5 BEST 360mm AIO CPU Coolers In 2023

With the technology evolving these days, processors are becoming more powerful in both single and multi-core performance; thus, you need to pair them with a better motherboard, ram for performance, and a good performance cooling solution to get the most out of it. The processor is one of the computer components that generate the most heat and therefore requires adequate cooling. Most models are indeed sold with a reference cooler. Still, it usually offers only basic performance – suitable for working in standard settings, where we usually have to consider audible noise.

Here is a comparison of all 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers in stock and what we have picked.

Last update on 2023-12-13

Suppose you want better performance, or you plan to overclock the processor. In that case, it is worth considering replacing the cooling with a better model – an Air CPU cooler or a liquid cooling solution will be a great idea. Recently, AIO (All in One) water cooling has been very popular, so we have prepared a ranking of the Best 360mm AIO.

BEST 360mm AIO CPU Coolers

Following are our picks for the Best 360mm AIO CPU Coolers:

1. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB
2. Deepcool Castle 360EX
3. DeepCool LS720 White AIO Cooler
4. ALPHACOOL Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora
5. ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB

Best Overall 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Fan RPM: 1000-3000 | Fans CFM: 55.6 | Tube Length: 450mm | Noise: 10.64 dBA | Warranty: 6 years

Many unique design plots come together to bring the Arctic Liquid Freezer II into existence. The Arctic Freeze II 360mm A-RGB radiator is three times bulkier than normal, allowing for more space and better heat accumulation. Then came the three P12 Iconic Arctic fans, reinforced with great performance, which they did successfully despite the low rotation speed and only 55 CFMs each.

These fans are PWM controlled within a speed range of 1000-3000 RPM. The company also offers an extended 2-year warranty for the entire unit.

Now, let’s talk about the compatibility of the socket, and the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is slightly smaller compared to other 360mm AIO coolers. As for AMD processors, it is only compatible with AMD AM4. Liquid Freezer is almost fully compliant on the Intel side, as you can install it on LGA 1200, 115X, ILM square 2011-3, and ILM 2066 square bases.

The tubings are 450mm long and fit in all conditions, so you should not have a problem with any of your preferred CPU block layouts. It also works to use fan power cables on the block, removing cable clutter. Fans are already installed in the radiator, leaving you to install the pump with the appropriate bracket and connect only a few wires.

While this increase in radiator thickness is concerned, in theory, with providing greater cooling capacity, there is also a slowdown in requiring fans of high pressure to flow air through the wings properly. And then, there is a decline in body size and distraction, but this should not be a problem in most competent ATX cases, especially if you are happy with the previous installation.

While the small variant of Liquid Freezer also boosts the performance that was the best in their class of 240mm variants, the 360mm ARCTIC is sorely overpowered. In a test performed on the Intel I7 6700K, the Liquid Freezer II 360 cooled the PC to 52.5° C under load, enough for third place after two variations of the Thermaltake Flow Rising 360. Overall the Liquid Freezer II is the best overall 360mm AIO CPU Cooler.

New to the series ARGB notch sitting on the aluminum pump unit. The lighting can be adjusted with a 5 V ARGB headboard on the motherboard to fit everything. This ARCTIC is also a crazy price, comes with tough build quality, and includes an extended warranty from the manufacturer. All in all, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm A-RGB represents an astonishing thermal number.

Arctic Liquid Freezer II Includes high cooling performance, quiet operation, and top-notch build quality, all above the features for the A-RGB range of other coolers.

What We Liked:

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is compatible with the latest Intel processors; it has 450mm long tubing. The fans with this cooler have 3000 RPM and are noiseless; the cooler’s build quality is great.

What We Disliked:

One major issue with ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is that you need at least 2.5 inches of clearance inside your case to house this cooler. The pump-block design also limits installation options for this cooler. 

Verdict

ARCTIC has always impressed users with its products, and the ARCTIC Liquid Freeze II cooler is no exception. This cooler is a bit large, but when it comes to performance, it is one of the best. On top of this, ARCTIC Liquid Freeze II is available at an affordable price with a 6-year warranty.

• ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Deepcool Castle 360EX

Best Budget 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Fan RPM: 500-1800 | Fans CFM: 64.4 | Tube Length: 465mm | Noise Volume: 32.1 dBA | Warranty: 3 years

Deepcool Castle 360EX is a 360mm CLC AIO cooler. It has one of the best 360mm radiators with 3x non-RGB TF120S fans specially designed for radiator use. Castle 360EX is a work of art by the Deepcool product design team with perfectly rounded edges. The fin stack is compact, and considering the left and right side channels, it has a total of 13 water flow channels.

