In terms of pure performance, the Valkyrie Syn 360 stands out as a remarkable product from a relatively new manufacturer. If noise is not a concern, then you're in luck, as this AIO manages to take the top spot when it comes to cooling performance on both our Intel and AMD test benches. However, when all coolers are limited to the same 45 dBA noise level, its performance ranking dips a bit on the Intel test bench. It still performs exceptionally well but no longer remains the top choice, falling into the middle range when compared to other 360 mm AIOs. On the flip side, the AMD results show the cooler remaining the best performer. In general, the results are fantastic, and I have no real issues regarding what the cooler is capable of. In terms of noise levels, the cooler is certainly loud at 100% PWM, hitting 56 dBA. It isn't the loudest cooler out there, but it's not exactly pleasant either. That said, I didn't notice any gurgling pump noises or odd tonal hums from the fans, so while it is indeed loud, the noise profile is not as bad as it could have been. With custom fan settings, the overall noise levels can be reined in without completely compromising performance.

While unboxing is not a deciding factor for me when buying a product, I can say Valkyrie went above and beyond with the Syn 360. Everything about the packaging, from its design and the protection it provides to the product, to the general unboxing experience, is fantastic. It really helps convey a premium feel. However, all that effort in packaging is let down by minor oversights.

For example, Valkyrie include blue pump top accents, which would normally be nice, but when the rest of the red accents can't be changed, it ends up as a waste since the blue clashes with the established color scheme. These accents also use tiny magnets, and I had one pop out, meaning if that happens when you don't notice, you could be looking for it for a while. They also include a chunky manual, a nice inclusion as most brands seem to prefer QR codes and consider it sufficient. Yet, when that same manual specifies the wrong parts to mount a cooler (specifically LGA2011 mounting bolts on AMD platforms), that is an easily avoidable mistake. If you're reading the manual and checking all the parts it's an easy mistake to spot so not the end of the world, but it should have been caught. The generous five-year warranty does help smooth over a few of these rougher edges, but it doesn't excuse them.

Beyond the minor nitpicking, the build quality on the rest of the unit is good, the fans are rigid and have a nice heft, while the mounting hardware is easy to work with. Other add-ons, like the individual adaptors for the daisy-chainable fans, mean the non-standard connectors are not a problem since each fan can be adapted for later use down the road. In this respect, Valkyrie can be commended for paying attention to details.

Regarding other features, the LCD is kind of fun at first, but like every other cooler with an LCD, the novelty wears off pretty quickly. Sure it is nice to be able to add a custom image or video, or see real time temperature data, but most users spend their time staring at their monitor, not a tiny display on the cooler, and its inclusion means the Syn 360 is expensive. It also means software is required to get the most out of this cooler. Thankfully, the software applies to the LCD only and the ARGB lighting, pump, and fan control are handled via more traditional means, namely your motherboard's bundled software/BIOS. The included ARGB hub is quite simple, but does its job, so I have no complaints on that front either. As for the ARGB lighting itself, it is much more subtle than usually seen, and while it adds to the overall visual appeal, it's not enough to be over the top. This means the ARGB will look good in most rigs with a black and red theme. If you want something different, Valkyrie do offer a white and blue-themed Syn 360 as well.

Overall, I am impressed by the Valkyrie Syn 360 when looking at pure performance. The five-year warranty is a nice cherry on top. However, other features are just that, features, and they certainly result in hefty price tag. At $248, the Syn 360, stellar performance or not, is a hard sell compared to far more affordable and similarly high-performance liquid coolers. If you absolutely want to have a cooler with a customizable LCD, then by all means, I recommend the Syn 360 because of the performance it brings, but it remains a recommendation based on its intended niche market alone.