This article covers Thermalright AQUA ELITE 240 ARGB 水冷CPUクーラー.

Overview

The Thermalright AQUA ELITE 240 ARGB is a 240mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler that balances solid cooling performance with customizable ARGB lighting. It's a popular choice among DIY builders who want the look and efficiency of liquid cooling without spending a fortune.
This cooler features a full purple copper mirror base and a 240-size black aluminum fin cooling plate, wrapped in a polymer-compiled protective tube for durability.Check the retailer's page for the latest user reviews.
It supports Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, making it a versatile option for both current and recent platforms. Positioned in the entry-to-mid tier, it's a solid choice for users who want to cool mid-range CPUs with the efficiency of liquid cooling.

Compatibility Guide

Supported sockets include Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. This covers the major Intel platforms from the past decade, including the current LGA 1700 and the newer LGA 1851, as well as AMD's AM4 and AM5. That means most modern DIY builds can use this cooler without needing an adapter.
Installation uses a dual-platform full-metal black mounting kit, which provides a secure fit. You'll need a case that can accommodate a 240mm radiator. The manufacturer recommends a case width of at least 250mm to avoid interference with the side panel, so check your case's radiator support specifications before buying.
The ARGB on the fans and pump head syncs via a 5V 3-pin header on your motherboard. If your motherboard has that header, you can control the lighting effects through the board's software. If not, you'll need a separate ARGB controller or you can run the cooler without lighting.

Product Info

The Thermalright AQUA ELITE 240 ARGB, model AE240 ARGB D4, is sold through online retailers. Its dimensions are 270 x 120 x 27 mm, and it uses a 240mm radiator.
In the market, this cooler sits in the entry-to-mid tier. Thermalright is known for delivering good value, and this model includes an ARGB pump head and two 120mm PWM fans at a competitive price. The pump head is rated for up to 40,000 hours of operation, suggesting long-term reliability.
They use PWM control, automatically adjusting speed based on CPU temperature.

Best Use Cases

  • First-time builders who want to try liquid cooling: the 240mm radiator and dual-platform support make it easy to install in most ATX cases, and the ARGB adds visual flair without extra cost.
  • Users who want to cool a mid-range CPU quietly: the PWM fans adjust speed based on temperature, staying quiet at idle and ramping up only under load.
  • Enthusiasts who want to unify their PC's lighting: the ARGB on the fans and pump head syncs with a 5V 3-pin motherboard header, letting you match colors with other components.

Things to Consider

Because it uses a 240mm radiator, you must verify your case's radiator support. If the case width is less than 250mm, the side panel might interfere with the radiator or fans.
ARGB synchronization requires a 5V 3-pin header on your motherboard. If your board lacks that header, you'll need a separate ARGB controller or you'll have to run the cooler without lighting.
Liquid coolers take up more space than air coolers, and while they don't require coolant refills, there's always a small risk of pump failure. Also, for very low-power CPUs, an air cooler might be more than sufficient, making this liquid cooler overkill for some builds.

FAQ

Q: Does this cooler work with Intel LGA 1700?
A: Yes, LGA 1700 is in the supported socket list, along with LGA 1851, so it works with the latest Intel platforms.
Q: How do I sync the ARGB with my motherboard?
A: Connect the ARGB cables from the fans and pump head to a 5V 3-pin header on your motherboard. If your board supports it, you can control the lighting via the manufacturer's software.
Q: Is this cooler compatible with AMD AM5?
A: Yes, it supports both AM4 and AM5, so it's a safe choice for AMD builds.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: THERMALRIGHT
  • Brand: THERMALRIGHT(サーマルライト)
  • Model: AE240 ARGB D4
  • ASIN: B0C4DRGRMF
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.