its zero-RPM fan mode, ARGB lighting, and top-tier AMD mounting solution. This jack of all trades but master of none is an interesting user-friendly solution with acceptable performance and some visual flair.
SilentiumPC comes out of nowhere to deliver a 1-2 combo of performance and value with the Fera 5 and Fera 5 Dual Fan CPU coolers. While simple and traditional in terms of design, both of these entry-level heatsinks trade blows with far more popular offerings.
Scythe looks to reap the competition with the Mugen 5 Black Edition. Its asymmetrical design is a major focal point, while the all-black aesthetic is visually appealing. Add the more powerful fan and you have what appears to be a truly upgraded Mugen 5 Rev.B.
Zalman's CNPS10X Performa Black may be a mid-range air cooler, but its sleek design and all-black appearance give it a stealthy look for those that want a less flashy build. It also doesn't hurt that performance per dollar was quite the surprise.
ASUS takes all-in-one liquid coolers to the extreme with the ROG Ryujin II 360. Its 3.5" LCD display delivers vibrant graphics and even hardware-monitoring functionality. Meanwhile, Noctua IndustrialPPC fans achieve that quality feel you expect, making for a truly over-the-top cooler that has a price to match.
be quiet!'s Dark Rock TF 2 takes a tried and true top-flow design and refreshes it for modern systems with new fan designs, aesthetically pleasing looks, and the low-noise operation you'd expect. The only problem? Performance doesn't live up to expectations.
be quiet!'s Shadow Rock Slim 2 takes the mantle from its predecessor and carries it to new heights. What at first appears as just another tower cooler soon proves to be a top-tier low-noise performer that lacks only ARGB lighting, which will be a huge plus for many RGB haters.
ID-Cooling offers some truly compelling coolers, and with the release of the SE-207-XT, they are targeting the high-end air-cooling market after dominating the entry-level segment. Featuring a dual-tower, dual-fan design, this all-black cooler should intrigue those looking to avoid ARGB lighting while maximizing performance per dollar.
Corsair is going big with the Hydro Series H170i Elite Capellix. This all-in-one liquid cooler features a massive 420 mm radiator, three 140 mm ML series fans, and all the ARGB you can handle. It also performs exceptionally well, making it a potent offering in a crowded market if your case can fit it.
Montech is breaking new ground with their first CPU cooler, the aptly named Air Cooler 210. This single-tower cooler features six heat pipes, an asymmetrical fin-stack, and an ARGB fan for that little bit of bling. All in all, an appealing option if its performance can rival its looks.
MSI looks to break into the all-in-one liquid cooler market with their MPG CORELIQUID K240. Sporting a built-in LCD on the pump and a fan adding active VRM cooling, this ARGB LED-equipped cooler is host to a plethora of features. It also offers solid performance on Intel systems.
Enermax looks to turn heads with its ETS-F40-FS ARGB coolers. Available in black or white with ARGB lighting, this asymmetrical single-tower design sports a quiet 140 mm fan for those looking to add some visual flair without excessive noise.
G.SKILL enters the all-in-one liquid cooler market with the ENKI 360. The defining feature is its increased radiator piping for improved surface area and more efficient heat dissipation. Add a solid warranty along with an aesthetically pleasing design and you have an offering that manages to go toe to toe with the competition.
With new hardware comes the need for test system updates, and we have instituted a massive overhaul of the testing process for CPU coolers. The biggest change is the addition of an AMD test bench alongside Intel so we can provide you with a better look at the performance offered. Not to mention we added noise normalized results, too!
EK goes all in with the AIO Elite 360 D-RGB. For this release, the company took their 360 D-RGB unit, added more RGB Vardar fans, and upped the performance of the pump. Add in some minor cosmetic changes and you have a top-tier, high-end all-in-one liquid cooler that delivers serious performance.
