Il CES 2021 brought many innovations including the brand new EK Water Blocks home sink. Before proceeding with the our review of the EK AIO Basic 240, it is good to leave you some small details. The company is one of the leaders in the sector and always offers solutions capable of satisfying every need. Slightly against the tide compared to the latest models launched, the new one all-in-one cooling system does not feature any RGB LEDs. Yes, EK WB wanted to put on the market a product that would adapt to the most sober and elegant configurations. The new CPU cooler it is therefore completely black and is available in versions by 240 mm and 360 mm. As regards the features of the EK AIO Basic 240, these do not differ too much from their 240 D-RGB cousin. We always have Vardar S fans and compatibility with Intel and AMD. Are you ready to discover its performance? Follow us in our product review.
- EK AIO Basic 240: the review by
- A decidedly sober and elegant look
- Pump-radiator block
- Vardar S 120 fans
- How to install the EK AIO Basic 240 heatsink
- EK AIO Basic 240: features and performance
- EK AIO Basic 240 liquid heatsink: has it convinced us?
EK AIO Basic 240: the review by
A decidedly sober and elegant look
EK WB has accustomed us very well in the presentation of its products and the EK AIO Basic 240 liquid heatsink is no exception. Don't be fooled by the name: the product it has all the right credentials to be considered of quality. The wording "Basic" is, in fact, only limited to its color which, unlike its other cousins, is completely monochromatic.
The quality of this all-in-one heatsink can be perceived starting from the package that has a high-end packaging. The different components are divided and separated from each other and there is a good amount of shockproof material. The radiator-pipes-pump block is already pre-assembled, while the two radiator fans are missing. The assembly is not complicated and, inside the package, you will find everything you need to fix the components to the motherboard. The heatsink is, as mentioned at the beginning, compatible with a good range of processors Intel e AMD. 
Pump / radiator block
Before going even further into the heart of ours review of the EK AIO Basic 240, it is good to start with the aesthetic description of the product. We have already analyzed other EK WB home heatsinks, but never one like this sober.
This feature, however, is the strength of the new heatsink shown at CES 2021. We have no particular light, no light effect, but a very simple lock, yet downright intriguing. The surface is made of black brushed aluminum and, on this, the EK WB logo stands out, made up of brushed gray aluminum. Also on the block we also find a black plate to which the pipes directed to the radiator are connected.
Speaking of dimensions, we do not find anything too different compared to the cousin EK Elite: the block has dimensions of 88 x 70 x 53 mm, which reaches up to approximately 94,5 mm once hooked onto the motherboard.
We are not surprised then the composition: the base (the one in direct contact with thermal paste and processor) is made up of copper. The same is then anchored, by means of a series of screws, to the CPU block.
A layer of thermal paste is pre-applied to the surface, although there is also a small extra syringe inside the package. Inside we will find the Pasta termica EK-TIM Ectotherm, which has a thermal conductivity of 8,5 W / mK and a density of 3 g / cm3.
Nothing too different on the front too heat sink. It is always a product made in aluminum with a size of 275 x 120 x 28 mm, approx. To calculate the final dimensions, however, it is also necessary to add the thickness of the fans (which is about 26 mm) for a final size of 275 x 120 x 54 mm. 
Vardar S 120 fans
Compared to its Elite version, theEK AIO Basic, features completely black fans without LEDs. The constitution and their functioning, however, are practically identical. They measure 120 mm and, thanks to the shape of the small profiles that compose them, they are able to be very versatile.
Le Vardar S 120 can generate a huge airflow, or they can work at low ranges, to ensure minimum noise. Their working range shifts in a range between 550 and 2200 RPM. 
How to install the EK AIO Basic 240 heatsink
The heatsinks AIO (All in one) contain, in the package, everything you need for the mounting which turns out particularly simple. In practice, we just have to mount the fans on the radiator and attach this to the case. Once the pump block is anchored to the CPU, we will have finished the job. Let's see the steps in detail.
