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The EKWB EK-XLC Predator 240 is an expandable, factory-filled 240-class liquid cooler with a DDC pump and standard G1/4 fittings—but it is now end of life, and some units were recalled for a leak risk. Its cooling performance was strong in published tests; today, the revision label, condition and return terms matter more than its original performance promise.
What the EK-XLC Predator 240 is—and what stands out
The Predator 240 sits between a sealed all-in-one cooler and a conventional custom loop. EKWB shipped it pre-filled and pre-assembled for CPU cooling, but used standard G1/4 ports and fittings, with quick-disconnect couplings on the QDC version for possible loop expansion. Its assembly combines a 240-class radiator, pump and reservoir, with two 120 mm fans.
That hybrid design is the cooler’s defining advantage: it offered a simpler starting point than building a loop from separate parts, while leaving a route to add compatible components. The trade-offs are a thick radiator assembly, more fit checks than a typical slim 240 mm radiator may require, and—now that the product is discontinued—greater importance placed on the unit’s revision and serviceable condition.
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| Specification | EKWB-published detail |
|---|---|
| Radiator, pump and reservoir assembly | 295 × 133 × 68 mm |
| Pump | Laing DDC3.1, 6 W, PWM controlled |
| Fans | Two EK-Vardar F4-120ER Predator Edition fans, rated 550–2200 rpm |
| Tubing | Approximately 400 mm of EK-ZMT 15.9/9.5 mm tubing |
| Fittings and ports | EK-ACF 10/16 mm fittings; G1/4 threaded ports |
| Coolant | EK-Ekoolant EVO Clear; approximately 290 mL total capacity |
| Official EAN | 3831109863343 |
The 68 mm measurement is for the main radiator unit with its integrated pump and reservoir. The fans add their own thickness, and cables also need clearance. Check the case maker’s radiator-support dimensions and the space available around the intended mounting position; a case advertised for a 240 mm radiator is not automatically a fit for this unusually thick assembly.
#1 Best Overall
- All-in-one liquid cooling solution offering a stylish fan-like gradient lighting effect on the pump unit
- Designed to fit most popular cases on the market today and features a double fan setup with a slim 240mm radiator
- Compatible with Intel and AMD socket types
- Features digital RGB lighting
- Radiator Dimensions: 281 x 124 x 27 mm
Performance: strong published results, not a universal ranking
EKWB quotes cooling capacities of about 287 W at a 10 K CPU-to-ambient temperature difference and 430 W at a 15 K difference, with the fans running at 1850 rpm. These are manufacturer figures under the stated fan-speed and temperature-difference conditions, not a guarantee of the temperature or noise a particular PC will achieve.
In Tom’s Hardware’s comparison, the Predator 240 placed second in CPU cooling. That is useful evidence that it performed well in that test’s setup, but results depend on the processor, load, case airflow, ambient temperature and test method. Tom’s Hardware also observed that the cooler’s top-mounted fans had less cooling effect on motherboard PWM voltage regulators than some alternatives—a separate consideration for a build where nearby component airflow matters.
Rank #2
- With a thickness of 44mm, the eK-Quantum P Series Surface radiators are the absolute all-rounders for low noise and high performance across the entire fan operational range
- equipped with a total of five G1/4" threaded connection ports
- A total of sixteen 2mm-wide copper tubes across the entire radiator length assure optimal coolant flow, putting no stress on your cooling loop
- High-grade non-louvered copper fins with 18 FPI density provide the best balance between thermal transfer and air resistance.
- To maximize cooling performance, a Push/Pull setup can be utilized on any P Series eK-Quantum Surface radiator.
EKWB’s own comparisons used an Intel Core i7-5960X on LGA-2011-3 and an Intel Core i7-4770K on LGA-1150, measuring CPU-to-ambient delta T. Those test platforms help define the context of the manufacturer’s comparisons; they do not establish expected temperatures for newer processors or every case.
Compatibility and mounting revisions
Supported CPU sockets
EKWB’s official baseline compatibility lists Intel LGA-1150, LGA-1151, LGA-1155, LGA-1156 and LGA-2011(-3). An optional AMD upgrade kit covers older AMD sockets identified in EKWB’s compatibility information. The R1.1 revision improved the mounting mechanism and broadened standard LGA-2011(-3) support. Confirm the exact socket and mounting hardware before buying a used unit; do not assume a complete kit for one socket includes the parts required for another.
