ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs NZXT Kraken Elite 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 NZXT Kraken Elite 360 at 6.8/10.

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 leads on value.

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 leads on build and installation.

They score the same on cooling, noise and compatibility and fit.

The biggest difference is value, where the ARCTIC Freezer 36 scores 8/10 to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360's 5/10.

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

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

NZXT Kraken Elite 360

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 is for builders who want a 360 mm AIO on a current Intel or AMD platform. It suits people who want low temperatures under heavy load and a simple install. It is less suited to buyers watching the budget closely.

Typically about £279.95 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	ARCTIC Freezer 36	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Cooling	35%	7/10	7/10
Noise	25%	7/10	7/10
Compatibility and fit	15%	7/10	7/10
Value	15%	8/10	5/10
Build and installation	10%	6/10	8/10
Overall		7.1/10	6.8/10

Specifications

Spec	ARCTIC Freezer 36	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)	Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fans	Liquid AIO with 360 mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)	Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4	Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X; AMD AM5, AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)	159 mm	Radiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm; pump cap 93.5 mm diameter × 65 mm high
Fans included and their size	2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWM	Elite 360: 3 × F120P (2024) 120 mm static-pressure fans, 500–2,000 ±200 RPM, 30 dBA each. Elite 360 RGB: 1 × F360 RGB Core fan containing three 120 mm fans, 500–2,400 ±250 RPM, 30.0 dBA per fan
Noise level (dBA)	40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)	Elite 360 RGB: 33.88 dB stated by manufacturer; PCGamesN lists 34 dBA
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 ›

NZXT Kraken Elite 360

+ Reviews report temperatures mostly below 70 °C under heavy load
+ Straightforward installation with pre-applied paste and tool-free brackets
+ Six-year warranty and wide socket support
− Fans reported as harsh near maximum speed
− Owners call the price high
− Thin accessory bundle with no spare thermal paste

Skip it if:

Buyers whose case cannot take a 401 mm radiator
Buyers sensitive to fan noise who want to run fans at full speed
Buyers on a tight budget who object to a high price and thin bundle

Read the full NZXT Kraken Elite 360 review ›

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