Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 ARGB V4 Liquid CPU Cooler, 240 Cooling Row Size, 2 x 120mm PWM Fans, Computer CPU Cooler,for AMD: AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011(Black)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO liquid cooler with 120mm ARGB PWM fans and a 6400RPM pump is for budget-conscious builders needing a compact water cooling solution for Intel LGA1851/1700 or AMD AM4/AM5.
This Thermalright Aqua Elite 240 ARGB V4 is a situational fit, offering a 240mm aluminum radiator and dual 120mm ARGB fans for Intel LGA1851/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 CPUs. Its budget price makes it appealing, but reported pump noise under load and potential cable clutter mean it's not for everyone. It delivers cooling capacity for its price point, but compromises on acoustic performance for some users.
If quiet operation under load is a priority, look for AIOs with lower reported fan and pump noise levels (below 25 dBA for fans and 30 dBA for pumps) or consider a 360mm radiator for more thermal headroom at lower fan speeds.
Regret Score™
High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- The pump head features a 0.1mm pitch copper base and a 40,000-hour lifespan, operating at up to 6400RPM±10%.
- Includes two TL-C12C-S ARGB fans, each providing up to 66.17CFM airflow and 1.53mmH2O static pressure.
- ARGB lighting on both fans and the pump head synchronizes with motherboard 5V 3-pin headers, offering 1600W color soft light effects.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- Comes with a full tube of TF7 thermal paste and pre-installed fans, simplifying the setup process.
Cons
- Users have reported a loud humming sound from the AIO under CPU load, particularly during benchmarks.
- Some units exhibit a grinding or buzzing noise from the pump upon startup, which may or may not dissipate.
- The ARGB fan cables can create cable management challenges due to their design.
- The manufacturer recommends a case width larger than 250mm, which might limit compatibility with smaller cases.
- Noise levels were measured at 47.8 dB during gaming and 64.5 dB at 100% CPU load in a review of the V3 model, which might be louder than some competitors.
Dimension Scores
The 240mm aluminum radiator, 0.1mm pitch copper base, and 6400RPM pump head are designed for effective heat dissipation, with a wattage rating of 1600W.
While fans are rated at ≤25.6dBA and the pump at 30dB, multiple user reports mention noticeable humming or grinding sounds under load or at startup, impacting quiet operation.
Features a copper base, aluminum fin cooling plate, polymer protected water pipes, and S-FDB bearings for fan longevity, with a pump head lifespan of 40,000 hours.
The ARGB fan cables can contribute to cable clutter, and some users noted they can be messy to manage.
Best For
- PC builds with Intel LGA1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 CPUs needing liquid cooling on a budget.
- Systems where ARGB lighting synchronization with the motherboard is a priority.
- Users who prioritize cooling performance over absolute silence during heavy CPU tasks.
- Enthusiasts building in cases with ample space (over 250mm width) for radiator and tube routing.
Not Recommended For
- Silence-focused builds where any pump or fan noise is unacceptable.
- Compact PC cases with limited space for a 240mm radiator and its tubing.
- Users who expect premium build quality and support typically found in higher-priced AIOs.
Watch Out For
- The pump can produce a loud humming or grinding noise under load or at startup, which some users found disruptive.
- Connecting the AIO pump can be confusing if your motherboard lacks a dedicated 'AIO_PUMP' or 'CPU_OPT' header, requiring careful consideration of 'SYS_FAN' or 'CPU_FAN' headers.
- For Intel LGA1700/1851 CPUs, a contact frame is often recommended to ensure optimal thermal contact and prevent motherboard flex, which is an additional purchase and installation step not specific to this cooler but relevant for compatible CPUs.
- The ARGB fan cables can contribute to a messy internal build if not carefully managed.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 769047388211 |
| ASIN | B0DHXCNXFF |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 4.07 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Package Dimensions | 13.15 x 8.9 x 5.55 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
This AIO is a budget option that performs its cooling duties, but you might need to manage expectations regarding noise. Several users have pointed out a distinct humming or grinding from the pump, especially when the CPU is working hard or right after startup. While the ARGB lighting looks good and syncs with motherboards, the cabling for it can get a bit unruly inside your case. Installation is generally straightforward, and it even comes with thermal paste, which is a nice touch for the price.
“Look, it cools my 7800X3D okay, but that humming sound when I'm gaming really gets to me. For the price, I guess it's fine, but I wish it was quieter.”
Common Praise
- The ARGB lighting on the fans and pump head looks really good and syncs up with the motherboard's 5V 3-pin header.
- It handles CPU temperatures effectively, even for demanding CPUs like the 7800X3D, keeping them in a reasonable range during gaming.
- The inclusion of a full tube of TF7 thermal paste is convenient and saves an extra purchase.
- The compatibility with a wide array of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA1851 and AM5, makes it suitable for many builds.
- The fans come pre-installed on the radiator, which speeds up the assembly process.
