Valkyrie A240 & A360 AIO Liquid Coolers Review

The AIO liquid cooling market is full of options. Many brands push heavy RGB lighting, LCD screens, and complicated control hubs. But often, all of that comes at the cost of practicality. Valkyrie’s new A-series coolers, the A240 and A360, take a different path. They focus on what matters; good cooling, easy setup, and affordable pricing.

Design & Compatibility

The Valkyrie A-series prioritizes function over flash. Unlike many of its competitors, the coolers forego LCD panels and excessive RGB effects in favor of a cleaner, more understated design. The only customization available comes through 5V ARGB support, which provides subtle lighting without overwhelming the build.

Compatibility is extensive. Both the A240 and A360 support Intel’s LGA1700 and LGA1851 sockets as well as AMD’s AM4 and AM5 platforms. Out of the box, users receive all the necessary mounting hardware, screws, brackets, an Intel backplate, and a small tube of thermal paste. The pump is shipped with pre-applied thermal paste, but the extra tube is a thoughtful inclusion for future maintenance.

Installation Experience

One of the standout features of Valkyrie’s design philosophy is simplicity. The installation process is straightforward and avoids the complications commonly associated with other AIO solutions. Instead of requiring multiple SATA or Molex connectors and proprietary control boxes, the cooler uses a single dual-ended cable (5V ARGB and 4-pin PWM) that connects directly to the motherboard.

This streamlined approach not only reduces cable clutter but also makes the installation process accessible to beginners and less frustrating for experienced builders.

Technical Overview

• Radiator: Aluminum construction, 20 FPI fin density

• Pump: Proprietary design, copper cold plate, rotatable housing, up to 2,400 RPM

• Fans:

  • A240 – 2 × 120mm rifle-bearing fans

  • A360 – 3 × 120mm rifle-bearing fans

• Noise Levels: 38 dB in testing (slightly higher than Valkyrie’s advertised 32–33 dB)

• Variants: Available in both black and white, with 240mm and 360mm radiator options

  
  

The decision to use rifle bearings instead of fluid dynamic bearings (FDB) is the one area where cost-cutting is evident. While rifle bearings perform adequately, FDB fans generally offer superior longevity and efficiency.

Performance Testing

To evaluate real-world performance, the A240 and A360 were tested using AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a processor capable of drawing nearly 300W under heavy load, a demanding scenario for any cooler.

The results were unexpectedly strong. Despite their budget pricing, both units performed competitively against significantly more expensive coolers, including the Cooler Master MasterLiquid, Arctic Liquid Freezer III, and NZXT Kraken series, all of which retail for RM680–RM800 in Malaysia.

• The A240 struggled to keep the 9950X3D under heavy sustained loads but still maintained safe operating temperatures. For less demanding CPUs, it remains more than sufficient.

• The A360 delivered excellent results, rivaling or even surpassing premium competitors in certain scenarios. This level of performance at under RM300 is remarkable.

  
  

Noise levels peaked around 38 dB, a touch louder than advertised, but still within a reasonable range. In practice, the coolers are quieter than many air-cooled systems and should not be a distraction in typical setups.

Pricing & Value

Valkyrie has priced the A-series aggressively, placing them squarely in the budget segment:

• A240 Black – RM229

• A240 White – RM235

• A360 Black – RM289

• A360 White – RM295

  
  

At these prices, the A-series competes with entry-level AIOs from brands like ID-Cooling and Thermalright. However, in terms of raw performance, the Valkyrie units align more closely with high-end solutions at double the price.

Verdict

The Valkyrie A240 and A360 stand out not by reinventing liquid cooling, but by stripping away the unnecessary. With simple installation, broad compatibility, strong thermal performance, and aggressive pricing, these coolers offer exceptional value.

• The A240 is best suited for mid-range systems where affordability and efficiency matter most.

• The A360, meanwhile, is the star of the lineup, punching far above its weight and competing with premium coolers at a fraction of the cost.

  
  

In a market often dominated by aesthetics and branding, Valkyrie proves that substance still matters. For builders who value clean design, reliable cooling, and excellent value, the A-series AIOs are an easy recommendation.