Today we are going to review the Best 120mm AIO Liquid CPU Cooler in 2021 [Tested by Experts] , to help you decide whether it’s a good choice or not. As you know, the CPU cooler is a very important component for your PC. It is the best thermal conductor between the CPU and the cooling fan. You can also see that there are many CPU coolers in the market, but with different features and price, so which one should you choose?
CPU cooling has seen dramatic improvements in the last few years. Motherboard makers such as MSI, Gigabyte and ASUS have all released their own versions of AIO cooler with improved features like RGB LED effects and RGB controlled fans. Recently, there has been a new entry in the AIO cooler market with its own unique look, features and pricing. Unlike other coolers, which are sold in 120mm form factor, Noctua’s NH-D15 SE-AM4 AIO cooler is sold in a 170mm form factor. Whether this is a good or bad thing depends on what you’re going to use the cooler for.
After reviewing the top 120mm AIO CPU coolers available for purchase, we’ve finally come up with a solid list of the best 120mm AIO liquid coolers going forward. Most of the coolers on our list are very efficient; that means they use a smaller radiator than normal and you are able to cram in a lot more heat-pipes inside the radiator. When it comes to cooling performance, there’s not much of a difference between the top-end coolers on this list.
For optimal cooling performance, AIO cooling systems are always a feasible choice. Most gamers want to add them to their gaming setup because of their high efficiency.
But which 120mm AIO would best suit your gaming requirements?
Take a look at my favorite 120mm water cooler.
Alternatively, continue reading to see my evaluation of several high-performing liquid coolers.
If you’re building a small gaming PC, though, the 120mm AIOs are the best option for keeping your system cool.
For your ideal setup, check out our expert’s suggested best RGB Hub and fan splitter cable.
Review of the 7 Best 120mm AIO
The 120mm liquid coolers are quite small and quiet while in operation. They fit in most low-profile PC cases, with the exception of a few ultra-slim designs.
Now, not all 120mm AIOs will be suitable for your needs. You’ll need a cooling system that can effectively control heat.
Do you want the most dependable option? So, let’s not spend any more time. Do you have a setup that doesn’t need air coolers? Check out the finest RGB CPU AIO cooler that our specialists have tested and evaluated.
The following is a list of the top seven 120mm AIO coolers:
1. Thermaltake ARGB Sync TH120
The Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync is my favorite choice in the 120mm AIO category.
The following characteristics are included with this liquid cooler:
- Design of LED Water Block
- 1200-1500 RPM Fan Speed
- 25.2-28.8 dBA noise level
Check the current price of the Thermaltake TH120.
This Thermaltake model, like most other 120mm cooling systems, is much lighter. In fact, I’d argue it’s lighter than a lot of the high-end air conditioning alternatives on the market.
In terms of design, this cooler is quite simple. Nothing out of the ordinary. The pump head, on the other hand, is well-designed.
I discovered a fan with a basic design. But when the finest rig comes to life, things become much better. Are you running out of time? Take a look at these amazing RGB CPU coolers for your computer.
As a result:
This 120mm water cooler turns out to have an odd RGB component.
The bright lighting performance of this cooler surprised me when I tried it in my setup. The greatest thing is that you’ll have access to a palette of 16.8 million colors to customize the fan and pulp head. You also don’t have to be concerned with installation. It would be a much too easy job.
Finally, I believe that this cooler is the finest you can buy. Whether it’s performance, affordability, or ease of installation, this cooler offers you the opportunity to win in every situation. Do you want to discover what CPUs work well with the RTX 3000 series GPU? Check out these low-cost CPUs for the RTX 3070, 3080, and 3090 series.
2. ROG Strix LC 120 from ASUS
When it comes to constructing a gaming setup, the ROG line of devices is usually one of my first picks. While searching for 120mm AIOs, I came across one from this series that might be ideal for your mini-ITX setup.
The following are the specifications for this ASUS model:
- RPM of the fan: 800-2500
- 37.6 decibels decibels decibels decibels decibels decibels decibels deci
- Warranty period: 5 years
Check out the current price of the ASUS ROG Strix LC 120.
This ASUS water cooler is one of the most elegant and sturdy-looking cooling options available. It is undoubtedly one of the best choices due to its contemporary appearance and great cooling capacity.
