Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 Review

Anthony Addington

Arctic Freezer II 360

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 stands out as a top-tier cooling solution for high-performance CPUs. This all-in-one water cooler offers exceptional thermal management for both Intel and AMD processors. Its efficient design can handle over 290W loads, making it ideal for power-hungry chips like Intel’s i9-13900K.

You’ll find the Liquid Freezer II 360 equipped with a proprietary pump and premium radiator. The 360mm radiator size provides ample surface area for heat dissipation, crucial for maintaining low temperatures under heavy loads. A unique feature is the VRM fan, which helps cool surrounding motherboard components.

The cooler’s performance is matched by its quiet operation. With PWM-controlled fans and pump, noise levels remain low even during intense cooling tasks. For those who enjoy aesthetics, RGB variants are available, adding a customizable light show to your PC build.

FeatureSpecification
Radiator Size360mm
CompatibilityIntel & AMD
RGB OptionAvailable
Max Power Load290W+
VRM CoolingYes

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360: Keeping Things Cool

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is a popular all-in-one (AIO) CPU cooler known for its excellent cooling performance and relatively quiet operation. It’s a great option for people who are looking for a high-performance cooler that doesn’t break the bank.

Features

  • 360mm radiator: This large radiator provides a lot of surface area for heat dissipation, which helps to keep your CPU cool even under heavy load.
  • Three 120mm fans: The cooler comes with three Arctic P12 fans, which are known for their good performance and low noise levels.
  • PWM control: The fans can be controlled using pulse-width modulation (PWM), which allows you to fine-tune the fan speed based on your needs.
  • Easy installation: The cooler is easy to install, even for first-time builders.
  • Affordable price: The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is one of the most affordable 360mm AIO coolers on the market.

Pros and Cons

FeatureProCon
Cooling PerformanceExcellent cooling capacity, even for high-end CPUsMay not be as aesthetically pleasing as some other coolers
Noise LevelsVery quiet operation, even at high speedsTubing can be a bit stiff, making it slightly harder to manage in some cases
PriceOne of the most affordable 360mm AIOs available
InstallationEasy to install, with clear instructions

Should You Buy It?

If you’re looking for a high-performance AIO CPU cooler that offers excellent value for money, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is a great option. It’s perfect for people who are building a high-end gaming PC or workstation and need a cooler that can keep their CPU cool under heavy load.

Alternatives

  • Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix: This cooler offers slightly better cooling performance than the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360, but it’s also more expensive.
  • NZXT Kraken Z73: This cooler has a unique LCD display that can be used to show system information or custom images. It’s also more expensive than the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360.
  • Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R ARGB: This cooler has customizable RGB lighting and good cooling performance. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a cooler with a bit more flair.

Beyond the CPU: Other Cooling Considerations

While the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 will expertly handle your CPU temperatures, don’t forget about the rest of your system!

  • Case Fans: Good airflow in your case is essential. Consider adding intake and exhaust fans to create an efficient path for cool air to enter and hot air to exit.
  • GPU Cooling: Modern graphics cards generate a lot of heat. Ensure your graphics card has adequate cooling, whether it’s a stock cooler or a high-performance aftermarket solution.
  • Thermal Paste: Always use a good quality thermal paste between your CPU and the cooler. This helps to transfer heat efficiently.
  • Cable Management: Neatly organize cables in your case to improve airflow.

By addressing all aspects of cooling, you can ensure your system runs at its best, providing optimal performance and longevity.

Design and Build Quality

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 stands out for its thoughtful design and robust construction. Its sleek aesthetics and functional features combine to create a high-performance cooling solution.

Dimensions and Aesthetics

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 features a 360mm radiator with a thickness of 38mm. This extra thickness provides enhanced cooling capacity compared to standard 27mm radiators. The cooler’s design is minimalist yet eye-catching. Its all-black finish gives it a professional look that fits well in most PC builds.

The pump head has a unique square shape with rounded edges. It houses not only the pump but also a small 40mm VRM fan. This fan helps cool the motherboard’s voltage regulators, adding extra value to the cooler.

Arctic offers both non-RGB and RGB versions. The RGB model includes A-RGB fans, allowing you to customize the lighting to match your build’s aesthetics.

Integrated Cable Management

Cable management is a standout feature of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360. The cooler uses an innovative integrated cable management system. This system routes all cables through a single sleeve, reducing clutter in your case.

The sleeved cable runs from the pump to the radiator. It contains all necessary wires for the pump, fans, and RGB lighting (if applicable). This design eliminates the need for multiple loose cables, making installation cleaner and easier.

You’ll find the cable management particularly helpful when mounting the radiator. It simplifies the process of connecting everything while maintaining a tidy appearance inside your PC case.

FeatureDescription
Radiator Size360mm x 38mm
VRM Fan40mm
Cable ManagementIntegrated sleeve
RGB OptionAvailable (A-RGB fans)
ColorAll-black

Compatibility and Installation

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 offers broad compatibility with modern CPU sockets and a straightforward mounting process. Its versatile design accommodates a range of processors from both Intel and AMD.

Socket Compatibility

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 supports an extensive array of CPU sockets. For Intel, it’s compatible with LGA1700 processors including Raptor Lake chips like the i9-13900K. AMD users can install it on AM4 and AM5 platforms.

