If you’re looking for a high-end CPU cooler, in this guide, we’ve listed a handful of the best 360mm AIO coolers currently available.
All-in-one coolers have been a popular choice among system-builders for nearly a decade now. And, within the past few years, larger AIO coolers have become more prevalent. Right now, 360mm AIO coolers are among the top options for gamers who are looking to build a high-end gaming PC.
These larger AIO coolers offer extreme liquid cooling capabilities to the table without the hassle of having to build out your own custom liquid cooling loop. (Although, if you’re up for that challenge, you a custom liquid cooling setup can give you even better cooling performance.)
Also Read: Do You Need a CPU Cooler for Your PC?
So, with the popularity of these larger liquid coolers, we’ve decided to highlight a number of the best options. Below you’ll find five of the best 360mm AIO coolers currently available across a handful of different categories. We’ve made selections for the best 360mm AIO cooler overall, a solid runner-up choice, the best option with RGB fans included, a good value option, and the most affordable 360mm AIO as well.
The Best 360mm AIOs
1. Corsair iCUE H150i (Top Pick)
2. NZXT Kraken X73 (Runner-Up)
A Quick Look at the Best 360mm AIO Coolers
|
NAME | SPECS | RATING | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK
|
Corsair iCUE H150i |
|
/10 | ||
RUNNER-UP
|
NZXT Kraken X73 |
|
/10 | ||
RGB FANS
|
MasterLiquid ML360R |
|
/10 | ||
VALUE
|
Thermaltake TH360 ARGB |
|
/10 | ||
BUDGET
|
DEEPCOOL Captain 360EX |
|
/10 |
*To learn more about the 360mm AIO coolers above, click the “Read Review »” link to jump to our overview of that cooler.
1. Corsair iCUE H150i
Our pick for the best 360mm AIO cooler
If you’re looking for one of the most efficient and best-performing CPU coolers, then look no further than Corsair’s iCUE H150i. This AIO cooler is compatible with both newer Intel and AMD platforms, comes with three of Corsair’s ML120 PWM fans, features RGB lighting on the pump head, comes with a 5-year warranty, and offers ultra quiet fan operation.
The three ML120 PWM fans can reach up to speeds of 2400 RPM and have noise levels ranging from 10-37 dBA depending on your CPU load. However, through Corsair’s iCUE software, the fans can also shut off completely during lower loads, which will help eliminate noise levels.
Overall, in terms of cooling performance and noise level, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better 360mm AIO on the market. So, if you’re looking for the best option possible, we’d recommend going with the Corsair iCUE H150i.
2. NZXT Kraken X73
Another very solid 360mm AIO option
Another well-performing 360mm AIO is NZXT’s Kraken X73. The Kraken X73 doesn’t quite hit the same max fan speed as the Corsair iCUE H150i and it isn’t quite as quiet either. However, the difference in performance and sound level is minimal at best.
And, the Kraken X73 does come in at a few bucks cheaper. Furthermore, in terms of aesthetics, if the Corsair iCUE H150i’s white fan blades would clash with your setup, the Kraken X73’s all-black design might be a better option.
The Kraken X73 also comes with a bit longer of a warranty (6-years for the Kraken versus 5-years for the H150i). But, in the grand scheme of things, it’s hard to imagine system-builders who are willing to spend ~$150 on an AIO cooler not upgrading, replacing, or rebuilding their system within that timeframe.
Also Read: When Should you Upgrade your CPU?
But, ultimately, if you prefer the all-black design of the Kraken X73, or you happen to catch it on sale for a significant discount, it is a solid alternative option to Corsair iCUE H150i.
3. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R
Top 360mm AIO cooler with RGB fans
If you’re looking for a 360mm AIO that comes with three RGB fans you have a handful of options. For ~$140 you can get Cooler Master’s MasterLiquid ML360R. The MasterLiquid ML360R sports triple Cooler Master MF120R ARGB Fans.
And, while the MasterLiquid ML360R doesn’t offer quite the same cooling performance as the two options below, the performance difference is not significant. And, considering it comes in at about ~$20-$25 cheaper than both of those options and it comes with three RGB fans (which cost nearly ~$20 a piece on their own), you’re getting a pretty good deal.
The RGB fans can hit speeds of up to 2000 RPMs and they operate at a noise level ranging between 6-30 dBA depending on your CPU load.
The bottom line, though, is that as long as you’re not looking to eek out every ounce of cooling performance and you’re looking for an option that will offer three RGB fans (in addition to an RGB-lit pump head), then the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R is an excellent option for your needs.
4. Thermaltake TH360 ARGB
Our favorite price-to-performance option
One other 360mm AIO cooler with RGB fans that is worth mentioning is Thermaltake’s TH360 ARGB cooler. At just under ~$120 it is easily one of the more affordable 360mm AIO coolers out there (although, the DEEPCOOL Captain 360EX listed below is even cheaper). That’s pretty remarkable considering it comes with three RGB fans.
The downside, however, is that it isn’t as competitive in terms of cooling performance and noise levels as some of the other options on this list. The included fans can only hit speeds of up to 1500 RPM and the noise level averages at about ~28 dBA.
Neither of those features are terrible, but they do make the TH360 lag behind the other options on this list. Still, though, ~$120 for a 360mm AIO with three RGB fans is a solid deal—especially for people who aren’t planning on doing any kind of serious overclocking, or for people who just want solid cooling and more RGB lighting for a moderate price.
5. DEEPCOOL Captain 360EX
The most affordable 360mm AIO cooler
While most 360mm AIO coolers cost at least ~$120, DEEPCOOL’s Captain 360EX comes in at just under ~$90. That is a huge difference in cost. And, while the Captain 360EX isn’t going to offer quite the same cooling performance as some of the options higher up on this list, it will definitely offer cooling performance that is adequate for the majority of users.
The other feature of the Captain 360EX that may either turn some people away, or attract certain people to it, is its white design. While a white AIO might not look great in all cases, for those gamers who are looking to build a white-themed gaming PC, it would be the perfect addition.
So, in the end, if you’re looking for an extremely affordable 360mm AIO to pair with a budget gaming PC build, or if you’re looking for a white 360mm AIO to pair with your white-themed system, then the DEEPCOOL Captain 360EX is probably your best bet.
What is the Best 360mm AIO Cooler?
In our opinion, the best 360mm AIO is the Corsair iCUE H150i or the NZXT Kraken X73. Although, for a lower price, the DEEPCOOL Captain 360EX and the Thermaltake TH360 ARGB are excellent options, as well.
Ultimately, whether you’re looking for a high-performing AIO cooler, a budget-friendly option, an option that comes with RGB fans, or a white AIO, there is a 360mm AIO out there that will suit your needs.
In this post, we’ve rate and compared a handful of different 360mm AIOs to help you find the best option for you. If you want to look at some alternative radiator sizes, check out the following guides: Best 280mm AIO Coolers, Best 240mm AIO Coolers, Best 120mm AIO Coolers.