Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro vs Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB CPU (2026): Key Differences
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This thermaltake toughliquid 420 ex pro vs th240 s v3 argb CPU comparison looks at two distinct Thermaltake coolers. Both models feature ARGB lighting and support modern Intel and AMD sockets. The primary difference lies in their physical design and capabilities. The 420 EX Pro uses a large 420mm radiator with magnetic fan connections. The TH240-S V3 uses a compact 240mm radiator and includes a small LCD screen on the pump head. You need to decide which form factor fits your case.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro ARGB | Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 420mm | 240mm |
| Display | not listed | 3.95" Segment LCD |
| Pump Speed | 3300 RPM | not listed |
| Socket Compatibility | LGA 1851/1700, AM5 | LGA 1851/1700/1200/1156/1155/1151/1150/2066/2011-3/2011, AM5/AM4 |
| Fan Connection | MagForce 2.0 Magnetic | Standard |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro ARGB if
- You have a case that supports large 420mm radiators for maximum cooling potential.
- You prefer cable management features like magnetic daisy-chaining for fans.
- You want a high-speed pump rated at 3300 RPM without needing a display.
Choose Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB AIO if
- You are building in a smaller case that only fits 240mm radiators.
- You want to view real-time system data via the included LCD screen.
- You need support for older Intel sockets like LGA 115x or 2011-3.
Verdict: The TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro is the better choice if you have the space and want superior cooling capacity through its larger radiator and magnetic fan design. The TH240-S V3 is ideal for compact builds where space is limited, especially if you value the visual appeal of the segment display. Your decision depends entirely on your case size and whether you want a screen.
Specs and Design Comparison
Radiator size
The Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro features a 420mm radiator, measuring 20.4 inches in length. This large surface area provides more space for heat dissipation compared to the Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB, which uses a 240mm radiator measuring 14.8 inches long. A larger radiator generally allows for better thermal performance under heavy loads. The 420 EX Pro is physically larger, requiring more case space. You must check your case compatibility before choosing the larger unit. The TH240-S V3 is more compact and easier to fit in smaller builds.
Display capabilities
The Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB includes a 3.95-inch segment LCD display on the pump head. This screen shows real-time system data and can be customized via software. The Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro does not list any display features in its specifications. It relies on ARGB lighting effects instead. If you want to monitor temperatures or speeds directly on the cooler, the TH240-S V3 offers this functionality. The 420 EX Pro focuses purely on cooling and aesthetic lighting without digital readouts.
Pump speed
The Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro specifies a pump speed of up to 3300 RPM. This high speed suggests a focus on rapid coolant circulation. The Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB does not list a specific pump RPM in the provided data. We only know it features a rotatable pump head with a display. Without explicit pump speed data for the TH240-S V3, we cannot directly compare flow rates. The 420 EX Pro provides clear pump performance metrics, while the TH240-S V3 data is incomplete regarding pump mechanics.
Fan design
The Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro uses fans with MagForce 2.0 magnetic connections for daisy-chaining, which simplifies cable management. It includes three fans. The Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB uses single-frame fans that are described as easy to maintain. It includes two fans. The magnetic connection on the 420 EX Pro is a specific design choice for easier assembly. The TH240-S V3 emphasizes maintainability. Both use ARGB, but the physical fan construction differs, with the 420 EX Pro offering a unique connection method.
Socket compatibility
Both coolers support modern Intel and AMD sockets. The Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro lists compatibility with LGA 1851, LGA 1700, and AM5. The Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB supports a broader range, including LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2066, 2011-3, 2011, as well as AM5 and AM4. The TH240-S V3 covers older socket generations that the 420 EX Pro does not mention. If you have an older CPU, the TH240-S V3 is the safer choice for compatibility.
Which Thermaltake AIO Fits Your Build
Users needing maximum cooling performance
The TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro uses a 420mm radiator to dissipate heat more effectively than smaller units. Its pump reaches 3300 RPM for faster coolant circulation. The MagForce 2.0 design simplifies cable management by allowing fan daisy-chaining. This model is ideal if you prioritize thermal headroom and have the case space for a larger radiator.
Builders who want real-time monitoring
The TH240-S V3 features a 3.95-inch segment display on the pump head. You can view system data directly on the cooler using the TT Segment LCD software. The rotatable pump head allows for easy viewing angles regardless of your build layout. This screen provides immediate feedback without needing to open monitoring software on your PC.
Those with compact case constraints
The TH240-S V3 has a 240mm radiator that measures 14.8 inches in length. This smaller footprint fits into cases where a 420mm radiator, which is 20.4 inches long, would not. The single-frame fan design also simplifies maintenance and installation. It is the practical choice if your chassis has limited radiator mounting space.
