Lian Li or Cooler Master? Aio Liquid Coolers Compared in 2026
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You are comparing the lian li vs cooler master aio liquid cooler for your build. Both units feature a 240mm radiator and support modern sockets like AM5 and LGA 1700. They also both use RGB lighting. The main difference lies in their pump design and physical dimensions. Lian Li uses a triple-chamber pump, while Cooler Master uses a dual-chamber design. You also get different fan specifications and weights to consider.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pump Design | Triple-chamber pump | 3rd Generation Dual Chamber Pump |
| Fan Speed | 800 to 1900 RPM | not listed |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 2.95 pounds |
| Radiator Rows | 14 rows | not listed |
| Socket Support | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200 | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO if
- You prefer a lighter unit at 2.2 pounds.
- You want a pump design that reduces friction from rapid coolant flow.
- You need a specified airflow rating of 69.17 CFM.
Choose Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 if
- You want the 3rd Generation Dual Chamber Pump technology.
- You prioritize the industrial-grade EPDM seal for longevity.
- You are okay with a slightly heavier unit at 2.95 pounds.
Verdict: Choose the Lian Li GALAHAD if you value lighter weight and specific pump friction reduction. Choose the Cooler Master MasterLiquid if you prefer the 3rd Gen dual-chamber pump design and EPDM sealing. Both offer solid 240mm cooling for modern sockets.
Lian Li vs Cooler Master AIO Specs
Pump technology
Cooler Master uses its third-generation dual chamber pump design to improve cooling efficiency. This split chamber approach aims to reduce cavitation and noise while maintaining flow. Lian Li counters with a triple-chamber pump design that combines the pump chamber, connecting chamber, and cold plate into a single unit. This integration reduces friction from rapid coolant flow and is designed to prevent leaks if the pump fails. Both designs target reliability and performance, though they achieve this through different internal architectures. You get distinct engineering philosophies here depending on which approach you trust more for long-term stability.
Radiator construction
Lian Li specifies a high-density aluminum radiator with 14 rows of aluminum tubes. This design maximizes liquid volume and heat transfer surface area. The fin folds between the tubes are engineered to enlarge the surface area further for better dissipation. Cooler Master lists the radiator size as 240mm but does not provide specific details on the number of rows, tube count, or fin density in the provided data. Without these specific construction metrics from Cooler Master, it is difficult to compare the thermal potential of the core components directly. Lian Li provides more granular data on its heat exchanger build.
Fan performance
Lian Li includes 120mm ARGB fans with industrial-grade motors. These fans operate between 800 and 1900 RPM in PWM or DC mode, delivering a rated airflow of 69.17 CFM. This specific airflow rating helps you gauge cooling capacity under load. Cooler Master features SickleFlow fans with a refreshed exterior design for improved lighting and quiet airflow performance. However, the data does not list specific RPM ranges or CFM ratings for these fans. Lian Li offers concrete performance numbers for its fans, allowing for a more precise expectation of noise and cooling output.
Lighting options
Both units feature customizable RGB lighting. Lian Li embeds 35 addressable RGB LEDs in the GALAHAD 240 block, supporting complex lighting effects. It includes a dedicated LED controller and syncs with mainstream motherboard software. Cooler Master highlights fully customizable RGB design elements in its block and fans. The data notes ARGB attributes for Cooler Master as well. Both systems allow you to match your case aesthetics using standard motherboard synchronization tools. Since both provide addressable RGB capabilities and controller support, neither holds a clear technical advantage in lighting flexibility based on the available specifications.
Physical dimensions
Lian Li provides precise dimensions for its 240mm radiator: 10.7 inches in length, 4.86 inches in width, and 1.06 inches in height. This helps you verify case clearance accurately. Cooler Master lists its radiator height as 1.07 inches, which is nearly identical to Lian Li. However, Cooler Master’s data lists width and length as 0.19 and 0.43 inches respectively, which appear to be errors or refer to different components not the full radiator. Assuming standard 240mm radiators, the footprint is likely similar. Lian Li offers more reliable dimensional data for planning your build layout.
Which AIO fits your build needs
Users wanting leak protection and silent fans
The Lian Li GALAHAD features a triple-chamber pump design that combines the pump, connecting, and cold plate chambers into one unit. This reduces friction and prevents leaks if the pump fails. It also includes industrial-grade motors for quiet operation between 800 and 1900 RPM, delivering 69.17 CFM of airflow for steady cooling.
Users prioritizing pump efficiency and longevity
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 uses a third-generation dual chamber pump to improve cooling efficiency. It also employs high industrial grade EPDM material to strengthen the seal, which aims to improve longevity and prevent leaks. This design focuses on maintaining performance over time while reducing cavitation and noise during operation.
Users seeking customizable lighting effects
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm model embeds 35 addressable RGB LEDs directly into the block. This allows for brighter and more complex lighting patterns compared to standard designs. The system is compatible with most mainstream motherboard software for synchronization, and an LED controller is included to manage the visual effects without relying solely on motherboard headers.