Castle 360EX brags about the use of RGB on the pump head but not on any of its three 120mm fans. You will control RGB with your motherboard. Deepcool Castle 360EX features a new pump design over the previously updated Captain 240 PRO. While they both have many similar features, including Deepcool’s popular Anti-leak technology, both are different when it comes to RGB lighting. Instead of going with illuminated fans and pumping like in Captain 240 PRO, Deepcool only used Castle 360EX pump LEDs.

They have improved the design of the pump by using a two-chamber system and using rowing wings by 25% more to increase heat absorption. As there is only one block with ARGB light, there is a smaller cable clutter on the supports compared to other ARGB coolers.

The Deepcool Castle series of coolers from Deepcool has gained a lot of popularity among PC fanatics as these AIO coolers pack not only performance but also the double-glazed window design with digital RGB lighting effect with an infinity mirror attracts the eye. Interestingly, its pump head rotates, so you can always install it in the correct position despite using different radiator configurations. The radiator also has an emergency relief valve, which includes DEEPCOOL anti-leak technology.

Anti-leak AIO is a new notion of its kind, and if proven successful, it will be the next big thing in AIO design. The press-relief bag is made of advanced EPDM materials manufactured by DuPont with properties such as elasticity, anti-corrosion, and heat resistance. Like its cooling specs, the noise of DEEPCOOL Castle 360EX fans is also impressive, 46 dBa while its fans were working 100%. This is certainly not quiet, but it will not bother when the cooler is installed in the PC chassis with a closed side panel.

Castle 360EX is also easy to install. It is far from easy installation, but it is still a straightforward process that requires a little patience since the backplate has to be held when the pump is first installed. Best of all, thanks to the pump-only illumination, the RGB cable pollution is kept to a minimum, and unlike the Cooler Master ML240P, a simple in-line control hub is quick and easy to set up if your motherboard does not have one.

With the Castle Coolers series, Deepcool has put forward a completely new design, a new way to make the Castle 360EX stand out from the competition. The thickness of the radiator with barbed metal is 48mm. The radiator is made of aluminum which is why it is so simple. All in all, there aren’t many reasons to choose DEEPCOOL Castle 360EX over the other coolers on this list.

Yes, its low-key RGB will delight many and is very easy to install due to its long, moving pipes. Unfortunately, it is noisy at 100% load, and RGB fans will be a little disappointed with the DEEPCOOL reserved method, but the more comfortable design makes it a perfect companion for any PC case.

What We Liked:

DeepCool Castle 360EX is a decent-performing cooler that has an easy installation process. It has a very good build quality and uses Deepcool’s latest Anti-Leak technology, guaranteeing performance over everything.

What We Disliked:

DeepCool should have added RGB fans, which many users like; also, 100% fan usage produces a lot of noise while working.

Verdict:

DeepCool Castle 360EX has many great features, but noise is an issue. Also, no RGB fans for a cooler doesn’t resonate with many users, but when we see the cooling performance of this cooler, it has well deserved the title of Best Budget 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler.

• Deepcool Castle 360EX Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 7.5/10	Design: 8/10

DeepCool LS720 White AIO Cooler

Best White 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Fan RPM: 500 – 2250 ±10% | Fans CFM: 85.85 | Tube Length: 410mm | Noise: < 32.9 dBA | Warranty: 5 years

DeepCool has always impressed us with its products, and this time wasn’t an exception either. DeepCool LS720 is a white AIO cooler that is the solution to all the cooling needs of your PC. The LS720 WH is part of DeepCool’s Infinity LS series, which according to DeepCool, is their tier 1 category of products.

LS720 has a white radiator with dimensions 402 x 120 x 27 mm. 27mm radiator thickness is a bit less than most white radiators on the market; this much thickness means that less air comes in contact with the metallic surface, thus reducing airflow and affecting the overall cooling of the radiator.

You will need a big case to handle this radiator because it is a triple radiator that houses three FC120 WHITE A-RGB fans. The white radiator has a 22 FPI (Fins Per Inch) count, making it a good choice for gamers; 22 FPI ensures the radiator’s greater fin density, leading to better cooling for warm liquid passing through it.  Since the radiator is made of aluminum, it is lightweight compared to other hefty triple-design radiators; fin material and design are unique to DeepCool, strengthening the user’s belief in them.

DeepCool LS720’s radiator has 12 channels for water flow which is a great addition as the liquid can flow smoothly and fast from the pump to the radiator; it also has a pressure valve that stops the AIO leakage using an elastic pressure release bag. The radiator has two elastic white tubes that are 410mm long; they use heat-stable material that is free of corrosive and explosive properties. Not many pumps in the market work on such small detail, but DeepCool always tries to make future-proof products. 