The products compared
Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro ARGB
Best for: High-end cooling in large cases
- Radiator Size
- 420mm
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA 1851/1700, AM5
- Pump Speed
- 3300 RPM
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 20.4 × 8.2 × 6.1 inches
View on Amazon: Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro ARGB Affiliate link
This 420mm AIO cooler uses three 140mm fans to move air across a large radiator surface. The pump reaches 3300 RPM for strong heat transfer. You get ARGB lighting with an infinity-mirror effect and a rotatable cap for better case aesthetics. It supports Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM5 sockets. The magnetic fan daisy-chain reduces cable clutter.
Pros
- 420mm radiator size for high airflow
- Pump speed up to 3300 RPM
- MagForce 2.0 magnetic fan daisy-chain
- ARGB infinity-mirror lighting design
Cons
- Large 20.4-inch length requires spacious cases
- No software control mentioned in specs
- Higher pump noise potential at max speed
Good fit if
- You need maximum cooling capacity for high-end CPUs
- You have a case that fits 420mm radiators
- You prefer magnetic cable management for fans
Skip if
- You have a small form factor case
- You want software-based RGB customization
- You need support for older Intel sockets
Verdict: Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro delivers serious cooling power for users with large cases and high thermal loads. It is ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize raw performance and clean cable management over software control.
Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB AIO
Best for: Mid-range builds needing LGA 1851 support
- Radiator Size
- 240mm
- Display Size
- 3.95"
- Pump Speed
- 2500 RPM
- Fan Speed
- 2500 RPM
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 14.8 × 9 × 5.6 inches
View on Amazon: Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB AIO Affiliate link
This 240mm liquid cooler uses single-frame fans rated for 500 to 2500 RPM. It delivers 85.29 CFM of airflow and 3.86 mm-H2O of static pressure. The pump block features a rotatable 3.95-inch segment display for real-time monitoring. It supports Intel LGA 1851 and AMD AM5 sockets. This unit suits builders who want clear system data without complex software.
Pros
- Rotatable pump head for optimal display orientation
- Single-frame fan design for easy maintenance
- 3.95-inch segment display shows real-time data
- Supports Intel LGA 1851 and AMD AM5
Cons
- 240mm radiator size offers less cooling potential than 360mm options
- Display uses segment code rather than full-color LCD
- No mention of dedicated software control for fan curves
Good fit if
- You need compatibility with the latest Intel LGA 1851 socket
- You prefer a rotatable pump head for clean cable management
- You want to monitor temperatures via a built-in display
Skip if
- You require a 360mm or 420mm radiator for high-end CPUs
- You want a full-color LCD screen for custom graphics
- You need advanced fan curve control via dedicated software
Verdict: Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB 240mm AIO fits users who value the latest socket support and a rotatable display. It is a practical choice for mid-range builds where the 240mm size is sufficient.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro ARGB | Thermaltake TH240-S V3 ARGB AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 420mm | 240mm |
| Socket Compatibility | LGA 1851/1700, AM5 | not stated |
| Display Size | not stated | 3.95" |
| Pump Speed | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Lighting Type | ARGB | ARGB |
| Lighting | ARGB | ARGB |
| Display | not stated | LCD Screen |
| Size | 420mm | 240Mm |
| Dimensions | 20.4 × 8.2 × 6.1 inches | 14.8 × 9 × 5.6 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 4.45 pounds |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | CL-W401-PL14BL-A | TH240-S V3 ARGB |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermaltake TH240-S V3 have a display screen?
Yes, it includes an LCD screen. This feature is not present on the TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro. The display allows you to view system information directly on the cooler. It adds a visual element to your build. You get this detail without needing extra software. The screen is a key differentiator for this model.
Is the TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro compatible with large cases?
It is designed for large cases. The radiator measures 20.4 inches in length. This size requires ample space inside your chassis. The TH240-S V3 is smaller at 14.8 inches. You should check your case dimensions before choosing the 420 EX Pro. It fits best in spacious mid-tower or full-tower enclosures.
What is the difference in pump speed between these two coolers?
The TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro pump reaches 3300 RPM. This speed ensures faster coolant circulation for high thermal loads. The TH240-S V3 does not list a specific RPM in its data. The higher speed of the 420 EX Pro supports better heat dissipation. You get more aggressive pumping with the larger radiator model.
Does the TH240-S V3 support the latest Intel sockets?
Yes, it supports LGA 1851. This socket support is crucial for newer Intel processors. The TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro also supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. Both models offer broad compatibility. You can use either cooler with current generation CPUs. The TH240-S V3 specifically highlights this recent socket support in its features.
Which cooler has better cable management features?
The TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro features the MagForce 2.0 design. This design simplifies cable management for users. It helps keep your build looking clean. The TH240-S V3 does not mention specific cable management tech. You get a more organized look with the 420 EX Pro. The MagForce 2.0 system reduces clutter around the pump head.
How much does the TH240-S V3 weigh?
It weighs 4.45 pounds. This weight includes the radiator and pump assembly. The TOUGHLIQUID 420 EX Pro does not list a weight in the data. The TH240-S V3 is a 240mm unit. You can use this weight to plan your case mounting. It is heavier than smaller 120mm units but lighter than some larger alternatives.