The best new CPU water coolers of 2025 and 2026 bring real changes: Noctua’s first AIO, quieter pump designs, hot-swappable screens and slimmer radiators. They also bring higher prices. This guide compares seven recent all-in-one liquid coolers, explains what is new in each and helps you decide which features are worth paying for.
Quick verdict
The Noctua NL-LC1-36 is the most important new water cooler: Noctua’s first AIO, launched in June 2026 with a pump noise absorber and a 6-year warranty, but at about $250. For value, the Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 costs under $50. For a large screen on a mid-range budget, the Thermalright Peerless Vision 360 ARGB is the pick.
| AIO | What is new | Radiator | Screen | Current sockets | Best for | Amazon US price, Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Noctua NL-LC1-36 | Noctua’s first AIO, pump noise absorber (June 2026) | 360mm | None | LGA 1851, 1700; AM5, AM4 (retailer list) | Quiet premium liquid | about $250 |
| Noctua NL-LC1-24 | 240mm version of the same design | 240mm | None | LGA 1851, 1700; AM5, AM4 (retailer list) | Quiet premium 240mm | about $220 |
| NZXT Kraken Plus 360 | 2025 lineup, Turbine pump, 1.54-inch LCD | 360mm | 1.54in square | LGA 1851, AM5 and others | Mainstream LCD AIO | about $176 |
| Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360 (fanless) | Hot-swappable 3.4-inch screen, 24mm radiator | 360mm, 24mm thick | 3.4in square | LGA 1851, 1700; AM5, AM4 | Bring your own fans | about $160 |
| Thermalright Peerless Vision 360 ARGB | 3.95-inch magnetic screen, wireless splicing fans | 360mm | 3.95in | LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115x; AM5, AM4 | Big screen on a budget | about $102 |
| PCCOOLER DC360 Pro | 2.4-inch LCD, 2,500 RPM fans | 394 x 120 x 27mm | 2.4in | LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115x; AM5, AM4 | High-airflow LCD value | about $98 |
| Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB | Revised pump head and 2,000 RPM fans | 360mm | None | LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115x; AM5, AM4 | Best new budget AIO | about $49 |
How we chose these new AIOs
This roundup is research-based and does not include our own tests. We started with Amazon US liquid cooler listings collected on November 11, 2026, then kept models that are newly launched or clear revisions, using launch coverage from Lowyat.NET and KitGuru, NZXT’s own lineup guide and the product listings.
Launch timing is confirmed for two families: Noctua’s NL-LC1 series went on sale in June 2026, and NZXT revealed the Kraken Plus line at Computex 2025. For the Thermalright, Lian Li and PCCOOLER models we confirmed the new features but not exact launch dates, so we describe them as recent designs rather than give a date.
Every pick had to support AM5 and LGA 1851, and we prioritized documented warranty length because pumps are the part most likely to fail over time. We also checked each radiator size against typical case support, since a new AIO is only useful if it fits your case’s front or top mount.
Prices, ratings and review counts come from Amazon US as of November 2026. Several of these coolers are new enough that their ratings bases are small, which we note. The order reflects verified features and value; commission plays no part. Our separate guide to new air coolers covers the non-liquid side.
Best new CPU water coolers compared
The seven AIOs below range from about $49 to about $250. Each section explains what is new, who it suits, which specs we could verify and the main trade-offs. Before you compare screens or pumps, confirm that your case supports a 240mm or 360mm radiator in the position you plan to use.
Noctua NL-LC1-36
The NL-LC1-36 is the headline new AIO because it is Noctua’s first liquid cooler, built for the same buyers who choose Noctua air coolers for low noise and long support. It suits quiet high-end builds on Ryzen 9 or Core Ultra 9 where pump noise has been a concern with other AIOs.
Lowyat.NET reports that the series launched in June 2026 on Asetek’s Emma V2 platform, with an NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber that uses a three-layer acoustic structure. Pump modes include Quiet, Balanced and Manual. Launch coverage lists NF-A12x25 G2 fans for the 360mm model, NT-H2 paste and a 6-year warranty.
A retailer lists AM5, AM4, LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 support. The launch price was reported at $249.90. It was listed around $250 on Amazon US and rated 4.8 out of 5 from about 140 ratings as of November 2026. An optional NL-ACF1 auxiliary fan for the pump area is sold separately.
- Pro: pump noise absorber and selectable pump modes
- Pro: 6-year warranty and premium Noctua fans
- Pro: strong early ratings
- Con: one of the most expensive 360mm AIOs
- Con: no screen or RGB for buyers who want them
Buy if you want the quietest premium AIO and value long support. Skip if you want a screen, or if a cheaper 360mm AIO with a strong fan curve meets your noise goal.
Noctua NL-LC1-24
The NL-LC1-24 brings the same design to a 240mm radiator. It suits cases that cannot take a 360mm radiator and CPUs with moderate to high power draw, such as a Ryzen 7 X3D or Core Ultra 7, where a quiet, well-built 240mm radiator is enough for gaming and everyday work.