Rank #3
- eK Volume reservoirs come with sophisticated addressable D-RGB lighting implementation
- Reservoir is equipped with a total of four G1/4" ports
- Manufactured of premium quality acrylic material
- Size (HxWxT): 240x120x53.5mm (with mounting system)
- Capacity: ~225ml
R1.0 versus R1.1
| Revision | What buyers should know |
|---|---|
| R1.0, produced October–December 2015 | EKWB recalled every R1.0 unit from this production period because a faulty O-ring in the EK-Supremacy MX CPU water block could cause leakage. Avoid using these units. |
| R1.1, released January 4, 2016 | EKWB introduced a redesigned mechanism intended to prevent leakage under normal working modes, and improved mounting compatibility. |
EKWB’s January 13, 2016 recall notice said that 1 in 10 affected units had leaked at that time, warned customers to discontinue use, and offered replacement or refund. That reported rate describes the company’s recall notice at the time; it should not be read as a prediction for an individual unit. If the revision label cannot be verified, treat the unit’s status as unresolved rather than relying on a seller’s verbal assurance.
Can the Predator 240 cool a GPU?
It can be expanded for a compatible GPU water block if the unit has the required QDC couplings. EK’s documentation describes connecting compatible pre-filled GPU blocks without draining the original unit. This is not the same as universal GPU compatibility: the block and connections must match the card and the Predator’s fittings and couplings.
Rank #4
- 【Premium AIO Cooler】A premium CPU liquid cooler features a 240mm radiator and 2 quiet fans for gaming and high-performance computing systems. | TDP: 300W
- 【Powerful Pump】Equipped with the latest GEN 7 pump running at 2900RPM±10% which can dissipate the heat from CPU efficiently.
- 【Upgraded Radiator】Having 12 waterways and a high-density stack of fins, it's cooling surface of 27mm thick radiator has been extended by 37 % for better heat dissipation and a larger liquid volume.
- 【Quiet Fans】Two 120mm cooling fans deliver stable performance output for extreme cooling while very low-noise operating. | 27.2dB(A) Max.
- 【Infinity Mirror Decorated】The appeal of an infinity mirror with addressable RGB lighting creates an illusion of infinite depth and endless reflections.
EK’s documented expansion materials include EK-ZMT tubing, EK-ACF 10/16 mm fittings, EK-Ekoolant EVO Clear and an ATX bridging plug. Expansion still requires compatible components and careful assembly. Because the Predator is discontinued, check dimensions, seals and seller return terms before modifying an existing unit; replacement parts and warranty support may be limited.
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Tom’s Hardware documented the cooler assembly, two fans, CPU block, tubing, fittings, cables, mounting hardware, a Torx driver and thermal paste in the package. For a second-hand listing, confirm which of those parts are actually included and whether the mounting hardware matches your socket. A listing that shows only the radiator assembly does not establish that the cooler is ready to install.
Best Value
- Designed to fit most popular cases on the market today and features a double fan setup with a slim 360mm radiator
- Compatible with Intel and AMD socket types
- Features digital RGB lighting
- Radiator Dimensions: 400 x 124 x 27 mm
Should you buy one now?
EKWB marks the Predator 240 as end of life, and the company later said first-generation EK-XLC Predator models were discontinued as the EK-MLC family replaced them. Any current offer should therefore be assessed as used, refurbished or remaining inventory—not as an ordinary current cooler purchase.
A surviving R1.1 unit may appeal to someone who specifically wants its expandable, standard-fitting design, but age and condition are central to the decision. Buy only if the seller can show a clear revision label, identify the included hardware and provide a practical return path. Do not buy or operate an R1.0 unit from the recalled production period.
Checks before paying
- Ask for a clear photo of the revision label and verify that the unit is not an affected R1.0.
- Confirm the CPU socket support and the presence of the correct mounting hardware.
- Measure the case’s radiator space for the 68 mm main assembly, fan thickness and cable clearance.
- Check that the listing identifies missing, replaced or damaged parts and spells out its return terms.
- If you plan a GPU expansion, verify the QDC couplings and compatibility of the specific block before purchase.
How it compares with other 240-class coolers
The published evidence supports a strong CPU-cooling result in Tom’s Hardware’s comparison, but it does not establish a universal winner against every other 240-class cooler. For a meaningful comparison, use results from the same CPU and workload, and consider the operating noise of both pump and fans. Also compare radiator thickness and case fit, plus whether you want an expandable loop or a simpler sealed cooler. Those factors can change which product is the better choice even when one test shows a thermal advantage.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
