Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2is the highly anticipated sequel to the original that came out 13 years ago, and it retains its gory and exhilarating gameplay with modern visuals. It is a heavy AAA title with a lot of visual effects that require quite a lot of processing power, and this seems to be causing gamer’sCPUs to reach much higher temperaturesthan expected. To ensure consistent performance and longevity for the CPU, it is recommended to invest in a capable cooling solution.
AIOs or All-in-ones, as the name suggests, are water-cooling solutions made easy for gamers who don’t want to go the custom water-cooled route but still wantbetter performance than an air cooler. They come in various sizes and cooling potential, so finding the right one can be a bit challenging. Fortunately, this guide will help make the purchase decision a bit easier. There are also a few factors to consider before buying a new AIO, so make sure to check those out at the end of the guide.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best AIOs
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB (Black)
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB (Black) is a high-performance cooling system for the latest Intel and AMD CPUs and even older generation processors. It includes a 38mm thick radiator that houses three 120mm fans that can spin at up to 2000 RPM. The fans use standard 3-pin cables to ensure compatibility with different motherboards and lighting systems.
When it comes to liquid cooling and AIOs, there are a few brand names that stand at the top and ARCTIC is one of them. Its ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 is the latest iteration in the Liquid Freeze series, and it brings excellent performance, along with stylish aesthetics. It is a 360mm radiator, which means you get three 120mm fans (3x P12 PWM PST A-RGB) with RGB lighting and standard 3-pin cables to ensure compatibility with most cases and lighting systems.
These fans are installed in a push configuration and are capable of moving up to 48.82 CFM of air at up to 2000 RPM. They push air through the 38mm thick radiator, making sure that the water inside remains cool even when the CPU is under load. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 includes an in-house developed water pump to ensure optimal performance with the rest of the components.
Not only is the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets, but it will also be compatible with the next generation of Intel CPUs that will be based on the LGA1851 socket. Furthermore, ARCTIC has taken into consideration that the hotspots onAMD Ryzen CPUsare not centrally located under the IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader), so the AMD mounting solution comes with a 5mm offset.
Lastly, the mounting frame from ARCTIC reduces the mechanical load on the CPU which makes sure that it will not deform over time or put additional stress on the PCB. All these conditions make the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 the best overall AIO to keep your CPU cool when playingWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler
The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler is ASUS’s latest premium tri-fan AIO that offers better cooling, an upgraded LCD, and a new Asetek 8th generation pump as some of its salient features. Thanks to a thicker radiator and a new cold plate, it can reduce temperatures drastically versus both its predecessor and its competition.
If budget is of no concern, and you want a large screen display on top of your CPU, the ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB is for you. It costs over $300, and when you are playing that much for a CPU cooler, it better check all the right boxes. The ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB’s high price is partly due to the large 3.5-inch LCD on the pump block, so if you have your PC sitting next to you on your desk, you will have the LCD facing you at all times. This means you have another screen to showcase important metrics for system monitoring or personalized animations and wallpapers.
Unlike the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360, the ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB uses a pump made by Asetek, one of the most popular companies in liquid cooling hardware. The 8th generation pump comes with a three-phase motor that delivers higher flow, lower impedance, and operates at lower noise levels compared to the previous generation.
Sitting on top of the 30mm radiator are three 120mm ROG ARGB fans that connect to each other via a magnetic connector and have a single cable for power and data. These fans can spin at up to 2200 RPM moving about 70 CFM of air. In terms of compatibility, the ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB works with current and next-generation Intel and AMD CPUs.
MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID C240
The MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID C240 AIO is a 240mm CPU cooler for the latest generation CPUs from both Intel and AMD. It comes with two 120mm ARGB fans that can spin at up to 2000 RPM. The pump has been placed inside the radiator which keeps it away from the heat generating component (CPU). The pump head has diffused RGB lighting that can be controlled through the various lighting software systems.
With the MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID C240, you get excellent cooling performance, stylish aesthetics, and compatibility with both Intel and AMD CPUs, all for about $100. This CPU cooler comes with two 120mm RGB fans that can move 78.73 CFM of air at up to 2000 RPM. MSI has integrated the pump into the radiator which helps with noise and provides sound dampening. Another positive is that the pump is away from the heat source (CPU) and MSI says it’s better for longevity.
The 27mm thick radiator has high thermal dissipation thanks to the split pathway design which pulls in warm water from the sides which then runs across the length of the radiator, losing the heat and meeting in the middle as cold water is sent back out to the CPU. The pump for the MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID C240 also has a three-phase motor, and the tubes are made from three layers of netted plastic tubing with a reinforced mesh exterior.
RGB lovers will find the MSI AIO cooler does a great job at lighting not just the fans but the CPU as well. The entire block that sits on top of the CPU shows diffused RGB lights that make the block look unique. The MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID C240 is compatible with both Intel (LGA1700 and older) and AMD (AM4 and older) sockets.
Check out Game Rant’s review of the360mm radiator in MSI’s CORELIQUID seriesto find out more.
LIAN LI Galahad II Trinity
The LIAN LI Galahad II Trinity is a 360mm AIO cooler for Intel and AMD CPUs. It comes with three 120mm ARGB fans, three interchangeable pump looks, 45-degree tubing connectors, and daisy-chained fans. The AIO cooler fans can spin at up to 2450 RPM. The fans can be connected to the pump for control through L-Connect 3.
The Galahad II Trinity or GA II Trinity series from LIAN LI is a unique AIO in its own way. Available in both black and white colors, this 360mm AIO offers something that no other cooler does and that is three interchangeable pump caps, all of which are included in the package. The pump caps are what you will be looking at when you glance at your PC, so being able to swap them out for a different design is a bonus.
