Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 White 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 3300 RPM pump and dual 1500 RPM ARGB fans offers solid cooling for a budget build.
This AIO is a strong fit for budget-oriented builders who need reliable liquid cooling with ARGB aesthetics. Its 240mm radiator and 3300 RPM pump provide sufficient heat dissipation for most modern CPUs, keeping temperatures below throttling limits.
If you need more cooling capacity for extreme overclocking or higher-end CPUs, look for a 360mm AIO with higher static pressure fans.
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Pros
- Pump head has a stated lifespan of up to 40,000 hours, indicating long-term durability.
- Fans utilize Stably-FDB magnetic stabilization bearings, designed to reduce fan blade shaking and noise.
- Provides 66.17CFM maximum airflow from its dual 120mm fans, contributing to efficient heat dissipation.
- Installation is straightforward for both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1150-1200/2011/1700 sockets, with fans pre-installed.
- The pump head features an octagonal design with ARGB lighting, syncing with 5V 3-pin ARGB motherboard headers for customizable aesthetics.
- Maintains CPU temperatures well below thermal throttling limits, even with high-end processors like the 14700K under full load, averaging around 84°C.
Cons
- Intel mounting requires an old-school backplate, which is a more involved process compared to AMD's simpler standup installation.
- While noise levels are reasonable, they are not exceptionally quiet, with total system noise reaching 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB at 100% CPU load.
- The white version of the cooler comes with shiny metal mounting hardware, which might clash with a pure white aesthetic.
- Performance, while effective for its price point, does not 'chart top' against higher-priced competitors for extreme cooling demands.
Dimension Scores
The cooler keeps a 14700K under full load at around 84°C, well below thermal throttling, and provides 66.17CFM airflow.
While fans are rated at ≤23dBA, real-world total system noise can reach 64.5 dB at 100% CPU load, which is average for an AIO in this price range.
The pump head has a 40,000-hour lifespan, and fans use Stably-FDB bearings for stability and longevity.
Fans come pre-installed, simplifying some cabling, and there's an option to use a fan hub for tidier cable routing.
Best For
- Budget-conscious PC builders needing effective CPU cooling for mainstream Intel or AMD processors.
- Systems requiring ARGB lighting synchronization for a cohesive aesthetic.
- Users upgrading from stock air coolers who want improved thermal performance without a significant investment.
- Gaming PCs with CPUs that generate moderate to high heat, but not extreme overclocking scenarios.
Not Recommended For
- Enthusiasts seeking top-tier cooling performance for extreme overclocking on high-wattage CPUs.
- Silent PC builds where every decibel matters, as total system noise can reach 64.5 dB under full load.
- Users who prefer a completely tool-less or extremely simplified installation process for Intel platforms.
Watch Out For
- Intel CPU installation is more complex due to the requirement of an old-school backplate, unlike the simpler AMD standup method.
- The white cooler variant includes shiny metal mounting hardware, which might not align with a fully white build aesthetic.
- While the fans are rated at ≤23dBA, real-world testing showed total system noise reaching 64.5 dB at 100% CPU load, which is audible.
- Despite its cooling capabilities, it's not a 'chart topper' for the most demanding CPUs, averaging 84°C with a 14700K under full load.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 755225865513 |
| ASIN | B0CDPG992C |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Wattage | 4.8 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 4.4 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 | AE240 WHITE 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 | 1500 RPM |
What Buyers Say
This AIO is a surprisingly strong contender for its price, with many users reporting excellent cooling performance that keeps even demanding CPUs like the 14700K from throttling. The ARGB lighting on both the pump and fans is a consistent highlight, adding visual flair that syncs easily with motherboards. Installation is generally straightforward, though Intel users will deal with a backplate. The main trade-offs are that it's not the quietest under heavy load, and the shiny metal mounting hardware on the white model can be an aesthetic mismatch.
“Dude, for what I paid, this thing keeps my Ryzen 7 7600X chill even when I'm hammering it, and the lights look sick. Installation was a bit fiddly on my Intel build, but totally worth it.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low, even under heavy loads, preventing thermal throttling.
- ARGB lighting on the pump head and fans looks vibrant and syncs well with motherboard software.
- Installation is easy for AMD platforms, and fans are pre-installed on the radiator.
- Offers exceptional cooling performance for its budget price point.
- Pump is quiet and durable, with a long stated lifespan.
Common Complaints
- Intel mounting process is more involved due to the backplate.
- Can get audibly loud under 100% CPU load, reaching up to 64.5 dB.
- Shiny metal mounting hardware on the white version doesn't match the white aesthetic.
- Performance, while very good for the price, isn't top-tier for extreme overclocking.
Ownership Tips
- The included thermal paste (TF7) is actually pretty decent, no need to immediately buy aftermarket paste.
- The ARGB cables can be a bit much to manage if you don't use the optional fan hub.
- The pump head's octagonal design and ARGB halo are more noticeable in person than in pictures.
- Even after months of use, the pump remains quiet and effective, with no noticeable degradation in cooling.
- The white finish on the radiator and fans holds up well, resisting yellowing over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets are compatible with this cooler?
It supports a wide range of sockets including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066/1700.
Are the fans and pump RGB?
Yes, both the dual 120mm fans and the pump head feature ARGB lighting that can sync with your motherboard's 5V 3-pin ARGB header.
How noisy is this cooler?
The fans are rated at ≤23dBA, and the pump at 30 dB. In testing, total system noise reached 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB at 100% CPU load.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, it typically includes Thermalright TF7 thermal paste, which is considered a good quality paste.
Is the installation difficult?
Installation is generally considered simple, especially for AMD platforms. Intel installations are slightly more involved due to a backplate requirement, but the fans come pre-installed.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO cooler, you're essentially getting a self-contained liquid cooling system for your CPU. It's designed to pull heat away from your processor more effectively than air coolers, especially for higher-performance chips. Pay attention to the radiator size (240mm here means two 120mm fans), fan speed, and pump RPM, as these directly impact how well it cools and how loud it gets. Compatibility with your CPU socket is non-negotiable, so double-check that. And if RGB is your thing, make sure it connects to your motherboard's ARGB headers.
240mm Liquid Cooling
This refers to the size of the radiator, which determines how much heat it can dissipate. A 240mm radiator uses two 120mm fans and is a common size, offering a good balance between cooling performance and case compatibility for most mid-range to high-end CPUs.
Pump Speed (3300 RPM)
The pump circulates the liquid coolant. A higher RPM generally means more efficient liquid flow and better heat transfer away from the CPU. 3300 RPM is a robust speed for an AIO pump, contributing to its cooling effectiveness.
Fan Airflow (66.17 CFM)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures how much air the fans can move. Higher CFM means more air is pushed through the radiator fins, which helps cool the liquid. 66.17 CFM is a solid airflow rating for 120mm fans on an AIO.
Noise Level (≤23dBA fans, 30 dB pump)
This indicates how loud the cooler will be. Lower dBA numbers mean quieter operation. While individual components have specific ratings, the total system noise under load is what you'll actually hear, so consider user reports on overall noise.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't quite fit, look for a 360mm AIO for increased cooling capacity, or a model with lower fan and pump noise ratings if silence is a priority. For simpler installation, seek coolers that don't require a backplate for Intel systems.
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