Lian Li or Be Quiet!? Aio Liquid Coolers Compared in 2026
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When comparing the lian li vs be quiet aio liquid cooler, you are looking at two distinct approaches to CPU cooling. Both units support modern Intel and AMD sockets and feature addressable RGB lighting for system integration. The main difference lies in their physical configuration. The Lian Li option uses a 240mm radiator with a specialized pump design, while the Be Quiet! model offers a larger 360mm radiator with a doubly decoupled pump for reduced vibration. Your choice depends on case space and noise priorities.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO | Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 240mm | 360mm |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200 | AM5, AM4, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 2066, LGA 1150, LGA 1151 |
| Pump Design | Triple-chamber pump | Doubly decoupled PWM pump |
| Fan Count | 2 fans (implied by 240mm size) | 3 fans |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 5.73 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO if
- You have a compact case that only fits a 240mm radiator.
- You prefer a lighter overall cooler assembly for easier installation.
- You want a triple-chamber pump design aimed at reducing coolant friction.
Choose Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler if
- You need maximum cooling surface area for high-end CPUs.
- You require compatibility with older Intel sockets like LGA 1150 or 1151.
- You prioritize minimal vibration through a doubly decoupled pump mechanism.
Verdict: The Lian Li GALAHAD is the practical choice for builders with limited radiator space or those who value a lighter, more compact installation. The Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX suits users with larger cases who need the extra cooling capacity of a 360mm radiator and broader legacy socket support.
Lian Li vs Be Quiet AIO Specs
Radiator Size
The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX features a 360mm radiator, while the Lian Li GALAHAD uses a 240mm unit. A larger radiator provides more surface area for heat exchange, which generally allows for better thermal performance under heavy loads. The Be Quiet model offers three 120mm fans across its length, whereas the Lian Li unit uses two 120mm fans. If your case supports a 360mm mount and you prioritize maximum cooling capacity, the Be Quiet design has a clear physical advantage. However, the Lian Li option is more compact, fitting easier into smaller chassis or cases with limited rear fan clearance.
Socket Compatibility
Both coolers support the latest AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets, ensuring compatibility with current generation AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX lists support for older Intel sockets, including LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, and 2066, as well as AMD AM4. The Lian Li GALAHAD also supports LGA 1200, 2066, 2011, 2011-3, and AMD AM4. While both cover modern needs, the Be Quiet unit provides a slightly broader range of legacy support for older platforms, making it a more versatile choice for users upgrading from previous generation systems.
Lighting
The Lian Li GALAHAD includes 35 addressable RGB LEDs embedded directly into the CPU block for the 240mm version, along with an included LED controller for synchronization. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX features ARGB illumination on its three 120mm fans and includes an ARGB-PWM hub to synchronize up to six ARGB components. Both systems rely on motherboard software for lighting effects. The Lian Li offers integrated block lighting, while the Be Quiet focuses on fan lighting with a hub for expansion. Neither product specifies a dedicated software suite, relying instead on standard motherboard compatibility for customization.
Pump Design
The Lian Li GALAHAD utilizes a triple-chamber pump design that combines the pump chamber, connecting chamber, and cold plate into a single unit. This design aims to reduce friction from rapid coolant flow and prevent leaks even if the pump is damaged. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX employs a doubly decoupled PWM pump, which is engineered for quiet operation and minimal vibration. The Lian Li design focuses on leak prevention and flow efficiency, while the Be Quiet design prioritizes acoustic performance and vibration dampening. Both approaches target reliability, but they emphasize different mechanical characteristics in their pump construction.
Fan Performance
The Lian Li GALAHAD uses 120mm ARGB fans with variable speeds ranging from 800 to 1900 RPM, delivering a rated airflow of 69.17 CFM. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX includes three 120mm PWM fans described as high-speed with high air pressure, though specific RPM and CFM values are not listed in the provided data. The Lian Li fans offer a wide speed range, potentially allowing for quieter operation at lower loads. The Be Quiet fans are noted for high pressure, which may be beneficial for high-density radiators. Without specific airflow numbers for the Be Quiet fans, the Lian Li offers more transparent performance specifications.
Choose your AIO based on needs
Users needing maximum cooling capacity
The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX features a 360mm radiator. This larger surface area provides more room for heat exchange compared to smaller units. It includes three 120mm fans to move air efficiently. The doubly decoupled pump design minimizes vibration. This setup is ideal if you prioritize raw thermal performance and have the case space for a wider radiator.
Users with smaller case constraints
The Lian Li GALAHAD uses a compact 240mm radiator. Its dimensions are significantly shorter, fitting into tighter chassis layouts. It includes a triple-chamber pump to reduce friction and prevent leaks. The unit supports standard Intel and AMD sockets. This choice suits builders who need effective cooling but must adhere to strict physical size limitations within their PC case.
Users seeking quiet operation
Be Quiet focuses on silence with a doubly decoupled PWM pump. This design reduces vibration transmission to the system. The included fans offer high static pressure for efficient airflow. The ARGB hub allows synchronized lighting without clutter. If low noise is your primary concern, this cooler’s engineering targets minimal acoustic output while maintaining cooling efficiency.