Moving on to the cooling pump, this is a physically small but essential device for your cooling system. Its main functionality is to keep your CPU cool; being 4th generation pump, it supports almost all the latest processors, either from Intel or AMD.

We tested processors from both manufacturers and saw that the DeepCool LS720 worked better for the AMD processors than the Intel processors. The cooler is well integrated for AMD processors; we see this preference for AMD processors even in the mounting hardware; it is easier to integrate AMD processors with the cooler as the mounting components have better hardware compatibility than Intel.

LS720 has a black tinted glass plate on top and a white accent around the sides with RGB beneath the glass surface that you can turn on once the 3-pin and 6-pin white connectors for RGB are connected. Regarding the power consumption, LS720 White uses a power of 5.64W using 0.47A current; the maximum noise produced on 100% usage is less than equal to 32.9 dBA. The third main AIO component is the three white A-RGB fans.

These fans are sturdy and well-designed and have a slim 6-pin proprietary connector; the fans have an airflow speed of 85.85 CFM and a fan speed of 3100 RPM on 12 VDC voltage; these speeds are one of the best among our list of coolers. It also fills up the requirements of the radiator fins for high static airflow.

What We Liked:

The LS720 WH by DeepCool has many great features, like the 360mm water-cooling radiator with a housing space for 3x A-RGB fans and the cooling pump for the processor, which has a beautiful, customizable logo with RGB around it.

What We Disliked:

DeepCool needs to improve the cooler’s noise levels; also, the radiator is quite thin compared to other coolers on this list. The cooler is well integrated for AMD users than for Intel users.

Verdict

Overall the performance of the cooler is great at high workloads, but it produces a lot of noise at such speeds, which is a problem for many users. Aesthetic-wise, the cooler looks phenomenal, due to which we gave it the title of Best White 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler.

• DeepCool LS720 WH Review
• Best White CPU Coolers

Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 7/10	Design: 10/10

ALPHACOOL Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora

Best RGB 360mm AIO Cooler

Fan RPM: 0 – 2500 ±10% | Fans CFM: 69.9 | Tube Length: 400 mm | Noise: < 31.5 dBA | Warranty: 3 years

ALPHACOOL produces a variety of liquid cooling solutions for computers, including radiators, pumps, reservoirs, water blocks, and fittings. They also sell pre-built water cooling kits for both CPUs and graphics cards; ALPHACOOL produces a series of coolers under Eisbaer; we will be discussing ALPHACOOL Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora 360 CPU AIO 360 mm Cooler. 

The radiator for this cooler is completely made of copper and has dimensions of 391.5 x 124 x 30mm (±3%); 30 mm thick radiators are quite good as they have a lot of surface area for the liquid coolant to move through; the more the surface area for liquid coolant, the better the cooling as it provides easy transfer of heat.

HPE NexXxos technology in this radiator improves cooling by having a fan channel thickness of 2mm and a fin width of 6mm. ALPHACOOL Eisbaer Pro has an FPI count of 18, which means we will need high static fans for easy system cooling as the fin density is high per inch. One popular feature of this cooler is the quick-release coupling, which expands the current loop without spillover; through this mechanism, you can remove the tubing without any tools.

The tube has a length of 400mm with dimensions 12.7/7.6 mm; they are matte black color with hardness grading of 35 Shore-A to 50 Shore-D, which means that the strength and elasticity of these tubes are great, and also you will have less entanglement of tubes while installing you cooler.

Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora has a matte black color pump made of Nylon material with a height of 54.3 mm. It has a G1/4’’ port on the top, which is used to refill the coolant in case the coolant levels in your pump get low; this is a great initiative by ALPHACOOL as it helps maintain the device in the longer run. The G1/4’’ port is RGB backlit, which strengthens our point of calling it the Best RGB 360mm AIO Cooler you can find in the market.

There is an exposed view of the device’s coolant levels on three sides of the pump; the pump has a 3-pin connector and a JST 3-pin digital connector for RGB connector; the three-sided coolant view is a great feature as it provides a new way of visual feedback which suites the aesthetics of the cooler, gives it a premium vibe and adds transparency characteristics to the product. 

The user can control 20 LEDs inside the pump using the controller and system software. The plate, which comes in direct contact with the processors, is made of Nickel with a copper base; it is large enough to fit perfectly on the latest processors of Intel and AMD, which use LGA1700 or AM4/AM5 sockets.

Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora uses three ALPHACOOL’s RISE AURORA 120 mm fans from the RISE AURORA series; these fans have an average of 2500RPM with a 10% speed edition at maximum output, which is a bit less than other fans in this list, considering the 18 FPI of this cooler, we think that these fans will suffice.

At maximum speed, RISE AURORA fans make a noise of approximately 31.5 dBA, which is quite a lot compared to other coolers on our list.

