CORSAIR Nautilus 240 RS ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler – 240mm AIO – Low-Noise – Direct Motherboard Connection – Daisy-Chain – Intel LGA 1851/1700, AMD AM5/AM4 – 2X RS120 ARGB Fans Included – Black
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AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO with a 20 dBA pump and RS120 ARGB fans offers straightforward cooling for Intel LGA 1851/1700 and AMD AM5/AM4 systems.
This 240mm AIO is a solid choice for mainstream builds due to its low 20 dBA pump noise and direct motherboard ARGB connection, simplifying setup for compatible systems. However, its pump height and potential RGB control quirks make it less ideal for highly constrained SFF cases or users deeply invested in complex iCUE ecosystems.
If you need more cooling capacity or have a high-TDP CPU, look for a 360mm AIO with a higher wattage rating and more robust fan performance.
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Pros
- The pump operates at a whisper-quiet 20 dBA, contributing to low system noise.
- RS120 ARGB fans deliver high airflow and static pressure, with speeds up to 2,100 RPM.
- Pre-applied thermal paste on the convex cold plate speeds up installation and ensures maximum CPU contact.
- Daisy-chain connections for RS ARGB fans reduce wiring complexity, using a single 4-pin PWM and one +5V ARGB header.
- Direct motherboard connection means no additional controllers are necessary for ARGB control.
- Supports a wide range of current Intel (LGA 1851, LGA 1700) and AMD (AM5, AM4) sockets.
Cons
- Users report that fans can become loud at higher RPMs, sounding like a jet taking off.
- RGB control can be problematic, with some users experiencing issues with iCUE software recognition or requiring adapter cables for other Corsair devices.
- The pump height, especially with its cover, might exceed 55mm, posing fitment challenges in some small form factor cases.
- Some users have reported a 'weird sweet smell' from the exhaust fans, potentially indicating coolant issues.
Dimension Scores
The 240mm radiator and RS120 ARGB fans with AirGuide technology provide strong airflow and high static pressure, effectively cooling CPUs up to 253 watts TDP.
The pump operates at a low 20 dBA, but users report fans can become loud at higher RPMs, sounding like a jet.
Features like a copper cold plate, aluminum radiator, and black sleeved low-permeation rubber tubing suggest a durable construction.
The daisy-chaining feature for the RS ARGB fans simplifies wiring by consolidating connections to single motherboard headers.
Best For
- New PC builders looking for a 240mm AIO with pre-applied thermal paste and simplified wiring.
- Systems needing cooling for Intel LGA 1851/1700 or AMD AM5/AM4 CPUs without requiring separate RGB controllers.
- Users prioritizing low pump noise, as it operates at 20 dBA.
Not Recommended For
- Small Form Factor (SFF) PC builds where pump block height is a critical constraint, potentially exceeding 55mm with the cover.
- Users who prefer to avoid pre-applied thermal paste and use their own.
- Enthusiasts expecting seamless integration with existing Corsair iCUE ecosystems without additional adapters.
Watch Out For
- RGB lighting control can be finicky; some users couldn't get lights working or found iCUE didn't recognize the cooler, forcing reliance on Windows dynamic lighting.
- The pump block with its cover is reported to be over 55mm tall, which can cause clearance issues in compact SFF cases like the Dan A4-H2O.
- Fan cables might be too short for some routing preferences, as noted in user feedback.
- Some users have experienced a 'weird sweet smell' from the exhaust fans, which they attributed to coolant.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840006687566 |
| ASIN | B0DF7D3RGB |
| Brand | Corsair |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 15 watts |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Item Weight | 2.87 pounds |
| Noise Level | 36 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Corsair |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | CW-9060092-WW |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 10.87"L x 4.72"W x 1.06"H |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.87 x 4.72 x 1.06 inches |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2100 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00840006687566 |
What Buyers Say
The biggest head-scratcher with this cooler is the RGB control; some folks on Reddit couldn't get their lights working with iCUE, or needed Windows dynamic lighting instead. Beyond that, the pump is genuinely quiet at 20 dBA, which is a win for silent builds. However, those RS120 fans can get pretty noisy when they ramp up, with one user describing it as a 'jet taking off'. Installation is generally straightforward thanks to the pre-applied thermal paste and daisy-chaining, but watch out for the pump's height if you're building in a tight SFF case.