Lowyat.NET describes the 240mm model as a dual-fan design on the same Asetek-based platform, with the NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber, pump modes and NT-H2 paste. Launch coverage lists NF-A12x25 G2 fans for the 240mm model and a 6-year warranty. Its launch price was reported at $219.90.
Socket support is listed by a retailer as AM5, AM4, LGA 1700 and LGA 1851. A 240mm radiator has less capacity than a 360mm, so it is less suited to sustained 250W loads. It was listed around $220 on Amazon US and rated 4.9 out of 5 from about 50 ratings as of November 2026.
- Pro: Noctua quiet design in a smaller radiator
- Pro: fits more cases than the 360mm model
- Pro: 6-year warranty
- Con: only about $30 cheaper than the 360mm version
- Con: very small ratings base
Buy if your case only fits a 240mm radiator and you prioritize low noise. Skip if you have room for 360mm, where the price gap is small.
NZXT Kraken Plus 360
The Kraken Plus 360 is part of the NZXT lineup shown at Computex 2025, replacing the 2023 Kraken line. It suits builders who want NZXT’s CAM software ecosystem and a small screen at a lower price than the Kraken Elite. It is the mainstream new LCD AIO in this list.
NZXT’s lineup guide lists a square 1.54-inch TFT LCD at 240 x 240 and 30 Hz, and an adjustable pump from 1,200 to 2,800 RPM, shared with the Elite tier. The Amazon listing describes the Turbine pump, F120P fans with Zero RPM Mode, pre-applied paste and a single breakout cable from the pump cap.
The listing states tool-free brackets supporting AM5 and LGA 1851 and a 6-year manufacturer warranty. Screen and lighting control need NZXT CAM. It was listed around $176 on Amazon US and rated 4.2 out of 5 from about 450 ratings as of November 2026.
- Pro: current NZXT pump with adjustable speed
- Pro: Zero RPM fan mode for quiet idle
- Pro: 6-year warranty per listing
- Con: small 1.54-inch screen at this price
- Con: requires NZXT CAM for full control
Buy if you want a newer mainstream AIO with a screen and NZXT software. Skip if the screen matters most, since the Thermalright Peerless Vision 360 offers a larger display for less.
Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360 (fanless)
This HydroShift II version is for builders who already own good fans or want to match a fan ecosystem. It ships without fans, uses a slim 24mm radiator and has a hot-swappable 3.4-inch screen. It suits showcase builds and cases where radiator thickness is tight.
The Amazon listing gives a 400 x 122 x 24mm radiator and a 3.4-inch 480 x 480 IPS LCD at 500 nits and 60 Hz, attached magnetically through pogo pins so it can be replaced without powering down. A sliding tube clamp allows cleaner tube routing. Control is wireless or through L-Connect 3 over USB.
Socket support covers LGA 1851, 1700, AM5 and AM4. The TL fan version’s listing states a 1,600 to 3,200 RPM pump and a 6-year AIO warranty. This fanless model was listed around $160 on Amazon US and rated 4.6 out of 5 from about 180 ratings as of November 2026.
- Pro: slim 24mm radiator helps tight cases
- Pro: hot-swappable, bright 3.4-inch screen
- Pro: use your own fans
- Con: fans are an extra cost
- Con: thinner radiator gives up some capacity
Buy if you have quality fans and want a slim radiator with a premium screen. Skip if you want a complete kit; the TL version with fans was listed at about $240.
Thermalright Peerless Vision 360 ARGB
The Peerless Vision 360 offers the largest screen in this list at a mid-range price. It suits RGB and showcase builds that want a big display without paying premium-brand prices, on mainstream chips like a Ryzen 7 or a Core Ultra 7 that do not need the most expensive cooling.
The Amazon listing describes a 3.95-inch narrow-bezel screen at 480 x 480 and 60 Hz on a magnetic pump head, plus three TL-M12Q fans with infinity-mirror lighting, S-FDB bearings, up to 2,000 RPM and 68.9 CFM, with rated noise of 28.2 dB. The fans are described as wireless splicing, meaning they connect to each other to reduce cables.
Socket support covers LGA 1851, 1700, 1200 and 115x plus AM5 and AM4, using the AMD stock backplate. We could not confirm a warranty length or launch date. It was listed around $102 on Amazon US and rated 4.7 out of 5 from about 100 ratings as of November 2026.
- Pro: 3.95-inch screen at a mid-range price
- Pro: fan splicing reduces cable clutter
- Pro: broad socket list
- Con: warranty not confirmed
- Con: small ratings base
Buy if you want a large screen on a 360mm AIO for around $100. Skip if warranty length is a priority; Noctua and NZXT state 6 years.
PCCOOLER DC360 Pro
The DC360 Pro suits buyers who want a screen and high fan airflow for under $100. Its fans can spin faster than most in this list, which gives headroom for hot CPUs at the cost of more noise at full speed. It suits gaming builds on Ryzen 9 or Core Ultra 9 with a reasonable budget.
