Best 280 AIO Coolers for Gaming PC
It is well known that AIO stands for “All In One. It refers to the liquid CPU coolers gamers, developers, and PC enthusiasts use. If you compare a normal air cooler with an AIO, you will find that AIO wins all the battles. It is efficient and does its job brilliantly. And that is why I will walk you through the best 280 AIO coolers in 2023.
Along with being efficient, AIO coolers are also one of those that are most reliable. They can last between 5 to 10 years. So let’s look at the best 280 AIO Coolers this year.
Top Six 280 AIO Coolers
Before I begin, please note that the 280 AIO Coolers introduced here are based on proper research and are thoroughly inspected. At Pur Overclock, we provide unbiased opinions and reviews so our readers can choose the right one. So let’s check out the six 280 AIO coolers for your PC.
To make this review fair, I’ve built a PC with the i7 13700k CPU with a Z790 motherboard. However, if you’re interested in building a gaming system, you should learn about all the necessary components for a gaming PC.
Image
Product Name
Price
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II
Overall Best 280 AIO
ARCTIC is one of the leading and most successful manufacturers of CPU Coolers. It was also successful in producing coolers with minimum noise. Liquid Freezer II is also compatible with both Intel and AMD. Another feature is the combination of an excellent plate, pump, and radiator, ensuring that ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is more efficient and cooler than other AIO water coolers.
The additional 40 mm VRM fan beside the pump provides extra cooling for the base and voltage transformer. Besides, it is also compatible with two ARCTIC P14 fans (140 mm) that can reach a speed of 1700 rpm. You should note that these features of Liquid Freezer II allow your PC to work smoothly and efficiently by dissipating as much heat as possible.
The maintenance-free water loop is another feature you can not find in every AIO cooler. In addition, it consumes less power when idle compared to other coolers. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II also underwent quality assurance tests which it passed without doubt, thus making it the best overall AIO cooler.
ASUS ROG Strix LC II
Best Performance
If you do not have a hold on your pocket and require the most powerful 280 AIO, then ASUS ROG Strix LC II is for you. This high-end AIO cooler promises to give you premium performance. LC II is thus for users who need the full potential of an Intel or AMD CPU.
The Customizable Aura Sync RGB LED on the pump cover and radiator fans gives it a sleek and modern design. Another feature is the 7th Gen Asetek pump, which gives impressive cooling at minimal noise. Additionally, it works at a fantastic rate of 840 rpm.
Since ASUS ROG STRIX LC II comes with ROG Axial tech radiator fans, it provides smooth and proper airflow. Besides, it ensures the pressure inside is appropriately maintained. The Strix LC II is thus a beast with high-performance capability accompanied by the aesthetic look that every gamer looks for.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML280 Mirror
Best Budget 280 AIO
If you are looking for a power-packed performer under a budget, MasterLiquid ML280 Mirror is your product to go for. It is equipped with an impressive 3rd Gen Dual Chamber Pump. Also, the Dual SickleFlow 140 mm fans ensure the cooler works efficiently.
Since it is a liquid cooler, it needs to be leakproof. The high industrial-grade EPDM ensures longevity and leak prevention. It supports AMD Ryzen Chipsets AM5/AM4, AMD AM3+/AM3, AM2+/AMD2, and many more. It also supports Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151 and many more.
All the above features and the infinite ARGB lighting pump make ML280 a valuable player in this category. It is the best choice for those who want to keep a hold on their pocket.
MSI MAG CORELIQUID C280
Best RGB Lighting
Gamers and PC enthusiasts often consider RGB lighting a critical feature. This is mainly seen in those who stream and upload videos. If you are a gamer and require an AIO cooler with the best RGB, consider the MAG CORELIQUID C280.
The C280 packs large surface ARGB lighting built to stand out. The uniquely designed four diamond-cut areas light up in such a way that the MSI logo stands out. The cooler also features two 140mm ARGB PWM fans, providing radiant cooling and little noise.
Another feature you can get behind is the evaporation-proof tubing comprising triple-layered netter plastic. You can also note that the split-flow radiator with an integrated pump provides superior durability and motor resonance reduction. So along with being the best in the RGB section, MAG CORELIQUID C280 is among the best for gaming environments.
NZXT Kraken X63
Best Looking 280 AIO
NZXT is one of those brands that can give tough competition to its rivals. However, the users are very much satisfied with its performance and look. That is why this particular 280 AIO falls under the best-look category.
Kraken X63 comes from the Kraken X series, which has a 10% bigger LED ring and an LCD. You can assemble the cooler with the CAM interface, which provides precise control.
The bigger and brighter X63 also comes with 2 Aer RGB fans that ensure optimal airflow along with being as quiet as possible. Even with the larger infinity mirror LED ring and adjustable pump head that serves its looks, X63 is very decently priced. It is also very easy to install.
Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Elite
Efficient performance
Corsair iCUE H115i comes with a package of amazing features. This cooling machine is for those who want an efficient performance & look with a low noise level. It promises to run your latest Intel and AMD CPU efficiently and offer peak performance.
This advanced AIO cooler presents itself with 16 individually addressed RGB LEDs. This is mounted on the pump head, making it look cool while H115i does the cooling. Moreover, the cooler is driven by two 140 mm AirGuide fans with 450 and 1400 rpm speeds.
The specialized Zero RPM fan and variable pump speed allow quiet operation, making it almost noiseless. This high-performance cooler also provides easy installation, thus making Corsair iCUE H115i a first-class AIO cooler.
Conclusion
That will be the end of our review. Through this article, I have introduced the best 280 AIO Coolers in 2023. If you are looking for an AIO cooler under budget, then MasterLiquid ML280 is your go-to. It is the best budget 280 AIO cooler in 2023.
Kraken X63 will be a great choice if you want the best-looking AIO. Hence, I am placing X63 under the segment of best look.
Similarly, I recommend MAG CORELIQUID C280 if you focus more on the lights. C280 comes under the best RGB segment.
If you want a premium upgrade on your AIO cooler, I recommend ASUS ROG STRIX LC II. Finally, I recommend ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II for an AIO cooler that checks every box of necessity. Liquid Freezer II thus falls under the best overall AIO Cooler.
FAQs
AIOs are considered one of the most reliable and efficient coolers. It is noted that, on average, AIOs can last from 5 to 10 years.
AIO coolers are much more reliable and efficient than air coolers. Therefore, the risk of your AIO cooler leaking is much lower.
Generally, AIOs are much quieter than the fan on a CPU heatsink.