ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB - CPU AIO Water Cooler, Water Cooling PC, Intel & AMD, Efficient PWM-Controlled Pump, Fan: 200–2000 RPM, LGA1851 and LGA1700 Contact Frame - White
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AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO with a 38mm thick radiator and a dedicated VRM fan is for builders needing strong cooling for Intel LGA1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5, especially in systems with high CPU power draw.
This AIO offers strong cooling performance for high-wattage CPUs, thanks to its 38mm thick radiator and dedicated VRM fan. However, its physical dimensions, particularly the radiator and pump head thickness, mean it won't fit every case, especially smaller ones. The installation, while manageable, isn't as plug-and-play as some competitors.
If case clearance is a concern, look for AIOs with a radiator thickness closer to 27mm and a lower profile pump block.
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Pros
- Includes an Intel LGA1700/1851 contact frame for improved CPU contact pressure distribution, reducing mechanical load.
- Features a 60mm PWM-controlled VRM fan that actively cools motherboard voltage converters, extending component lifespan.
- Radiator is 38mm thick with a 23% larger fin stack, enabling improved heat dissipation and a larger liquid volume.
- Integrated cable management routes fan cables within the hose jacket, resulting in only one visible cable connecting to the motherboard.
- Offers native AMD offset mounting with a 5mm offset for optimal coverage of Ryzen CPU hotspots.
- P12 PWM PST A-RGB fans operate between 200–2000 RPM, providing up to 48.82 CFM airflow and 1.85 mm H2O static pressure.
Cons
- Radiator thickness of 38mm (63mm with fans) can lead to fitment issues in some compact PC cases.
- Pump head is almost 69mm thick, which can be problematic for very small form factor builds.
- Installation can be more involved compared to other AIOs, with only two mounting screws on the pump head making even tightening difficult.
- Limited compatibility with some motherboards due to oversized coolers on the M.2_1 slot, requiring users to check Arctic's compatibility list.
- Pump can be noticeably louder at lower RPMs, though overall noise levels at 100% fan speed are reported as lower.
Dimension Scores
The 38mm thick radiator with a 23% larger fin stack and a dedicated VRM fan provides strong cooling performance for high-end CPUs.
While overall noise at 100% fan speed is reported as lower, the pump can be noticeably louder at lower RPMs, requiring careful tuning for silent operation.
Constructed with an aluminum radiator, copper cold plate with micro skived fins, and backed by a 6-year warranty, indicating a durable design.
Integrated cable management routes fan cables within the hose jacket, leaving only one visible cable to connect to the motherboard, which is a significant aesthetic advantage.
Best For
- High-performance Intel or AMD builds requiring robust CPU and VRM cooling for sustained loads.
- Users who prioritize clean aesthetics with integrated cable management and addressable RGB lighting.
- Enthusiasts comfortable with a slightly more involved installation process for optimized thermal performance.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) PC cases where the 63mm radiator thickness or 69mm pump head might cause clearance issues.
- Beginner PC builders seeking the simplest, most straightforward AIO installation.
- Users who demand near-silent operation at all fan and pump speeds, especially at lower loads.
Watch Out For
- The 38mm thick radiator, combined with fans, results in a 63mm total thickness, which can interfere with case clearances or other components in tight builds.
- Some motherboards have oversized M.2_1 slot coolers that can cause compatibility problems; Arctic advises checking their specific compatibility list.
- The pump head's nearly 69mm thickness might prevent installation in certain small form factor cases that have strict cooler height limits.
- Initial user reports indicate potential for incorrect pump cable connection, leading to poor cooling performance until re-seated correctly.
- Mounting the pump block involves only two screws, which some users find makes achieving even pressure challenging during installation.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840033402316 |
| ASIN | B0CKXCFLPN |
| Size | Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB in white |
| Brand | ARCTIC |
| Color | white |
| Style | Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB, white |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 5 watts |
| Material | Aluminium (Radiator), Copper, Micro Skived Fins (Cold Plate) |
| Item Weight | 3.31 pounds |
| Part Number | ACFRE00150A |
| Manufacturer | ARCTIC |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 48.8 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB (White) |
| Compatible Devices | 1851, 1700; AMD, AM5, AM4, Intel |
| Product Dimensions | 10.91"L x 4.72"W x 2.48"H |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Included Components | ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB (White) |
| Installation Method | Freestanding |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Warranty Description | 6 years |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2000 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04895213704540 |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the cooling capacity, noting it handles demanding CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800x3d effectively, even outperforming some larger AIOs in specific scenarios. The integrated VRM fan is a frequently highlighted feature, providing additional cooling to motherboard components that often get overlooked. However, the physical size of the radiator and pump head, particularly its thickness, is a recurring point of concern for case compatibility. Installation, while aided by pre-installed fans, can be a bit fiddly due to the pump's two-screw mounting system.
