Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 CPU Liquid Cooler Review

In the ever-evolving world of PC building, ensuring optimal cooling for your system is critical. For gamers, content creators, and professionals pushing their CPUs to the limit, a reliable liquid cooler is a must-have. Enter the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360, an all-in-one (AIO) CPU liquid cooler designed to provide exceptional thermal performance while remaining quiet and efficient. In this review, we’ll dive into the features, performance, installation process, and overall value of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 to help you decide if it's the right choice for your build.

Key Features

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 boasts an array of impressive features that set it apart from the competition:

1. 360mm Radiator: The cooler is equipped with a large 360mm radiator, ensuring maximum heat dissipation for high-performance CPUs. This size is ideal for overclocking and heavy workloads.

2. PWM-Controlled Fans: The three pre-installed 120mm fans are PWM-controlled, allowing for dynamic speed adjustments based on the CPU temperature. This feature ensures a balance between cooling performance and noise levels.

3. Integrated VRM Fan: A unique feature of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 is its 40mm VRM fan positioned on the pump. This fan helps cool the voltage regulator module (VRM), which is crucial for maintaining stability during overclocking.

4. Efficient Pump Design: The pump is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to many competitors while delivering excellent performance.

5. Low-Noise Operation: Arctic has prioritized quiet operation, utilizing specially designed fans and an optimized pump to minimize noise without compromising cooling efficiency.

6. Compatibility: The cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011(-3), 2066, and AMD’s AM4 and AM5 sockets. This broad compatibility ensures it works with most modern CPUs.

7. Pre-Applied MX-5 Thermal Paste: Arctic includes their high-quality MX-5 thermal paste pre-applied to the cold plate, making the installation process more straightforward.

Design and Build Quality

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 stands out with its sleek, all-black design. The radiator, tubing, and fans are all uniform in color, giving it a professional and understated appearance. The 450mm braided tubing is durable and flexible, making it easier to route within your case without compromising aesthetics or functionality. Additionally, the build quality is top-notch, with Arctic’s reputation for robust and reliable components evident in every aspect of this cooler.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 excels in both cooling and noise levels. During testing with high-end CPUs such as the Intel Core i9-13900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, the cooler consistently maintained low temperatures even under heavy loads. The 360mm radiator efficiently dissipates heat, making it suitable for overclocking scenarios.

One of the standout aspects of this cooler is its near-silent operation. Even under stress tests, the noise levels remained impressively low, thanks to the efficient pump and well-designed fans. Compared to other AIO liquid coolers in its class, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 offers superior cooling performance while being quieter.

The integrated VRM fan is another noteworthy feature. While many AIO coolers focus solely on CPU cooling, Arctic has addressed the importance of VRM temperatures. This addition provides an extra layer of stability, especially for overclockers pushing their systems to the limit.

Specifications

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360’s specifications:

General

• Product Name: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
• Color: Black
• Cooling Type: All-in-One (AIO) Liquid Cooler
• Radiator Size: 360mm
• Socket Compatibility:
  • Intel: 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011(-3)
  • AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM2(+), FM1

Radiator

• Dimensions: 398 x 120 x 38mm
• Material: Aluminum

Fans

• Quantity: 3x Arctic P12 PWM
• Size: 120mm
• Fan Speed: 200 - 1800 RPM
• Airflow: 56.3 CFM per fan
• Noise Level: 0.3 Sone (at maximum RPM)
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing

Pump

• Pump Speed: 800 - 2000 RPM (PWM-controlled)
• VRM Fan: 40mm, PWM-controlled
• Power Consumption: 0.7W - 2.1W (depending on load)

Tubing

• Material: Fiber-reinforced EPDM tubing
• Length: 450mm

Warranty

• Warranty Period: 6 years

Installation Process

Installing the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 is relatively straightforward, even for first-time builders. The cooler comes with clear and detailed instructions, and all necessary mounting hardware is included. The pre-applied MX-5 thermal paste eliminates the need for manual application, reducing the chance of errors.

The cooler’s 450mm tubing offers ample length for routing in larger cases, and the compact pump head ensures compatibility with most motherboards. However, given the size of the 360mm radiator, it’s essential to ensure your case has adequate space for mounting. Most mid-tower and full-tower cases will accommodate this size, but compact cases may not.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional cooling performance for high-end CPUs and overclocking.
• Near-silent operation even under heavy loads.
• Unique integrated VRM fan for additional cooling.
• Energy-efficient pump design.
• Sleek, all-black aesthetic with high build quality.
• Broad compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets.
• Pre-applied MX-5 thermal paste for easy installation.

Cons:

• Large radiator size may not fit in smaller cases.
• Limited RGB customization (no built-in RGB lighting for enthusiasts).

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to other popular AIO coolers, such as the NZXT Kraken X73 and Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 holds its own and even outperforms in some key areas. While the Kraken X73 and H150i Elite Capellix offer RGB lighting, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 focuses on raw performance and low noise levels. For users prioritizing cooling efficiency and quiet operation over aesthetics, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 is a superior choice.

Price and Value

One of the most appealing aspects of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 is its competitive pricing. Despite its high-end performance and features, it is often priced lower than comparable AIO coolers from brands like NZXT and Corsair. This makes it an excellent value for budget-conscious enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on quality or performance.

Final Verdict

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 is a standout AIO cooler that delivers exceptional cooling performance, quiet operation, and excellent value. Its innovative features, such as the integrated VRM fan and energy-efficient pump, set it apart from the competition. While it may lack RGB lighting for those who prefer a flashier build, its understated design and focus on functionality make it a top choice for serious PC builders.

Whether you’re overclocking a high-end CPU, running intensive workloads, or simply seeking a reliable and quiet cooling solution, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 is an outstanding option. With its competitive price point and robust performance, it’s a worthy investment for anyone looking to keep their system cool and stable.

If you’re in the market for a powerful and efficient CPU cooler, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 should be at the top of your list. Its blend of performance, quiet operation, and affordability make it a compelling choice for gamers, content creators, and professionals alike.