ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 vs NZXT Kraken Elite 360

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 NZXT Kraken Elite 360 at 6.8/10.

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

They score the same on noise, compatibility and fit and build and installation.

The biggest difference is value, where the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 scores 9/10 to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360's 5/10.

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

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 Liquid Freezer III Pro 240	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Cooling	35%	9/10	7/10
Noise	25%	7/10	7/10
Compatibility and fit	15%	7/10	7/10
Value	15%	9/10	5/10
Build and installation	10%	8/10	8/10
Overall		8.1/10	6.8/10

Specifications

Spec	ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)	AIO liquid, 240 mm radiator	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)	Radiator 277 × 120 × 38 mm (L × W × H)	Radiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm; pump cap 93.5 mm diameter × 65 mm high
Fans included and their size	2 × 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	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)	not listed	Elite 360 RGB: 33.88 dB stated by manufacturer; PCGamesN lists 34 dBA
Warranty (years)	6 years	6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

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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