Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra EX ARGB Sync AIO Cooler Review

How Much Does it Cost?

What’s really surprising about the Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra EX ARGB Sync AIO Cooler cooler is the price, I actually wrote this review without knowing the price and thought that because it has magnetic fans and cable, an LCD on the pump, and ARGB lighting, it was going to cost around £200. It’s not uncommon for rival products with similar specifications to cost that much… However, the Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra EX ARGB Sync AIO Cooler costs just £109.99, and frankly, I’m not sure how Thermaltake has done this. It’s clear the market is shifting quite drastically and that all these premium features have now reached the same price bracket of AIO coolers without them from just a couple of years ago!

Conclusion

The Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra EX ARGB Sync AIO Cooler is a truly impressive piece of hardware. It excels in several key areas, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking high-performance CPU cooling with a healthy dose of aesthetics. Firstly, its feature set is outstanding. The inclusion of the 2.1″ LCD screen on the pump block allows for endless customisation, going beyond basic ARGB lighting to display system information or animations.

MagForce 2.0

The magnetic fan system (MagForce 2.0) isn’t a technology limited to Thermaltake, but it’s still very much welcome. It simplifies installation and cable management. Plus, the magnetic connectors and pins are upgraded to be more robust than ever. Coupled with the Thermaltake software for controlling lighting and fan curves, it makes for a very user-friendly experience.

CT140 EX ARGB Sync

In terms of hardware, Thermaltake has prioritised quality. The CT140 EX ARGB Sync fans offer excellent performance without being overly expensive, striking a good balance between airflow and noise levels throughout our testing. The copper cold plate is very large and the pump feels built to a high standard. Furthermore, dense radiator fins contribute to efficient heat dissipation. The build quality feels great throughout, from the braided tubing to the industrial aesthetic of the pump block, it’s all fantastic looking hardware.

ARGB Lighting

Design-wise, this cooler is a head-turner. The combination of ARGB lighting, the unique pump block design, and the sleek fans create a visually striking product. It’s a cooler that will undoubtedly enhance the look of any PC build, and I would have easily believed it cost much more than it actually does.

Cooling

It effortlessly handles the demanding Intel Core i9-12900K, maintaining respectable temperatures even under full load. The optimised fan curves and efficient pump ensure quiet operation without compromising cooling capacity, with a virtually inaudible idle, and low noise under full load.

Value

Finally, the value for money is exceptional. Priced at £109.99, the Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra EX ARGB Sync AIO Cooler offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and design that rivals, and even surpasses, competitors in a higher price bracket. It’s a testament to Thermaltake’s commitment to delivering premium products at competitive prices.

Should I Buy One?

If you’re looking for a high-performance AIO cooler with a unique aesthetic and a comprehensive feature set, the Thermaltake TH280 V2 Ultra EX ARGB Sync AIO Cooler is an excellent choice. Its impressive cooling capabilities, combined with its user-friendly design and competitive price, make it a worthwhile investment for any PC enthusiast.