Antec Mercury 240 AIO Liquid Cooler Review

Performance

Stock

For stock temperature performance, this is one of the better 240 AIO coolers we have tested. At a maximum figure of 57C, this was in part with both the Orcus and even the massive powerhouse that is the Noctua NH-D15S. The idle and gaming temperatures were a little higher for the Antec Mercury 240 in a direct comparison, but when put to the test, this managed to complete with some very impressive figures.

Overclocked

Similar to the stock levels, when put under heavy load on an overclocked system the Antec Mercury 240 was not found wanting. It is some credit to the design that the 28C idle temperature remained exactly the same as it performed in the stock levels and from an overclocked stance, it actually one of the most impressive figures we have seen. This cooler clearly is able to easily handle even the most testing of overclocked systems.

Stock Acoustics

Given the impressive temperature figures, you might at this point be wondering if there is a trade-off anywhere and yes, there is. In terms of noise, this is hardly a whisper quiet cooler. Although such things can be a major factor to some it is worth appreciating that the performance figures alone, to me at least, outweigh any disappointment you might find in the sound levels.

Overclocked Acoustics

When overclocked the cooler is surprisingly not that much louder and in comparison with other coolers, begins to find its feet is the middle ground. It is still slightly noisier than most coolers we have tested, but not notably so. There is a definite trade-off from performance to noise, but in very blunt PC design terms, temperatures kill components, noise doesn’t.