If you’re shopping for an all-in-one CPU cooler, you’re undoubtedly asking what the difference is between a 240mm and a 280mm AIO cooler. The 240mm AIO is smaller in size but has less cooling power. 280mm, on the other hand, takes up a little more space but cools the CPU faster.
All-in-one water coolers are becoming increasingly popular, thanks in part to the recent arrival of a slew of new models that outperform the competition. As a result, there is a growing need for understanding and comparing gadgets in order to select the best one.
So, which of the 240mm vs 280mm aio is a better fit for you? Both sizes of AIO coolers are common on the market. Which one you should choose is determined on how you intend to use your CPU.
Dive inside to find out.
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In a rush? Here Are Top Picks for 280mm and 240mm AIO
- Corsair H100i RGB 240mm Radiator– iCUE Compatible PWM Fan
- NZXT Kraken X53 240mm AIO– Incredible Cooler with Bright & Big
- EVGA CLC 280mm PWM Fan– A Cooler with Quality Value
- NZXT Kraken Z63 280mm RGB– Cooler with Improved Pump
- Thermaltake Floe 280mm AIO– Premium Edition with Dual Ring RGB
Comparing 240mm Vs 280mm AIO
| Factors | 240mm AIO | 280mm AIO |
| Radiator Dimension | 123mm x 275mm x 30mm | 143mm x 315mm x 30mm |
| Radiator Size | 240mm | 280mm |
| Fan Size | 2 Fan Slots (120 mm) | 2 Fan Slots (140 mm) |
| Fan Dimension | 120mm x 120mm x 26 mm | 140mm x 140mm x 26mm |
| Fan RPM | 500 – 2,000 RPM | 500 – 1,800 RPM |
| Fan Air Flow | 65-75 CFM | 95-100 CFM |
| Fan Noise | 21 – 36 dB(A) | 21 – 38 dB(A) |
The following criteria may be used to compare 280mm AIO with 240mm AIO:
- Radiator Dimension
- Fan Dimension
- Fan Size
- Fan RPM
- Fan Air Flow
- Fan Noise
- RGB
- Tube Material
- Price
240mm Radiator Vs 280mm Radiator
When it comes to cooling capacities, radiators are the most crucial component; hence, the larger the radiator, the better the performance. When comparing the 240 and 280 radiators, it is evident that the 280 radiator is superior.
In practise, two models with comparable specifications make no visible difference in terms of lowering the temperature of your computer. What is the distinction between these two radiators?
Comparing the FPI
The first aspect to evaluate is the core’s FPI (Fins per inch). They are zig-zag core components that boost the heat absorption of metal.
Because it may improve surface area and cooling capacity by altering the core, a higher FPI results in a more effective radiator.
By providing more surface area for heat dissipation, a cooler with a higher FPI can outperform a cooler with a lower FPI. The issue is that, while high FPI fans are noisier, they also produce more heat.
Another possibility is to utilise a thicker radiator, which will increase the surface area of the core. You may reduce noise by utilising less FPI with a large radiator.
The contrast in Cooling Fans
The heat-dissipating cooling fans on the CPU are intended to keep the core cold. This implies that the greater the airflow produced by the fans, the better.
The 280mm radiator often outperforms the 240mm due to the bigger size of the fans.
However, bear in mind that, while cooling fans are the least important component of decreasing your system temperature, the radiator’s core provides the bulk of the cooling.
Even if you rely completely on passive cooling from the core without fans, the temperature differential would be roughly 10 degrees Celsius.
240 Vs 280 AIO Fan Sizes and Dimensions
The 120mm fans of the 240mm AIO are replaced by 140mm fans in the 280mm AIO. For 280mm AIO, the radiator is larger. Because the fans are larger, it is also quieter and performs somewhat better.
However, you must ensure that your CPU has adequate capacity for the 280mm. The performance change may be insignificant depending on your device setting.
A 240mm radiator, on the other hand, has a lower overall radiator volume, which means it takes up less space on the case and allows more room for