The products compared
Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO
Best for: LGA 1700 and AM5 builds with space for 240mm radiators
- Radiator Size
- 240mm
- Fan Speed
- 800 to 1900 RPM
- Lighting Type
- RGB
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200
- Dimensions
- 10.7 × 4.86 × 1.06 inches
- Weight
- 2.2 pounds
View on Amazon: Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO Affiliate link
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm is a liquid CPU cooler featuring a triple-chamber pump design to reduce friction and prevent leaks. It includes a 240mm radiator with high-density aluminum tubes for efficient heat dissipation. The system supports customizable RGB lighting via 35 addressable LEDs and syncs with motherboard software. It fits Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, and AMD AM5, AM4 sockets. This cooler suits users seeking reliable cooling performance with integrated lighting control.
Pros
- Triple-chamber pump design reduces friction and prevents leaks
- 35 addressable RGB LEDs with included LED controller
- High-density aluminum radiator with 14 rows of tubes
- Supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets
Cons
- 240mm radiator size limits cooling capacity compared to 360mm options
- No mention of software control for fan curves or pump speed
- No mention of a dedicated LCD display on the pump head
Good fit if
- You need a cooler for Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 processors
- You want customizable RGB lighting synced with motherboard software
- You prefer a compact 240mm radiator for smaller cases
Skip if
- You require a 360mm radiator for maximum heat dissipation
- You need independent software control for fan and pump speeds
- You prefer a cooler with a built-in LCD display
Verdict: Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO Cooler is a solid choice for users with LGA 1700 or AM5 CPUs who want reliable cooling and RGB integration without the bulk of a 360mm radiator.
Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler
Best for: Modern socket compatibility and quiet operation
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5, AM4, 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 15.6 × 4.72 × 2.05 inches
- Weight
- 5.73 pounds
View on Amazon: Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
This 360mm AIO cooler features three 120mm PWM fans with ARGB lighting. It supports Intel 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. The pump uses doubly decoupled technology for quiet operation. An ARGB-PWM-Hub allows synchronization of up to six components. This cooler suits users who need broad socket compatibility and synchronized lighting for their build.
Pros
- 360mm radiator size for high heat dissipation
- Supports Intel 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets
- Doubly decoupled PWM pump for minimal vibration
- ARGB-PWM-Hub synchronizes up to 6 components
Cons
- No mention of dedicated software control for lighting
- No mention of a display on the pump head
- Heavier build at 5.73 pounds
Good fit if
- You need support for the latest AMD AM5 or Intel 1700 sockets
- You want synchronized ARGB lighting across multiple components
- You prioritize quiet pump operation with decoupled technology
Skip if
- You require a smaller 240mm radiator size
- You need a lightweight cooler under 5 pounds
- You prefer a cooler with a built-in display
Verdict: Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm offers robust socket support and synchronized lighting for users building on modern platforms. It is a practical choice for those who value quiet pump operation and broad compatibility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO | Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 240mm | 360mm |
| Socket Compatibility | not stated | AM5, AM4, 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151 |
| Fan Speed | 800 to 1900 RPM | not stated |
| Lighting Type | RGB | ARGB |
| Lighting | RGB | ARGB |
| Size | 240Mm | 360Mm |
| Dimensions | 10.7 × 4.86 × 1.06 inches | 15.6 × 4.72 × 2.05 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 5.73 pounds |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | GA240B | BW015 |
Frequently asked questions
Which AIO is better for AM5 and LGA 1700 builds?
Both options support these modern sockets. The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm lists compatibility with AM5 and LGA 1700. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX also offers robust support for modern platforms. You can choose based on whether you prefer a 240mm or 360mm radiator size for your case.
What is the size difference between the Lian Li and Be Quiet coolers?
The Lian Li GALAHAD uses a 240mm radiator. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX features a larger 360mm radiator. The Be Quiet unit measures 15.6 inches in length, while the Lian Li unit is 10.7 inches long. This affects which cases can accommodate each cooler.
Does the Lian Li GALAHAD support RGB lighting?
Yes, the Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm includes RGB lighting. This allows for integration with other RGB components in your system. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX uses ARGB lighting instead. Both provide visual customization for your build.
How heavy are these AIO liquid coolers?
Weight varies significantly between the two models. The Lian Li GALAHAD weighs 2.2 pounds. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX is much heavier at 5.73 pounds due to its larger 360mm radiator and three fans. Heavier units may require stronger motherboard support.
Is the Be Quiet cooler compatible with AM4 sockets?
The Lian Li GALAHAD explicitly lists AM4 compatibility in its specifications. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX description mentions modern socket support but does not list AM4 specifically in the provided data. You should verify AM4 support directly with Be Quiet if using older platforms.
Which cooler is more compact for smaller cases?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm is the more compact choice. It measures 4.86 inches wide and 10.7 inches long. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX is wider and significantly longer at 15.6 inches. If your case has limited radiator clearance, the Lian Li unit fits better.
What model numbers identify these specific coolers?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm corresponds to model GA240B. The Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm is model BW015. These identifiers help you find the correct mounting brackets and manuals. Use these numbers when searching for replacement parts or documentation.