The products compared
Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO
Best for: users prioritizing leak prevention and modern socket support
- 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 AIO features a triple-chamber pump design to reduce friction and prevent leaks. It includes 35 addressable RGB LEDs and 120mm PWM fans rated for 69.17 CFM airflow. The high-density aluminum radiator has 14 rows of tubes for efficient heat dissipation. It supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This cooler suits users needing reliable cooling with customizable lighting effects.
Pros
- Triple-chamber pump design reduces friction and prevents leaks
- 35 addressable RGB LEDs for customizable lighting effects
- 120mm PWM fans provide 69.17 CFM rated airflow
- High-density aluminum radiator with 14 rows of tubes
- Supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets
Cons
- Only 35 RGB LEDs compared to 47 on the 360mm version
- No mention of motherboard software sync for lighting
- 2.2 pounds weight is heavier than standard 240mm coolers
Good fit if
- You want a leakproof pump design for peace of mind
- You need support for the latest Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 sockets
- You prefer high-density radiators for better heat transfer
Skip if
- You need the largest possible RGB lighting surface area
- You require explicit motherboard software sync compatibility
- You are building a compact case with strict weight limits
Verdict: Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO offers a robust triple-chamber pump and high-density radiator for users prioritizing leak prevention and thermal performance on modern sockets.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2
Best for: Mid-range builds needing AM5 or LGA1700 support
- Radiator Size
- 240mm
- Socket Compatibility
- AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200
- Lighting Type
- RGB
- Size
- 240mm Radiator
- Length
- 0.43 inches
- Width
- 0.19 inches
View on Amazon: Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 Affiliate link
The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 is a 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler featuring a third-generation dual-chamber pump. It supports AMD AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA1700 sockets. The unit includes ARGB lighting and fans designed for quiet airflow. It uses an industrial-grade EPDM seal to prevent leaks. This model suits users seeking reliable cooling performance with customizable lighting effects for standard mid-tower builds.
Pros
- Third-generation dual-chamber pump for improved cooling efficiency
- Supports AMD AM5 and Intel LGA1700 sockets
- Includes ARGB lighting for customizable visual effects
- Uses industrial-grade EPDM material for leak prevention
Cons
- Limited to a 240mm radiator size
- No software control mentioned for fan or RGB adjustment
- Weighs 2.95 pounds, adding bulk to the build
Good fit if
- You need a 240mm radiator for your case
- You want a cooler that supports newer AM5 and LGA1700 sockets
- You prefer a sealed loop with no maintenance
Skip if
- You require a 360mm radiator for higher heat loads
- You need native software control for fans and lighting
- You are building on older socket types not listed
Verdict: Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 240mm AIO provides solid cooling for mid-range builds with modern socket support. It is a practical choice for users who prioritize leak-resistant seals and basic RGB aesthetics over advanced software features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 240mm | 240mm |
| Socket Compatibility | not stated | AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200 |
| Fan Speed | 800 to 1900 RPM | not stated |
| Lighting Type | RGB | RGB |
| Lighting | RGB | ARGB |
| Size | 240Mm | 240mm Radiator |
| Dimensions | 10.7 × 4.86 × 1.06 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 2.95 pounds |
| Length | not stated | 0.43 inches |
| Width | not stated | 0.19 inches |
| Color | Black | ML240L RGB V2 |
| Model | GA240B | MLW-D24M-A18PC-R2 |
Frequently asked questions
Which AIO is better for modern AM5 processors?
Both options support the AM5 socket, so either works for Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series CPUs. The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO includes LGA 1200 compatibility as well. This broader socket list makes it slightly more versatile if you switch platforms often. The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 focuses on AM5 and LGA 1700 support.
Do both coolers feature addressable RGB lighting?
The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 uses ARGB for synchronized lighting effects. The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO features standard RGB lighting. While both provide aesthetic customization, the Cooler Master unit offers addressable control. This allows for more complex color patterns and animations on compatible motherboards compared to the standard RGB on the Lian Li model.
How thick is the radiator on these units?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO has a radiator thickness of 1.06 inches. The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 radiator is 0.19 inches thick. This significant difference affects case compatibility. The thicker Lian Li unit requires more clearance, while the slimmer Cooler Master radiator fits into tighter spaces or specific case configurations more easily.
What are the physical dimensions of the Lian Li pump head?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO pump head measures 4.86 inches in width and 10.7 inches in length. These dimensions define the footprint on your motherboard. Ensure your case has sufficient clearance around the CPU socket. The Cooler Master unit does not list specific pump head dimensions in its published specs, focusing instead on overall radiator size.
Which model weighs more?
The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 weighs 2.95 pounds. The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO weighs 2.2 pounds. The Cooler Master unit is heavier by 0.75 pounds. This weight difference may influence mounting stress on your motherboard. Heavier AIOs can cause sagging over time if not supported properly. The lighter Lian Li unit places less strain on the socket.
Is the Lian Li pump design more robust?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO uses a triple-chamber pump design. This integrates the pump, connecting, and cold plate chambers into one unit. This design reduces friction and aims to prevent leaks if the pump fails. The Cooler Master ML240L RGB V2 uses a dual-chamber pump. The Lian Li approach offers a distinct mechanical advantage for leak prevention.