ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB - AIO CPU Cooler vs NZXT Kraken Plus 240

Price Comparison

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB is priced at £74.99, while the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 is more expensive at £97.97. This makes the ARCTIC cooler £22.98 cheaper than its competitor. If budget is a primary concern, the ARCTIC model provides a substantial saving without sacrificing performance. Both products offer high-performance cooling solutions, but the price difference is significant, which may influence buyers looking for value for money in their CPU cooling solutions.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro features an optimised contact frame for Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700, ensuring effective heat dissipation and longer CPU life. Additionally, its P12 PRO fan is designed for higher maximum speeds and quieter operation, particularly at low speeds. On the other hand, the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 boasts a high-performance Turbine pump engineered for efficient low-noise cooling, making it adept at handling heavy workloads. Both coolers are designed to maintain optimal CPU performance, but users may prefer the ARCTIC’s focus on quiet operation and heat dissipation efficiency.

Design and Aesthetics

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 features integrated A-RGB lighting, which enhances its visual appeal. Its design also includes a native offset mounting that shifts the cold plate towards the CPU hotspot for more effective heat transfer. Conversely, the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 has a standout feature with its custom LCD screen that can display real-time system temperatures, animated GIFs, or even web integrations like Spotify. While both coolers have their aesthetic strengths, those who value customisation and visual feedback may lean towards the NZXT Kraken due to its LCD screen, while those who prefer a streamlined look may favour the ARCTIC.

Installation Process

Installation is a crucial factor for many consumers. The ARCTIC cooler includes integrated cable management, which simplifies setup by reducing visible cables to a single connection to the motherboard. Meanwhile, the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 is designed for ease of installation with pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable from the pump cap. Both products aim to streamline the installation experience, but the NZXT offers an even quicker setup due to its pre-applied thermal paste, appealing to users who want to minimise the hassle.

Fan Technology

The fan technology in both coolers is designed to optimise airflow and cooling efficiency. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro is equipped with the P12 PRO fan, which is noted for being more powerful and quieter than previous models, especially at lower speeds. This allows for effective cooling during high load situations. In contrast, the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 features high-static pressure fans that move air through the radiator efficiently, with a Zero RPM Mode that stops the fans completely at low loads for silent operation. While both fans are effective, the NZXT's Zero RPM Mode is a notable feature for users seeking silence during lighter tasks.

Compatibility

Compatibility is essential for CPU coolers to ensure they fit a wide range of systems. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro is designed for both Intel and AMD sockets, with a clear focus on the latest Intel sockets such as LGA1851 and LGA1700. Similarly, the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 boasts wide compatibility, including tool-free mounting brackets for the latest AMD and Intel CPU sockets. Both models support current generation CPUs, making them suitable for a broad audience. However, users with the latest AMD systems may find the NZXT's compatibility particularly advantageous.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many users, especially those building a quiet PC. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro is engineered to operate quietly, even at higher speeds, which is a significant advantage for silent builds. The NZXT Kraken Plus 240 also prioritises quiet operation with its high-performance design, and the Zero RPM Mode further enhances this by stopping the fans completely during low-load scenarios. While both coolers are designed for quiet performance, the Kraken's Zero RPM feature may provide an edge in extremely low noise environments, making it ideal for users prioritising silence.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 and the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution that offers excellent cooling performance and quieter operation, the ARCTIC cooler at £74.99 is a compelling choice. However, if you want additional features such as a custom LCD screen and the convenience of pre-applied thermal paste, the NZXT Kraken Plus 240, priced at £97.97, may justify the higher cost. Consider your priorities regarding aesthetics, installation ease, cooling performance, and budget when making your decision.