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ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

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 Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS at 6.5/10.

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

They score the same on cooling and build and installation.

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

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Nautilus 360 RS is for buyers with a case that takes a 360mm radiator and a CPU that runs hot under load. It suits Intel LGA 1851 and LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 and AM4 builds that want a ready-to-fit AIO with paste already applied. It is less suited to compact or poorly ventilated cases.

Typically about £100.99 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 36Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS
Cooling35%7/107/10
Noise25%7/106/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/106/10
Value15%8/107/10
Build and installation10%6/106/10
Overall7.1/106.5/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansAIO liquid cooler with 360mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700; AMD AM5, AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mmRadiator 360mm; 396 × 120 × 27mm (length unconfirmed, Corsair comparison page gives 394 × 120 × 27mm)
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWMThree RS120 fans, 120 × 25mm, 420–2100 RPM ±10%, PWM
Noise level (dBA)40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)Fans 10–36 dBA; pump 20 dBA
Warranty (years)6 years (manufacturer-stated in A-RGB spec)5 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 ›

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

  • + Reported peak of 81°C on an i9-14900K
  • + Quiet at idle and light load, owners say
  • + Five-year warranty and pre-applied XTM60 paste
  • − Installation can be difficult in compact cases
  • − Fan noise rises under sustained heavy load
  • − Higher temperatures reported in small or poorly ventilated cases

Skip it if:

  • Builders with compact cases that struggle to take a 360mm radiator
  • People who need near-silent running during long, sustained heavy loads
  • Owners of small or poorly ventilated cases
Read the full Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS review ›

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