Arctic Liquid Freezer Ii 360 Vs Kraken X73: The Ultimate Cooling Showdown – Discover The Best Aio Cooler For Your Rig!

In the realm of PC cooling, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 stand as two formidable contenders in the AIO (All-in-One) liquid cooler category. Both coolers boast impressive specifications and promise exceptional cooling performance, making them popular choices among PC enthusiasts and gamers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 against the Kraken X73, evaluating their features, performance, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the superior cooling solution.

Cooling Performance: A Battle of Degrees

When it comes to cooling performance, both the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 deliver impressive results. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 features a 360mm radiator paired with three 120mm fans, providing a total of 54 fins per inch (FPI) for enhanced heat dissipation. On the other hand, the Kraken X73 boasts a 360mm radiator with three 120mm Aer RGB 2 fans, offering a claimed 70 FPI for efficient cooling.

In terms of actual performance, both coolers have demonstrated their capabilities in various benchmarks and reviews. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 has been praised for its exceptional cooling efficiency, maintaining low temperatures even under heavy loads. It has been shown to outperform many competing AIO coolers in terms of raw cooling power.

The Kraken X73, on the other hand, has also garnered positive reviews for its cooling performance. It effectively keeps temperatures in check, even during demanding gaming sessions or intensive workloads. However, it may fall slightly behind the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 in terms of absolute cooling capacity.

Noise Levels: Striking a Balance

Noise levels are a crucial consideration for many PC builders, especially those seeking a quiet and peaceful computing experience. Both the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 have taken steps to minimize noise output and provide a quieter operation.

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 utilizes fluid dynamic bearings (FDB) in its fans, which are known for their low noise operation. Additionally, the fans feature a wide range of speed control options, allowing users to adjust the fan speed according to their preference and system load.

The Kraken X73 also employs FDB fans, ensuring quiet operation. It incorporates NZXT’s CAM software, which provides extensive fan control options, enabling users to create custom fan profiles for a balance between cooling performance and noise levels.

In practice, both coolers have been found to operate quietly, even at higher fan speeds. However, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 may have a slight edge in terms of overall noise levels, particularly at lower fan speeds.

Build Quality and Aesthetics: Form Meets Function

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 both exhibit solid build quality and attention to detail. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 features a durable copper cold plate and aluminum radiator, while the Kraken X73 boasts a copper cold plate and a stainless-steel radiator. Both coolers come with pre-applied thermal paste, making installation a breeze.

In terms of aesthetics, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 sports a sleek and understated design, with black components and a silver radiator. The Kraken X73, on the other hand, features a more vibrant aesthetic, with customizable RGB lighting on the pump head and fans, allowing users to match their system’s color scheme.

Software and Control: Taking Command of Cooling

Both the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 offer software suites for monitoring and controlling the coolers. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 utilizes the Arctic Cooling software, which provides basic fan control and monitoring capabilities. It allows users to adjust fan speeds and monitor temperatures, but lacks the advanced features found in some competing software.

The Kraken X73, on the other hand, is compatible with NZXT’s CAM software, which offers a wider range of features and customization options. CAM allows users to create custom fan profiles, monitor temperatures, and even control the RGB lighting on the pump head and fans. It provides a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience compared to the Arctic Cooling software.

Compatibility: Fitting into Your System

Compatibility is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an AIO cooler. Both the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 support the latest Intel and AMD CPU sockets, ensuring wide compatibility with various motherboards. However, it’s always advisable to check the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm compatibility with your specific system configuration.

Price and Value: Weighing the Options

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 fall within a similar price range, making them direct competitors in terms of value. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 typically retails for a slightly lower price, offering a more budget-friendly option. However, the Kraken X73’s more extensive software suite and customizable RGB lighting may justify its slightly higher price tag for some users.

The Verdict: A Close Contest, a Clear Winner

In the battle of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 vs Kraken X73, both coolers have demonstrated impressive cooling performance, low noise levels, and solid build quality. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 stands out with its exceptional cooling efficiency and slightly quieter operation, while the Kraken X73 offers a more comprehensive software suite and customizable RGB lighting.

Ultimately, the choice between the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 and the Kraken X73 depends on individual preferences and priorities. If raw cooling power and noise levels are your top concerns, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is a compelling choice. However, if you value software control, RGB lighting, and a more comprehensive user experience, the Kraken X73 may be a better fit.

What You Need to Know

1. Which cooler has better cooling performance, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 or the Kraken X73?

Both coolers offer excellent cooling performance, but the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 may have a slight edge in terms of raw cooling power.

2. Which cooler is quieter, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 or the Kraken X73?

Both coolers operate quietly, but the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 may have a slight advantage in terms of noise levels, particularly at lower fan speeds.

3. Which cooler has better software and control options, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 or the Kraken X73?

The Kraken X73 has a more comprehensive software suite (NZXT CAM) that offers extensive fan control, monitoring capabilities, and customizable RGB lighting.

4. Which cooler is more compatible, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 or the Kraken X73?

Both coolers support the latest Intel and AMD CPU sockets, ensuring wide compatibility with various motherboards. However, it’s always advisable to check the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm compatibility with your specific system configuration.

5. Which cooler offers better value for money, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 or the Kraken X73?

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 typically retails for a slightly lower price, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Kraken X73’s more extensive software suite and customizable RGB lighting may justify its slightly higher price tag for some users.