Common Complaints
- The pump can make a loud humming sound when the CPU is under heavy load, which some users found distracting.
- Some units produce a grinding or buzzing noise from the pump when the PC is first turned on, though it sometimes subsides.
- The ARGB fan cables can be difficult to manage and contribute to a messy interior.
- There can be confusion about where to plug in the AIO pump if the motherboard doesn't have a dedicated pump header.
Ownership Tips
- You might need to tilt your PC or gently move the tubes around during initial setup to help clear air bubbles and reduce pump gurgling.
- Experimenting with pump speed settings in your BIOS or motherboard software can sometimes mitigate noise, though it might not eliminate it entirely.
- If you're using an Intel LGA1700 or 1851 CPU, consider investing in a contact frame for better thermal performance and to prevent potential motherboard flex.
- Plan your cable routing carefully, especially for the ARGB fan cables, to avoid a cluttered look inside your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets does this cooler support?
It supports a wide range of Intel sockets including LGA 1851, 1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, and 2066. For AMD, it's compatible with AM4 and AM5 sockets.
How loud are the fans and pump?
The fans are rated at a maximum noise level of 25.6dBA, and the pump is rated at 30dB. However, some users have reported louder humming or grinding sounds under load or at startup.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, Thermalright includes a full tube of their TF7 thermal paste with the cooler.
Can I control the ARGB lighting?
Yes, the ARGB lighting on both the fans and the pump head can be synchronized with your motherboard's 5V 3-pin ARGB header, allowing for software control of lighting effects.
Is installation difficult?
The cooler comes with dual-platform all-metal fasteners and pre-installed fans for a straightforward installation. However, routing the ARGB cables can be a bit messy, and some users have questions about pump header connections.
What is the recommended case size?
Thermalright recommends a case width larger than 250mm to accommodate the cooler properly.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO liquid cooler like this, you're essentially getting a self-contained water cooling loop for your CPU. It's designed to pull heat away from your processor more efficiently than air coolers, especially for higher-end CPUs. You need to think about how much space you have in your case for the radiator and whether you care about the noise it makes, because even budget AIOs can be audible under stress.
Cooling Row Size (240mm)
This refers to the size of the radiator, which is where the heat from your CPU dissipates. A 240mm radiator has space for two 120mm fans. Bigger radiators (like 360mm) generally offer more cooling potential, but a 240mm is a common size that fits in many cases and is a step up from basic air cooling.
PWM Fans (2 x 120mm)
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fans allow your motherboard to control their speed based on CPU temperature. This means they can spin slower and quieter when your CPU isn't working hard, and ramp up when more cooling is needed. The two 120mm fans are the standard size for a 240mm radiator.
Pump Speed (6400RPM±10%)
The pump circulates the liquid coolant. A higher RPM generally means more flow and better cooling, but it can also contribute to more noise. This 6400RPM speed is quite high, indicating strong liquid circulation.
ARGB Divine Light Synchronization
This means the cooler's lighting (Addressable RGB) can be controlled and synced with your motherboard's RGB software, allowing you to match colors and effects with other components in your PC. It's purely for aesthetics, letting you customize your build's look.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your needs, look for AIOs with larger radiator sizes (e.g., 360mm) for enhanced cooling capacity, or prioritize models with lower reported noise levels if quiet operation is crucial.
You Might Also Like
Micro ATX PC Case | Mini Tower Computer case | Pre-Installed 120mm*1 RGB Fan | ITX Desktop Chassis for MATX/ITX | 240 RAD | 280mm GPU | 160mm CPU Cooler Height - White S6
$0-$49This MAQUY S6 is a budget Micro ATX case with a pre-installed 120mm RGB fan, supporting 280mm GPUs and 240mm top radiators for entry-level builds.
Micro ATX Case, Mini PC ITX Desktop Computer Case MATX Case Support ATX PSU/250mm GPU/135mm CPU Cooler/1x 3.5’’HDD or 2X 2.5’’SSD/USB 3.0 Port
$0-$49This is a compact 38.5x19.5x32.5cm Micro ATX case supporting 250mm GPUs and 135mm CPU coolers, designed for budget workstation builds.
Small PC Case, ITX Mini Computer Case with 360 Degree Ventilation, 10.5L Compact Design for ITX Motherboard, SFX Power Supply, 4 x 2.5 Inch SSDs
$50-$99This 10.5L acrylic ITX case supports SFX/SFX-L PSUs, ITX motherboards, and GPUs up to 210mm, designed for compact builds.
Micro ATX PC Case | Mini Tower Computer case Support Vertical GPU Mount | Pre-Installed 120mm*1 RGB Fan | ITX Desktop Chassis for MATX/ITX | 240 RAD | 320mm GPU | 165mm CPU Cooler Height-Black
$0-$49A budget Micro ATX case with a mesh front, tempered glass, and support for 320mm GPUs and 240mm AIOs, but only one pre-installed 120mm RGB fan.