Got a burning question about an AiO cooler?
In this complete guide to AiOs, we’ll be answering every question you’ve ever had, from what these coolers are, to key factors to consider. We even share some great options for those in the market for an upgrade.
What is an AiO Cooler?
AiO stands for ‘All-in-One’ and is a type of CPU cooler. AiO coolers combine all the elements of air and water cooling into a single solution that effectively draws and dissipate excess heat from your vital components such as the processor.
Anatomy of an AiO
An AiO will typically consist of the same core components.
- Pump
- Cold plate/Water block
- Radiator
- Liquid Coolant
- Tubing
- Fans
The Pump
The pump does exactly what the name suggests – it pumps the liquid throughout the cooler and is often located at the top of the section of the AiO that connects to the processor.
The pump can increase or decrease the speed of the coolant. This is often done automatically either via a dedicated software or the CPU PWM header on your motherboard. A general rule of thumb is the faster the liquid flows, the more heat is expelled away from your CPU. The speed of the pump also works in tandem with the fans. For example, if the fans ramp up, so will your pump and vice versa.
The pump typically also features a reservoir which houses the liquid and ensures there is always a steady of coolant flowing throughout the cooler.
The Cold Plate / Water Block
The cold plate is the part of the AiO that makes direct contact with your CPU. Separated by a thin layer of thermal paste, the cold plate is constructed from a highly conductive metal such as copper or aluminium.
On the other side of the cold plate is a series of fins which the water flows through, creating a large surface area in which heat can escape. The more surface area there is, the more effective the cooling is.
The Radiator
The radiator is the large black rectangle on which you mount the fans. The radiator and fans work in sync, the radiator pumps the liquid, and the fans blow cold air through the radiator to cool down the liquid.
Radiators have been designed to a wide variety of fans, as a result, you can find a range of different radiator sizes. This includes:
- 120 x 120mm (1 x 120mm fan)
- 240 x 120mm (2 x 120mm fans)
- 360 x 120mm (3 x 120mm fans)
- 140 x 140mm (1 x 140mm fan)
- 280 x 140mm (2 x 140mm fans)
- 420 x 140mm (3 x 140mm fans)
- 560 x 140mm (4 x 140mm fans)
Similar to the cold plate, surface area is key. The greater the surface area the radiator has, the more effective the fans are at cooling.
The Liquid
The majority of AiOs utilise water, typically mixed with a biocide that prevents anything nasty growing.
Tubing
The tubing is responsible for transporting the liquid between the radiator and pump, and vice versa. The tubing needs to be watertight and flexible to allow you to customise the tubes to suit your configuration.
Fans
A typical AiO will include a set of fans that are mounted on the radiator. The size and number of these fans all depend on your radiator.
Key Factors to Consider When Upgrading to an AiO
There are two main factors that you need to consider when shopping for an AiO.
- The size
- The TDP
AiOs are available in five different sizes which are determined by the dimensions of the radiator and number of fans. The sizes include:
- 120mm
- 240mm
- 280mm
- 360mm
- 420mm
Before you purchase your AiO, you’ll first need to consider it size and how much space is inside your case. Most manufacturers will list what radiators are compatible with your chosen case so be sure to refer back to any product pages or manuals to ensure your AiO is supported.
There are also the requirements of your processor. The more powerful your CPU is, the more heat it will produce, and therefore the more cooling it needs to keep it performing at consistent temperatures.
It’s vital you check the TDP of your CPU, which will be listed on the manufacturer page, and select an AiO that can handle it. The general rule of thumb is:
- 120mm AiO – 150w
- 240mm AiO – 250w
- 280mm AiO – 300w
- 360mm AiO – 350w
- 420mm AiO – 400w
The Best AiO Coolers For…
A Budget
For those on a budget, you don’t have to compromise on performance or aesthetic with your AiO. There are plenty of wallet-friendly CPU coolers in 240, 280, and even 360mm sizes that are designed to handle even the most demanding AMD or Intel processors.
MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240mm Cooler
- 240mm radiator
- 2 x 120mm fans
- Dedicated PWM mode
- Customisable RGB lighting
- Compatible with Intel and AMD
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240mm Cooler
- 240mm radiator
- 2 x 120mm fans
- Silent yet powerful VRM fans
- Compatible with Intel and AMD sockets
Mid-Range
For mid-range gaming and budding content creators, you’ll need to ensure your AiO can handle that extra demand. That’s why for this tier we recommend a 360mm AiO. These will be able to effortlessly handle a TDP of up to 350w and will come equipped with all the fans you need to ensure a steady flow of air runs throughout your case.
Cooler Master Masterliquid 360 Core II 360mm Cooler
- 360mm radiator
- 3 x 120mm fans
- Dual chamber pump
- Stylish infinity mirror design on the pump
- Intel and AMD compatible
Phanteks Glacier One 360mm Cooler
- 360mm radiator
- 3 x M25 Gen 2 120mm fans
- Multi-compatible with AMD and Intel sockets
Enthusiast-Grade
Enthusiast-grade gamers and creatives need an AiO that can keep temperatures to a minimum, even when your undergoing heavy-duty applications. The 360mm radiator has been optimised for a TDP of up to 350W, meaning these coolers are perfect to pair with flagship processors such as the Ryzen 9800X3D. Plus, extra features such as customisable RGB lighting and LCD displays mean these AiO coolers will look stunning and blend into any aesthetic.
Lian Li Galahad II Trinty 360mm Cooler
- 360mm radiator
- 3 x 120mm LCP fans
- Up to 4200RPM
- Customisable RGB lighting
- Compatible with Intel and AMD CPUs
Tryx Panorama 360mm Cooler
- 360mm radiator
- 3 x ROTA Pro 120mmm fans
- 6.5’’ AMOLED L-shaped screen with 2K resolutions and 60Hz
- Multi-compatible with AMD and Intel sockets
AiOs Uncovered
Do You Use an AiO Cooler?
Do you use an AiO cooler? What model did you pick and why? Share your product recs in the comments below.
- 6 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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