Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 scores 8.1/10 overall, ahead of the ARCTIC Freezer 36 at 7.1/10.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 leads on cooling, value and build and installation.

They score the same on noise and compatibility and fit.

ARCTIC Freezer 36

ARCTIC Freezer 36

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 is for builders who want a quiet, low-cost air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits mainstream and upper-mid-range chips rather than the hottest processors at sustained heavy loads. Buyers who want maximum air-cooling performance should look at what sits above it.

Typically about £20.49 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240

8.1/10verdict: buy

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 is for builders who want strong cooling from a 240 mm all-in-one liquid cooler. It suits Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 systems as well as AMD AM5 and AM4 builds. It is best for people who have checked their case can take a 38 mm thick radiator.

Typically about £59.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightARCTIC Freezer 36ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240
Cooling35%7/109/10
Noise25%7/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/107/10
Value15%8/109/10
Build and installation10%6/108/10
Overall7.1/108.1/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansAIO liquid, 240 mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mmRadiator 277 × 120 × 38 mm (L × W × H)
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWM2 × P12 Pro, 120 mm, 600–3000 rpm, 77 cfm, 6.9 mmH2O, fluid dynamic bearing, 4-pin PWM; pump 800–2800 rpm; VRM fan 400–2500 rpm
Noise level (dBA)40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)not listed
Warranty (years)6 years (manufacturer-stated in A-RGB spec)6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

ARCTIC Freezer 36

  • + Quiet operation praised by owners
  • + Ties Dark Rock Pro 4 in GamersNexus testing
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • − Intel installs require the included contact frame
  • − Peerless Assassin ran 3.3 °C cooler
  • − Failed a 205 W load in Techspot's test

Skip it if:

  • Buyers pairing it with a CPU drawing 200 W or more under sustained load
  • Intel builders who do not want a contact frame on the CPU
  • Anyone chasing the lowest temperatures an air cooler can give
Read the full ARCTIC Freezer 36 review ›

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240

  • + Tom's Hardware calls it the strongest AIO it has tested
  • + Noise-normalised result ties for the best the reviewer has seen
  • + Pre-applied MX-6 paste, pre-installed fans and a 6-year warranty
  • − Pump can be louder than some users prefer at full speed
  • − 38 mm radiator means checking case clearance first
  • − Some owners find noise only good, not exceptional

Skip it if:

  • Buyers whose case may not have room for a 38 mm thick radiator.
  • Anyone who wants a completely silent PC sitting close to their desk.
  • People who prefer an air cooler over any liquid-cooled setup.
Read the full ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 review ›

More comparisons

Compare all CPU coolers · Best CPU coolers