Rating of the best water cooling systems for processors for 2022

When the computer is actively working with a large number of tasks for a long time in its "heart" - the processor, the temperature can increase significantly, leading to slowdowns in processes or even failures in the execution of scripts. To prevent the negative consequences of overheating, special liquid installations are used to remove excess heat. The review presents ratings with the best water cooling systems in various price segments, where anyone can find the necessary parameters and characteristics for themselves when choosing the optimal model.

General information

Liquid (water) cooling system (LW(W)O) is a set of means for transferring heat from a heatsink that heats up during operation of the processor with the help of a working fluid circulating in a closed circuit.

As a rule, distilled water is used as a heat carrier, often with anti-galvanic or bactericidal additives. In some cases, antifreeze, oil or other specific liquids are poured into the circuit.

Operating principle

During the operation of the processor, the generated heat is transferred to the built-in heat spreader in the form of a metal cover.

Then it is transferred through a layer of thermal paste to an aluminum or copper base plate, which is an element of the liquid cooling unit. The water circulating in the circuit, passing through the circuit, takes heat from the base plate and sends it through the tube to the radiator. There, air acts on the liquid and helps it cool, and attached fans blow the heat out. After that, the liquid is again supplied to repeat the cycle. Circulation is provided by a special pump.

Device

The main components of any SVO:

1. Water Block - Responsible for heat dissipation from the surface of the processor with a water outlet.For fast and efficient heat transfer, heat-conducting materials are made - aluminum or copper.
2. Radiator - transfers the waste heat to the air and cools the liquid. Depending on the presence of a fan, it can operate in active or passive modes.
3. Pump - pumps the working fluid and ensures its circulation.
4. Hoses - provide the flow of water between the components of the system.
5. Fittings - connect hoses to components.
6. Expansion tank - for filling and storing the working fluid. Placed on the bottom of the computer case in a stable position, preventing leakage to the motherboard.
7. Coolant - a substance for cooling the processor.
8. Fan - for blowing through the radiator fins.
9. Additional equipment - a faucet for easy draining from the circuit, controllers for coolers and pumps, sensors, meters, indicators.

Kinds

Internal SVO

Completely housed in the computer case. The removal of individual components to the outer surface is allowed if the case is not suitable for accommodating such equipment.

Advantages:

• easy transportation of the PC;
• appearance is not affected.

Flaws:

• more complex installation;
• housing modification or modification may be required.

External SVO

It is performed as a separate closed module with a radiator, pump, reservoir and sensors, which is connected by hoses to the water block on the processor.

Advantages:

• the computer case does not require modifications;
• simple pairing of the cooling module with any system unit.

Flaws:

• mobility becomes more difficult;
• inconvenient transportation even over short distances with the need to disconnect hoses, drain water, etc.

Finished

The components are offered in a complete set with installation instructions.

Advantages:

• high reliability;
• easy and simple installation.

Flaws:

• lower performance compared to homemade;
• limited configuration options.

Homemade

Independent selection of individual components depending on financial capabilities and specific tasks.

Advantages:

• higher performance;
• opportunity to save money.

Flaws:

• the incompatibility of individual components with each other is not ruled out;
• complication of installation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

1. Relative compact size, allowing you to organize cooling even in a small PC case.
2. Higher cooling properties of liquid compared to air.
3. The ability to cool not only the processor, but also other components of the "computer hardware".

Minuses:

1. Complicated organization with the need to calculate the power of the pump, the length of the hoses, the installation locations of the radiators.
2. Requires the use of distillate or a special refrigerant, not plain tap water.
3. There is a risk of leakage which could cause a short circuit.
4. Higher cost for maintenance and consumables.