The first action is to fix the two fans on the radiator. To do this, we must use the screws supplied inside the package. Before proceeding with the assembly on the PC, we must also install the due clip metal on the pump block of our EK AIO Basic 240 heatsink.
Il direction of the fans is important, but there is no single correct way to mount them. The important thing is to follow the air flow of your computer. For example, if you have opted for a traditional configuration, air will enter from the front of your chassis and exhaust to the rear. If you then use a push and pull setup (therefore with double fans on the radiator), these will have to follow the same direction. Make sure the air comes pulled to one side (entry) ed expelled from the other.
Once this is done we proceed with the fixing on the motherboard. First, let's install the plate on the back of the motherboard. After this step, we gently place the pump block on the CPU and make sure that the base comes into contact with the processor. Remember that, in this case, the thermal paste is pre-applied. We advise you to remove it and use a fresh one if you bought the heatsink several years later its production date. Otherwise, however, there will be no problem leaving what you find.
To anchor the block to the support you have to use the four screws supplied, accompanied by 4 springs. Finally, connect the fan wires in the appropriate spaces on the motherboard and that's it. You can turn on your computer and make sure the heatsink is providing the right degree of cooling.
EK AIO Basic 240: features and performance
Aesthetics are not everything, a book is never judged by its cover, much less a dissipator. So, without too much delay, let's continue the our analysis with the verification of performance and features of the new EK AIO Basic 240. As usual, we leaned on the software AIDA 64, great for keeping track of temperatures in idle (pc inactive) and under stress.
How did it perform in the benchmarks?
We tested the product on the following configuration: i7-8700k stock (@ 3,7-3,9 GHz), Gigabyte Z390 UD, 16 GB RAM 2400 MHz, MSI RTX 2060 Super, in a Sharkoon TG5 case. We ran our tests with a outside temperature of about 17-18 ° C and we compared them with some data at our disposal.
In idle, so with the CPU not in action, we recorded one average temperature of about 25 ° C. We beat all our competitors (even the EK AIO 240 D-RGB itself). In fact, at slightly higher external temperature conditions, the cousin of EK Water Blocks recorded a temperature of 27 ° C, while the Corsair H100i V2 240 and Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 recorded temperatures of 25 ° C and 26 ° respectively. C.
After a short time of inactivity, we set off to charge with it stress test. We have always made use of AIDA 64 and have thrown a 100% load on the CPU. L'EK AIO Basic has kept our CPU at a temperature of only 45-46°C in medium. Repeating the test several times, after a few minutes of rest, the maximum temperature touched it was by yourself 50°C.
To complete our tests, we ran a final benchmark by stressing everything we could and recording the results. In this case, we got one slightly higher average, about 50 ° C and a maximum peak around 59°C. The result is absolutely excellent from all points of view. Of course, there is still a lot of heat left, but this gives us hope.
For completeness, we want to specify that the liquid heatsink has been installed in the front of the chassis in a push and pull configuration. The three fans in front of the heatsink were Vardar S 120 ER, while the two behind were the Vardar S 120 contained within the bundle.
Performance at stake
A small note also towards the gaming side. To finish ours review of the EK AIO Basic 240, we have decided to put it under strain also in play. To keep track of the temperatures we have always used AIDA 64 and we have run some of the latest titles at our disposal.
Among the games we have selected cyberpunk 2077, DOOM Eternal, Assassin's Creed Valhalla and the responses have been excellent. There average temperature was around 40-43 ° C. a outcome really excellent and definitely convincing. 
EK AIO Basic 240: has it convinced us?
We therefore arrive at the final stages of our review with a classic question: theHas the EK AIO Basic 240 convinced us? Net of the tests carried out the answer is more than positive.
Il price of the heatsink is about 90 € in its 240 mm version (and around € 120 in the 360 mm version). This makes it an excellent product for value for money. Her performance is truly excellent in all circumstances. It performs great in game and does just as well under strain in the benchmarks.
Her simple and sober lines, make it also suitable for a workstation. Finally, a product that brings together elegance and performance, without being too flashy. A recommended purchase especially for those who don't want to compromise on performance, but want to have an inconspicuous location.
