Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra ARGB Sync/AlO Liquid Cooler/ARGB Fan 140 * 2/PWM 500~1800rpm/Water Block 2.1" LCD/Black, CL-W385-PL14SW-A
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AI Verdict
This 280mm AIO with a 480x480 LCD pump head and 1800 RPM fans is for builders prioritizing visual customization over absolute silence.
This AIO is a situational fit because its core cooling performance, with a copper base plate and 27mm radiator, is capable for many modern CPUs. However, the appeal of its 480x480 LCD display is hampered by recurring user complaints about software functionality and display glitches, making it a gamble for those who value the visual features.
If the LCD display is a dealbreaker and you want more consistent software, look for AIOs with a proven track record for their display software stability, even if it means a higher price point.
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Pros
- Features a 2.1-inch 480x480 resolution LCD display on the water block for displaying videos, photos, or system information.
- Equipped with two CT140 ARGB fans that provide 84.32 CFM airflow and 3.02 mm-H2O static pressure per fan.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (LGA 2066/2011-3/2011/1700/1200/1156/1155/1151/1150) and AMD (AM5/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2/FM1) sockets.
- Includes a daisy-chain fan design for simplified cable management, reducing the need for multiple PWM and ARGB ports.
- The copper base plate and 27mm slim radiator with a 20mm copper chamber contribute to heat conductivity and cooling performance.
Cons
- The 2.1-inch LCD screen on the water block has been reported by some users to not function as advertised, with software issues and Thermaltake's lack of response.
- Fans can be loud at their maximum speed of 1800 RPM, and even at 50% PWM (1200 RPM), noise is noticeable.
- Pump noise has been reported by one user to reach 60-70 dBm at 3100 RPM.
- Requires the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software for full customization of the LCD display, which some users find problematic.
- The 280mm radiator size may require careful case dimension checks, as one user had to remove a case fan for installation.
Dimension Scores
The cooler effectively manages temperatures for high-end CPUs like the i9-12900K, keeping it at 84c under full load, and a 14900k without thermal throttling.
The fans produce 34.7 dB-A at 1800 RPM, and the pump can reach 60-70 dBm at 3100 RPM, which is audible and can be distracting.
It features a copper water block and an aluminum radiator with rubber tubing, which are standard materials for AIOs, and includes a slim 27mm radiator with a 20mm copper chamber.
The daisy-chain design for the fans simplifies cable routing, minimizing the number of PWM and ARGB connections needed.
Best For
- PC builds where visual customization and an interactive LCD display on the CPU cooler are a priority.
- Users with medium to large chassis that can accommodate a 280mm AIO radiator.
- Systems needing cooling for CPUs like the i9-12900K or 14900k, where it can manage temperatures without thermal throttling.
Not Recommended For
- Users who prioritize absolute silence, as the fans and pump can generate noticeable noise.
- Small form factor builds where a 280mm radiator might not fit without modifications.
- Users who prefer a plug-and-play experience without relying on proprietary software for display functionality.
Watch Out For
- The 2.1-inch LCD display on the water block has a known issue where it may not work as advertised, with users reporting software problems and a lack of official fixes from Thermaltake.
- Some users have experienced the LCD orientation glitching, where the display briefly shows incorrect orientation before correcting itself.
- The CT140 ARGB fans, while providing 84.32 CFM airflow, can produce 34.7 dB-A of noise at their maximum 1800 RPM, which can be audible.
- The pump can be noisy, with one user measuring 60-70 dBm at 3100 RPM.
- Installation in some cases might require removing existing case fans due to the 280mm radiator's dimensions.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 841163087961 |
| ASIN | B0CCXFQPNK |
| Brand | Thermaltake |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 5.16 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Tube Material: Rubber, Water Block Material: Copper |
| Item Weight | 0.704 ounces |
| Noise Level | 34.7 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermaltake |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | CLW385PL14SWA |
| Compatible Devices | Radiator |
| Product Dimensions | 15.8 x 7.6 x 7.1 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 9-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1800 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The biggest head-scratcher with this cooler is the LCD display; while it's a headline feature with 480x480 resolution, multiple users have reported it simply not working as advertised, with Thermaltake seemingly quiet on software fixes. Beyond that, the fans, though moving a decent 84.32 CFM, can get loud at their 1800 RPM max, and some folks have even clocked the pump at a noisy 60-70 dBm. It does cool high-end CPUs effectively, but you might be trading quiet operation for that performance and the potentially buggy visual flair.