The Amazon listing gives a 394 x 120 x 27mm radiator, a 2.4-inch 240 x 320 IPS LCD in the pump housing, and three 120mm FDB fans at 500 to 2,500 RPM with up to 90.56 CFM and 4.07 mmH2O. The ceramic pump is rated at 2,600 RPM and 15 dBA. The 310W rating is a manufacturer claim.
Socket support covers LGA 1851, 1700, 1200 and 115x plus AM5 and AM4. We could not confirm the warranty length or launch date. It was listed around $98 on Amazon US and rated 4.5 out of 5 from about 310 ratings as of November 2026.
- Pro: high-airflow fans for hot CPUs
- Pro: screen with adjustable orientation
- Pro: larger ratings base than the other screen models
- Con: fans can be loud near 2,500 RPM
- Con: warranty not confirmed
Buy if you want a screen plus strong airflow under $100. Skip if quiet operation is the priority.
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB
The Aqua Elite 360 V6 is the best new budget AIO here. It revises Thermalright’s popular Aqua Elite line with a round pump head and faster fans, and costs under $50. It suits value gaming builds that need 360mm capacity for a hot CPU without spending on screens.
The Amazon listing gives a pump speed of 2,800 RPM, three preinstalled TL-N12-R5-S fans at up to 2,000 RPM, 70.84 CFM and 2.63 mmH2O, with rated noise of 29.8 dBA. The fans are preinstalled and can be connected in series, and both pump and fans use 5V 3-pin ARGB.
Socket support covers LGA 1851, 1700, 1200 and 115x plus AM5 and AM4, with AMD installs using the stock backplate. Thermalright’s V3 Aqua Elite models carry a 3-year warranty, but we could not confirm the V6 term. It was listed around $49 on Amazon US and rated 4.6 out of 5 from about 130 ratings as of November 2026.
- Pro: 360mm AIO for under $50
- Pro: preinstalled fans simplify installation
- Pro: ARGB on pump and fans
- Con: warranty for V6 not confirmed
- Con: louder at full speed than the Noctua models
Buy if you want new 360mm capacity on a tight budget. Skip if long warranty or low noise matters more than price.
What is new in liquid coolers
Recent AIOs change in four main ways: pump noise control, screens, radiator thickness and cable management. Not every change helps every build, so weigh each feature against your case, your CPU and how much you care about appearance versus silence and long-term reliability.
Quieter pumps
Noctua’s NL-LC1 series adds a pump noise absorber and selectable pump modes, and NZXT’s Plus and Elite tiers allow pump speeds from 1,200 to 2,800 RPM. Lower pump speeds can reduce noise at idle. If pump hum has bothered you before, these controls are the most useful new feature.
Screens and software
Screens range from 1.54 inches on the Kraken Plus to 3.95 inches on the Peerless Vision 360. Most need software, such as NZXT CAM, L-Connect 3 or Thermalright’s tools, and some need a USB header. If you rarely look inside your case, a screen adds cost without a cooling benefit.
Radiator thickness and case fit
Lian Li’s 24mm radiator is thinner than the common 27mm, which can help where the top radiator area is crowded. Check case support for 360mm or 240mm in the position you want, and remember that a radiator plus 25mm fans adds roughly 50mm or more of total depth.
Warranty and pump reliability
Pumps are the main wear part. Noctua, NZXT and Lian Li state 6-year warranties on the models above, while we could not confirm terms for the Thermalright and PCCOOLER models. If you plan to keep the cooler for years, a long warranty is worth paying for.
FAQ
These answers address common questions about new all-in-one liquid coolers. They are based on the launch coverage and listings cited above; new AIOs are sometimes revised quickly, so confirm the exact version, socket support and warranty with the manufacturer before you order.
What are the best new CPU water coolers for quiet builds?
The Noctua NL-LC1-36 and NL-LC1-24 are designed around low noise, with a pump noise absorber and pump modes. The NZXT Kraken Plus 360 also allows lower pump speeds and stops its fans at low load. All three also state 6-year warranties, which matters for a part with a pump.
Are new AIOs worth it over older models?
Sometimes. If you want quieter pumps or a screen, the new features are real. If you only need cooling capacity, an older 360mm AIO with a good warranty can be cheaper and perform well. Compare price, warranty and case fit before paying for new features.
Do I need software for an AIO with a screen?
Usually yes. The Kraken Plus 360 uses NZXT CAM, the HydroShift II uses L-Connect 3 or a wireless controller, and Thermalright screens use its own software. Without the software installed, many screens show only basic information or the default images.
Conclusion
Buy the Noctua NL-LC1-36 if you want the best new water cooler and can afford about $250: it is the quietest-focused design here with a 6-year warranty. If budget matters, the Aqua Elite 360 V6 delivers new 360mm capacity for under $50, and the Peerless Vision 360 is the right choice when a big screen is the priority.
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