At first look, you’ll notice its pump head, which is imprinted with the ROG emblem. This logo is absolutely delightful when the RGB LEDs in the pump are turned on.
Added to that:
The whole texture of the cooler is so beautifully done that when the RGB LEDs reflect inside the rig, it produces a brilliant burst of colors.
A single fan with an improved design is also included with this cooler. It performs well at reasonable speeds. The greatest aspect is that it doesn’t have to operate at full speed to keep the system cool. Check out some of the best CPU coolers for the AM4 socket.
Installing this AIO cooler in your system will take you no more than 10 minutes at most. Furthermore, it is extremely compatible with contemporary CPUs due to the broad variety of socket compatibility provided by both Intel and AMD platforms.
However, if you intend to use the fan at maximum speeds, it is possible that it may become too noisy. As a result, I recommend that you keep your speeds modest.
Overall, I’m certain that you’ll like this cooler because of its high-end performance and colorful lighting profiles. Although it is a little expensive, this is one of the finest 120mm AIO coolers available for your high-end system.
NZXT Kraken M22 is the third product in the NZXT Kraken M22 series.
If I don’t include a NZXT cooler in my list of best AIOs for a gaming setup, it will be incomplete. Almost all gamers have confidence in their Kraken coolers.
This model from NZXT’s Kraken series has some impressive features:
- 500-2000 RPM fan speed
- RPM of the pump: 2700-3000
- Warranty period: 6 years
Check out the current price of the NZXT Kraken M22.
This cooler is an excellent representation of the series to which it belongs. It has a striking look that I believe will entice most players to purchase it.
The infinite mirror appearance on the pump head is one of the design’s most prominent features. The vividness of the lights will wow you as the RGB LEDs light up the pump. This is why I consider this AIO to be the Cooler with the Best-Appearing Pump. Also, have a look at some of the finest 240mm CPU coolers.
It gets better since, due to NZXT’s CAM software, the lighting flairs in the pump head are extremely programmable.
This cooler also has a single fan with a noise level that ranges from 21 to 38 dBA. Even at maximum RPM, the rubberized casing makes it less noisy. The fan’s main flaw is that it isn’t RGB, which I believe should have been included.
Aside from the non-RGB fan, this cooler is fantastic in my view. And, with a 6-year guarantee, I believe it is a solid choice for pairing with a high-end CPU. This month, check out the award-winning best nzxt aio cooler.
4. Hydro Series H60 by Corsair
For PC peripherals, I always choose Corsair as a brand. And they are a huge fish in the market for cooling solutions that everyone admires.
However, this liquid cooler from them has several outstanding features:
- 600-1700 RPM Fan Speed
- Noise level: 28.3 decibels (dBA)
- Warranty period: 5 years
Check the current price of the Corsair Hydro Series H60.
When it comes to design, this cooler from Corsair isn’t over the top. The black and white texture pretty much sums up how simple this cooler is.
Its pump head is stylish and has a touch of refinement to it. The radiator also seems to be in good condition.
The fan and pump on this liquid cooler are the greatest features. They’re nearly deafeningly quiet. Don’t forget to look at the finest noctua cpu cooler on the market as well.
There is no noise at all, even when the fan is operating at full power.
Now, there’s also the issue of cooling potential to consider. In my tests, this water cooler was able to withstand high temperatures with ease.
But there were a few things that I didn’t like for. The fan, for example, lacks RGB components, and the pump’s light cannot be turned off.
Apart from that, I was also dissatisfied with the cooler’s setup procedure. This must be done via BIOS, which may seem to be a difficult process.
To summarize, this isn’t your typical showy RGB cooling system. It has a simple design and provides excellent performance.
It’s the finest 120mm water cooler to consider as a mid-range choice. Check out the TR4 socket compatible CPU cooler.
5. Coolermaster ML120L Masterliquid
This model from Coolermaster is worth a try if you’re searching for the finest budget RGB 120mm liquid cooler.
The following are the features of the Coolermaster Masterliquid ML120L:
- Dual-chamber pump of the third generation
- 15-27 dBA noise level
- Warranty period: 2 years
Check out the current Masterliquid ML120L price.
You won’t find a better RGB cooler at such a cheap price, believe me. This model’s RGB implementation, in my view, is much superior than most other high-end alternatives.
