Thermalright or Lian Li? Aio Liquid Coolers Compared in 2026
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This thermalright vs lian li aio liquid cooler guide compares two distinct cooling solutions. Both units use liquid cooling to manage CPU temperatures and support modern Intel and AMD sockets. The primary difference lies in their physical design and component scale. The Thermalright Frozen Notte offers a larger 360mm radiator with a high-speed pump. The Lian Li GALAHAD provides a more compact 240mm setup with a specialized triple-chamber pump design. You must choose based on your case space and cooling needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 | Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 360mm | 240mm |
| Pump Speed | 5300 RPM | Not listed |
| Pump Design | Standard integrated block | Triple-chamber design |
| Lighting | ARGB (fans + block) | RGB (35 LEDs in block) |
| Fan Noise | ≤27.7 dBA | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 if
- You need maximum cooling potential for high-end processors.
- Your case supports a 360mm radiator width.
- You want synchronized ARGB lighting on both the block and fans.
Choose Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO if
- You have limited case space for large radiators.
- You prefer a pump design that claims leak prevention benefits.
- You want a simpler lighting setup with an included controller.
Verdict: The Thermalright Frozen Notte is the better choice if you prioritize raw cooling performance and have the case space for a 360mm radiator. The Lian Li GALAHAD suits users who need a compact 240mm solution or value the specific triple-chamber pump engineering. Your decision should depend on your chassis dimensions and thermal requirements.
Thermalright vs Lian Li Specs
Radiator size
The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 features a 360mm radiator, providing a larger surface area for heat dissipation compared to the Lian Li GALAHAD. The Lian Li model uses a 240mm radiator, which is physically smaller and offers less total fin surface area. A larger radiator generally allows for more efficient heat transfer from the coolant to the ambient air, especially under sustained high loads. If you prioritize maximum cooling potential through sheer physical size, the 360mm Thermalright unit has a clear advantage. The 240mm Lian Li is more compact, fitting into smaller cases more easily, but the Thermalright offers greater cooling capacity due to its size.
Pump speed
Pump speed dictates how quickly coolant circulates through the loop. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 lists a pump speed of 5300 RPM ± 10%. The Lian Li GALAHAD does not publish a specific RPM value for its pump in the provided specifications. Without a stated number for the Lian Li, we cannot directly compare the flow rates. However, a high RPM like 5300 suggests a focus on rapid heat extraction. If you require a verified high-speed pump specification, the Thermalright data is explicit. The Lian Li relies on its triple-chamber pump design for efficiency rather than listing raw speed metrics.
Fan performance
Airflow and static pressure are critical for pushing air through radiator fins. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 uses three TL-E12B-S V2 fans with a maximum air volume of 72.37 CFM and a static pressure of 2.87 mmH2O. The Lian Li GALAHAD uses fans rated at 69.17 CFM. The Thermalright fans offer higher maximum airflow, which can improve cooling performance in dense setups. Both units operate at similar speeds, with the Thermalright reaching 2000 RPM and the Lian Li reaching 1900 RPM. The Thermalright provides slightly superior airflow metrics for pushing air through the radiator.
Lighting features
Both coolers support addressable RGB lighting for aesthetic customization. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 uses 5V 3-pin ARGB connections for both the fans and the water block, allowing synchronization with motherboard software. The Lian Li GALAHAD includes 35 addressable RGB LEDs embedded in the cold plate for the 240mm model, plus fans with RGB. It also includes an LED controller for standalone management. The Lian Li offers built-in lighting on the block with an included controller, while the Thermalright relies on motherboard sync for the block. Both provide extensive lighting options, making this a tie for most users.
Socket compatibility
Both coolers support modern CPU platforms. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 supports Intel LGA 1700, 1851, 1200, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM5, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+. The Lian Li GALAHAD supports Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011 and AMD AM5, AM4. The Thermalright lists support for LGA 1851, a newer socket that the Lian Li data does not explicitly mention. Both cover the current generation of Intel and AMD processors. The Thermalright offers slightly broader legacy support with older AMD sockets like FM2 and AM2.
Choose Your Ideal AIO Cooler
Users needing max cooling power
You should choose the Thermalright Frozen Notte for its 360mm radiator. This larger surface area dissipates heat more effectively than the 240mm Lian Li model. The pump speed reaches 5300 RPM, and the fans deliver 72.37 CFM of airflow. These specs ensure robust thermal performance for demanding workloads.
Users with compact cases
If your chassis has limited space, the Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm is the better fit. Its smaller radiator dimensions allow for easier installation in mid-tower cases. The triple-chamber pump design also helps prevent leaks. This compact form factor provides reliable cooling without requiring the clearance needed for a 360mm unit.
Users wanting included lighting control
The Lian Li GALAHAD includes a dedicated LED controller. This simplifies setup if your motherboard lacks sufficient ARGB headers. The unit features 35 embedded LEDs for customizable effects. While the Thermalright relies on direct motherboard synchronization, the Lian Li option offers a self-contained solution for managing lighting effects without extra cables.
