A Closer Look

Compared to other AIOs on the market, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 Black boasts a radiator with a more premium feel than most. It possesses a satisfying heft, and the boxier design feels pleasant in the hands. Essentially, it's a chunky offering, but in a positive way, as the radiator measures 38 mm in thickness, deviating from the more standard 27 mm thickness found on other AIOs, giving greater surface area. The differences don't end there; the aluminium radiator has an FPI (fins-per-inch) of roughly 15, as opposed to the more prototypical 20-21. This adjustment should enhance airflow through the thicker radiator. Additionally, the fittings are distinct, featuring minor design elements that set them apart. The indentations capture light, transforming something mundane and making it a bit more visually interesting.


When it comes to the pump and copper cold plate, things are again wildly different from the norm. The pump has been shifted to accommodate a larger VRM fan, enhancing airflow to surrounding components. It smoothly slides into place and is securely held by magnets. As for the fittings on the pump, Arctic opted for the swivel variety, making it much easier to position the tubing just right. With everything wired up and neatly running through the cable sleeving, the pump housing presents a clean and polished look. Lastly, the copper cold plate is much smaller than anticipated, measuring roughly 40 x 44 mm, significantly smaller than, for example, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT, which features a cold plate measuring about 55 x 55 mm. In terms of finish, the base, though slightly convex, displays only barely visible machining marks, contributing to a premium feel that aligns with the overall quality of the cooler.


The fans for the radiator are from Arctic's P12 lineup and have an RPM range of 200-1800 and a max CFM rating of 56.30. The VRM fan roughly measures out to 50 mm with no listed CFM rating. However, the RPM range of 400-2500 RPM is exceptionally wide as well. Pair that with a PWM pump rated for 800-2800 RPM, and you have an AIO that should be essentially silent at idle or low loads.