When building a high-performance PC, keeping your CPU temperatures in check is non-negotiable. A 280mm All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler strikes a perfect balance, offering superior cooling capacity over smaller 240mm models while often fitting in cases that can’t accommodate a massive 360mm radiator. The right cooler ensures your processor runs efficiently, quietly, and maintains its performance during intense gaming sessions or demanding creative workloads.
With numerous options on the market, selecting the ideal 280mm AIO can be a challenge. Factors like pump design, fan quality, software control, and aesthetic features all play a crucial role. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting nine of the best 280mm AIO coolers available, detailing their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
The Best 280mm AIO CPU Coolers for Your PC Build
- ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 – Multi Compatible All-in-One CPU AIO Water Cooler
- NZXT Kraken Z63 280 mm – AIO RGB CPU Liquid Cooler – Customizable LCD Display
- Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT, 240mm Radiator
- Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Pro XT, 280mm Radiator, Dual 140mm PWM Fans
- Thermaltake Floe 280mm, 16.8 Million Color Software Enabled
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML280 Mirror Close-Loop AIO CPU Liquid Cooler
- NZXT Kraken 280 – 280mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler – Customizable 1.54″ Square LCD Display
- Corsair iCUE H115i RGB ELITE Liquid CPU Cooler
- NZXT Kraken 280 RGB All-in-One CPU Liquid Cooler
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 is renowned for its exceptional cooling performance that often surpasses more expensive competitors. Its strength lies in a fundamentally efficient design, featuring a high-quality cold plate, a powerful yet quiet pump, and a thick radiator that works in harmony to dissipate heat effectively. It comes with enhanced quality control, with each unit undergoing additional testing and receiving a QC sticker for your assurance.
This model is built for broad compatibility, ready for Intel’s latest LGA1700 sockets for Alder Lake processors right out of the box, in addition to supporting a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms. The PWM-controlled pump allows for precise speed adjustments, and the included fans operate between 200-1700 RPM, offering a balance of strong airflow and quiet operation. For builders seeking maximum cooling efficiency without a focus on RGB lighting, this is a top-tier choice.
NZXT Kraken Z63 280 mm
The NZXT Kraken Z63 stands out with its fully customizable 2.36-inch LCD screen, capable of displaying 24-bit color. This feature allows you to personalize your build like never before, whether you want to show system vitals like coolant temperature and CPU load, or upload a custom GIF or image to match your setup’s theme. It’s a perfect blend of high performance and unique aesthetic expression.
Powered by NZXT’s CAM software, managing the cooler’s performance and appearance is intuitive and user-friendly. The integrated Aer P 140mm radiator fans are engineered specifically for liquid cooling, featuring a chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearings for silent operation and long-term reliability. The improved pump design ensures efficient coolant flow, making the Kraken Z63 a powerful and visually striking cooling solution.
Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT
The Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT is a robust 240mm AIO cooler that delivers powerful, low-noise cooling for your CPU. Its pump head is illuminated by 33 ultra-bright Capellix RGB LEDs, offering vibrant lighting effects that can be synchronized with other Corsair components. While it features a 240mm radiator, its inclusion highlights Corsair’s ecosystem and performance pedigree.
This cooler includes a Corsair iCUE Commander Core smart RGB lighting and fan speed controller, providing precise control over up to six RGB fans. This integration simplifies cable management and centralizes control within the iCUE software. The two included 120mm ML RGB Magnetic Levitation PWM fans are designed for high airflow and longevity, ensuring your CPU stays cool under pressure.
Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Pro XT
The Corsair iCUE H115i RGB Pro XT leverages a 280mm radiator and two powerful 140mm ML series magnetic levitation PWM fans to provide exceptional CPU cooling performance. These fans are engineered for improved airflow and can operate at speeds from 400 to 2,400 RPM, allowing for a wide range of noise and cooling profiles depending on your system’s demands.
The pump head features 16 individually addressable RGB LEDs, enabling you to create stunning, customizable lighting effects that complement your PC’s aesthetic. Control and customization are handled through Corsair’s comprehensive iCUE software, which allows you to monitor temperatures, adjust fan and pump speeds, and synchronize RGB lighting across all compatible devices in your system.
Thermaltake Floe 280mm
The Thermaltake Floe 280mm RGB AIO cooler is designed for users who want extensive lighting customization. It features 12 separately controlled RGB LEDs that can be managed via Thermaltake’s software, which also supports integration with Amazon Alexa and Razer Chroma for a unified ecosystem experience. This allows for unparalleled control over the cooler’s visual presentation.
This cooler offers broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms, including support for the latest AMD AM5 and Intel LGA1700 sockets (with a separate upgrade kit). The 280mm radiator provides a large surface area for heat dissipation, working with the included high-static pressure fans to maintain low CPU temperatures during intensive tasks, making it a solid choice for both performance and aesthetics.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML280 Mirror
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML280 Mirror features a vibrant infinite mirror ARGB pump design that creates a stunning visual centerpiece for any build. This signature lighting effect is fully customizable, allowing users to match their system’s theme perfectly. It combines this aesthetic appeal with Cooler Master’s proven cooling technology for a balanced performance.
At the heart of this cooler is a 3rd Generation Dual Chamber Pump, engineered to improve overall cooling efficiency and reduce noise levels. It is paired with two refreshed SickleFlow 140 PWM fans, which feature a two-tier anti-dust prevention system and are optimized for a blend of quiet operation and strong airflow. This combination ensures reliable thermal performance for demanding CPUs.
NZXT Kraken 280
The NZXT Kraken 280 features a customizable 1.54-inch square LCD display with a 240×240 resolution, bringing your content to life with a bright 300 cd/m² backlight. You can use NZXT’s CAM software to display animated GIFs, static images, real-time performance metrics, or even music information, offering deep personalization for your PC build.