The products compared
Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2
Best for: High-performance 360mm cooling needs
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851
- Pump Speed
- 5300 RPM
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 0.98 × 4.72 × 4.72 inches
View on Amazon: Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 Affiliate link
This 360mm AIO cooler features a copper base and aluminum fins for efficient heat transfer. The pump runs at 5300 RPM, while three 120mm fans spin up to 2000 RPM. It includes ARGB lighting that syncs with 5V 3-pin motherboards. The unit supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. You get a 450mm tube length for easier installation in most cases.
Pros
- 360mm radiator with 397mm length
- Pump speed reaches 5300 RPM
- Fans provide 72.37 CFM airflow
- Full copper mirror plane base
- S-FDB bearings reduce chattering
Cons
- Fan noise reaches 27.7 dBA
- Tube length is only 450mm
- No software control for lighting
Good fit if
- You need a 360mm radiator
- You use Intel LGA 1700
- You have ARGB motherboard headers
Skip if
- You want silent operation
- You have narrow cases
- You prefer software control
Verdict: Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 ARGB offers strong cooling specs for 1700 and AM5 builds. It suits users who prioritize raw performance and lighting over quiet operation.
Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO
Best for: Compact cases needing reliable 240mm cooling
- 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 Cooler uses a triple-chamber pump design to reduce friction and prevent leaks. It includes 35 addressable RGB LEDs and 120mm ARGB fans that reach 1900 RPM for 69.17 CFM airflow. The high-density aluminum radiator features 14 rows of tubes for efficient heat dissipation. It supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This cooler suits users who want reliable cooling with customizable lighting in a compact 240mm form factor.
Pros
- Triple-chamber pump design reduces coolant friction
- 35 addressable RGB LEDs for lighting effects
- Fans reach 1900 RPM with 69.17 CFM airflow
- High-density aluminum radiator with 14 tube rows
Cons
- Smaller 240mm radiator compared to 360mm alternatives
- Only 35 RGB LEDs, fewer than 360mm versions
- Includes LED controller, no native motherboard sync mentioned
Good fit if
- You need a compact 240mm radiator for smaller cases
- You want a leakproof triple-chamber pump design
- You prefer included hardware for RGB control
Skip if
- You require maximum cooling performance from a 360mm radiator
- You want to sync lighting directly via motherboard software without a controller
- You prefer fewer components in the box for a cleaner install
Verdict: Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO Cooler fits users who need reliable cooling in a compact case without sacrificing RGB customization. Its triple-chamber pump offers peace of mind against leaks, making it a solid choice for standard builds.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 | Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 360mm | 240mm |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851 | not stated |
| Pump Speed | 5300 RPM | not stated |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM | 800 to 1900 RPM |
| Lighting Type | ARGB | RGB |
| Lighting | ARGB | RGB |
| Size | 360Mm | 240Mm |
| Dimensions | 0.98 × 4.72 × 4.72 inches | 10.7 × 4.86 × 1.06 inches |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces | 2.2 pounds |
| Color | Black-360MM | Black |
| Model | 1 | GA240B |
Frequently asked questions
Which AIO cooler supports more CPU sockets?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO supports four sockets: AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, and LGA 1200. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 supports only AM4 and LGA 1700. If you need compatibility with older Intel platforms, the Lian Li model offers broader socket coverage for your specific motherboard.
Does the Thermalright Frozen Notte use ARGB lighting?
Yes, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 features ARGB lighting. The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO uses standard RGB lighting instead. You should choose the Thermalright unit if you want addressable RGB effects for more dynamic color customization in your build.
Is the Lian Li GALAHAD pump reliable?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO uses a triple-chamber pump design. This feature is intended to provide peace of mind against potential leaks. It offers a reliable cooling solution for standard builds where pump durability and leak prevention are key priorities for your system.
Which cooler is better for compact cases?
The Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm AIO is designed for compact cases. Its 240mm radiator is physically smaller than the 360mm Thermalright unit. If your case has limited space for large radiators, the Lian Li model fits more easily without sacrificing essential cooling performance.
How do the radiator sizes compare?
The Thermalright Frozen Notte has a 360mm radiator, while the Lian Li GALAHAD has a 240mm radiator. The larger Thermalright radiator provides a greater surface area for heat dissipation. This makes it better suited for high-performance needs compared to the smaller Lian Li option.
What is the weight difference between these coolers?
The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 weighs 3.53 ounces, while the Lian Li GALAHAD 240mm weighs 2.2 pounds. The Lian Li unit is significantly heavier due to its construction. You should consider this weight difference when mounting the cooler to ensure your motherboard can support the load.
Can the Thermalright cooler handle AM5 processors?
Yes, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 supports the AM5 socket. It also works with AM4 and LGA 1700. This compatibility makes it a suitable choice for users building new Ryzen systems or modern Intel platforms who require strong cooling performance.