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ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 at 6.8/10.

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 leads on noise, compatibility and fit and build and installation.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 leads on cooling.

They score the same on value.

The biggest difference is noise, where the ARCTIC Freezer 36 scores 7/10 to the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360's 4/10.

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 360

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

This is a 360 mm all-in-one cooler for people with a high-power AMD or Intel chip who want maximum cooling headroom. It suits builders who are happy to set a fan curve and fit a long radiator. It is a weaker choice for anyone who wants a quiet build with little setup.

Typically about £67.49 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

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightARCTIC Freezer 36ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
Cooling35%7/109/10
Noise25%7/104/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/106/10
Value15%8/108/10
Build and installation10%6/105/10
Overall7.1/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansAIO liquid, 360 mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4AMD AM5, AM4; Intel LGA1851, LGA1700
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mmRadiator 398 (L) x 120 (W) x 38 (H) mm; tubing 450 mm; weight 2020 g
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWM3 x P12 Pro 120 mm, 600-3000 rpm, 77 cfm, 6.9 mmH2O; 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)0.3 Sone at maximum fan speed (third-party reported)
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 360

  • + Lower temperatures than two 360/420 mm rivals in Club386's tests
  • + MX-6 paste is pre-applied and the warranty runs six years
  • + Separate VRM fan covers the socket area
  • − TechPowerUp calls the fans excessively loud above 50% PWM
  • − Intel mounting is a hassle and no manual was included
  • − An owner returned one over pump noise

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet system and will not tune fan speeds
  • Intel builders who want a simple, well-documented mounting process
  • Anyone whose case cannot take a 398 mm-long 360 mm radiator
Read the full ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 review ›

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