Arctic's Liquid Freezer III 240 Black stands out as an exceptional cooler for AMD users. It effortlessly managed the Ryzen 9 7900X in our test bench, where it competed closely with 280 mm and 360 mm AIOs in both maximum RPM and noise-normalized tests. The cooler handled a maximum heat load of 242 watts before throttling, trailing the DarkFlash Twister 360 and Corsair H150i Elite LCD XT by just 8 watts. Meanwhile, the top performer in that test, the Lian Li Galahad Trinity Performance 360, could only manage an additional 16 watts. Considering its size and noise performance, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 Black is undeniably well-optimized for AMD processors.

In the worst-case scenario temperature test at 45 dBA with a 225-watt load, the Arctic cooler lagged just under 2°C behind the Lian Li offering. None of the other 240 mm AIOs were able to survive that test.

On the Intel side, cooling performance is more mediocre. The Liquid Freezer III is not a bad AIO by any means; it performs as expected. Its focus on lower overall noise output at maximum RPM gives other 240 mm coolers a bit more headroom. At 45 dBA, it competes evenly with the other tested offerings. While performing well on Intel systems, it doesn't dominate as it does on AMD systems, where its cold plate is better optimized for the CPU die layout.

Nevertheless, the performance offered at its $104.99 MSRP is quite impressive. Especially if you purchase it early, as Arctic will be offering promotional deals in celebration of the company's birthday. This means the Arctic Liquid Freezer III series will be on sale from launch day for about three months. For the Liquid Freezer III 240 Black, this translates to a price drop to $76.99. At this point, it reigns as the king of 240 mm coolers for AMD and remains an exceptional value option for Intel systems as well.

The new VRM fan design not only looks far better than the previous generation, but it also provides a good deal of airflow not only to the VRM but also to your RAM. Sadly, this VRM fan, at lower RPMs, is the main noise culprit, and it's also why the unit is one of the loudest options by direct comparison at low RPM settings. However, at max RPM, the cooler is 5 to 10+ dBA quieter than the competition. Put another way, at 100% PWM, the cooler hits just 48 dBA, making it one of the quietest coolers in the test suite. Compare that to the Dashflow 240 at 55 dBA, the Alphacool Core Ocean T38 240 at 64 dBA, and other options like the Noctua NH-D15 at 49 dBA. So, while it may not be the quietest option at, say, 25% PWM, at 50%, 75%, and 100%, it begins to prove itself as a true low-noise option. I will also note here that while the VRM fan is the biggest contributor to noise at lower RPMs, it's not an unpleasant noise. My unit exhibited no strange tones or hums.

When it comes to the visual design, Arctic does offer ARGB versions for those who prefer extra bling. For anyone who dislikes the ARGB craze, then the version reviewed today will certainly be aesthetically pleasing since you're getting an elegant design that doesn't constantly scream "look at me" and instead just looks nice while getting the job done. Build quality is also a high mark here with no imperfections to speak of with my retail sample. The fans are daisy-chained together, and the wiring runs up the sleeving to the pump where you can opt for either an all-in-one cable which sets the PWM % for the pump, VRM, and radiator fans via a single CPU fan header, or you can use the alternative, which allows for individual control for each. Most importantly, there is no software required to have the cooler perform at its best, and when you pair everything thus far with a six-year warranty, you certainly have a winning combination.

I do have a few minor issues with Arctic's Liquid Freezer III series, but the key word here is minor. First and foremost is the Intel LGA1700 mounting hardware. While contact frames are great and can reduce bending, thereby improving performance, Arctic's cooler requires the use of their contact frame to even install the cooler. This is not the real problem. My issue stems from the fact that if you're upgrading a system, best practice is to remove the motherboard to deal with the removal and replacement of Intel's ILM with the Arctic contact frame. On new builds, it won't be a huge issue regardless, unless it's your first PC build or you lack experience, in which case this installation method may prove intimidating for some. Additionally, there is the fact that an installation manual is not included, and socket support, especially on Intel, is extremely limited. Essentially, if you're running an Intel system other than LGA1700, don't even bother looking at the Liquid Freezer III.

While the Liquid Freezer III 240 Black is not perfect, Arctic's latest all-in-one liquid cooler is a truly standout offering that delivers stellar overall performance. It also comes with a fantastic warranty, good looks, and what I believe most will be happy about—an affordable price of $104.99. With Arctic's birthday deal, the price drops to $76.99. Regardless of whether it's on sale or not, this is one AIO I would happily buy myself and the competition should definitely take note.