This wide compatibility ensures the cooler works with most current-gen CPUs. You won’t need to worry about upgrading your cooling solution when switching between recent Intel or AMD systems.

Always check Arctic’s official support page for the most up-to-date compatibility list. They regularly update this information as new processors hit the market.

Mounting Process

Installing the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is a user-friendly process. The package includes all necessary mounting hardware for supported sockets.

Here’s a simplified mounting guide:

  1. Apply thermal paste to your CPU
  2. Attach the backplate to your motherboard
  3. Secure the mounting brackets to the pump unit
  4. Place the pump on the CPU and tighten the screws
  5. Install the radiator and fans in your case

For detailed steps, Arctic provides visual guides and videos on their website. These resources make the installation process clear and easy to follow.

The cooler’s 45 cm tubing allows for flexible radiator placement in most cases. This feature simplifies installation in various PC builds.

Performance Metrics

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 excels in cooling efficiency and acoustic performance. Its design balances powerful cooling with low noise levels, making it a top choice for high-performance systems.

Cooling Efficiency

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 shows impressive cooling performance. It can handle over 290W of heat dissipation, making it suitable for high-end CPUs like Intel’s i9-13900K.

When tested with AMD Ryzen processors, the cooler demonstrates excellent thermal control. In Cinebench R23 benchmarks, it keeps temperatures well within safe limits even under heavy loads.

The cooler’s performance is attributed to its:

  • Large 360mm radiator
  • Efficient pump design
  • High-quality thermal paste

You’ll find the Liquid Freezer II 360 particularly effective for overclocking scenarios. It maintains lower temperatures compared to many air coolers, allowing for higher stable clock speeds.

Acoustic Profile

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 stands out for its quiet operation. You’ll appreciate the low noise levels, especially during normal use.

At 200W power consumption, it performs on par with other high-end coolers but with better acoustics. The noise profile remains pleasant even under load.

Key factors contributing to its quiet performance include:

  • Fluid Dynamic Bearing fans
  • Optimized fan curve
  • Well-designed pump
LoadNoise Level
Idle< 30 dBA
Full< 40 dBA

You’ll find the cooler particularly suitable for quiet builds. It offers a good balance of cooling performance and low noise, outperforming many competitors in this aspect.

Digital Ecosystem Integration

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 integrates with your PC’s digital ecosystem in several ways. Its PWM connector allows for precise fan speed control. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise.

You can monitor the cooler’s performance through third-party software. Many popular system monitoring tools support reading temperature and fan speed data from the Liquid Freezer II 360.

RGB lighting is not a feature of this cooler. If you prefer a more understated look for your build, this may be an advantage. For those wanting RGB, you’ll need to look at other options.

The product’s website uses cookies and Google Analytics to improve user experience. This helps Arctic understand how customers interact with their site and products.

FeatureLiquid Freezer II 360
PWM ControlYes
RGB LightingNo
Software MonitoringCompatible
Website AnalyticsGoogle Analytics

You don’t need to install any proprietary software to use this cooler. It works out of the box with your motherboard’s built-in fan control. This simplifies setup and reduces potential conflicts with other system components.

Consider your priorities when choosing a CPU cooler. The Liquid Freezer II 360 focuses on cooling performance and quiet operation rather than flashy aesthetics or complex software integrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is a popular all-in-one liquid CPU cooler. Users often have questions about its installation, performance, and compatibility. Here are answers to some common queries about this cooling solution.

How do I install the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 on my CPU?

Installing the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 requires careful planning. First, mount the radiator to your case. Then attach the pump block to your CPU. For AMD Ryzen 3000/5000/7000 series processors, use the offset mounting for optimal cooling. Follow the detailed instructions in the user manual for your specific revision.

What are the professional reviews saying about the performance of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360?

Professional reviews praise the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 for its cooling performance. Many highlight its ability to keep CPU temperatures low under heavy loads. Reviewers often note its competitive pricing compared to other 360mm AIOs. The cooler’s quiet operation is another frequently mentioned positive aspect.

Has the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 been discontinued or is it still available for purchase?

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is still available for purchase. Arctic continues to produce and sell this model. You can find it on various online retailers and the official Arctic website. The company has released multiple revisions, improving compatibility and features over time.

Are there any known defects or issues with the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 that users should be aware of?

Some users have reported pump noise issues in earlier revisions. Arctic addressed this in later versions. The company extended the warranty to 6 years, indicating confidence in the product’s reliability. Check the latest user feedback for the most current information on potential issues.

What is the thickness of the radiator included with the Arctic Liquid Freezer 2 360?

The radiator thickness of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is 38mm. This measurement excludes the fans. The thicker radiator provides more surface area for heat dissipation. Consider this dimension when planning your case layout to ensure proper fitment.

Can the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 support Addressable RGB (A-RGB) feature?

The standard Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 does not include RGB lighting. Arctic focuses on performance over aesthetics with this model. If you want RGB, look for the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB version. This variant offers customizable lighting while maintaining the cooling performance of the original.

FeatureArctic Liquid Freezer II 360Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
Radiator Size360mm360mm
RGB LightingNoYes (Addressable)
Fan Size3 x 120mm3 x 120mm
Warranty6 years6 years