How to Choose a CPU Liquid Cooler

A sealed AIO liquid cooler pairs a pump-and-block on the CPU with a radiator and fans, connected by pre-filled tubing. Compared with air cooling, it typically clears more heat from hot, high-core-count CPUs and keeps clock speeds up for longer under sustained load, while freeing space around tall RAM and the top of the socket. The main decisions are radiator size (which sets how much heat you can shed), whether an AIO is the right tool versus a good air cooler or a custom loop, and case clearance.

Start with your CPU and case. A 240mm radiator suits mid-range chips and most mid-tower cases; a 280mm or 360mm gives more headroom for high-end CPUs and overclocking. Then check socket support (AM5 or current Intel LGA), where the radiator mounts, and how the pump and fans handle noise. Every current AIO ships with the brackets for both major platforms, but always confirm before you buy.