It has a dual-chamber design in the pump as a cooler, which contributes significantly to its cooling efficiency. The pump head features a slight mirror finish that gives the rig a glistening appearance. As a consequence, the lighting spectrum that is produced has an unrivaled brilliance.
This water cooler sport has a considerable fan base. It is capable of reaching maximum speeds while keeping minimal noise levels. Also, have a look at our list of the quietest CPU coolers for your PC.
I loved how this fan provides adequate airflow, which is uncommon in most cheap cooling solutions.
It performs similarly to 10 other low-cost water coolers. The overclocking performance, though, is better than I had anticipated.
There’s no need to be concerned about the cost. When compared to other coolers with RGB splendor, it’s a lot more inexpensive choice. Don’t forget to compare the finest dark rock pro 4 cpu cooler options.
PF120 (Silverstone)
Silverstone is underappreciated in contrast to the other brands on the list. And this cooling solution from them may be a good investment.
The following are the specifications for this Silverstone model:
- 600-2200 RPM Fan Speed
- 7.4-35.6 dBA noise level
- 10 different RGB lighting modes
Check out the current Silverstone PF120 price.
Despite its lack of prominence, Silverstone is making significant progress as a brand. This liquid cooler from them is much superior than the majority of other choices on the market.
It has great thermal performance, which means your gaming setup will remain steady. This performance is backed up by its fantastic looks, which led me to include it in my list of the top 120mm AIO coolers.
You’ll be surprised to learn that the pump features a multi-chamber design that enables hot and cold liquid channels to be isolated.
This is a feature that isn’t seen on many conventional cooling systems. Heat bleeding is significantly reduced as a consequence of this.
Furthermore, the fan that comes with this cooler sport has a unique design that guarantees minimal noise and maximum airflow.
That’s very great… Isn’t that so?
Overall, if you’re searching for something unique, I strongly advise you to get this. Also, for your chassis, see our expert-recommended best low-profile cpu cooler.
EVGA CLC 120 (No. 7)
Now, if you’ve already spent too much money on your setup and want to go with a cheap AIO, this is your best bet.
The following are the specs for this EVGA model:
- 1800 RPM maximum fan speed
- 20-32 decibels of noise
- Warranty period: 5 years
Check EVGA CLC’s current price.
EVGA’s cooling systems are often the most cost-effective. One of them is this cooler. It performs well as a cooling solution for a low-cost construction.
You don’t have to be concerned about compatibility. It works with nearly all Intel and AMD sockets. However, it isn’t a high-end option in terms of performance. As a result, I recommend not raising the bar too high for this cooler.
Like most other cheap coolers, the design is very simplistic. Additionally, there are no RGB components in the cooler, fans, or pump.
When it comes to the fan, it is of excellent quality. Especially the high-quality bearings that keep it going for a long time.
The fan, on the other hand, is not without flaws. At maximum speeds, it becomes very noisy, and lowering the speeds has a little impact on cooling performance.
Expect nothing from this chiller in general. It is the simplest choice available for your gaming setup.
Last Thoughts
The 120mm AIOs may not provide extreme performance as cooling solutions, but they may keep your mini-ITX system surprisingly stable.
These are the seven finest 120mm AIO water coolers that can provide you with that level of reliability. I attempted to rank each cooler on this list in order to make your work easier.
My advice is to go through the whole review, evaluate it, and then draw a conclusion. Even after that, if anything doesn’t seem right, you may ask your question in the comment area.
For many, the current crop of 120mm AIO liquid coolers work just fine, but some of us are looking for the next big thing. In this review, I’ll be looking at the best 120mm AIO liquid CPU coolers on the market, and will be bringing you the pros and cons of each of them. I’ll also be analysing the prices of the best 120mm AIO liquid CPU coolers and going through a buying guide, to help you find the best cooler for you.. Read more about are 120mm aio worth it and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 120mm AIO cooler?
The Corsair Hydro H110i GT is the best 120mm AIO cooler.
Who makes the best AIO liquid coolers?
The best AIO liquid coolers are the Corsair H100i v2 and the NZXT Kraken X62.
What is the most reliable AIO cooler?
The most reliable AIO cooler is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO.
May not look like but definitely a big tech addict. Tech blogger since graduating in her home town in Esbjerg. Loves long bike rides across the country.