There are three 120mm ARGB PWM fans that are daisy-chained together, so there is a single cable for power and data. While the radiator is not the thickest at27 inches, it has 20 FPI fin density, allowing for more unrestricted flow through the single-wave radiator. The fans are capable of moving 79.9 CFM of air and can spin at up to 2450 RPM. No matter what CPU you are using, this AIO will keep it cool while you slay monsters inWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
The LIAN LI Galahad II Trinity 360 GA2T36W is compatible with the latest Intel and AMD sockets. The AIO is fairly easy to mount and quite flexible thanks to the 45-degree tubing connector which gives the tubes 360 degrees of rotation. LIAN LI includes a leather strap to keep the tubes organized as well as a thermal paste control film and spreader that ensures correct thermal paste application.
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite CAPELLIX XT
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite CAPELLIX XT provides a big surface area for heat dissipation and performs very well with flagship Intel and AMD CPUs. The cooler uses a 420mm radiator that constantly dissipates heat with the help of high airflow fans and has distinguished RGB lighting. The fan curve can be customized with respect to the coolant temperature which is an excellent way of improving its performance
PC enthusiasts who like to push their hardware to the limits and are looking for the largest radiator should consider the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT. It is a 420mm radiator which means there are three 140mm AF RGB ELITE fans that are moving massive amounts of air through the radiator. These fans, while not the fastest, can move up to 89 CFM of air at up to 1700 RPM. The AIO is compatible with both Intel and AMD current-gen and older sockets.
The three ARGB fans have eight LEDs each and the pump head has 33 LEDs for a bright light show inside your case. What’s great is that, since these fans cannot be daisy-chained and have their own individual cables, Corsair includes the iCUE Commander Core controller with the AIO, which makes managing cables a bit easier. These fans also have a 0 RPM mode wherein they stay idle when the computer doesn’t need active cooling.
It also comes with Corsair’s XTM70 Extreme Performance thermal paste pre-applied, taking away the hassle of deciding how much thermal paste is enough. Corsair also sells an ELITE LCD upgrade kit that can be purchased separately and installed on the pump after removing the default pump cap. Like other manufacturers, Corsair also offers a five-year warranty for the iCUE H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT.
Thermaltake TH240 V2 Ultra ARGB Sync
This AIO from Thermaltake delivers steady cooling, and some RGB with a 2.1" LCD screen on the water block. Installation is a breeze due to the 120mm PWM fans being pre-installed on the radiator and the cable being daisy-chainable for a clutter-free outlook. Lighting and media on the screen are customizable through their proprietary software.
Despite its slim radiator size, the Thermaltake TH240 V2 Ultra ARGB Sync is a high-performing AIO for both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. It comes with two 120mm CT120 ARGB fans that can spin at up to 2000 RPM and push a high volume of air through the 27mm thick radiator. The fans are also connected with an integrated daisy-chain design that leads to two cables instead of four. Thermaltake also includes a 900mm PWM and a 900mm ARGB cable for extending your fan cables.
This V2 AIO brings a 2.1-inch LCD on the pump and this display can show real-time metrics or play content including GIFs, MOV files, MP4s, JPGs, and more. You will need the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software to control the display and what’s even more interesting is that all TT RGB Plusproducts support Amazon Alexa, so you can use voice commands to control the lighting.
The RGB lights on the fans can also be controlled using major motherboard manufacturer’s lighting systems. However, you will need the Thermaltake software to control the LCD and set start-up or stand-by screens/animations. The Thermaltake TH240 V2 Ultra ARGB Sync also comes with a 5V ARGB Connector Clip which ensures a solid connection between the ARGB cables.
Finding the Best AIO to Keep Your CPU Cool
There are a few important factors to consider when looking for a new AIO cooler for your Intel or AMD CPU:
CPU Compatibility
Most AIO coolers come with support for both Intel and AMD sockets. However, some may not support the latest generation, or upcoming CPUs, so make sure the particular processor generation that you are currently using or planning to upgrade to is supported.
Size and Case Compatibility
AIOs come in different sizes, ranging from 120mm or 140mm single-fan radiators up to 480mm radiators that can take four 120mm fans. Your cooling needs may be satisfied by a single 120mm fan radiator cooling system, but you should go with a 240mm AIO to keep your CPU cool under load duringWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
What you will also need to confirm beforehand is whether the size of AIO you want fits the case you have. Case manufacturers clearly specify what size of AIO radiators can fit inside the case, but most AIOs up to 360mm can fit in the majority of PC cases. Larger PC cases can accommodate thicker and larger radiators, so depending on your cooling needs, you may need a PC case upgrade as well.
Display
A lot of AIO coolers come with LCD orOLED displayson the pump head that usually sits on top of the CPU. These displays can be used to show essential real-time system metrics or show off the latest GIFs and animations. But this does add to the cost, and you can get equally proficient AIOs without displays for cheaper.
Fan Connectors
Some manufacturers like LIAN LI and Thermaltake allow for daisy-chaining the two or three fans that sit on top of the radiator. This leads to fewer cables that need to be connected to the motherboard, making cable management easier. Corsair, on the other hand, ships its high-end AIOs with a controller that acts as a hub for the RGB fan cables.
FAQ
Q: What are the cons of AIO cooler?
AIO coolers come with their own drawbacks which include a constantly running pump (in most cases), a higher chance of failure compared to air coolers, they are more expensive, and they are also more challenging to install for newer builders.
Q: Do AIO coolers last long?
AIO coolers can generally last anywhere from five to 10 years and that’s why manufacturers give five to six years of warranty with their units.
