Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 V3 AIO CPU Cooler, 240mm Liquid Cooling, ARGB PWM Fans, Intel LGA1150-1200/2011/1700, AMD AM4/AM5
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AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO with a 3,300 RPM pump and 66.17 CFM fans is for budget-focused builders needing liquid cooling for mainstream Intel or AMD CPUs.
This 240mm AIO is a strong fit for budget builders looking to cool mainstream Intel or AMD CPUs, offering a 3,300 RPM pump and 66.17 CFM fans. It manages temperatures effectively for gaming and heavy workloads without a premium price tag.
If you need more thermal headroom for extreme overclocking or higher-TDP CPUs, look for a 360mm AIO with higher static pressure fans.
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Pros
- The 240mm aluminum radiator and 3,300 RPM pump provide effective heat dissipation for CPUs under load.
- Fans deliver up to 66.17 CFM airflow, contributing to cooling efficiency.
- The pump head and fans feature ARGB lighting, synchronizing with motherboard 5V 3-pin headers for customizable aesthetics.
- Supports a broad range of sockets including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1150-1200/2011/1700.
- AMD mounting is straightforward, requiring four simple standups around the CPU.
- The Stably-FDB magnetic stabilization bearing in the fans reduces blade shaking and extends fan lifespan.
Cons
- Intel installation is more involved, requiring an old-school backplate attachment behind the motherboard.
- Pump noise is rated at 30 dB when running at full speed.
- Total system noise reached 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB at 100% CPU load in testing.
- A small percentage of units may be Dead On Arrival, with issues like low water or a buzzing motor reported.
Dimension Scores
The 240mm radiator, 3,300 RPM pump, and 66.17 CFM fans keep a Ryzen 7 5800XT below 77°C and a 14700K at 84°C under full load.
While fans are rated under 23 dBA, measured system noise reached 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB under 100% CPU load, with the pump at 30 dB.
A reseller reported excellent reliability with only 2 DOA units out of 100+ sold, and noted improvements over older models.
No specific features for cable management are highlighted, suggesting a standard AIO setup without unique routing solutions.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with mainstream Intel or AMD processors (Ryzen 7 5800XT, 14700K).
- Budget-conscious PC builds requiring a 240mm AIO.
- Systems where ARGB lighting synchronization is desired for visual coordination.
Not Recommended For
- Extreme overclocking scenarios on high-TDP processors where a larger radiator (360mm+) might be necessary.
- Silence-focused builds where measured system noise of 47.8 dB during gaming or 64.5 dB under full load is unacceptable.
- Users who prefer tool-less or extremely simplified Intel mounting solutions.
Watch Out For
- Intel CPU installation requires attaching a backplate behind the motherboard, which can be more cumbersome than AMD's simpler standup method.
- While fans are rated under 23 dBA, the combined system noise can reach 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB under full CPU load.
- There's a reported 2% DOA rate (2 out of 100+ units) for issues like low water or a buzzing pump motor.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 755225220947 |
| ASIN | B0CCP7F5Z8 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Wattage | 4.8 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 4.22 pounds |
| Noise Level | 23 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | THERMALRIGHT |
| Cooling Method | Air, Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | AQUA ELITE 240 V3 D6 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1800 RPM |
What Buyers Say
People are really gravitating towards this AIO because it cools surprisingly well for the price, often keeping CPUs like the Ryzen 7 5800XT under 77°C. The ARGB lighting on both the pump and fans is a big draw, letting you match your build's aesthetic easily. Installation is generally straightforward, especially for AMD users, though Intel mounting involves a backplate. While the fans are quiet on paper, some users noted the overall system noise, especially the pump at 30 dB, becomes noticeable under heavy CPU loads.
“Dude, this thing actually keeps my 5800XT from cooking itself, and the lights look sick, but man, when I'm really pushing it, you can definitely hear that pump doing work.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures below 77°C for a Ryzen 7 5800XT.
- ARGB lighting on pump and fans syncs with motherboard 5V 3-pin headers.
- Mounting for AMD AM4/AM5 sockets is simple with four standups.
- The 3,300 RPM pump and 66.17 CFM fans provide effective cooling for the price.
- Considered a top budget AIO option for its thermal performance.
Common Complaints
- Intel installation requires a backplate, making it more involved than AMD mounting.
- Pump noise can reach 30 dB at full speed.
- Total system noise measured at 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB at 100% CPU load.
- A small chance of receiving a unit with low water or a buzzing motor (2% reported DOA rate).
Ownership Tips
- The ARGB lighting is bright and integrates well with most motherboard software for custom effects.
- Even with the measured noise under load, it's often quieter than a stock air cooler.
- The pre-applied thermal paste is adequate for most users, but some opt for aftermarket paste.
- The flexible, mesh-protected water tubes are durable and aid in routing within the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets does this cooler support?
It supports a wide range of Intel sockets including LGA1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2066, and 1700. For AMD, it's compatible with AM4 and AM5 sockets.
Does it have RGB lighting?
Yes, both the pump head and the 120mm PWM fans feature Addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting. This can be synchronized with your motherboard's 5V 3-pin ARGB header.
How effective is the cooling performance?
Users report CPU temperatures staying below 77°C on a Ryzen 7 5800XT and averaging below 50°C during gaming. Under full stress test loads, a 14700K averaged around 84°C.
Is the installation difficult?
Installation is generally straightforward. AMD mounting is simpler with four standups, while Intel requires attaching a backplate behind the motherboard.
What are the noise levels like?
The fans are rated under 23 dBA, but the pump runs at 30 dB at full speed. Total system noise can reach 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB under 100% CPU load.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO cooler like this, you're basically getting a self-contained liquid cooling system for your CPU. It's designed to pull heat away from your processor more efficiently than a traditional air cooler, especially for modern CPUs that can generate a lot of heat. You need to make sure it fits your case and your CPU socket, and consider how much noise you're willing to tolerate when your system is under heavy load.
Radiator Size (240mm)
This is the size of the heat exchanger, like the radiator in your car. A 240mm radiator means it uses two 120mm fans. Bigger radiators generally mean more surface area to dissipate heat, so a 240mm is a solid choice for most mainstream CPUs, balancing performance and case compatibility.
Pump RPM (3,300 RPM)
This is how fast the pump circulates the liquid. A higher RPM means the liquid moves faster, carrying heat away from your CPU more quickly. 3,300 RPM is a healthy speed for efficient heat transfer, but it can also contribute to audible noise.
Fan Airflow (66.17 CFM)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) tells you how much air the fans can move. More CFM means more air pushed through the radiator, which helps cool the liquid. 66.17 CFM is a decent airflow for a 120mm fan on a radiator, helping to keep temperatures down.
Alternatives
If this 240mm AIO isn't enough, search for 360mm or even 420mm AIOs for increased cooling capacity, or look for air coolers with larger heatsinks and higher static pressure fans if you prefer air cooling.
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