Thermaltake TH280 V2 ARGB Sync/AlO Liquid Cooler/Fan 140mm*2/PWM 500~1800 RPM/Mirror Waterblock/MB ARGB Sync Control/White, CL-W377-PL14SW-A
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AI Verdict
This 280mm AIO with 140mm fans and a copper cold plate delivers strong cooling for modern CPUs, but you'll need to tweak fan curves for quiet operation.
This AIO is a strong contender if you're building a system with a power-hungry CPU and a case that fits a 280mm radiator. Its cooling performance is solid, even for high-end chips, and the ARGB lighting is a definite plus for aesthetics. However, you'll need to be prepared to spend some time in your BIOS adjusting fan curves to keep the noise down, as the fans can get loud at full speed.
If you need quieter operation out-of-the-box, look for AIOs with lower reported fan noise levels (e.g., under 30 dB-A at maximum RPM) or those bundled with higher-static-pressure, lower-RPM fans.
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Pros
- Provides high cooling performance, managing an Intel i9-12900K at 84°C under full load and 71°C with optimized settings.
- Features a daisy-chain cable design for fans, simplifying wiring and reducing the number of 4-pin PWM and 3-pin ARGB motherboard headers required.
- Equipped with a 27mm slim radiator and a thickened 20mm copper chamber, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.
- Includes a 360-degree rotational cap with infinity mirror lighting and ARGB fans, offering diverse visual effects and motherboard sync compatibility (ASUS Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, ASRock Polychrome).
- Comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind for component longevity.
Cons
- The included CT140 ARGB fans generate 34.7 dB-A noise at full 1800 RPM, becoming clearly audible, and some noise is still perceptible at 1200 RPM.
- The pump housing uses plastic, which some reviews note doesn't feel as premium as other AIOs, despite making a good overall impression.
- Radiator dimensions of 371 x 139 x 27 mm (L x W x H) require a medium to large chassis that supports 280mm AIOs.
Dimension Scores
The cooler effectively manages an Intel i9-12900K, keeping it at 84°C under full load and 71°C with optimized settings, indicating high cooling performance.
The CT140 ARGB fans produce 34.7 dB-A at 1800 RPM, making them clearly audible at full speed, requiring user intervention to reduce noise.
It features a copper base plate and a 27mm slim aluminum radiator with a 20mm copper chamber, but the pump housing's plastic construction is noted as less premium than some competitors.
The daisy-chain design for the fans significantly reduces cable clutter by minimizing the need for multiple motherboard headers.
Best For
- PC builders prioritizing ARGB aesthetics with motherboard synchronization.
- Users with modern multi-core processors requiring efficient liquid cooling for sustained loads.
- Medium to large PC cases that can accommodate a 280mm radiator and 140mm fans.
- Enthusiasts willing to fine-tune fan curves for optimal noise-to-performance balance.
Not Recommended For
- Users seeking a completely silent cooling solution without any fan curve adjustments.
- Small Form Factor (SFF) PC builds due to the 280mm radiator size and potential pump block height concerns.
- Those who prefer a completely tool-less installation for all components.
Watch Out For
- The CT140 ARGB fans can be loud at their maximum 1800 RPM, requiring manual adjustment of fan curves in the BIOS to achieve quieter operation.
- The pump block height might be a concern for very compact Small Form Factor (SFF) cases, as specific dimensions are not always readily available and users have inquired about it.
- While the daisy-chain design simplifies fan wiring, the overall installation still involves managing 460mm tubes and fitting the 371mm x 139mm x 27mm radiator.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 841163089262 |
| ASIN | B0CHN8LYRV |
| Brand | Thermaltake |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Wattage | 5.16 watts |
| Material | Copper |
| Item Weight | 5 pounds |
| Noise Level | 34.7 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermaltake |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | CLW377PL14SWA |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 2 x 2.7 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1800 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00841163089262 |
What Buyers Say
The Thermaltake TH280 V2 ARGB is a solid performer for keeping your CPU cool, especially if you're running a demanding chip. What really stands out is how good it looks with the infinity mirror and ARGB fans, which sync up with most motherboards, making your build pop. However, don't expect it to be whisper-quiet right out of the box; you'll probably need to jump into your BIOS and tweak the fan speeds to get a comfortable noise level. Installation is pretty straightforward, and the daisy-chain fan cables are a nice touch for keeping things tidy.
