INTRODUCTION

   Whether it's for their impressive cooling efficiency, looks, easy installation or even the zero clearance issues one thing is for certain, AIO (all-in-one) liquid CPU coolers are currently dominating the market. Now even though most people i know (myself included) primarily care about cooling efficiency there are countless consumers out there who care about looks mostly (however the majority probably wants the best of both worlds) which is why almost every single manufacturer in the market today has at least one RGB/ARGB model available. Our friends over at ARCTIC have also been updating their Liquid Freezer II line of AIO liquid CPU coolers by equipping them with RGB/ARGB fans and today I’ll be testing the 360 tri-fan variant.

   ARCTIC, a leading manufacturer of low-noise PC coolers and components, initiated and continues to shape the trend towards quiet cooling systems. In addition to an extensive range of CPU/GPU coolers and fans, ARCTIC produces high-quality monitor arms and wall brackets as well as practical tech equipment. The company, headed by founder Magnus Huber, has offices in Germany, Hong Kong and the USA. It has won over PC enthusiasts in more than 45 countries with innovative and user-friendly products that are high quality and sold at fair prices. For almost 20 years, ARCTIC has stood for comfortable computing, stellar service and personal support.

   A few days back ARCTIC unveiled the final members of their Liquid Freezer II A-RGB line of AIO liquid CPU coolers which as of now includes 240/280/360/420mm models (2x120/2x140/3x120/3x140) which should be enough to cover almost every single user out there. Of course just like with previous models they all feature 38mm thick aluminum radiators which in the case of the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB which i have here is paired with three 120mm P12 PWM fluid-dynamic bearing A-RGB fans (1800RPM/48.8CFM/1.85mmH2O/22.5dBA/12 ARGB LEDs), 450mm long braided EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) tubes with integrated cable management (routing) and a PWM pump/waterblock combo (2000RPM/copper plate) equipped with a top 3000RPM VRM fan (this does seem to help reduce VRM temperatures). Needless to say, this is also an 4pin powered model (5.3W consumption for the entire AIO) and as for warranty ARCTIC covers all their Liquid Freezer II lines of AIO liquid CPU coolers with a very generous 6-year limited one.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

As usual the front of the box is taken by a large product picture right next the A-RGB motherboard technology compatibility list, warranty duration and the company logo.

The product specifications are printed on the left side of the box under a 2D barcode.

On the left side we find yet another 2D barcode which when scanned will redirect you to the product support page.

The same 2D barcode is also printed at the rear of the box right next to a product description in 7 languages.

The entire AIO is wrapped inside two plastic bags and placed in formed pieces of cardboard.

Along with the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB and its 3 pre-mounted P12 A-RGB fans inside the box you'll also find a backplate, MX-5 thermal paste tube and all the necessary bits and pieces for installation on Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011/2011-3/2066 and AMD AM3/AM3+/AM4 compatible motherboards.

THE LIQUID FREEZER II 360 A-RGB

Aside the addition of a 3rd fan (and a longer radiator) the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB looks identical to the 240 model i reviewed not too long ago (review here).

With its fans pre-mounted the 38mm thick radiator becomes roughly 63mm.

Typically, the company name is printed on both sides of the radiator.

All three P12 A-RGB 120mm fans feature a total of 12 ARGB LEDs each and anti-vibration rubber pieces on all four corners.

This radiator sports an FPI (fins per inch) count of roughly 15 which pretty much idea for the P12 A-RGB fans.

Shipping the Liquid Freezer II line with the fans pre-installed is a good thing since all cables are nicely routed around the fans (thus less work for you).

The 450mm long EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) coated tubes really stand out compared to what we normally see.

Leaving out the fact that the tubes can't be rotated from the base the diagonal fan located just over the pump should once again help with VRM temperatures.

Just like all past models ARCTIC has equipped the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB with a rather small copper coldplate which may not be "suited" for all CPUs out there.

TEST BED

TESTING METHODOLOGY

   Testing complete water cooling kits or individual radiators is no different than testing CPU Coolers and since we want all of you to be able to compare similar products, we created new and separate charts (you can still cross-compare results however since we are using the same test rig). So once again single (120/140mm) watercooling solutions are tested with the radiator mounted at the rear of our test rig while dual/triple/quad (240/260/280/360/420/480/560mm) solutions with the radiator mounted at the top. For the dBA tests complete water cooling kits or radiators with bundled fans are measured both while on idle mode or with the fan controller in the minimum setting and while on extreme load or with the fan controller all the way to the highest possible setting (PWM fans do that on their own without our intervention). Every single test takes place in a temperature controlled room of 23 degrees Celsius Ambient Temp with the help of two AC units placed diagonally inside the room. Finally, much like when testing CPU Coolers, it's very important to point out that just because a water cooling kit outperforms another when tested with our test rig (when we test complete water cooling kits) that does not necessarily mean that the same performance differences will apply 100% for other CPU models and in other situations (such as different ambient temps and system configurations).

   To successfully record the load temperatures, we use the latest OCCT application for around 6-10 minutes to push the processor to its limits and after that is done and the temperatures are recorded, we wait for about 10-20 minutes for the CPU to cool down and record the idle temperatures. This is done to allow time for the thermal conductive material to achieve the optimal performance level. Same procedure is then repeated with the Passmark BurnIn Test as a failsafe just in case the OCCT results are wrong. This procedure takes a lot more time than the usual peltier/thermometer tests but this way not only can we deliver real world results to our readers based on real CPUs but we can also triple check the results using a variety of programs. Last but not least the temperatures were recorded using both the latest versions of AIDA64 and RealTemp while the noise level tests (when fans exist in the bundle) are performed using a high precision ExTech HD600 Decibel Meter placed about 10-15cm above the radiator. Still although the same testing procedure applies to all units do take into consideration that unlike the official numbers which are measured in special noise isolated labs with just the fans here, we also have both the rest of the cooler and the rest of the system (although all system fans are turned off when recording noise levels).

TEST RESULTS

CONCLUSION

   Due to their size tri-fan AIO models (360/420) may not be as compatible with PC cases as their dual-fan brothers (240/280) but their improved cooling efficiency levels usually justify that. In the case of the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB the roughly 2 degrees difference with its smaller brother (240) may not be ground breaking but it’s certainly something people who like to push their CPUs will appreciate. What makes the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB a lot better than its smaller brother however are its noise levels which means that even at heavy load this AIO is almost inaudible. Yes, even the 240 model is far from what I’d call loud but this, this is simply put even better. As for its A-RGB lighting, unfortunately my test rig doesn’t support it so I only test that briefly with either my Z490 or Z590 test rigs that do and yes, it looks great (A-RGB lighting also on its base however would make a great addition).

   With a price tag currently set at 112.11Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB AIO is amongst the lowest-cost models of its size, most of which come from brands which unlike ARCTIC have yet to establish themselves in the market. Cooling efficiency, noise levels and cost are the 3 things that make or break any AIO liquid CPU cooler and since the Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB ticks all 3 boxes (and then some) it certainly deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Very Good Cooling Efficiency
- Low Noise Levels (Almost Inaudible)
- ARGB Lighting (36 ARGB LEDs)
- Single 4 Pin PWM Connector (Power)
- 450mm Long EPDM Braided Tubes
- VRM Fan
- Routed Fan Cables
- 6 Year Warranty)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Small Copper Coldplate (For Some CPU Models)
- Current USA Availability
- Size (PC Case Compatibility)