What We Liked:

This cooler has many great features, like the copper radiator, a combination of HPE NexXxos technology with 30mm radiator thickness, and 3x 120mm fans with 2500 RPM.

What We Disliked:

ALPHACOOL Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora 360 mm cooler is expensive and produces a maximum noise of 31.5 dBA.

Verdict

In short, the ALPHACOOL’s Eisbaer series Pro HPE Aurora 360 CPU cooler is one of the best coolers if you want an RGB cooler with a matt black finish. The HPE NexXxos technology for the radiator, paired with the 30mm thickness of the cooler, allows for smoother and faster cooling of the liquid coolant. Objectively speaking, the specifications are worth the price, but not every user can afford this cooler. It won’t work for you if you are looking for quieter coolers, as it produces 31.5 dBA noise. However, if you’re performance-focused, Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora is the way.

• ALPHACOOL Eisbaer Pro HPE Aurora 360 CPU AIO Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 7/10	Design: 10/10

ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm

Best Value 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Fan RPM: 500 – 2000 | Fans CFM: 79.8 | Tube Length: 400mm | Noise: < 32.6 dBA | Warranty: 5 years

Some companies are known for their quality or performance, but ENERMAX is different in this context. ENERMAX focuses not only on the performance or quality of its cooling products but also on the aesthetics, which is why they have made quite a name for itself in just a short time. 

ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360 mm CPU cooler has a beautifully designed black frame 360mm radiator with 394 x 120 x 27mm dimensions. Its 27 mm thick radiator with an FPI count of 20 makes it an efficient cooling design.

20 FPI count means that the fins are quite compressed, so you will need high static pressure fans to keep the airflow stable through the fins. Tubing used for radiator connection is a soft black flexible material with a length of 400 mm; its manufacturing is done using rubber that does not tie up during the installation of the radiator. 

Moving on to the pump of this cooler, ENERMAX claims that the pump has its basis in ENERMAX’s Patent Dual Chamber mechanism; this mechanism allows the pump to work calmly and smoothly, irrespective of the heat. The way it works is that heat generated by a processor on working goes to the first chamber from where the pump sucks and moves it to the radiator; this way, heat does not directly affect the pump’s working. 

ENERMAX has made the pump’s top a highly reflective surface with RGB underneath, which ENERAMX refers to as Luminous Aurabelt technology, with the addition of unique Infinite RGB Reflection technology.

The main problem with so many RGB lights on the pump is the wiring; overall, the cooler’s RGB connection wiring is more difficult to work around than mounting the cooler itself. The direct processor connection base plate is made of copper and has a size of 55 x 55mm with a thickness of 3 mm.

The ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360 CPU cooler comes with 3 x 120mm fans that have a thickness of 26mm. Each fan has nine translucent blades with RGB; airflow through these fans is 39 CFM at a slow speed of 500 RPM and 79.8 CFM at a maximum speed of 2000 RPM. Even though the fan’s rotation speed is a bit slower than other fans in this list, from our testing, it seems they work fine with this cooler.

Each fan has shock-absorbing pads with ARGB lighting, which you can turn on by connecting the 3-pin interface cable. At max speed, 32.6 dBA of noise is produced, slightly louder than other fans in this price range. ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360 CPU cooler comes with an RGB controller as well. The remote controller has three buttons that provide complete control over your lighting, from changing the lighting effect to individual control over LEDs.

What We Liked:

Additional features like the Patent Dual Chamber pump technology for a 27mm thick radiator and an FPI count of 20 are what we like about this product.

What We Disliked:

The noise produced by the cooler is a bit too loud, which is what most users dislike about this product. Also, if you require a clean cable-managed system, you’ll face issues with the RGB wiring for the cooler as it becomes difficult to hide.

Verdict:

ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm CPU Cooler is one of the best coolers in the market that has both performance and aesthetics packed into one device. Not many companies work on creating unique, effective designs for improving such systems as the Patent Dual Chamber pump, but ENERMAX did it for the user’s satisfaction with the product at a low cost than other coolers. Even though fan noise and RGB cable management seem to be an issue, it does not affect the cooler’s performance at any cost. According to our analysis, if you are looking for a cooler that is bang for your buck, we highly recommend AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm as the Best Value 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler.

• ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

Competition

EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm

Runner-Up For Best Overall 360mm AIO CPU Cooler

Fan RPM: 1000-3300 | Fans CFM: 66.04 | Tube Length: 465mm | Noise Volume: 36.4 dBA | Warranty: 5 years

EK entered the AIO market with the EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360m, and they quickly became the dominant force in the enthusiastic community due to their rich history with high-quality components for almost any custom water cooling loop.

