By Robin Owens 15 days ago, SD and Graphics Cards
Affordable and high-quality CPU coolers.
Most people search for the best closed loop CPU cooler so that they can pair their high-end gaming processor with a cooling system capable of handling it. Even though the performance-to-TDP ratings of most CPUs have increased dramatically over the last years, they still tend to overheat sometimes, particularly when overclocked. If you plan to overclock the processor as well, then you should consider a liquid cooling option instead of getting a traditional air cooler. Besides, with the release of graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Metro Exodus, the need for CPU overclocking becomes increasingly more widespread.
Another advantage of getting a closed-loop cooler is that it can be significantly more efficient at maintaining low processor temperatures as long as you get a model powerful enough to manage the heat produced by your specific CPU. Additionally, it’s easier to install such a cooling system in a compact mini-ITX case since it needs far less clearance than its air-based counterpart. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, then continue reading to find the best closed loop CPU cooler for your needs.
Type: Liquid | Compatibility: LGA2066, LGA2011, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1156, LGA1155, AM4, AM3, AM2, FM2, FM1 | Rotation frequency: 2000 RPM | Noise volume: 15 dbA
Cooler Master has been known for a long time for providing quality liquid cooling systems for various computers, and the Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 is another example of their excellence in this arena. This two hundred and sixty-five watt radiator cools your computer while simultaneously keeping it cool and the built in optimized airflow keeps your processor at an optimal temperature for unequaled performance.
This computer liquid cooler is made of aluminum and uses dual six-lane waterblocks with two fans that are clocked to boost system performance. The dual pumps push water through the radiator loops, and the two fans ensure that only the air leaving the computer tower is exhausted by keeping the pump under optimum speed and allowing it to circulate cooler air across the entire system.
Type: Liquid | Compatibility: LGA20XX/1151/1150/1155/LGA1366, TR4/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1 | Rotation frequency: 2550 RPM | Noise volume: 17.8 dbA
DEEPCOOL Castle 240EX CPU Cooler is a closed-loop liquid cooling system for the FX series of computers. It has been designed to be an effective closed loop design that also offers excellent closed loop performance. The coolant is enclosed within a highly durable and efficient aluminum finned radiator. The radiator has four large fans which are whisper quiet to help cooling fanatics get a good night's rest while not cooling down the system.
The DEEPCOOL Castle 240EX is not just a typical closed loop design; it offers a closed loop system that will have great benefits to you as well as your computer's components. It is able to provide up to 40% more cooling than other liquid cooling systems thanks to its four high performance blowers that are capable of spinning at a phenomenal speed.
Type: Liquid | Compatibility: Intel LGA2066/2011/1366/1151/1150 & AMD TR4/AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1 | Rotation frequency: 2100 RPM | Noise volume: 25 dbA
This particular model is one of the newer, more efficient versions that AMD has created for their high performing and energy efficient processors. But even if your computer is not one of the newer models, it still might be worthwhile to invest in one of these closed loop systems. There are many advantages to having a closed loop over a mainstream style cooler, both in power consumption and cooling efficiency.
One of the most noticeable advantages to using a closed loop cooler is the quietness that it produces. You can purchase a mainstream type of CPU cooler and while it will still produce some noise when the fans are spinning, a closed loop will produce virtually no noise at all. This is due to the unique design of the fans inside the unit. In order to function properly, there must be plenty of cross ventilation in order for the refrigerant and the gas to be able to move across the interior of the loop and away from the components. These types of closed loop systems achieve this quite well.
Type: Liquid | Compatibility: Intel LGA2066, LGA2011 v3, LGA2011, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1156, AMD AM4, AM3 | Rotation frequency: 2000 RPM | Noise volume: 15 dBA
The Cooler Master ML 360R is another closed loop liquid cooling system for the mini-processor. The only difference is that the Cooler Master 360R has an enclosed loop instead of a copper tubing to carry the refrigerant. The closed loop is more efficient at trapping heat from the computer than the open loop. This type of cooler is also highly efficient at running these computers that utilize an Intel Core Duo.
The cooler does not use a big amount of electricity to run these computer components. It is designed to provide enough heat to keep your computer and other components very cool without using a large amount of electric power. This is one of the best closed loop liquid cooling systems. The cooler is extremely quiet while it is running, which makes it perfect for when you are under a desk or bed while working on something.
Type: Liquid | Compatibility: LGA20XX/1151/1150/1155/LGA1366, TR4/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1 | Rotation frequency: 2550 RPM | Noise volume: 17.8 dbA
DEEPCOOL Castle 240EX CPU cooler is a two part liquid cooler system. The front of the unit has two separate 140mm aluminum fins, these fins are arranged in to a closed loop configuration to aid the optimized cooling of a CPU. Next there is a back plate to place the front and rear fans. The rear plate also allows for the benefit of dual pumping and dual angle fans. There is a cable assembly at the base of the unit that is used to connect the rear fans to the motherboard.
The benefits of dual-chamber cooling is that the first cooling loop can be opened and cooled without shutting down the second, which means two separate streams of cool air can be directed to the different parts of a computer system. The integrated plastic chamber inside the cooler has two removable heat sinks, one for each of the two separate CPU cores. This unique design means that DEEPCOOL Castle 240EX can be used with any computer, old or new and will work with any type of CPU.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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CoolerMaster ML240L
Our Choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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DEEPCOOL Castle 240EX
With RGB
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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ID-COOLING AURAFLOW X 240
RGB fans
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CHECK PRICE → |
If you want to ensure the processor’s temperature always remains at reasonable values, you have to get an aftermarket cooling system. Given how crucial your CPU is to the rest of the system, picking an appropriate cooler becomes an extremely important task. Lucky for you, all models included in this article have proven to provide great cooling performances, allowing you to find a suitable option for your processor regardless of your budget and tower type.
Reliability is among the first factors you have to consider when choosing the best closed loop CPU cooler for your PC. While a trustworthy construction is important for air coolers as well, it becomes essential here since you’re dealing with liquids that can easily fry your entire system should a leak occur. You should also try to pick a product that comes with reliable customer support that can help you deal with any possible issues in the future.
While you can expect good performance out of all models featured in this review, some coolers still outperform others, with higher-end models often offering components that are more efficient and have a robust build. Since quality closed-loop liquid coolers are already more expensive than air models, their price tags might be a bit intimidating for some. That said, if you want to achieve the optimal CPU performance and ensure you can run the latest games and multitask without any issues, they are completely worth it.
The produced noise level greatly depends on the specific cooler model. Some pumps included in a closed-loop system are louder than heatsink fans on an air cooler, while others work nearly silently, especially if the system isn’t under a heavy load. Carefully read the description of each product and try to find the perfect balance between noise and performance for your PC build.
