I'm choosing a cooler for a new build with a Ryzen 7 9700X and an ASUS ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard. The two options I've narrowed it down to are the ASUS ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD and the Corsair Nautilus 360 RS ARGB with its separate LCD module.
Reviews cover both coolers, but I haven't found a direct comparison focused on noise. My biggest priority is quiet operation during browsing, watching videos, and other light workloads. Fan noise under gaming or heavy loads is acceptable, but pump noise matters much more to me—especially humming, buzzing, clicking, or a high-pitched tone.
If you've used or heard either cooler, I'd appreciate details about pump and fan noise at idle, during gaming or medium workloads, and under full load. I'm also interested in build quality, long-term reliability, and any known pump, fan, or LCD problems.
The system will use Corsair Vengeance RGB memory, so I'd also like to know how the lighting and LCD software experience compares between ASUS Armoury Crate/Aura Sync and Corsair iCUE.
3 Answers
From what I've seen and heard, the ROG Strix model tends to be more noticeable at idle, particularly because of its pump noise. The difference may not matter under heavy load when the fans are already audible, but the Nautilus seems like the safer choice if quiet light-use operation is your main concern.
A 360mm AIO isn't really necessary for a Ryzen 7 9700X, and both of these models carry a substantial premium for their LCD features. A less expensive cooler could handle the processor easily. That said, if the display and overall look are important to you, the extra cost is mainly buying aesthetics and software features rather than essential cooling performance.
I agree that a 360mm cooler is more than the CPU needs. I'm deliberately considering these for the LCD and appearance, so my main concern is which one gives me the quieter pump and better overall ownership experience.
I've replaced a failed 2022-era 360mm cooler with the Nautilus and have been very happy with it. Installation was straightforward, the appearance is good, and its performance feels strong for the price. I also considered several alternatives, but the Nautilus offered a better balance of aesthetics, installation convenience, and cooling for my build.
Since you own the Nautilus, how does the pump sound at idle or during light use? Can you hear any humming, buzzing, or high-pitched tone in a quiet room, and do you run the pump at full speed or reduce its RPM?
That's the kind of comparison I'm looking for. Do you have firsthand experience with either pump, or is that based mainly on reviews and other owners' reports?