In a world where reaching a high overclocking score became a competition, having the right CPU cooler is mandatory to join the overclocking enthusiasts’ club. Getting the right cooler will not only help you maintain your CPU under good temps, but it will also allow you to push it beyond its limits. And what if we tell you that you could have similar cooling performance compared to the 360mm AIO coolers at a lower price point. Yes, that’s right, it’s possible with 280mm AIO coolers. And today, we have brought you some fantastic 280mm AIO coolers that will blow your mind with their cooling solutions without the need to break the bank.
1-ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280
The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 water cooling kit is a high-performance package that keeps your processor at an ideal operating temperature. Indeed, it is composed of a 280 mm radiator with 2 PWM fans of 140 mm.
Thanks to its ingenious design, the fans can spin between 200 and 1700 RPM each! However, the pump in this water-cooling system does not run 100% all the time. Actually, the PWM system with which it is equipped adjusts its speed according to the moment’s demand. In this way, it is extremely quiet at rest while consuming less energy!
Enjoy a reduced level of vibration and an extreme lifespan for your new water cooling system. In addition to the standard high static pressure fan, we note the presence of a smaller additional 40mm fan directly integrated into the pump.
It is responsible for cooling the motherboard’s VRM circuits to avoid overheating in case of stress over long periods of PC use.
The water circuit is completely hermetic, so it is not necessary to add additives.
Cons:
This device lacks RGB lighting, yet this is additional option is not always looked for since it does not impact the cooling function.
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2-NZXT Kraken X63 280mm
NZXT unveils its new X series of water cooling kits: The “Kraken X63”. It is a fantastic cooler for Intel and AMD processors with a 280mm radiator containing two high-performance 140mm fans. The latter ensures a constant and efficient airflow to exploit the full potential of your CPU. In addition, it remains silent even during peak performance.
Optimal cooling performance and extensive customization are brought to you thanks to the high static pressure Aer P fans and the CAM software.
The Kraken X63 Series retains the customizable lighting effects and quiet performance of the previous generation and adds a HUE 2 connector for even more RGB lighting possibilities.
The area of the LED ring has been increased by 10% for even brighter RGB lighting. The rotating cover allows re-orientation of the logo regardless of the position of the cooling kit.
Aer P radiator fans are designed to provide airflow with a chamfered air inlet and Fluid Dynamics Bearing (FDB) that ensures quiet operation, optimum durability, and excellent cooling performance.
Additionally, this device allows you to show your own style by customizing your lighting and different effects with the RGB pump.
In addition to the modifiable color, you can manipulate its function via the CAM software with ease making you the undisputed master of your Kraken cooling system. It collects information from your PC and offers you a dashboard for intuitive and easy-to-use controls.
However, no fans controller is provided in case you are looking for this option.
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3-Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Platinum AIO Pro XT
Designed for high-performance CPU cooling, the CORSAIR iCUE H115i RGB PLATINUM is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooling system with a 280mm radiator and dynamic RGB lighting.
Equipped with 24 individual RGB LEDs and Two CORSAIR ML PRO RGB 140mm PMW fans, the H115i RGB PLATINUM is one of the best cooling systems that combine great looks and outstanding performance.
It allows you to monitor temperature, adjust cooling performance, and customize LED lighting right from your desk. The included 140mm fans are designed for high static pressure airflow with minimal turbulence and noise. They are PWM controlled, so you can customize the fan speed to find the optimum balance between cooling and noise.
The secret to fast and efficient cooling is to maximize the cooling surface area. If your PC case has 140mm fan mounts spaced apart for a 280mm radiator, the H115i cooler lets you take full advantage of your case’s cooling potential.
The installation of the screws seems to be effortful at the beginning, so some patience and attention are always recommended.
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4-EVGA CLC 280mm
EVGA CLC (CLOSED LOOP CPU COOLER) 280 is a ready-to-use water-cooling device that combines high performance, colorful style, deep customization, and quick and easy installation: just plug-and-play!
The new cooling block offers better flow and a better heat transfer surface for incredible cooling efficiency. It contains a smart wiring system and sleeved tubes for an elegant and tidy style. The 280mm radiator and dual 140mm fans help with heat dissipation and can also be swapped out or customized while the copper base allows maximum heat transfer.
In addition to these magnificent characteristics, the Nano Teflon bearings in the fans reduce noise and increase their life. At the same time, the curved housing improves air flow through the heat sink to further limit vibration and noise.
Therefore, the fan speed can be adjusted according to the CPU’s temperature, and water cooling allows them to run at a slower speed to reduce noise.
EVGA TRAFFIC CONTROL SOFTWARE
Connect your EVGA CLC system with EVGA graphics cards and adjust your RGB LEDs’ colors directly from the software or the dedicated button. The color profiles are even saved in the firmware. You can also have full control over your EVGA CLC, fan, RGB lighting, pump control, profiles, and more!
Cons:
The radiator is somehow large and may not easily fit in all cases. However, most of them have the required dimensions, so you may need to verify your case’s dimensions just in case.
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5-Thermaltake Floe Dual Riing RGB 280 TT
Designed to meet gamers’ desires, Thermaltake launches the all-new Floe Riing RGB Series, an all-in-one 16.8 million color RGB liquid cooling device with two powerful 140mm fans, producing high static pressure, and a fan controller!
A high-performance copper backing plate accelerates heat conductivity, and the pre-filled coolant reduces the hassle encountered when filling the other one. On the other side, the jacketed cable design provides the best durability and helps to prevent the tube surface from all damage and scratches.
The high quality and reliability of the pump allow the circulation of an optimal amount of water while keeping the copper support cold at all times. A low evaporation tube effectively reduces coolant loss; therefore, no coolant recharge is required, which is great!
The large 280mm radiator design not only doubles the cooling surface area but also allows for up to 4 x 140mm fans for additional heat dissipation.
Featuring 6 addressable LEDs, excellent light coverage, and uniform brightness and color, the Floe Riing RGB water block can display 16.8 million colors to make your PC unique. You can also synchronize it with the lighting of the fans.
Besides, it provides a system that is both easy to install and maintenance-free during use. The device is easy to install and requires minimal space in the frame.
Cons:
The assembly is not complex, but the beams’ multiplicity requires a little time to arrange the wiring in the box properly. But it is not specific to this AIO but all RGBs.
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Bottom Line
Now, to the most important question, which CPU cooler should you choose? Well, the answer to this question is simple, yet only you can decide. All the 280mm AIO coolers mentioned above offer similar cooling performance. And the main difference between them is mainly on the price and aesthetics.
Other than that, we hope that we have provided you with the information you were looking for regarding CPU coolers. We will also be happy to know which CPU cooler has caught your attention in the comment section below.
