Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V3 CPU Cooler review 3 PWM ARGB fans tested
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V3 CPU Cooler review 3 PWM ARGB fans tested
- Exceptional Cooling Performance: The cooler maintains impressively low CPU temperatures even during demanding tasks, ensuring reliability under heavy workloads.
- Quiet Operation: Fans operate with minimal noise, creating a nearly silent environment even at higher speeds.
- Vibrant Lighting Effects: The customizable ARGB lighting enhances aesthetic appeal, adding a colorful, dynamic touch to setups.
- Durable Build Quality: The materials feel sturdy and designed to last, offering confidence in its long-term performance.
- Straightforward Installation: The mounting process is intuitive, accompanied by clear instructions that make setup hassle-free.
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Description
Design and Build Quality
The Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V3 immediately grabs attention with its sleek, modern design. The octagonal-shaped cold pump head, combined with the ARGB halo lighting, creates a visually stunning centerpiece for any PC build. I couldn’t help but admire the swirling rectangle design on the pump head, which adds a futuristic aesthetic to the setup. The black aluminum fin heat sink plate not only looks premium but also feels durable and well-constructed. Installation was straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and included mounting accessories. The protective mesh water pipes felt sturdy, and I appreciated the focus on durability. However, the cooler is on the heavier side, weighing close to 5 pounds, which might be a consideration for smaller or lighter cases.
Performance and Cooling Efficiency
This product boasts superior cooling capabilities, and I have to say, it delivers. Equipped with a 360mm radiator and three TL-C12B-S V2 fans, the cooler maintains a consistent temperature under heavy loads. Its fan speed of 1500 RPM ± 10% ensures a strong airflow of up to 66.17CFM, which effectively dissipates heat. Even during gaming or demanding tasks like video rendering, my CPU temperatures stayed significantly lower than with my previous air cooler. The fourth-generation pump head runs at an impressive 3300 RPM ± 10%, ensuring efficient heat transfer while keeping noise levels minimal. I also noticed that the noise level doesn’t exceed 23dBA, which is an absolute blessing for those who prefer a quieter setup.
RGB Lighting and Customization
For anyone who loves RGB, the ARGB lighting synchronization on this cooler is a showstopper. The 5V/3-pin ARGB sync feature ensures compatibility with most motherboards, making it easy to create a unified lighting scheme across my entire build. The 1600W color soft light effect is vibrant yet subtle, striking the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. I especially enjoyed the manual adjustment options, which allowed me to tweak the colors and effects to match my mood or game theme. While I loved the lighting, the ARGB header requirement might pose a challenge for those with older motherboards lacking this feature.
Compatibility and Installation
One of the best aspects of this cooler is its wide compatibility. Whether you’re running an AMD or Intel system, the Aqua Elite 360 V3 has you covered. It supports a range of CPU slots, including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1150/1151/1200/1700, making it versatile enough for almost any build. Installing the cooler was a breeze, thanks to the detailed manual and included accessories. I managed to mount it on my AMD AM5 system with minimal effort, but I could see how the size of the 360mm radiator might pose a challenge for smaller cases. If you’re working with a compact build, double-check your case dimensions before making a purchase.
Positive Features
The Aqua Elite 360 V3 comes with several standout features that impressed me:
- Exceptional cooling performance with a 360mm radiator and high-speed fans.
- Low noise levels, even under heavy load, ensuring a quieter experience.
- Vibrant ARGB lighting with extensive customization options.
- Wide compatibility with both AMD and Intel systems.
- Durable construction, including sturdy mesh water pipes and aluminum fins.
Negative Attributes
While the cooler excels in many areas, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Heavier weight might not be ideal for lighter cases.
- ARGB header requirement could limit compatibility for older motherboards.
- Large radiator size may pose challenges for smaller PC cases.
Competitive Options
When compared to other premium water coolers, such as the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix or NZXT Kraken X73, the Aqua Elite 360 V3 holds its ground admirably. The Thermalright cooler stands out with its low noise levels and unique pump design, while the Corsair model offers slightly better RGB customization via its proprietary software. On the other hand, the NZXT Kraken excels in ease of installation but tends to be noisier under load. If you prioritize performance and quiet operation, this cooler shines, but if you’re looking for a more seamless RGB ecosystem, other models might edge it out.
Price to Quality Ratio
I found the Aqua Elite 360 V3 to be a cost-effective choice for what it offers. Its top-tier cooling performance, combined with premium build quality and RGB features, makes it feel like a worthwhile investment. While other coolers in this range might offer more extensive software control, the manual adjustment options here are more than sufficient for most users. For anyone seeking a reliable and stylish water cooler without breaking the bank, this product delivers excellent financial value.
Additional information
| Product Dimensions | 4.72 x 0.98 x 4.72 inches; 4.95 Pounds |
|---|---|
| Item model number | AQUA ELITE 360 V3 |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Country of Origin | China |