ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 - Multi-compatible All-in-One CPU AIO Water Cooler, Compatible with Intel & AMD, Efficient PWM Controlled Pump, Fan speed: 200-1800 rpm, LGA1700 compatible - Black

High end CPUs, both AMD and Intel run very hot, and a decent AIO cooler is a necessity these days. I currently have the ARCTIC L.F. II 360 cooling my Ryzen 7800X3D and I love it. let us count the ways...SIZE MATTERS: I initially got the big brother of this cooler, the ALF II 420. If you were considering that vs this one, know this: the 420 is an absolute behemoth! Couldn't fit it into my Full Tower case any which way. Sent it back, got the 360 instead. Length and width are comfortably in the Goldilocks zone for mid sized case or larger. Check your clearance for the reassuringly thick radiator + fans if hoping to cram it into something smaller.INSTALLATION/DESIGN: This does not come with any instructions. Instead, Arctic's website has videos on how to install for both Team Red and Blue CPUs. Whilst this is certainly better than those perplexing fold out diagram sheets that some others provide, I'm obliged to point out one IMPORTANT CAVEAT: The AMD video ONLY applies to AM4 series motherboards. If you have an AM5 series, as many considering this cooler probably will, then DO NOT follow that video as the AM5 installation differs. Dropped the ball at bit there Arctic! I found a YouTube video showing the correct AM5 installation... which, due to posting rules, I cannot link. It's in Czech. Don't worry if you don't speak it, just watch what he does, it's very clear. Once you know which way around the clips go, it's very easy. In fact, this is the easiest AIO I have ever fitted - and I've fitted a good few.Unlike so many AIO's, this one can be installed straight out the box. The fans are already attached to the radiator and the fans are daisy-chained together. Instead of multiple leads for fans and the pump, there is just ONE connection for everything And, it runs discretely from the pump block to the CPU Pump Header nearby. Simple and tidy. Excellent design. If only all AIOs were like this.PERFORMANCE: The attached Radiator fans are decent quality and very quiet. On first installation I had to look to check that they were spinning! As I write this they are at a leisurely 600rpm, and totally silent. CPU is 35 degrees.When gaming--so far played Starfield, Stranded:Alien Dawn and some Kenshi--my modal CPU temp is around 55 degrees, and still, I cannot hear the fans. I do hear the pump whirring, quietly now and then, but only if the room is quiet. Setting the fans to turbo in the BIOS, they are certainly audible then, as you might expect. But... if they need to be on full speed to keep your CPU at a reasonable temperature, something is probably wrong. I have mine set to Standard - PWM in the BIOS. IIRC they only really ramp up at 70 degrees, which my CPU never seems to reach. So, very cool, very quiet.PRICE: Despite it's excellent design, easy installation and exemplary cooling, this AIO is somehow much cheaper than it's competitors, making it even better value. Price, evidently, does not always equal performance. Some competitors go for as much as £175 and don't perform as well. No additional cost or RGB here either as there is none. A lot of AIOs market their pretty coloured fans and lovely pump block display but don't compete where it matters most, cooling, and this is where the ALF 2 shines brightly and quietly. To my mind this is the best AIO you can buy, bang for buck.

Installed the aio in a phanteks eclipse 360a. I wanted to install it in the top position but couldn't because the aio was too thick and it covered part of the ram slots. It works really well in the front position and on a ryzen 7 3800x it sits at 25 degrees on idle. and after some heavy gaming it peaks around 75. For comparison this replaced an msi coreliquid 360r that idled at 60ish and hit 95 in games. It's quiet as well. All round I'm pretty impressed with it, only downside is the size as it will restrict where it can be installed, I had to buy a new case to accommodate it.

This beast is definitely beast cooling option for your PC. I cannot really hear fans spinning, it cool down my 3700x to 30 degrees if I put it on max, but with my fan curve I am letting it go to 40 celsius on idle. If I put benchmark and make processor go to maximum it stays at 67 celsius and that is still with fans not spinning at 100% as there was nearly no difference in temp if I try on max or if I leave them on 70%. It is amazingly good value for money, who cares about RGB when you have your CPU cooled like this. Negative on this thing is that it is huge, like really really big. Radiator is massive, and then you have to add on it also 3 fans. Because I already knew I will not fit it on top of my case which is just cheap corsair spec 05, I decided to put try to buy this if I can fit it to the front. I was succesful with that, it little bit push on some cables and I cannot screw the top screws of radiator to the case, but otherwise all fine. Top screws are no issue at all as radiator is not moving. I reversed fans on it so air can come freshly inside through the front and then I put two fans on top and one at the rear to blow out the air. All work fine, my case is very bad for cooling but is really enjoying all this air inside and I saved a lot of money. Definitely BUY!

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 stands out as an efficient cooling solution with a few noteworthy considerations. Here’s a detailed review, including both its strengths and a notable installation caveat:Efficient Cooling Performance:The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 excels in its primary function – keeping your CPU temperatures in check, even under heavy workloads. The 360mm radiator, coupled with high-quality fans, efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring optimal thermal management for your system.Packaging and Design:Upon unboxing, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 impresses with its well-packaged components and sleek design. The packaging reflects the brand’s commitment to simplicity and functionality. However, one notable aspect worth mentioning is the absence of a physical manual, replaced by a QR code for an online manual.Installation Experience:While the installation process is generally straightforward, some users may encounter challenges. In particular, attaching the bracket to the AIO for mounting onto the CPU socket may present difficulties. In my experience, one side of the bracket did not accept the provided screw, necessitating the use of an alternative screw from another CPU cooler. Fortunately, this substitution resulted in a secure fit and did not compromise performance.Quiet Operation:One of the standout features of the Liquid Freezer II 360 is its whisper-quiet operation. Even under full load, the fans produce minimal noise, contributing to a more enjoyable computing experience.Build Quality and Durability:ARCTIC’s commitment to build quality is evident throughout the Liquid Freezer II 360. From the durable tubing to the robust radiator and pump unit, each component feels well-made and designed to withstand long-term use.In summary, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 offers efficient cooling performance and impressive build quality. However, potential buyers should be aware of the installation caveat mentioned above. Despite this minor setback, the AIO cooler delivers on its promise of effective thermal management, making it a compelling choice for those seeking reliable cooling solutions for their systems.