CONCLUSION

   Antec was among the very first manufacturers to introduce an AIO line of liquid CPU coolers and since we’ve tested every line since then we were quite curious to see what their Mercury line was all about. Now I’ve said it many times in the past and I will say it again, the one thing required for a high-performance AIO liquid CPU cooler is for any manufacturer to pair a high density radiator with one or more high-speed fans (well over 2200RPM). That’s not to say that a high-performance pump is not crucial but after testing numerous AIO models over the years we’ve seen that the fans matter more than the pump used (that of course doesn’t apply for custom loops and expandable AIO models). So although Antec used a pretty fast and durable pump with the Mercury 360 (50.000 hours lifespan) at the end of the day using somewhat silent fans reduced its potential. Of course it quite evident that Antec placed noise levels above raw performance (unlike Corsair and the fans of their H115i in performance mode) but just like Corsair it would be nice if consumers were able to choose between low noise levels and high cooling efficiency.
   Antec has always p

laced quite a bit of weight in the pricing department so their products have for the most part been quite affordable over the years and the same applies for the Mercury 360 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler since currently you can find it for just 117Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Unfortunately due to several reasons Antec doesn't make the Mercury line available in the US so that's perhaps the largest drawback of this specific line. It goes without saying really that you can find higher performance AIO models at around the same price point but in all likelihood they will not be as “silent” nor as good looking as the Mercury 360 (not only because of its LED fans but also because of its temperature controlled LED). Still it all comes down to what you’re looking for so if you want very good cooling efficiency combined with silence and looks then the Mercury 360 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler by Antec is for you and that’s also why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Very Good Cooling Efficiency
- Almost Inaudible At Load
- 120mm Blue LED Fans
- Thin Radiator (27mm)
- Up To Six 120mm Fans In Push & Pull
- Temperature Controlled LEDs
- Easy Installation
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- No Control Software
- Long Radiator
- Not Available In The USA