“Man, this thing cools my 7800X3D like a champ, but seriously, measure your case twice, that radiator is THICC and the pump block is a chonker, almost didn't fit my mid-tower!”
Common Praise
- Actively cools motherboard voltage regulators with a dedicated 60mm PWM fan.
- Integrated cable management neatly hides fan wires within the hose sleeving.
- Provides strong thermal performance, keeping high-power CPUs cool under heavy loads.
- Includes an Intel contact frame and native AMD offset mounting for optimized CPU contact.
- Fans come pre-installed on the radiator, simplifying part of the setup process.
- Offers flexible control options for pump, VRM fan, and radiator fans, either unified or separate.
Common Complaints
- The 38mm radiator thickness can make it difficult to fit in some cases, especially with top-mounted configurations.
- The pump head's nearly 69mm thickness can cause clearance issues in compact builds.
- Installation can be a 'pain' due to the two-screw pump mounting and overall bulk.
- Some motherboards have M.2_1 slot coolers that conflict with the AIO, requiring users to check compatibility.
- Pump noise can be noticeable at lower RPMs, impacting quiet operation.
- A few users reported initial issues with the pump not circulating water due to incorrect wiring during setup.
Ownership Tips
- The dedicated VRM fan actually makes a noticeable difference in motherboard component temperatures, especially during overclocking or heavy CPU loads.
- The integrated cable management is a lifesaver for clean builds, reducing the usual spaghetti mess around the pump block.
- You really need to spend time dialing in the fan and pump curves; out of the box, the pump can be audible at low speeds, but it quiets down with proper tuning.
- The Intel contact frame is a must-use if you're on LGA1700/1851; it genuinely helps with thermal transfer and peace of mind about CPU warping.
- The pre-installed fans are a nice touch, but double-check their orientation if you're particular about push/pull or intake/exhaust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB includes MX-6 thermal compound in the box, so you don't need to purchase it separately.
Is the VRM fan always on, or can it be controlled?
The 60mm VRM fan is PWM-controlled, meaning its speed can be adjusted. You can either control it separately or as part of a unified PWM signal with the pump and radiator fans.
Will this fit in my small form factor case?
The radiator is 38mm thick (63mm with fans) and the pump head is almost 69mm thick. You should carefully check your case's maximum radiator and CPU cooler clearance specifications before purchasing.
Is the installation difficult?
The fans come pre-installed, and cables are integrated for a cleaner look. However, some users find the two-screw pump mounting and the overall bulkiness can make the installation a bit more involved than other AIOs.
Does it support both Intel and AMD CPUs?
Yes, it is compatible with Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 sockets (with an included contact frame) and AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets, offering native offset mounting for Ryzen processors.
Can I control the RGB lighting?
Yes, as an A-RGB model, the fans feature addressable RGB lighting, which can typically be controlled via your motherboard's RGB software or a compatible controller.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO like this, you're essentially buying a self-contained liquid cooling system for your CPU. You need to think about how much heat your CPU generates, how much space you have in your PC case, and how much noise you're willing to tolerate. A 240mm radiator is a common size, but the thickness here is a key factor for fitment. The extra VRM fan is a unique bonus for motherboard longevity.
Radiator Size (240mm) and Thickness (38mm)
The 240mm refers to the length for two 120mm fans. The 38mm thickness is important because a thicker radiator generally means more cooling surface area, like a bigger car radiator. But, it also means it takes up more space in your case, so measure your clearances carefully.
VRM Fan (60mm PWM-controlled)
This is a small fan on the pump block that blows air directly onto your motherboard's voltage regulator modules (VRMs). Think of it as a mini-fan for your motherboard's power delivery system. It helps keep those components cool, which can improve stability and extend their life, especially with power-hungry CPUs.
LGA1851 and LGA1700 Contact Frame
Intel's stock mounting for these sockets can sometimes cause the CPU to bend slightly, leading to uneven contact with the cooler. This included contact frame replaces the stock mechanism, providing more even pressure and better thermal transfer, like a perfectly flat surface for your CPU to sit on.
Integrated Cable Management
This means the fan cables are hidden inside the sleeves of the liquid tubes. It's purely for aesthetics and ease of building. Instead of having multiple fan cables to route, you only have one main cable coming from the pump block to your motherboard, making your build look much cleaner.
Alternatives
If this AIO is too bulky for your case, search for 240mm AIOs with a standard 27mm radiator thickness. If you need even more cooling, look for 280mm or 360mm AIOs, assuming your case supports them.
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