ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240-240 mm AIO CPU Cooler, Water Cooling, 38 mm Radiator, PWM Pump, VRM Fan, AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1851/1700 Contact Frame - Black
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AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO with a 38mm radiator and P12 Pro fans is for users needing serious cooling for high-wattage Intel or AMD CPUs, especially with its VRM fan and contact frame.
This AIO offers robust cooling with its 38mm radiator, P12 Pro fans, and dedicated VRM fan, making it a strong contender for demanding CPUs. However, the pump can be audible at full speed and the VRM fan is always on, which might be a dealbreaker for noise-sensitive users. Additionally, potential motherboard incompatibility with M.2 SSD coolers requires careful pre-purchase checks.
If the 240mm radiator isn't enough for your extreme cooling needs, consider upgrading to a 360mm or 420mm Liquid Freezer III Pro model for increased heat exchange surface area.
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Pros
- The 38 mm radiator enhances heat dissipation and holds more liquid than conventional 27 mm radiators, reducing heat buildup.
- ARCTIC's P12 Pro fans offer more performance at every speed, being more powerful and quieter than P12 fans at low speeds.
- The integrated VRM fan, controlled by PWM, lowers voltage converter temperatures, ensuring stable performance.
- The included contact frame for Intel LGA1851/1700 optimizes contact pressure distribution for better heat dissipation and CPU lifespan.
- Native offset mounting for Intel and AMD shifts the cold plate center toward the CPU hotspot for more efficient heat transfer.
- Integrated cable management routes fan PWM cables into the hose sheathing, resulting in only a single visible cable connected to the motherboard.
Cons
- The pump can run louder than some users prefer at full speed, potentially reaching 38.2 dBA.
- The VRM fan cannot be stopped, even when receiving a 0% PWM signal or if its cable is unplugged.
- Some motherboards may be incompatible due to oversized SSD coolers in the M.2_1 slot, requiring a free compatible M.2 cooler from ARCTIC.
- Mounting on AM4/AM5 platforms has been described by some users as 'very poor,' with a higher risk of damaging components if not careful.
Dimension Scores
The 38mm radiator, P12 Pro fans (600-3000 rpm), VRM fan (400-2500 rpm), and contact frame deliver exceptional thermal performance, with one reviewer calling it 'the strongest AIO I've tested'.
While P12 Pro fans are quieter at low speeds, the pump can be loud at full operation (38.2 dBA), and the VRM fan cannot be disabled, contributing to overall noise.
It features a copper cold plate with micro skived fins, an aluminum radiator, and durable hose sheathing, backed by a 6-year warranty, though some users found the overall feel 'cheap'.
The integrated cable management system routes fan PWM cables through the hoses, leaving only a single visible cable connected to the motherboard, which is very tidy.
Best For
- High-performance Intel LGA1851/1700 and AMD AM5/AM4 CPUs that generate significant heat.
- PC builds where VRM cooling is a priority for motherboard stability and longevity.
- Users who prioritize maximum thermal performance and don't mind potential pump noise at peak loads.
- Cases with at least 63 mm of clearance for the radiator and fan assembly.
Not Recommended For
- Users highly sensitive to noise, especially pump noise, at all operating speeds.
- Small form factor (SFF) PC builds where the pump height might interfere with vertical GPU mounting.
- Motherboards with oversized M.2_1 slot SSD coolers without verifying compatibility or being willing to request a free cooler from ARCTIC.
Watch Out For
- The pump's noise at full speed can be noticeable, with testing showing it can reach 38.2 dBA, which some users might find too loud.
- The integrated VRM fan cannot be turned off, even if you send a 0% PWM signal or unplug its dedicated cable, meaning it will always contribute some noise.
- Some users reported CPU temperatures reaching 85°C on a Ryzen 5 9600x even with max fan and pump speeds during stress tests, questioning its 180TDP handling.
- The mounting mechanism for AM4/AM5 sockets has been criticized as 'very poor' by some users, carrying a higher risk of damage during installation compared to other AIOs.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840033402897 |
| ASIN | B0DLWFBHSL |
| Brand | ARCTIC |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.96 watts |
| Material | Aluminium (Radiator), Copper, Micro Skived Fins (Cold Plate) |
| Item Weight | 3.69 pounds |
| Manufacturer | ARCTIC |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 77 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | ACFRE00178A |
| Compatible Devices | AMD, Intel |
| Product Dimensions | 10.9"L x 4.7"W x 2.6"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 3000 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04895265000218 |
What Buyers Say
This AIO really pushes the limits for a 240mm, especially with its thicker 38mm radiator and those P12 Pro fans, which reviewers say can handle even the most demanding CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The VRM fan is a clever touch for motherboard stability, but you can't turn it off, which is a bit annoying if you're chasing absolute silence. Installation can be a bit fiddly, particularly on AM4/AM5, and some folks have run into issues with oversized M.2 SSD coolers blocking things up.
