280MM water AIO coolers are one of the most popular AIO options on the market. They are able to cool power processors enough for decent overclocking, and they’re overall a great addition to your gaming build both performance-wise and aesthetically.
280MM AIO coolers perform on par or even better than some of the best air coolers, and they definitely look better in my opinion.
They also remove the risk of blocking important slots such as the RAM slots and some PCI-E slots. Large air coolers are the main culprit of this problem.
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Oh, and if you happen to be in a hurry, check out the quick summary of the AIO coolers on this list!
Corsair Hydro 115i RGB PLATINUM | Check Price On Amazon
Corsair Hydro 115i RGB PLATINUM | FEATURES
| Intel Compatibility List | 115x, 1366, 2011, 2011 3, 2066 |
| AMD Compatibility List | FM1, FM2, AM2, AM3, AM4, TR4 |
| Size | 280MM |
| Number Of Fans | 2 |
| Noise Levels | 37 dBa |
| Weight | 980grams |
| Cooling Methodology | AIO |
| Lighting Technology | RGB |
The RGB on this cooler is a great addition for any heavy RGB builds. Both the fans and the CPU blocks RGB can be changed within the software. The software already comes with presets you can use.
This CPU Coolers main purpose however is to offer insane cooling performance. It cools the latest Intel and AMD CPUs effectively. This insane cooling performance comes from the magnetically levitating fans & the thermally optimized CPU Block.
AIO coolers are louder than air coolers, this is due to AIOs having more moving parts than air coolers. It uses fans and pumps which together generate more noise. As long as your PC exhausts air effectively, your cooler shouldn’t work as hard. Installing this cooler is easy, as a beginner, you shouldn’t have any issues installing this cooler.
Corsair Hydro 115i RGB PLATINUM | PROS & CONS
Corsair H115i PRO | Check Price On Amazon
Corsair H115i PRO | FEATURES
| Intel Compatibility List | 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011 / 2066 / 2011-3 |
| AMD Compatibility List | AM4 / AM3 / AM2 / TR4 / FM1 / FM2 |
| Size | 280MM |
| Number Of Fans | 2 |
| Noise Levels | 20 dBa |
| Weight | 958grams |
| Cooling Methodology | AIO |
| Lighting Technology | RGB |
This Cooler is a balance between power, noise, and aesthetics. When operating, you get great cooling capabilities whilst maintaining low noise levels.
Also, this cooler features levitating fans which decrease noise levels. The noise levels decrease because there is less friction, you will experience a maximum of 20 dBa when operating at full speed.
Another feature that reduces noise significantly is the “Zero RPM” Mode. At low enough temperatures, the fans completely halt which saves power, and decreases noise.
The RGB on this cooler is decent, you can control it through the software that comes with the cooler.
The Corsair H115i pro is the best cooler on this list in terms of efficiency. You get decent cooling whilst being almost quiet. This cooler is enough to get an i7 9700k to 5ghz with temperatures around 80C on absolute full load.
Corsair H115i PRO | PROS & CONS
EVGA CLC 280 | Check Price On Amazon
EVGA CLC 280 | FEATURES
| Intel Compatibility List | 2066 / 2011 / 2011-v3 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 |
| AMD Compatibility List | AM2 / AM3 / AM4 / FM1 / FM2 / TR4 |
| Size | 280MM |
| Number Of Fans | 2 |
| Noise Levels | 20 dBa |
| Weight | 998grams |
| Cooling Methodology | AIO |
| Lighting Technology | RGB |
The EVGA CLC 280 is a robust 280MM liquid cooler that is a strong overall cooler.
EVGA CLC 280 focuses on efficiency and increasing the flow rate of the coolant. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a copper base which transfers heat effectively.
The noise levels are quiet, peaking at 20dBa. The reason for the low noise levels is because of the Teflon nano bearing that the fans use. On top of lowering the noise levels, these bearings also increase the lifespan of the fans.
Another feature is the is that the fans speed depends on the temperature of the CPU. If the CPU is cool, then the fan will lower or completely shut down to decrease noise.
If you’re looking for a solid all-rounder water cooler, then this is a well-justified pick for you. It runs quiet, features RGB, solid build, great performance, and sleeved tubing.
EVGA CLC 280 | PROS & CONS
NZXT Kraken X62 | Check Price On Amazon
NZXT Kraken X62 | FEATURES
| Intel Compatibility List | 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011 / 2011-3 / 2066 |
| AMD Compatibility List | TR4 / AM4 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 |
| Size | 280MM |
| Number Of Fans | 2 |
| Noise Levels | 38 dBa |
| Weight | 1290grams |
| Cooling Methodology | AIO |
| Lighting Technology | RGB |
This CPU cooler has RGB in the form of a ring on the CPU block. The RGB and aesthetics are subtle which is attractive to a lot of people. And the RGB is indeed customizable through the software provided.
The cooling performance of this cooler is pretty good. You can effortlessly cool CPUs such as 9th gen intel, and the latest AMD processors. This cooler can get louder than other coolers on this list. Just make sure that your system is ventilated correctly to minimize the temperatures of your CPU
The software is decent & easy to use. The software is unique as it monitors many of the hardware your computer has, such as the CPU & RAM Usage. You can also change the RGB settings within this software.
NZXT Kraken X62 | PROS & CONS
CRYORIG A80 | Check Price On Amazon
CRYORIG A80 | FEATURES
| Intel Compatibility List | 2011 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156 |
| AMD Compatibility List | AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / AM3+ / AM4 / TR4 |
| Size | 280MM |
| Number Of Fans | 2 |
| Noise Levels | 27 dBa |
| Weight | 1290grams |
| Cooling Methodology | Hybrid AIO |
| Lighting Technology | n/a |
The CRYORIG A80 is a hybrid AIO cooler with exceptional performance. You can really push your CPU using this cooler, and the hybrid fan on the CPU block really allows you to push it.
There’s no notable lighting on this cooler, this may not be an issue if you’re going form a minimalistic build. I understand RGB isn’t for everyone.
Noise levels should be fine as long as your whole system is cool. If your system isn’t properly ventilated, then that’s when your CPU will increase in temperature, causing the cooler to work harder than it should.