Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra ARGB Sync/AlO Liquid Cooler/ARGB Fan 140 * 2/PWM 500~1800rpm/Water Block 2.1" LCD/White, CL-W406-PL14SW-A
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AI Verdict
A 280mm liquid cooler with a 2.1-inch 480x480 resolution LCD and two 140mm ARGB fans, designed for desktop systems needing both visual customization and CPU cooling.
This 280mm AIO is a strong fit for users building a desktop PC with a high-performance CPU, offering effective cooling and extensive visual customization through its 2.1-inch LCD display. The magnetic fans simplify installation, making it appealing for those who value aesthetics and ease of build.
If you plan on extreme overclocking or need even greater thermal headroom, consider an AIO with a 360mm or 420mm radiator for increased cooling surface area.
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Pros
- The 2.1-inch TFT-LCD display with 480x480 resolution allows for displaying 16.8M color videos, photos, real-time information, time, and weather.
- Capable of handling demanding CPUs like the Intel Core i9-12900K, maintaining respectable temperatures under full load.
- The pump features an improved design, resulting in virtually inaudible operation at idle and low noise under full load, reportedly undetectable even at highest loads.
- Equipped with CT140 ARGB fans that utilize MagForce 2.0 technology, simplifying installation and cable management with magnetic connections.
- Offers broad compatibility with Intel LGA 2066/2011-3/2011/1700/1200/1156/1155/1151/1150 and AMD AM5/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2/FM1 sockets.
- Synchronizes with motherboard RGB software including ASUS Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome via a 5V addressable RGB header.
Cons
- Full customization of the 2.1-inch LCD display, such as displaying GIFs or photos, requires the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software.
- Running multiple RGB applications simultaneously, including TT RGB Plus 2.0 and motherboard software, may cause conflicts.
- The two 140mm fans can generate up to 34.7 dB-A of noise individually at their maximum speed of 1800 RPM.
- The 280mm radiator size (27mm slim with a 20mm copper chamber) may not fit in all PC cases, especially smaller form factor builds.
Dimension Scores
The 280mm radiator with a 20mm thickened copper chamber and two 140mm fans provides effective cooling, handling a demanding Intel Core i9-12900K under full load.
The pump is virtually inaudible at idle and low noise under full load, while the fans operate at up to 34.7 dB-A individually at max RPM.
Features a copper base plate, a 27mm slim radiator with a thickened 20mm copper chamber, low evaporation tubing, and magnetic MagForce 2.0 fans for robust construction.
The MagForce 2.0 magnetic fan system and daisy-chainable cables significantly simplify fan wiring and overall cable routing.
Best For
- Desktop PC builders prioritizing visual customization with an integrated LCD display on the CPU block.
- Users with high-performance CPUs, such as Intel Core i9-12900K, requiring effective liquid cooling.
- Medium to large chassis builds that can accommodate a 280mm radiator.
- Enthusiasts who appreciate simplified fan installation and cable routing via magnetic, daisy-chainable fans.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor PC cases that cannot physically fit a 280mm radiator.
- Users who prefer to avoid installing additional software for full product functionality.
- Individuals seeking an absolutely silent cooling solution under all load conditions, given the fan noise at max RPM.
Watch Out For
- The 2.1-inch LCD display will only show liquid temperature without the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software installed, limiting its customization features.
- Attempting to run TT RGB Plus 2.0 alongside other motherboard RGB software can lead to conflicts and unexpected behavior.
- The 280mm radiator, despite its 27mm slim design, requires specific case clearance, which might be an issue for compact builds.
- While the pump is quiet, the two CT140 ARGB fans can reach 34.7 dB-A at 1800 RPM, which might be noticeable under heavy loads.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 841163090398 |
| ASIN | B0CHN8G5W7 |
| Brand | Thermaltake |
| Voltage | 5 |
| Wattage | 5.16 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper, Rubber |
| Item Weight | 5.06 pounds |
| Noise Level | 34.7 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermaltake |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | CL-W406-PL14SW-A |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 2 x 2.7 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 9-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1800 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra ARGB stands out with its 2.1-inch LCD display on the water block, which users appreciate for adding a personalized touch to their builds, allowing for custom images and system monitoring. Builders frequently mention the simplified installation process, especially praising the MagForce 2.0 magnetic fans that reduce cable clutter. The cooling performance is consistently noted as effective, even for high-power CPUs like the i9-12900K, maintaining acceptable temperatures. While the pump is remarkably quiet, some users find the fan noise noticeable at higher RPMs. The main point of friction appears to be the reliance on Thermaltake's TT RGB Plus 2.0 software for full LCD functionality and potential conflicts with other RGB ecosystems.