Many of the company’s awards reflect its continuous attention to detail and unique quality. EK Water Blocks is now a leading brand of liquid cooling solutions, and this type is very popular among modders, PC Builders, and water cooling enthusiasts alike.

EK Water Blocks provides 6x EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB fans compared to 3x in the standard 360 D-RGB system for push-pull configuration making itself a runner-up for the best overall 360mm AIO CPU Cooler. They also included their own EK-Hub, which allows the user to connect all 6 fans, and a cool space block, which is connected to the 4-pin PWM motherboard fan headphone and 5V digital light head.

The inside of the CPU block is based on the company’s SPC series and has seen improvements in this output. Although the radiator is aluminum rather than copper, it is much larger than we expected, even with a 360 mm contribution. The block is 88x70x53mm and is made of ABS plastic housing, a cold brass plate, and a metal pump.

To install the EK-AIO 360 D-RGB 360mm Liquid Cooler, you first need to adjust the pump block by installing the appropriate mounting arms of your socket under the pump with silver M4 screws. Next, you need to adjust the socket by placing the backplate on the motherboard and securing it with the appropriately inserted thumbs.

Radiator dimensions are 395 x 120 x 27mm. The radiator thickness is 27mm and with 25mm fans, the total size is about 52-53mm with screw heads. The radiator has 21 fins per inch (FPI).

The elite edition of EK-AIO coolers differs from other coolers in this list by having a separate block, 3x more fans, and an EK-Hub. The elite edition comes with a 6x EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB for very efficient fans. The tubes are inserted into a block using circular diamond cutters with the same aluminum alloy. The overall construction quality is top-notch and speaks to what we can expect from EKWB.

The cooling area has a PWM pump rated at 1000 ~ 3300 RPM ± 10%. No power consumption information is provided in the specification. PWM pump diameter is 25–100%. EK Water Blocks offers a 5-year warranty. We get a top price tag for 3x more fans, a harp, and an adjusted pump. There is no controller in the box. EK Water Blocks EK-AIO 360 Elite D-RGB lives up to its name on our test bench and has a 5-year warranty and good quality construction.

What We Liked:

EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB has a new and improved SPC pump with 6x EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB fans alongside EK-Hub. It also has a 5-year warranty at a reasonable price which makes it a top go-to choice.

What We Disliked:

The noise produced by EKWB EK AIO Elite at a high workload isn’t ideal for many users; the memory clearance of this cooler also needs to be improved.

Verdict:

Being such a good quality and performing cooler, it still has some downsides, but the impressive cooling with 6x EK-Vardar fans and the 5-year warranty mark on the cooler make it one of the best choices for many users.

• EKWB EK AIO Elite D-RGB 360mm Review 

NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm

Runner-Up For Best White 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Fan RPM: 500-2000 | Fans CFM: 73.1 | Tube Length: 400mm | Noise: 21 – 36 dBA | Warranty: 6 years

NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm deserves exclusive bragging rights because the screen above the pump is a glossy screen representing an amazing white 360mm AIO. NZXT was among the first to wear their AIO coolers with LED displays, a trend that continues with the Kraken Z73. The Z73 is designed for both beauty and overall performance. Fans have a beveled intake that reduces the noise they make.

Additionally, you get access to CAM software that monitors your PC and allows you to customize the various features of the cooling system quickly. This software provides amazing control of your AIO cooling. You can set the LED spectrums, control the pump and fan speed, and switch between cooling profiles. It is one of the coolest software available.

While some coolers provide an RGB light setting to the pump head, the NZXT increases the volume and provides an LED screen over the Z73 pump head. Although the screen can display almost any image you want, it is best used as a temperature reading. In addition, 3x Aer P12 fans covering 120mm provide adjustable speeds between 500 and 2000 RPM; this causes a noise level of 21-36dB (A).

Related: Best 120mm AIO

While talking about installation, the installation of the NZXT Kraken Z73 is not difficult at all, as long as your chassis can support a 360mm radiator. The tubings are very long, and the fittings and the pump head rotate easily, allowing for various configurations. It is designed to work in the configuration of so many sockets for both Intel and AMD, and because of the 400mm long tube, inserting it into a case of the right size should not be a problem.

If you are planning to overclock, the NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm Liquid Cooler is there, along with its advanced 360mm radiator setup, which is a choice for many power users. Better than its predecessor and can even go with custom water loop solutions of the same value.

If cooling is your only concern, consider the X73 with similar performance levels at a very reasonable price. That being said, if you are searching for a White 360mm AIO, and something cool plus affordable, NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB 360mm should be your choice.

XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler

Runner-Up For Best Value 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Fan RPM: Upto 1800 | Fans CFM: 58.5 | Tube Length: 350mm | Noise Volume: 25.3 dBA | Warranty: 3 years

The Aurora 360 is the latest AIO cooler in XIGMATEK’s lineup. XIGMATEK has not been in the industry as long as its competitors, but with the release of its Aurora 360 Cooler, the company is building a reputation for itself. The Aurora 360 Cooler has an all-black design, ARGB fans, and RGB in the pump header. The AIO cooler is available in both 240mm and 360mm sizes, but we’ll be looking at the 360mm Liquid Cooling model with three ARGB fans for our purposes.

The XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler is a visually appealing AIO with RGB support and sufficient performance. The build quality is above average, with the aluminum radiator being 398 x 120 x 27mm and rubber tubing with mesh sleeves reaching a substantial 350mm in length. Three AT-120 ARGB fans capable of 1800RPM are included with the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler. The Aurora 360’s AT-120 fans have 11 blades and provide the optimum airflow, although they lack PWM interfaces.

The XIGMATEK Aurora 360’s circular pump header boasts a back-lit RGB XIGMATEK logo. The pump has an 8-pole configuration and can reach a maximum RPM of 2600. The pump on the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler has a copper base plate measuring 54x54mm, allowing the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler to be linked with a variety of sockets.

Cooling capabilities on the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler are somewhat substantial. If you are someone looking for more colors than performance, then the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler is the one for you. Though, if we talk about noise levels, they are more than impressive on the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler.

The turn-off for us has been the fans with no PWM control; if you want more performance, you can always get fans with higher RPM and PWM control to manage your system temps. But for a price tag of around 140$, the performance and aesthetics are more than enough; with 3 ARGB fans and low noise levels, the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler is far than impressive. For such a low price tag and being one of the cheapest in its category, we regard the XIGMATEK Aurora 360 as the runner-up for best value 360mm AIO cooler.

• XIGMATEK Aurora 360 Cooler Review

Cooler Master Masterliquid ML360R RGB 360mm

Runner-Up For Best RGB 360mm AIO Cooler

Fan RPM: 650-2000 | Fans CFM: 66.7 | Tube Length: 346mm | Noise Volume: 6-30 dBA | Warranty: 2 years

Masterliquid ML360R AIO from Cooler Master comes with a two-chamber pump made of durable materials resistant to corrosion from various agents, giving you a long service without paying attention to the cooled liquid used. Masterliquid ML360R cooler is equipped with RGB LEDs that it can handle to complete the look. Unfortunately, the use of RGB is limited to the pump head.

This unit works with different families of processors from both Intel and AMD and supports the majority of sockets from both platforms. It comes with several brackets for this installation and uses a cold copper plate with small cracks for better heat transfer when installed.

Its pump is made of Fiberglass and PPS, which gives it strength and resistance to corrosion and oxidation, making it very durable. This can be understood in the fact that it is limited to use up to 70000 hours. The design of Masterliquid ML360R has a low-voltage pump that allows for a high flow rate, efficient efficiency of heat exchange, and provides unparalleled performance of cooling.

In addition to having the perfect balance of Case airflow and air pressure to vent the air out the body of the chassis, fans use a quiet IC driver that slides fan performance to reduce vibrations and fan clicks.

Although the AiO component of the Masterliquid ML360R kit is easy to install, the extra cables and control box increase the difficulty, especially considering the lack of plug-ins in RGB cables. PMM fans operate at 650-2000 RPM with an airflow rate of up to 66.7 Cubic feet per minute (CFM). The Cooler Master has done what we have been asking others to do for a long time now.

They gave us both non-RGB and RGB fans for the radiator with a price relief. And they did it without the shelf fans to start giving us not only non-RGB but also an RGB variant that can handle it and also a light on the wallet. All in all, the ML360R is the runner-up for the best RGB 360mm AIO CPU Cooler.

• Masterliquid ML360R cooler Review

Why Are AIO Liquid Coolers Important?

For overlocking users, a Liquid cooler is a necessary component where you can maintain the temperature of your high-key components and have a better chance of having them last longer; the AIOs will get you covered. CPUs also slow down when they are very hot for a long time, which means the processor can maintain a high speed for a long time when the cooler is performing perfectly.

The main advantages of AIOs are RAM coverage and well-space management. Also, the AIO liquid cooler does not create hot air inside the case as air coolers do. The flowing liquid substance transfers the heat process to radiators that will allow pushing your system heat out of the case with radiator fans.

