Performance Analysis

Performance from this all-in-one cooler isn't bad, as it adequately cools our overclocked CPUs on every platform, although we would have preferred slightly better performance on the Intel sockets. On LGA 1151, for example, the Orcus 240 is 1°C warmer than the Cooler Master Seidon 120V V3 Plus. This is a margin of error difference, but even so the latter uses just a 120mm radiator and is also 2°C better on the demanding LGA 2066 CPU. That said, the latter also has faster spinning and louder fans.

Performance on the AMD test system, meanwhile, is very respectable, as it finds itself nestled in amongst the premium Corsair coolers with larger radiators. Admittedly, the Corsair models achieve similar temperatures while on their Balanced fan and pump profile, making them quieter than this Raijintek, but this is still more in line with what we'd expect from a 240mm radiator.

Conclusion

Standing out in the AIO liquid-cooler market is difficult, but we'd say Raijintek has managed to do so rather well. To be clear, this is not achieved on the performance front. We don't have a whole lot of comparison data on the new test systems, but especially if you're on Intel the Raijintek Orcus 240 seems pretty middle-of-the-road. However, it has still proven that it can handle the heat of overclocked flagship CPUs, and it doesn't have to be excessively noisy to do so.

Where the Orcus 240 sets itself apart is its design and features. The pump on the tubing is a bit of an oddity, but the ability to refill (and even bleed the radiator) is pretty nifty – it's a shame the warranty is only two years, though. Having RGB on the fans and pump is nothing new, of course, but we think the implementation here is mostly strong, as it gives even users without RGB motherboard headers an easy way of tuning the lighting to their taste, while those that do have them can easily refine and synchronise the lighting further. We also think the inclusion of a coolant flow meter is cool, even if it's ultimately just for aesthetic reasons and brownie points.

The build quality is mostly very good as well. The tubing and radiator are good quality, and the all-metal mounting mechanism continues this theme. The water block housing could be more premium, and the generic plastic case for the RGB controller needs work, but at least the latter will be hidden from view.

All things considered, the £90 price tag makes the Orcus 240 great value as far as RGB-enabled 240mm AIO coolers go – if that's the sort of thing you're looking for in your next system or upgrade, this is well worth short-listing.