“This thing looks sick with the LCD, and it actually keeps my 13700K chilly, but seriously, another RGB app to deal with? My system tray is already a mess.”
Common Praise
- The 2.1-inch LCD display on the water block is a standout feature for visual customization with images and system stats.
- Effective cooling performance for high-end processors, keeping temperatures in check even under heavy loads.
- The pump operates with minimal noise, described as virtually inaudible at idle and quiet under full load.
- MagForce 2.0 magnetic fans make installation quicker and reduce cable management complexity.
- The overall aesthetic with ARGB lighting and the LCD screen enhances the PC build's appearance.
Common Complaints
- Full functionality of the LCD display, beyond basic temperature readings, requires the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software.
- Potential for software conflicts when TT RGB Plus 2.0 is used alongside other motherboard RGB control applications.
- The 140mm fans can produce up to 34.7 dB-A of noise at their maximum 1800 RPM, which some users find audible.
- The 280mm radiator size might pose fitment challenges in certain smaller or mid-tower cases.
Ownership Tips
- The LCD screen's brightness and clarity are consistent even after extended use, making custom GIFs pop.
- The magnetic fan connections hold up well, making cleaning and re-installation less of a headache than traditional fan cables.
- Monitoring liquid temperature directly on the block is handy, even if you don't dive deep into the software's customization options.
- The braided tubing feels durable and hasn't shown any signs of kinking or wear over time.
- Finding the right balance between fan speed for cooling and noise level often involves tweaking fan curves in the software.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the 2.1-inch LCD display show?
The 2.1-inch TFT-LCD display can show 16.8M color videos, photos, real-time system information, local time, and weather, provided the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software is installed.
Is additional software required for this cooler?
Yes, the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software is necessary to unlock the full customization features of the 2.1-inch LCD display; without it, the display will only show liquid temperature.
What CPU sockets are compatible with this cooler?
This cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel sockets including LGA 2066/2011-3/2011/1700/1200/1156/1155/1151/1150 and AMD sockets AM5/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2/FM1.
How loud are the fans?
Each 140mm fan has a maximum noise level of 34.7 dB-A at its peak speed of 1800 RPM. The pump itself is described as very quiet, even under load.
Does this cooler support motherboard RGB synchronization?
Yes, it supports synchronization with ASUS Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome via a 5V addressable RGB header on compatible motherboards.
Buying Guide
When looking at liquid coolers like this, you're essentially buying a self-contained system to move heat away from your CPU. The '280' in the name means it has a 280mm radiator, which is a key indicator of its cooling capacity. Larger radiators generally mean better heat dissipation. The fans push air through this radiator, and the pump circulates coolant to the CPU. The LCD screen here is a visual bonus, letting you display system info or custom images, but it's not directly related to cooling performance.
Radiator Size (e.g., 280mm)
This number tells you the physical size of the heat exchanger. A larger radiator, like this 280mm one, has more surface area to dissipate heat, which translates to better cooling performance for your CPU, similar to how a bigger car radiator can cool a more powerful engine.
Fan Airflow (CFM) and Static Pressure (mm-H2O)
Airflow (CFM) indicates how much air the fan moves, while static pressure (mm-H2O) measures its ability to push air through resistance, like the dense fins of a radiator. High static pressure is crucial for AIO fans to effectively cool the radiator, like a strong jet of water cleaning a filter.
Pump Speed (RPM)
The pump circulates the coolant. A higher pump speed generally means more efficient coolant flow and better heat transfer from the CPU to the radiator. It's the heart of the liquid cooling system, keeping everything moving.
LCD Display Resolution (e.g., 480x480)
This specifies the clarity and detail of the integrated screen. A higher resolution means sharper images and text for your custom GIFs, system monitoring, or other visuals, much like a higher-resolution phone screen looks clearer.
Alternatives
If this 280mm AIO doesn't fit your case, search for 240mm or 360mm liquid coolers. If the LCD isn't a priority, look for AIOs without a display to potentially save money, or if you want more cooling power, consider a 360mm or 420mm radiator.
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