Criterias of choice

1. Determination of goals, specific tasks, expected performance and workloads on the computer.
2. Cost - the price range varies depending on the required parameters and characteristics. The premium all-in-one models feature a large heatsink and combine functional and aesthetic customization options, incl. backlight, fan speed control.
3. Installation may be more complicated, but the principle of operation is still quite simple. Placing an all-in-one device will not cause increased inspection or maintenance.At the same time, the installation of a custom circuit will require additional knowledge and effort from the assembler.
4. Dimensions - the correct placement and interaction of the water block and the coolant supply hoses should be taken into account.
5. The number of connected coolers does not directly affect the efficiency. However, with an increase in the number, the rotation speed can be reduced while maintaining the overall flow, which reduces the noise level.
6. Uncomfortable noise occurs above 40 dB, which corresponds to soft music or a calm conversation. At a level of less than 30 dB, nothing will interfere with healthy sleep.
7. The fan speed can be adjusted manually to personal preference or automatically adjusted to the processor temperature for a better working environment.
8. The presence of leakage protection that regulates the pressure in a closed circuit.
9. Determining the type of pump power connector, cooler and backlight control. Molex and SATA 15 pin adapters fit where all free 3- and 4-pin motherboard connectors are occupied.

Mandatory check of compatibility with the socket (processor socket) of the motherboard.

Where could I buy

You should buy water cooling systems for the processor in specialized departments of stores offering components for computer equipment. In addition, such novelties are available for ordering online in online stores, on the pages of digital marketplaces, from AliExpress, in Yandex.Market or E-katalog aggregators. It presents the best data about gadgets - how to choose which company is better to buy, how much it costs. You can easily compare specifications, view the description and go to order a suitable device via a direct link.

Top Producers

Hundreds of companies are developing CBOs for processors. These include world famous brands and not very popular manufacturers. Nevertheless, most of them supply high-quality products to the Russian market, filling all price segments from budget models to premium goods.

The best manufacturers include the Chinese companies Deepcool and ID-Cooling, the American company NZXT, Taiwanese companies - AeroCool, ASUS, MSI, BitsPower, Gigabyte.

The best water cooling systems for the processor

The rating of quality models is developed based on the popularity of purchases, taking into account customer reviews for specific products.

The review includes budget models costing up to five thousand rubles, in the middle segment at a price of up to 10 thousand rubles and a premium class over 10 thousand rubles.

TOP 3 best budget CBOs

Alsey H120

Brand - Alseye (China).
The country of origin is China.

The budget model for cooling the central processor consists of a copper water block, combined in one housing with a pump. Connection to an aluminum radiator is carried out using hoses. Dissipated heat is dissipated by a 120mm fan that can be automatically adjusted from 800 to 2000 rpm. Connects with any current connectors.

Price - from 2,389 rubles.

• simple installation;
• sufficient length of hoses;
• low noise level;
• good temperature retention;
• low price.

• upon purchase, a radiator check is required.

Video review Alseye H120:

Cooler Master Master Liquid Lite 120

Brand - Cooler Master (Taiwan).
Country of origin - Taiwan.

Compact maintenance-free model for installation in almost any compatible computer in a gaming configuration in small standard ATX cases. The dual-chamber pump and 120mm radiator efficiently handle high-end desktop, performance and mainstream processors from AMD and Intel at the level of mid-tower models at the same price with dimensions of 240mm. The length of massive elastic hoses in nylon braid with an outer diameter of 14 mm is 370 mm. This is quite enough for various options for the layout of the body. Dissipation of a significant amount of heat is carried out using two 120 mm MasterFan 120AB fans with an optimized impeller, increased static pressure and automatic PWM control.

Price - from 3,148 rubles.

• compact design;
• good performance;
• low noise level;
• metal backplate;
• the presence of thermal paste in the kit;
• simple installation;
• universal mounts;
• acceptable cost.

• rigid hoses;
• there are no backplate studs on the motherboard.

Installing CBO Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120:

MSI MAG Coreliquid 240R

Brand - MSI (Taiwan).
Country of origin - Taiwan.

A technological model with high-quality components for efficient dissipation of heat removed from the processor. Reduced noise levels are achieved by using MSI's proprietary MSG aluminum radiator with built-in pump. Thanks to this design, the service life of the pump is increased due to the distance from heat sources. Installing a three-phase motor reduces vibration. The connection of the pump combined with the water block is carried out by a 3-pin connector.The coolant flows in the radiator through two channels, ensuring efficient operation.

The device supports colorful swivel lighting, the effects of which are controlled by MSI Mystic Light technology. The connection is made with a 3-pin connector.