“Man, this thing looks sick with the screen, but seriously, the LCD just randomly stops working or glitches out, and Thermaltake hasn't done anything about it, so frustrating for the price.”
Common Praise
- The 2.1-inch 480x480 resolution LCD display offers extensive customization for images, videos, and system info.
- Effectively cools high-performance CPUs, handling an i9-12900K at 84c under full load.
- The daisy-chain fan cabling simplifies the build process and reduces cable clutter.
- The industrial design of the pump cap and overall aesthetic are appealing to many users.
Common Complaints
- The LCD screen on the water block frequently fails to work as advertised due to software issues.
- Fans are audibly loud at higher RPMs, reaching 34.7 dB-A at 1800 RPM.
- The pump can generate significant noise, with one user reporting 60-70 dBm at 3100 RPM.
- Thermaltake's TT RGB Plus 2.0 software, required for LCD customization, is a source of frustration for some users.
- Some users have experienced brief glitches where the LCD display's orientation momentarily shifts.
Ownership Tips
- The LCD display might require frequent troubleshooting or software restarts to function correctly.
- You'll likely need to adjust fan curves in your BIOS to mitigate the fan noise, especially under load.
- The pump can be a consistent source of low-level noise, even when the CPU is not under heavy load.
- The TT RGB Plus 2.0 software can be finicky and may conflict with other RGB software.
- Ensure your case has ample clearance for the 280mm radiator, as installation can be tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It's compatible with Intel LGA 2066/2011-3/2011/1700/1200/1156/1155/1151/1150 and AMD AM5/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2/FM1 sockets.
Can I customize the LCD display?
Yes, the 2.1-inch 480x480 resolution LCD display can show 16.8M color videos or photos, real-time information, and local weather, customizable via TT RGB Plus 2.0 software.
How loud are the fans?
The CT140 ARGB fans operate between 500-1800 RPM and have a reported noise level of 34.7 dB-A at maximum speed.
Does it sync with motherboard RGB software?
Yes, it's designed to synchronize with ASUS Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome, supporting 5V addressable RGB headers.
What is the radiator size?
This model features a 280mm radiator with dimensions of 317 x 139 x 27 mm.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO liquid cooler like this, you're essentially buying a self-contained water cooling system for your CPU. It's designed to pull heat away from your processor more efficiently than air coolers, especially for high-performance chips. The fan speed, static pressure, and radiator size all play a role in how well it cools, while the pump speed and noise level affect the overall acoustics of your system. The LCD display is a visual extra, letting you personalize your build.
Fan Airflow (CFM) and Static Pressure (mm-H2O)
Airflow (CFM) tells you how much air the fan moves, like how much wind a fan creates. Static pressure (mm-H2O) measures how well the fan pushes air through resistance, like a radiator's fins. For an AIO, high static pressure is more important because the fans need to force air through the dense radiator to cool the liquid effectively.
Radiator Size (280mm)
This is the size of the heat exchanger. A larger radiator, like this 280mm one, has more surface area to dissipate heat, which generally means better cooling performance. Think of it like a bigger car radiator; it can cool the engine more efficiently.
Pump Speed (RPM)
The pump circulates the liquid through the system. A higher RPM generally means more liquid flow and better heat transfer, but it can also lead to more noise. It's like the heart of the AIO, keeping the coolant moving to carry heat away from your CPU.
LCD Display Resolution (480x480)
This determines the clarity and detail of images or information shown on the pump head. A higher resolution means sharper text and more detailed graphics, allowing for more visually appealing customization. It's like the screen on your phone; a higher resolution makes everything look crisper.
Alternatives
If the LCD display is less important than quiet operation, look for 280mm AIOs with lower reported fan and pump noise levels, or consider models known for robust and stable software ecosystems. If you need even more cooling power for extreme overclocking, consider 360mm or 420mm AIOs.
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