A4-H2O and Liquid Freezer III 240: check both clearances
· By Weerasak
Document-based guide · Methodology and limits
Quick answer
The stock Liquid Freezer III 240 (ACFRE00134A) exceeds the A4-H2O published radiator-and-fan clearance. Its pump assembly also exceeds the case CPU cooler height limit. A 240 mm label alone does not establish compatibility.
Two independent spaces must work
Lian Li specifies a 240 mm top radiator with a maximum combined radiator-and-fan thickness of 55 mm. It also lists a 55 mm CPU cooler height limit. These constrain different parts of the assembly; passing one does not resolve the other. Lian Li A4-H2O specifications.
| Dimension | A4-H2O limit | ARCTIC drawing | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiator and fans, overall height | 55 mm | 66.0 mm | 11.0 mm over |
| Pump and VRM fan assembly height | 55 mm CPU cooler clearance | 68.5 mm | 13.5 mm over |
The ARCTIC drawing labels the radiator body 38.0 mm and the fan dimension 24.8 mm, but the assembled overall height is 66.0 mm. Use that overall dimension when comparing envelopes. The pump assembly appears on page 1; the radiator and fans on page 2. ARCTIC LF III 240 dimensional drawing.
Match the complete product name
This comparison covers the stock, non-Pro Liquid Freezer III 240 identified as ACFRE00134A. It is a document-based comparison, not an attempted installation. Do not transfer the figures to a Liquid Freezer II, a Pro model or another radiator size because the names look similar. ARCTIC product identification.
For a shopping shortlist, write the product number next to each cooler. Keep separate fields for radiator length and width, assembled thickness, pump height and the source drawing. That small worksheet makes it easier to spot which requirement is missing before placing an order.
Do slim fans settle the question?
A fan change creates a different assembly. It does not address the pump height comparison above, and subtracting a fan thickness from one drawing is not a verified installation. Our recommendation is to choose a cooler with documented dimensions within the case limits, or obtain confirmation for the exact proposed configuration.
When reading a build log, check whether the author changed fans, removed a cover, modified hardware or left a panel open. Those details determine whether the example describes the stock product you intend to buy. This guide does not endorse cutting parts, forcing the radiator bracket or loading a panel against the pump.
After the dimensions, check the motherboard
ARCTIC supplies socket-specific installation instructions and a motherboard compatibility checker. Follow those for the exact board; a supported CPU socket alone does not complete the installation check. Liquid Freezer III installation support.
- Identify the case revision, motherboard model and cooler product number.
- Compare the complete radiator-and-fan envelope with the case limit.
- Compare the complete pump assembly with the CPU-side space.
- Check the manufacturer's board restrictions, mounting instructions and proposed tube route.
- Keep unresolved dimensions marked as unconfirmed until the manufacturer answers them.
For the graphics-card side of the same build, continue with the GPU clearance guide. Its calculations do not certify AIO fit or cooling performance.
Sources and review scope
Manufacturer documents checked September 13, 2026. This guide does not represent hands-on testing of these hardware combinations. Recheck the exact model's manual when configuring your build.