Price - from 3,900 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• low noise level when operating in automatic mode;
• reliable fastening system;
• compatibility with popular gaming platforms;
• customizable backlight;
• the kit includes useful adapters;
• useful information on a minimalistic package;
• concise design;
• affordable price.

• a lot of wires.

Budget MSI MAG Coreliquid 240R:

comparison table

		Alsey H120	Cooler Master Master Liquid Lite 120	MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R
Design	Number of fans	1	1	2
	Radiator material	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum
	Substrate material	copper	copper	copper
	Mount type	bilateral	bilateral	bilateral
Water cooling system	Radiator size, mm	120	120	240
	Pump size, mm	55x44x62	80x76x42	81х67х49
	Tube length, mm	300	300	400
	Pump power	3-pin	3-pin	3-pin
Fan	Diameter, mm	120	120	120
	Bearing type	hydrodynamic	slip	rolling
	Minimum revolutions, rpm	800	650	500
	Maximum revolutions, rpm	2000	2000	2000
	speed controller	auto	auto	auto
	Maximum airflow cfm	45.16	66.7	78.73
	Static pressure, mm water column	1.8	2.34	2.39
	Backlight	Yes	No	Yes
	Backlight color	RGB	No	ARGB
General	Food	4-pin	4-pin	4-pin
	Minimum noise level, dB	14	8	14
	Noise level, dB	35	30	34
	Dimensions, mm	157x120x27	157x120x52	274x120x27
	Weight, g	920	1300	1310
	Warranty, years	1	2	2

TOP-3 best CBOs in the middle price segment

ID-COOLING ZOOMFLOW 360XT

Brand - ID-COOLING (China).
The country of origin is China.

Universal maintenance-free model for dissipating heat on the CPUs of most current sockets. Reliable fasteners provide high clamping force. Equipped with multi-color bright backlight, which can be adjusted from the remote control or synchronized with the backlight of other elements of the system unit.

Price - from 6 350 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• universal compatibility with processors of all modern platforms;
• does not require any maintenance;
• simple installation;
• reliable fastening;
• good value for money.

• increased noise at maximum speed.

Presentation of ID-COOLING ZOOMFLOW 360XT:

DeepCool CASTLE 240 RGB V2

Brand - DeepCool (China).
The country of origin is China.

An advanced maintenance-free model of an affordable and popular Chinese CPU CBO with an unusual appearance. In addition to high efficiency, a proprietary patented leak protection system is used. Thermal paste has already been applied to the base. Equipped with beautiful fan and water block lighting, which is compatible with various control systems.

Price - from 6,500 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• quality of workmanship and materials;
• circuit pressure control;
• reduced risk of leaks;
• compatible with sockets of a large number of Intel and AMD platforms;
• beautiful bright backlight;
• the presence of an ARGB effects control panel;
• interesting design.

• increased noise level at maximum speed;
• the need for laying a significant number of cables.

Testing DeepCool CASTLE 240 RGB V2:

NZXT Kraken X53

Brand - NZXT (USA).
The country of origin is China.

Functional model of the CPU water cooling system on all current platforms, incl. AMD TRX40 and TR4. Convenience and ease of installation is achieved by the possibility of fixing the water block in any position and laying the pipes in any direction. Preserving a great appearance and a harmonious picture of the assembly is ensured by the appropriate positioning of the RGB-backlit cover.

Price - from 9667 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• quality assembly;
• simple installation;
• long hoses;
• light swivel fittings;
• mirror effect backlight;
• any orientation of the water block cover;
• stylish design.

• increased noise level at maximum speed;
• inconvenient placement of connectors on the pump.

Kraken X53 video review:

comparison table

		ID-COOLING ZOOMFLOW 360XT	Deepcool CASTLE 240 RGB V2	NZXT Kraken X53
Design	Number of fans	3	2	2
	Radiator material	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum
	Substrate material	copper	copper	copper
	Mount type	bilateral	bilateral	bilateral
Water cooling system	Radiator size, mm	360	240	240
	Pump size, mm	72x72x58	91х79х71	80x80x55
	Pump rotation speed, rpm	2100	2550	2800
	Tube length, mm	465	310	400
	Pump power	3-pin	3-pin	3-pin
Fan	Diameter, mm	120	120	120
	Bearing type	hydrodynamic	hydrodynamic	hydrodynamic
	Minimum revolutions, rpm	500	500	500
	Maximum revolutions, rpm	1500	1800	2000
	speed controller	auto	auto	auto
	Maximum airflow cfm	68.2	69.34	73.11
	Static pressure, mm water column	1.87	2.42	2.93
	Possibility of replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Backlight	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Backlight color	ARGB	ARGB	RGB
	Backlight Sync	multi compatibility	multi compatibility	NZXT CAM
General	Food	4-pin	4-pin	4-pin
	Minimum noise level, dB	25	18	21
	Noise level, dB	31	30	36
	Dimensions, mm	397x120x27	282x120x27	275x123x30
	Weight, g	1346	1426	1810

TOP 3 best premium CBOs

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360

Brand - Arctic (Germany, USA, Hong Kong).
The country of origin is China.

The classic model of the closed system, equipped with an enlarged 360 mm radiator. A small cooler is installed in the modified water block, which cools the elements of the VRM circuits of the motherboard. Power is connected using one connector. Official manufacturer's warranty - 2 years.

Price - from 9,923 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• enlarged radiator;
• high-quality assembly and equipment;
• quiet work;
• neat layout;
• long hoses;
• hidden laying of cables;
• the presence of thermal paste in the kit;
• detailed instructions;
• concise design;
• excellent value for money.

• fixed fittings;
• no separate fan control.

Video review of Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360:

NZXT Kraken X63

Brand - NZXT (USA).
The country of origin is China.

A universal model for cooling the central processors of most current sockets. Regular coolers work quite quietly, incl. at high speeds. The laying directions of flexible hoses in a high-quality braid at the pump can be easily changed. Illumination cover with swivel design to ensure the logo is rotated in the desired direction. The sophisticated CAM software has an intuitive and simple interface for fine tuning and optimal performance in all operating conditions.

The average price is 10,400 rubles.

• good cooling;
• easy installation;
• good equipment;
• the ability to rotate the pump;
• illumination with individually adjustable effects;
• high wear resistance of rubber hoses
• informative instructions for installation and operation;
• stylish design.

• sometimes you can hear the pump running.

Video review-comparison NZXT Kraken X63:

ASUS ROG RYUJIN 360

Brand - ASUS (Taiwan).
Country of origin - Taiwan.

An exclusive top model of an interesting, well-designed and well-made product with a rich package for overlockers and enthusiasts. Equipped with motherboard VRM cooling capabilities, built-in OLED display and high-performance Noctua fans. Connecting hoses in a protective sheath fit comfortably during installation. The near-socket space is blown by a 60-mm fan built into the water block.

Price - from 20,420 rubles.

• high efficiency for processors of high-performance computers;
• compatible with major AMD and Intel platforms;
• quiet operation in automatic control mode;
• long connecting tubes;
• simple assembly;
• output of any statistics about work on a color OLED display;
• innovative design;
• quality manufacturing.

• overcharge;
• increased noise at high speeds.

"Dropsy" for the price of a computer:

comparison table

		Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360	NZXT Kraken X63	ASUS ROG RYUJIN 360
Design	Number of fans	3	2	3
	Radiator material	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum
	Substrate material	copper	copper	copper
	Mount type	bilateral	bilateral	bilateral
Water cooling system	Radiator size, mm	360	280	370
	Pump size, mm	98x78x53	80x80x55	100x100x70
	Pump rotation speed, rpm	2000	2800	2790
	Tube length, mm	450	400	380
	Pump power	4-pin	4-pin	4-pin
Fan	Diameter, mm	120	140	120
	Bearing type	hydrodynamic	hydrodynamic	hydrodynamic
	Minimum revolutions, rpm	200	500	450
	Maximum revolutions, rpm	1800	1800	2000
	speed controller	auto	auto	auto
	Maximum airflow cfm	56.3	98.17	365.4
	Static pressure, mm water column	2.2	2.71	3x3.94
	Possibility of replacement	Yes	Yes	Yes
General	Food	4-pin	4-pin	4 pin
	Noise level, dB	23	38	31
	Dimensions, mm	398x120x38	315x143x30	394x121x27
	Weight, g	1687	2090	1480

Happy CPU cooling. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!