Liquid coolers vs. Air Coolers

Aspect	Liquid Cooler	Air Cooler
Cooling Efficiency	More efficient cooling due to liquid circulation	Less efficient cooling compared to liquid coolers
Heat Dissipation	Better heat dissipation with a liquid coolant	Relies on the airflow to dissipate heat
Noise Level	Generally quieter operation	It can be noisier due to high RPM fans and vibrations
Installation Difficulty	Difficult installation and maintenance (in the case of custom liquid coolers)	Easy installation and maintenance
Price	More expensive	More affordable
Space Requirement	Needs space for water block/pump, radiator, fans	Needs space for a heatsink and fan
Compatibility	Less compatible	More compatible
Aesthetics	Looks better because of the sleek design with RGB in most cases	Has a bulky appearance but can also look good
Potential Failures	Coolant leaks and pump failures	No coolant leak or pump failure

Liquid coolers are available in many variants but are often seen in the all-in-one package configuration that doesn’t need intense DIY. AIO systems include all the components which are used in the cooling process, and you need a pre-assembled component that you can just screw on your machine. These systems circulate the liquid through “water blocks” that rest on the processor chip.

The relatively cool liquid circulating in the water absorbs heat away from the chip and begins to cool it. Thermal attachment and relaxation baseplate between water block and CPU to help improve heat transfer features. Its performance is quiet, with excellent temperature control, and it comes with a nice look like RGB lighting.

PC air cooler systems, on the other hand, are relatively flexible, cost-effective, and easy to install. Air coolers provide the easy and safest way to cool your PC when you require a small amount of maintenance. Air cooling is good if you hope to build a PC soon at a low cost. Its installation is also simple but is very noisy compared to Liquid Coolers.

• AIO vs Liquid Cooling

Principle of Both Coolers

Both coolers prevent the CPU from overheating by transferring heat from the processor to the radiator, where the fan can blow hot air. However, to achieve that same effect, air coolers and liquid coolers use very different methods.

In an air cooler system, hotness is first transferred to a cooling plate and then to the heat pipes: the tubes of metals you can see from the plate of contact to the top of the heatsink. These tube pipes contain evaporation fluid to utilize heat transfer to the connected fins of the heatsink. Of course, the air cooler still has fluid in its pipes in the case of many top-tier models.

Liquid coolers attach their contact to the tap of small plates, which customize the flow of coolant material to and from the radiator through a pair of lengthy, flexible tubes. The heat is sucked by the cooler and then pumped to a water tank direct to the radiator, where it dissipates one part of the radiator loop and travels heat to it.

Fans are attached and then blow up the heat as it comes out of the wings. On the opposite plane of the heatsink to the tubes, the fluid turns and flows through one part of the wings, eventually reaching the other tank, from which it returns to the pump. Between the heat transfer to the wings in the first pass and the cooling of the fans on the return pass, the liquid is cold enough to retrieve heat from the CPU and continue the cycle.

Which to Choose?

We prefer to choose liquid coolers; the liquid is better at handling heat than gas-filled pipes used for air coolers, so the heat is efficiently drawn away from the processor and distributed to the radiator.

The second reason is the radiator itself: If you decide, on 360mm vs 240mm – the 240mm radiator is one of the most commonly used sizes by the AIO liquid coolers and will fit a mediocre area than a standard air-cooled radiator. Because the radiator should emit as much heat as possible, the extra space – for the heat to come out – is exactly what you want. Read our Best 240mm AIO Article to get more info on this.

How To Install 360mm AIO CPU Cooler [Guide]

Installation of an AIO cooler is not complicated, but you need to make sure you install it properly. We will inform you of the appropriate steps to install the AIO CPU cooler, which are as follows:

Pre-Installation

Before installing your all-in-one cooler, you must remove the previous cooler and mounting brackets to open up new space. Also, be sure to wipe the area with a cleaning solution to remove the thermal grease spots over the processor.

Installation of Radiator Fans

Radiator fans come separately from the packaging, which means you have to put them onto the radiator by hand. You can fit the fans on whichever side of the radiator, taking care in mind the airflow and accessible room in the 360mm Radiator case.

If you fit the fans on the inside, they will drive the air out of the case to keep it casual. While if you install them on the reverse side of the radiator, they will operate by pulling in cool air. Note that the arrows indicate airflow on the fans to mount them properly. The former thing you want is your fan to push warm air out of the case.

Installation of Backplate

In most PC cases, a quick access window is installed behind the motherboard. If not, you will need to disconnect the PC and remove the side panel of the case to install the backplate. If you are making a brand new PC and are planning to install an AIO cooler over an AMD processor, you can install the cooler on the motherboard in the front so you do not get into the trouble of not connecting via the backplate.

Placing the CPU Block

This step involves placing the pump on the backplate using a packet bracket. Insert bracket points into the provided holes and tighten them firmly in place, ensuring that pressure is distributed quickly across the CPU.