“Dude, the pump is super quiet, but getting the RGB to actually work with my other Corsair stuff was a total pain, ended up just using Windows for the lights.”
Common Praise
- The pump runs quietly at 20 dBA.
- Installation is simplified by pre-applied thermal paste.
- Daisy-chaining fans reduces cable clutter.
- Direct motherboard connection for ARGB means no extra controllers.
- Effective cooling for CPUs, even a 7800X3D.
- Looks clean and has a simple design.
Common Complaints
- RGB control issues with iCUE software or general lighting functionality.
- Fans become loud at higher RPMs, described as a 'jet taking off'.
- Pump height with the cover can be too tall for some small form factor cases.
- Some users reported a 'weird sweet smell' from the exhaust fans.
- Fan cables could be longer for easier routing.
- Compatibility issues with other Corsair RGB devices without adapter cables.
Ownership Tips
- The pre-applied thermal paste is actually pretty decent, no need to wipe it off and reapply your own unless you're chasing every last degree.
- The daisy-chaining for the fans is a real time-saver for cable management, making the build look much cleaner.
- You'll want to adjust the fan curves in your BIOS or a motherboard utility, because at stock settings, those fans can get loud under load.
- Double-check your case's pump clearance, especially if it's a compact build, as the pump block is chunkier than it looks.
- Keep an eye (or nose) out for any unusual smells; a few people mentioned a sweet coolant smell, which is a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler require a separate RGB controller?
No, the CORSAIR Nautilus 240 RS ARGB connects directly to your motherboard's +5V ARGB header for lighting control, eliminating the need for an additional controller.
Is thermal paste pre-applied?
Yes, it comes with thermal paste pre-applied to the convex cold plate, designed for optimal contact with your CPU's integrated heat spreader.
What CPU sockets are compatible with this cooler?
It is compatible with Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, and AMD AM5, AM4 sockets.
How loud is the pump?
The pump is designed for low-noise operation, generating a whisper-quiet 20 dBA.
Can the fans be daisy-chained?
Yes, the RS ARGB fans can be daisy-chained to reduce wiring, connecting to a single 4-pin PWM fan header and one +5V ARGB header on your motherboard.
Does it work with Corsair iCUE software?
While it connects directly to the motherboard, some users have reported issues with iCUE recognizing the cooler for advanced control, sometimes requiring adapter cables for other Corsair devices.
Buying Guide
When picking an AIO cooler, you're essentially balancing cooling power, noise, and how easy it is to install. A 240mm radiator like this one is a common size, fitting in most mid-tower cases, and it's usually enough for most modern CPUs unless you're doing heavy overclocking. Pay attention to pump noise, as that's a constant hum, and fan noise, which kicks in under load. Simpler wiring, like daisy-chaining, makes your life a lot easier during the build.
240mm Radiator
This refers to the size of the heat exchanger. A 240mm radiator has enough surface area to dissipate heat from most mainstream CPUs, like a car's radiator for its engine. Bigger radiators (like 360mm) offer more cooling but require larger cases.
20 dBA Pump Noise
Decibels (dBA) measure sound intensity. 20 dBA is very quiet, comparable to a whisper. A lower dBA means your pump will be less noticeable, contributing to a quieter PC experience, especially at idle.
Daisy-Chain Fan Connections
This feature lets you connect multiple fans to each other, and then only one cable from the last fan goes to your motherboard. Think of it like connecting Christmas lights in a string – it significantly reduces the number of cables you have to manage, making your PC build much tidier.
Convex Cold Plate
The cold plate is the part that sits directly on your CPU. A convex (slightly curved) shape is designed to make better contact with the CPU's integrated heat spreader, which is often slightly concave. This improved contact helps transfer heat more efficiently from the CPU to the cooler.
Alternatives
If this 240mm AIO isn't enough, look for a 360mm AIO for increased cooling capacity, or if you need absolute silence, consider a high-end air cooler with large, slow-spinning fans.
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