I'm building my first PC and I want to include an all-in-one (AIO) water cooler. I don't have a huge budget, ideally looking for something under $100, with 360 mm fans and ARGB lighting. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
You should also consider the Cooler Master ML360L ARGB V2, the ID Cooling Zoomflow 360X ARGB, or the Thermaltake TH360 ARGB Sync. They’re all under $100, have 360mm radiators, ARGB, and are super dependable for a first build!
I found a 360mm cooler for $40, but it's not great. It's seriously one of the worst-performing AIOs out there. You could swap the fans out with better ones to improve it, but I still think you'd be better off with a Thermalright model for a bit more cash.
Check out the Thermalright Frozen Infinity! It’s about $56 for black or $53 for white, and it performs really well. The Thermalright line has some solid options that should suit most CPUs. If you want something with a 3-year warranty, the ID-COOLING FX360 Info is another good pick at around $70. Plus, there’s the Lian Li Galahad II Lite for $99, which competes with the best AIOs out there for AM5 CPUs.
I've heard the Arctic Liquid Freezer 3 is fantastic for its price. I'll definitely be switching to it once my Corsair AIO gives out. It comes in both ARGB and non-RGB versions too! For something even cheaper, you might want to look into the Thermalright Aqua Elite series, which has several variants.
The Arctic Liquid Freezer 3 is definitely solid! Just keep an eye on the versions, as some perform better than others. If you can find the right deal, it’s a great budget option.
The Arctic Liquid Freezer 3 Pro II offers the best value if you ask me. However, if you're looking to save, the Thermalright Frozen Edge is among the cheapest but decent options out there. Make sure you choose one that matches well with your CPU for optimal performance!
Yeah, that $40 deal sounds tempting, but the performance just isn't there. If you want something reliable, go with a recognized brand like Thermalright.