“Dude, this thing cools my 14700K like a champ, but man, that pump can get whiny when it's really working, and I wish I could just turn off that little VRM fan sometimes!”
Common Praise
- Exceptional cooling performance for high-end CPUs, often outperforming other AIOs.
- The integrated VRM fan effectively cools motherboard voltage regulators, contributing to system stability.
- The integrated cable management makes for a very clean build with minimal visible wires.
- The inclusion of a contact frame for Intel LGA1851/1700 improves thermal transfer and CPU longevity.
- Comes with high-quality MX-6 thermal paste, so you don't need to buy extra.
- Backed by a substantial 6-year warranty, offering peace of mind.
Common Complaints
- The pump can be noticeably loud when running at its maximum speed, reaching 38.2 dBA.
- The VRM fan cannot be disabled, even with a 0% PWM signal, meaning it's always running.
- Some motherboards have compatibility issues due to oversized M.2_1 slot SSD coolers, requiring a specific free cooler from ARCTIC.
- The mounting process for AM4/AM5 platforms has been described as difficult and potentially risky by some users.
- A few users reported higher CPU temperatures (around 85°C) than expected even under stress tests, questioning its cooling capacity for certain CPUs.
Ownership Tips
- You'll likely need to tweak fan curves in your BIOS to manage noise, especially the pump, as it can be audible at 100% speed.
- The VRM fan, while effective, is always on, so if you're aiming for a completely silent build at idle, this might bother you.
- Double-check your motherboard's M.2_1 slot clearance; some larger SSD heatsinks might interfere, but ARCTIC offers a free replacement cooler if needed.
- The offset mounting for both Intel and AMD actually does make a difference in getting those CPU hotspots cooled more efficiently.
- The pre-applied thermal paste and integrated cable management really do simplify the installation process, saving time and making things look cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 includes a tube of ARCTIC MX-6 thermal paste.
What is the thickness of the radiator?
The radiator on this model is 38 mm thick, which allows it to hold more liquid and dissipate heat more effectively than thinner radiators.
Can I control the pump and fans separately?
Yes, ARCTIC provides two control options: you can use a splitter cable for separate control of the pump, VRM fan, and radiator fans, or use an all-in-one cable for synchronized control via a single PWM signal.
Is it compatible with Intel's latest sockets?
Yes, it is compatible with Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets and includes a contact frame for optimized pressure distribution.
What is the purpose of the integrated VRM fan?
The integrated VRM fan is PWM-controlled and specifically designed to lower the temperature of the voltage converters on your motherboard, helping to ensure reliable system performance.
What is the warranty period for this cooler?
ARCTIC provides a 6-year warranty for the Liquid Freezer III Pro 240.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO cooler like this, you're essentially getting a self-contained liquid cooling system for your CPU. The big things to consider are the radiator size (240mm here), which dictates how much heat it can shed, and the fan quality, which moves air through that radiator. A VRM fan, like this one has, is a bonus that cools the power delivery components on your motherboard, which can be crucial for overclocking or high-end CPUs. You need to make sure your case has enough space for the radiator and fans, and that your motherboard is compatible.
38 mm Radiator
This isn't just a standard thin radiator; at 38mm thick, it holds more cooling liquid and has more surface area than typical 27mm radiators. Think of it like having a bigger, more efficient sponge to soak up and release heat from your CPU, especially during intense, sustained loads.
P12 Pro fan
These aren't just any fans; they're designed for high static pressure and airflow. This means they can push a lot of air through the dense fins of the radiator, even at lower RPMs, which translates to better cooling performance without necessarily sounding like a jet engine.
Integrated VRM fan
Most CPU coolers only focus on the CPU itself. This little fan on the pump block actively cools the Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) on your motherboard. These components get hot, especially with powerful CPUs, and keeping them cool helps prevent throttling and ensures your system runs stably.
Contact Frame for Intel LGA1851/1700
Intel's newer sockets can sometimes have slight bowing, leading to uneven contact with the cooler. This contact frame replaces the stock retention mechanism, ensuring a flatter, more even pressure distribution across your CPU's integrated heat spreader, which means better heat transfer to the cooler.
Alternatives
If you need even more cooling capacity, look for AIOs with larger radiator sizes, like 360mm or 420mm, to dissipate more heat. If noise is your absolute top priority, search for AIOs specifically marketed for ultra-quiet operation, often featuring larger, slower-spinning fans or different pump designs.
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