“Look, it cools my 13700K like a champ, no thermal throttling at all. But seriously, turn down those fan speeds in the BIOS unless you want your PC to sound like a jet taking off. The RGB is sick though, really makes my white build shine.”
Common Praise
- Delivers high cooling performance, even with high-end CPUs like the i9-12900K.
- The infinity mirror design and ARGB lighting on the pump and fans provide a visually appealing aesthetic.
- Daisy-chain fan cabling simplifies the wiring process and reduces cable mess.
- Installation is straightforward with clear instructions and broad socket compatibility.
- Motherboard RGB software synchronization works seamlessly with major brands.
Common Complaints
- The CT140 ARGB fans are audibly loud at their maximum 1800 RPM speed.
- Requires manual adjustment of fan curves in the BIOS to achieve a quieter operating noise level.
- The plastic pump housing material is perceived as less premium compared to some other AIOs.
Ownership Tips
- You'll definitely want to spend time optimizing fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS or software to balance cooling and noise.
- The ARGB lighting looks even better in person than in pictures, especially the infinity mirror effect on the pump.
- The daisy-chain fan connectors are a huge time-saver during assembly, making cable routing much cleaner.
- Even with reduced fan speeds, the cooling performance remains effective for daily use and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler fit in my case?
This cooler uses a 280mm radiator (371 x 139 x 27 mm), so your case needs to support a 280mm AIO. It's designed for medium to large chassis.
Can I control the RGB lighting?
Yes, the ARGB lighting on the fans and pump block can be synchronized with motherboard software like ASUS Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome.
How loud are the fans?
The CT140 ARGB fans can reach 34.7 dB-A at their maximum speed of 1800 RPM, which is audibly noticeable. You'll likely want to adjust the fan curve in your BIOS for quieter operation.
Is the installation difficult?
Installation is generally described as simple and straightforward, aided by clear instructions and a daisy-chain cabling design for the fans that reduces cable clutter.
What CPU sockets are compatible?
It's 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.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at liquid coolers like this, you're essentially getting a sealed system that moves heat away from your CPU to a radiator, where fans then dissipate that heat. The big things to consider are radiator size (this one is 280mm), fan noise, and how well it fits in your case. A bigger radiator generally means better cooling, but also takes up more space. You'll also want to think about how much noise you're willing to tolerate versus how much cooling power you need. Most AIOs will cool well, but some do it much more quietly than others.
Fan Speed (PWM 500~1800 RPM)
This tells you how fast the fans can spin. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) means your motherboard can control their speed, so they only spin as fast as needed. Higher RPMs move more air (better cooling) but also make more noise. 1800 RPM is pretty fast, so you'll hear it if you don't manage the speed.
Airflow (84.32 CFM) & Static Pressure (3.02 mm-H2O)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is how much air the fan moves, and static pressure is how well it pushes that air through resistance, like a radiator. For an AIO, high static pressure is crucial because the fans need to force air through the radiator's fins. These numbers are good for pushing air through a dense radiator.
Radiator Size (280mm)
This refers to the length of the radiator, which determines how much surface area is available to dissipate heat. A 280mm radiator is larger than a 240mm and generally offers better cooling performance, making it suitable for more powerful CPUs, but it also requires more space in your PC case.
Copper Base Plate
The base plate is the part of the cooler that sits directly on your CPU. Copper is an excellent thermal conductor, meaning it's very efficient at drawing heat away from your CPU and transferring it to the liquid inside the cooler.
Alternatives
If this 280mm AIO is too loud or doesn't fit your case, consider a 240mm AIO for smaller builds, or a 360mm AIO for maximum cooling in larger cases. Look for models with lower reported maximum fan noise levels if quiet operation is a top priority, or those with higher static pressure fans if you're pushing a very hot CPU.
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