Installation of Radiator

Most PC chassis has built-in fixing points for the AIO radiator. Reside the radiator inside the case and then mount it using the screws provided with the package. We recommend mounting the radiator to the ceiling of the PC case for better results.

Cable connections

First, attach the power chords to the pump. In many cases, the cable has 3 connectors; the 3-pin connector connects to the motherboard’s fan header on the motherboard, which is labeled. You can mount the second SATA power connector into an appropriate connector involved in the PSU. The third connection is for the mounted fans that you can slot into the 4-pin header.

In the final step, connect the mini USB cord for the LEDs on the pump and an internal USB 2.0 port on the motherboard (for some coolers, not all).

Final Installation

All the AIO cooler gears are in the right position, and it’s time for the trial if it is working well or not. Before you start your PC, check your BIOS to see the fan switch settings by following the user manual. After starting the PC, make sure the fans are rotating, and the pump is operating. If you can catch a slight purr from the cooler, it means it is all set and ready to use.

Things to Consider Before Buying a 360mm AIO CPU Cooler

The next step is to start looking at ways we can choose the right one as that is just as important as anything else, and we should not ignore that.

• TDP
• Radiator
• Fans
• Pipes
• Pump
• Compatibility of Socket
• Thermal Compound
• Noise
• Cooler size
• Warranty
• Design/Aesthetics

TDP

The TDP cooler rating is one of the most important factors in our consideration of whether it is suitable for your machine. Thermal design power, sometimes called a Thermal design point, is the high temperature produced by a computer chip or part.

Radiator

AIO cool radiators are available in a variety of sizes. Not all cases, however, can manage each radiator scale. Also, scan the specifics of the device case you are considering to ensure that it fits the AIO cooler radiator size of your choice.

Fans

The fan is used to push hot air away from the CPU by moving cold air over the heat sink. Every CPU has a built-in temperature reader that monitors processor temperature. If the temperature rises too high, the fan or fans near the CPU can speed up the cooling processor and sink temperature.

Pipes

The pipes which connect pumps and radiator are made with flexible fiber material, which carries the coolant liquid and transmits and dissipate the hot air.

Pump

The pump is responsible for pumping fluid to the radiator. When it comes to any liquid cooling setting, the pump is the heart of the system. This is especially true for a closed loop.

Compatibility of Socket

Another thing you can do is find out what kind of motherboard you have. 775, AM2, and the latest 1336, up-and-coming models are the most common socket models currently.

In addition to the free choice, you should make sure it fits your particular socket form. Currently, most CPU coolers are compatible with a wide range of common socket types, although some accept one type of socket. In addition to the style of the socket, the shape of the motherboard will also affect which coolers will be or will not be the same.

Thermal Compound

The thermal compound needs to be replaced every year, as it will eventually dry out and start losing its effectiveness. If you leave the heat attachment too long, you will start to see performance issues and overheating that could damage your CPU over time.

Noise

You can look for no quiet fans at all. It’s always happening, and it’s better if you take the right step here. Otherwise, you will end up with a completely bad experience, which is not what we want anyone to hear from the beginning.

Cooler Size

When choosing a cool CPU, you also need to consider the size of your case. Some coolers are large and may not fit inside small bags, so be sure to weigh your case before buying.

Warranty

A good warranty is usually very important, and that is what you should look for in the first place. The amount of money is something you will decide as it is an independent matter.

Design/Aesthetics

Aspects of beauty are also things that you may want to consider. The AIO selection process is usually much simpler than one might think, so focusing too much on it will not be kind to anyone. When choosing a new cooler, see what you usually want. However, you should not put down performance to look good. These should come to the forefront of your priorities.

Takeaways

The 360mm AIO coolers are large enough, and you should make sure your case has space to fit it before installing it. However, they provide excellent thermal dispersion power, thanks to three fans providing adequate airflow to cool the system even during certain heated activities. If this is your first experience purchasing an AIO solution for your PC, we can only imagine how crucial it must have been for you to make the right decision.

We’ve been here, too, and we can tell you it wasn’t easy a few times, and after that, we just got used to picking up something worthy enough. All five coolers mentioned in the list have amazing features that will meet your needs. Hopefully, you will find the best 360 AIO on this list. The key is to see how much you can spend and what you want in the first place.

That is why the purpose of this integration is to ensure that users have all their questions answered because, at the end of the day, we want to make sure that all the consumers can make good cooling choices without any potential problems. Happy shopping!

[wsfq]What is the best fan placement on a 360mm radiator?[/wsfq] [wsfa]When cooling your CPU with AIO, the complete setup includes placing the radiator in front of or above your case. Both work well. To prioritize GPU cooling, you can put CPU AIO on top of the case to spare the pipes from coming in the way of the airflow.[/wsfa]

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