EKWB EK-XLC Predator 240 All-In-One CPU Liquid Cooling Unit Review

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

First, I want to hit on price. Yes, the EKWB Predator 240 is $199.99 USD and yes, you can buy X model from X vendor for less. EK is aiming at the upper end of the AIO segment. If you take the cost of the radiator, waterblock, and a similar pump (as of now, I cannot find this exact pump for sale), the cost is very close to $199 and that’s without fans, tubing, and connectors. EK does make good components. If they did not, the wouldn’t be in the list of the top component manufacturers.

The installation of the kit was easy. I actually had to do something that I’ve never had to before with the fact that the stock Intel backplate needs to be removed. Doing this inside the case can be a little tricky, so I opted to do it outside of the case. The radiator and fan assembly attaches to the case via included fan screws. If you have everything laid out and ready to go, it would be reasonable that you could have the Predator 240 install within a half hour.

I’ve used a few AIOs in the past that literally failed within hours after I reviewed them. So I started a new process. Right out of the box, I turn off EIST and set the multiplier of the CPU to the turbo boost frequency and run everything at 100% for 72 hours non-stop. Right out of the box, the Predator 240 kept kicking. Performance wise, the Predator leads the charts. I’ve used it with everything set to at auto and the fans and pump are nearly silent. I have to try to listen for them. At 100% the fans are noticeable but not annoyingly so.

As far as expandability goes, I have a request. Be patient. I have a few things up my sleeve and we will be releasing them over the next couple of weeks. Yes, we will be testing the expandability features of a few AIOs including the Predator 240.

I tried my best to stay away from all the marketing buzz regarding EK’s release of the Predator line. I wanted to get hands on with it and see for myself. I am pretty impressed overall. Performance is on par with what I expected in both stock and overclocked forms. The FPU test really put the cooler to work as it generates the most heat load in the AIDA64 software that we use for testing. Installation was really easy. I like the fact that EK included a heavy steel plate that is used to mount the waterblock. I do not have an issue with using off the shelf parts to put together an AIO, especially when performance is on par with smaller custom loops and bests every AIO that we tested against. The form, fit and function of the EK Predator earns it Modders-Inc’s Must Have Award!