Introduction

Sapphire is well known for its AMD Radeon-based graphics cards that have remained a go-to choice for PC enthusiasts for years. However, less well known is that they have expanded into numerous other markets at various times, be it embedded system boards, motherboards, external GPU enclosures, and all-in-one liquid coolers. While graphics cards will remain their forte, their recent expansion into liquid coolers shows they are ready to tackle new challenges.


Today's review focuses on the Sapphire Nitro+ S240-A, a 240 mm ARGB-equipped all-in-one liquid cooler. This design uses Asetek's 7th generation pump and gets the same Nitro+ treatment as Sapphire's graphics cards. So what does that mean for the end user? Well, it means you're looking at a branded liquid cooler that is uniquely Sapphire's and should match exceptionally well with their Nitro+ series of graphics cards. Besides the unique appearance, Sapphire has also paired the unit with slightly different fans, at least from the norm, so it will be interesting to see how they do in the performance tests. Either way, it's time to take a closer look!

Packaging

I will say Sapphire knows how to make a visually striking box, with the Nitro+ S240-A's box top having no problem grabbing your attention even if I don't know what I am looking at. Yes, I know it's spider-inspired, and the gray object is the same as the pump design, while the ARGB lighting is simulated via the splash of color. However, if you are not familiar with Sapphire's marketing, the box top will be "neat." Flipping the box on its side, we find essential information about tubing length, radiator dimensions, and socket support, as well as the rest of the cooler's specifications. Moving on to one of the ends of the box, we find a logo similar to the pump's design, but not much else.


Next, the other long side has the Sapphire Nitro+ logo and no other information to speak of. The opposite end has the barcodes and other information, but again, nothing interesting to take note of in regards to specifications, features, or performance claims. That information is reserved for when you pop the top. Once you open the box, a separate cardboard flap has a nice paragraph from Sapphire detailing the Nitro+ S240-A's features.

Contents

In regards to interior packaging, it's nothing to write home about. The standard cardboard tray does the job it should, so the cooler and all accessories are packed away neatly and safely.


The cooler supports AMD's Socket AM4 processors and Intel's LGA115x, LGA1200, LGA1700, and LGA20XX sockets. All other sockets from Intel and AMD are not explicitly supported. However, the manual provided with my kit does mention LGA1366 as supported. Either way, it is something to keep in mind. Regardless of socket support, the overall accessories bundle is quite small, with the mounting hardware appearing to be exceptionally easy to work with at first glance.

Common parts supplied for mounting include:

• 8x radiator screws
• 8x fan screws
• 16x radiator and fan screw washers
• 4x Intel LGA2066 / LGA2011 standoffs
• 4x Intel LGA1200 / LGA115x standoffs
• 4x Intel LGA1700 standoffs
• 4x AMD Socket AM4 standoffs
• 4x mounting nuts
• 2x 120 mm ARGB fans
• 1x radiator fan cable
• 1x USB connection cable
• 1x Intel backplate
• 1x Intel retention ring
• 1x AMD retention ring (pre-installed)
• 1x user manual