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

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 is significantly more affordable than the NZXT Kraken Plus 240. The Kraken Plus is priced at £97.97, while the Liquid Freezer III Pro is available for just £56.49. This represents a difference of £41.48, making the ARCTIC model a more budget-friendly option. For those who are looking to optimise their spending without sacrificing performance, the Liquid Freezer III Pro offers a compelling choice.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, both products are designed to handle demanding workloads, but they employ different technologies. The NZXT Kraken Plus features a high-performance Turbine pump that provides efficient cooling even under heavy loads. This ensures that your CPU maintains optimal performance, especially during intense gaming or rendering sessions. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful fan design with its P12 PRO fan, which is quieter while delivering higher speeds for better cooling efficiency. This makes the Liquid Freezer III Pro particularly appealing for users who prioritise noise levels alongside cooling capabilities.

Installation Process

The installation process is a strong point for the NZXT Kraken Plus, which is designed for ease of use. It comes with pre-applied thermal paste and a single breakout cable from the pump cap to streamline the setup and reduce cable clutter. This can be particularly beneficial for users who may not have extensive experience with CPU cooler installations. Conversely, while the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro offers native offset mounting for both Intel and AMD processors, which enhances heat transfer, its installation may require a bit more attention to detail to optimise performance fully.

Custom Features

One of the standout features of the NZXT Kraken Plus is its custom LCD screen. This 1.54" square display allows users to show real-time system temperatures, animated GIFs, or even web integrations like Spotify and YouTube. This level of customisation not only adds a personal touch to your setup but also enhances usability by providing instant feedback on system performance. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro lacks such a visual interface, focusing instead on functional performance enhancements like an integrated VRM fan for improved voltage converter cooling.

Noise Levels

When considering noise levels, the NZXT Kraken Plus incorporates a Zero RPM Mode that stops the fans entirely at low loads, ensuring silent operation during less intensive tasks. This feature is ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment, especially during non-gaming tasks. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro, while designed to be quieter than its predecessor, is primarily focused on providing more power at any speed. Users may find that it operates effectively under load, but it does not have a dedicated mode to completely halt fan activity, which could lead to slightly higher noise levels during low-load scenarios.

Compatibility

Both products offer wide compatibility, but the NZXT Kraken Plus takes the lead with its tool-free mounting brackets that support the latest AMD and Intel CPU sockets, including AM5 and LGA 1851. This ensures that it can be easily installed across a variety of modern systems. The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro is also compatible with Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets, featuring an optimised contact frame for better heat dissipation. While both coolers are versatile, the Kraken Plus's broader socket support may make it a more future-proof choice.

Design and Aesthetics

Aesthetics can play an important role in a PC build, and here the NZXT Kraken Plus excels with its sleek design and customisable LCD screen. This allows users to showcase their style and personalise their builds in a way that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro does not. The ARCTIC model, while functional, has a more utilitarian appearance and focuses on performance rather than flashy design elements. Users who want their cooling solution to contribute to the overall look of their rig may find the Kraken Plus more appealing.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, the choice between the NZXT Kraken Plus 240 and the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 largely depends on your priorities as a user. If you value a high-performance cooling solution with customisation options and a sleek design, the NZXT Kraken Plus at £97.97 may be worth the investment. However, if you're looking for an effective cooling system that offers excellent performance at a more accessible price of £56.49, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro is a solid contender. Ultimately, both coolers have their strengths, making them suitable for different types of users and builds.