I'm planning to build a new PC and I'm interested in the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro cpu cooler. I'm trying to decide between the 360mm and the 420mm versions. I assume the 420mm would provide better cooling, but I'm surprised it's currently cheaper than the 360mm. Is it a good idea to go for the 420mm? Just to note, I'm aiming to use a Fractal Design North XL case for my build.
5 Answers
I had a 280mm cooler in my Fractal North, and it worked perfectly! My CPU's temps stayed around 80°C under load, which is decent. Just keep in mind the extra size when considering your setup.
It works very well, but just make sure to set a proper fan curve. Otherwise, it might run noisy. If you have the space, definitely take the 420 variant since it’s cheaper—it'll give you extra cooling headroom.
Honestly, I think these coolers are a bit overrated. I switched to an air cooler after using both and found it did just as well for me. But if you're looking for performance and good pricing, these coolers do perform well in tests—just make sure it fits your case!
If your case can accommodate the 420mm and it's cheaper, I'd say go for it! Just keep in mind that not all cases support such a large radiator. The Fractal North XL should fit it in the front, but that’s the only spot for it.
Good to know! I was concerned about case compatibility. Thanks for the heads up!
Just remember, the 420mm is massive. While it has better cooling potential, do you actually need all that for your build? It’s great for high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 or i9 rendering non-stop, but if you’re not stressing your CPU a lot, maybe the 360mm is enough.
I appreciate the input! I’m leaning towards performance, but I don’t want to overspend on something I don’t need.