ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 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 360 and NZXT Kraken Elite 360 both score 6.8/10 overall.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 leads on cooling and value.

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 leads on noise, compatibility and fit and build and installation.

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

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

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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 360	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Cooling	35%	9/10	7/10
Noise	25%	4/10	7/10
Compatibility and fit	15%	6/10	7/10
Value	15%	8/10	5/10
Build and installation	10%	5/10	8/10
Overall		6.8/10	6.8/10

Specifications

Spec	ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)	AIO liquid, 360 mm radiator	Liquid AIO with 360 mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)	AMD AM5, AM4; Intel LGA1851, LGA1700	Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X; AMD AM5, AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)	Radiator 398 (L) x 120 (W) x 38 (H) mm; tubing 450 mm; weight 2020 g	Radiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm; pump cap 93.5 mm diameter × 65 mm high
Fans included and their size	3 x P12 Pro 120 mm, 600-3000 rpm, 77 cfm, 6.9 mmH2O; 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)	0.3 Sone at maximum fan speed (third-party reported)	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 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 ›

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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