Beyond the display, this cooler is built for performance. It incorporates a high-performance Asetek pump that operates at up to 2,800 RPM to ensure efficient and quiet circulation of coolant. The radiator is equipped with two F140P fans, designed to provide excellent static pressure and airflow to keep your CPU temperatures low, even under sustained loads. It’s a modern cooler that doesn’t compromise on function for its form.
Corsair iCUE H115i RGB ELITE
The Corsair iCUE H115i RGB ELITE represents a step forward in Corsair’s liquid cooling lineup, blending potent cooling performance with striking aesthetics. It is designed to handle the thermal demands of high-end CPUs, ensuring stable performance during overclocking and extended gaming sessions. The cooler integrates seamlessly into the Corsair ecosystem, allowing for unified control.
It features a modern pump head with dynamic RGB lighting that can be customized through the powerful iCUE software. This software provides detailed control over fan curves, pump performance, and lighting effects, all while monitoring critical system temperatures. Paired with a 280mm radiator and high-performance fans, the H115i RGB ELITE is a compelling option for builders who want a balance of reliable cooling and visual flair.
NZXT Kraken 280 RGB
The NZXT Kraken 280 RGB is an all-in-one liquid cooler that emphasizes both cooling efficiency and vibrant RGB aesthetics. It is engineered to provide reliable thermal management for your processor, helping to maintain optimal performance. The cooler is designed to be a central, visually appealing component in any build, with lighting that can be synchronized with other NZXT products.
Like other models in the Kraken series, it benefits from NZXT’s expertise in liquid cooling technology, featuring a efficient pump and a radiator equipped with static pressure-optimized fans. The integration with NZXT CAM software allows for easy monitoring and customization, giving you control over both performance settings and lighting effects to create a personalized and high-performing system.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a 280mm AIO CPU Cooler
So, you’re thinking about getting one of the 9 best 280mm AIO CPU coolers in 2025. Good call. A 280mm All-in-One liquid cooler is a fantastic sweet spot, offering performance that often rivals larger 360mm models while fitting into more cases. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one for your setup? Let me walk you through the key things I always check.
First, let’s talk about performance. This is the whole point, right? You want something that keeps your CPU temperatures in check, especially if you’re into overclocking or running demanding applications. Look for reviews that test the cooler on a CPU similar to yours. Pay attention to both the cooling performance under load and the noise levels. A cooler might be top-tier in performance, but if it sounds like a jet engine, it might not be the best fit for your home office. The best models strike a great balance, staying quiet during everyday tasks and only ramping up when you really push your system.
Next up is compatibility. This is a non-negotiable step. You need to make sure the cooler fits your CPU socket (like AM5 for newer AMD or LGA 1700 for Intel) and, just as importantly, your PC case. A 280mm radiator is 140mm wide, so you need to verify that your case has mounting support for 140mm fans in the roof or front panel. Don’t just assume it will fit; check your case’s manual or specifications online to avoid a frustrating build day.
Finally, consider the features and aesthetics. This is where personal preference really comes into play. Do you want a cooler with a fancy LCD screen on the pump head to display temperatures or custom graphics? Or are you more interested in software control for RGB lighting and fan curves? Also, think about the fans. Many coolers now come with advanced fans that have good static pressure for pushing air through the radiator. The warranty length can also be a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product, with many offering 5 to 6 years of coverage. By weighing these factors—performance, compatibility, and features—you can confidently choose the right cooler for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 280mm AIO better than a 360mm AIO?
This is a common debate. In many cases, a high-quality 280mm AIO can perform on par with, or sometimes even slightly better than, a 360mm AIO. This is because 140mm fans (used on the 280mm) are often more efficient at moving air at lower RPMs than 120mm fans (used on the 360mm), leading to similar cooling performance with less noise. The 360mm might have a slight edge in ultimate heat dissipation under extreme, sustained loads, but for most users, the difference is negligible. The 280mm is a fantastic performance-per-dollar and performance-per-noise choice.
Will a 280mm AIO fit in my case?
You absolutely must check your case’s specifications before buying. A 280mm radiator requires mounting points for two 140mm fans. This is different from the more common 120mm or 240mm fan mounts. Look at your case’s manual or product page to see if the top, front, or sometimes side panel supports a 280mm radiator. Keep in mind that even if it technically fits, there might be clearance issues with tall RAM modules if you’re top-mounting it.
How long do 280mm AIO coolers typically last?
The lifespan of an AIO can vary, but most quality models are designed to last for 5 to 6 years. This is often reflected in the warranty period offered by the manufacturer. Over time, permeation can cause a small amount of the liquid to evaporate, which may eventually lead to a slight drop in performance and potentially more pump noise. Proper installation and keeping the radiator clean from dust will help you get the most out of your cooler for years to come.
Do I need to refill or maintain the liquid in an AIO?
No, that’s the “All-in-One” part of the name. These coolers are sealed at the factory and are not designed to be opened, refilled, or maintained by the user. Attempting to do so will almost certainly void your warranty and could damage the unit. They are built to be a hassle-free, install-and-forget component for the duration of their lifespan.
Are 280mm AIOs good for overclocking?
Yes, absolutely. A 280mm AIO is an excellent choice for overclocking. It provides a significant thermal headroom advantage over most air coolers and even many smaller 240mm AIOs. When you increase your CPU’s voltage and clock speed, it generates much more heat. A capable 280mm radiator gives you the thermal overhead to push your CPU further while maintaining stable and safe temperatures, making it a solid pick for anyone looking into the 9 best 280mm AIO CPU coolers in 2025 for a performance build.