Buying Guide
The Best CPU Coolers for 3D Rendering
We weighed five liquid coolers on maximum fan speed and fan size, and the Titan 360 RX costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Renders can run a 16-core chip at full power for hours. Every pick has a 360mm or larger radiator at the premium end, over $110 at the time of writing.
Rankings weigh max fan speed, fan size and pump display as the makers state them; we did not test these liquid coolers ourselves, and if a maker skips max fan speed, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Ryujin III ARGB Extreme WhiteThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump.
Best for: Buyers who want an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump and can spend more than the Kraken Elite 360 costs.
Check price for ASUS ROG Ryujin III ARGB Extreme White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB WhiteA 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Check price for NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
L-Connect Software
Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360 CL WhiteA L-Connect software.
Best for: Buyers who want a L-Connect software.
Check price for Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360 CL White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
NZXT Kraken Plus 360NZXT's Turbine pump.
Best for: Buyers who want NZXT's Turbine pump.
Check price for NZXT Kraken Plus 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGBThe cheapest way into this group, below the Kraken Plus 360.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Kraken Plus 360 the next step up.
Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
ASUS ROG Ryujin III ARGB Extreme White
The ROG Ryujin III Extreme White has a 3.5-inch LCD and a fan in the pump housing that cools the VRM area.
Best for
- Buyers who want an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump and can spend more than the Kraken Elite 360 costs.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Titan 360 RX was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 3.5-inch 640x480 screen shows custom GIFs or live readings, and magnet-snap fans speed up installation. Software controls pump and fan speed. A 3.5-inch pump display is unique to it among these picks, while the Kraken Elite 360 uses a 2.72-inch IPS pump display.
It also comes with an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump. Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Kraken Elite 360.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Pump display
- 3.5-inch
- VRM fan
- Yes
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 3.5-inch pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Built-in fan that cools the motherboard's power stages
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Asetek Gen8 V2 pump
Cons
- Costs more than the Titan 360 RX at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed maximum fan speed should compare it with the HydroShift II LCD-S 360, which offers 2200 RPM.
Also Consider2 of 5
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB White
The Kraken Elite 360 has a 2.72-inch LCD that can show temperatures, images or GIFs.
Best for
- Buyers who want 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Pass on it if lighting and display control need NZXT CAM rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
You pay mainly for the screen. You get a 2.72-inch IPS pump display here, which sets it apart from the Ryujin III Extreme White and its a 3.5-inch pump display. It shares NZXT CAM software with the Kraken Plus 360; the Titan 360 RX goes with iCUE software.
It also comes with a 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate and a white finish. Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851.
Plan to install NZXT CAM for lighting and display control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper HydroShift II LCD-S 360 and the pricier Ryujin III Extreme White, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Pump display
- 2.72-inch IPS
- Software
- NZXT CAM
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 2.72-inch IPS pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate
- White finish
Cons
- Lighting and display control need NZXT CAM
- Costs more than the Titan 360 RX at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its maximum fan speed; if that figure matters, the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 offers 2200 RPM.
L-Connect Software3 of 5
Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360 CL White
The HydroShift II LCD-S 360 has a 3.4-inch screen and tubes that can exit in different directions.
Best for
- Buyers who want a L-Connect software.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: lighting and display control need L-Connect.
Why we like it
No other pick in this guide offers a 3.4-inch IPS pump display; compare the Kraken Elite 360, which has a 2.72-inch IPS pump display. No other pick in this guide offers L-Connect software; compare the Titan 360 RX, which has iCUE software. It also comes with adjustable tube routing, a slim 24mm radiator and a white finish.
Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. The maker doesn't spell out LGA1851 mounting, so confirm it on the maker's site for a Core Ultra build. Plan to install L-Connect for lighting and display control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers. It was priced above the Kraken Plus 360 and below the Kraken Elite 360 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max fan speed
- 2200 RPM
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Pump display
- 3.4-inch IPS
- Zero RPM mode
- Yes
- Software
- L-Connect
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- 3.4-inch IPS pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- Adjustable tube routing
- Slim 24mm radiator
Cons
- Lighting and display control need L-Connect
- Costs more than the Titan 360 RX at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
NZXT Kraken Plus 360
The Kraken Plus 360 adds a 1.54-inch LCD to NZXT's pump for temperatures or custom images, with zero RPM fan control through NZXT CAM.
Best for
- Buyers who want NZXT's Turbine pump.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: lighting and display control need NZXT CAM.
Why we like it
A 1.54-inch pump display is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryujin III Extreme White uses a 3.5-inch pump display. It shares NZXT CAM software with the Kraken Elite 360; the Titan 360 RX goes with iCUE software. It also offers a single breakout cable from the pump cap.
Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. Plan to install NZXT CAM for lighting and display control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers. Its price falls between the Titan 360 RX and the HydroShift II LCD-S 360, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Pump display
- 1.54-inch
- Zero RPM mode
- Yes
- Software
- NZXT CAM
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 1.54-inch pump-head display for temperatures or images
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- NZXT's Turbine pump
Cons
- Lighting and display control need NZXT CAM
- Costs more than the Titan 360 RX at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed maximum fan speed should compare it with the HydroShift II LCD-S 360, which offers 2200 RPM.
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB
The Titan 360 RX runs pump and fans through one iCUE LINK hub, with fans up to 2100 RPM and a zero RPM mode.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Kraken Plus 360 the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: lighting and display control need iCUE.
Why we like it
It fits builds already in Corsair's ecosystem. You get iCUE software here, which sets it apart from the Kraken Plus 360 and its NZXT CAM software. You also get a FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor.
Check that your case offers 360mm radiator support at the front or top, and allow for the radiator's thickness plus fans above the motherboard's heatsinks. It supports both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. Plan to install iCUE for lighting control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Kraken Plus 360 was the next step up. The main gap: maximum fan speed of 2100 RPM, behind the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 (2200 RPM). If that matters, the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 offers 2200 RPM.
Key specs
- Max fan speed
- 2100 RPM
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Zero RPM mode
- Yes
- Cabling
- One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- Software
- iCUE
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Zero RPM mode stops the fans at light load
- One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- FlowDrive pump with a three-phase motor
Cons
- Lighting and display control need iCUE
- Maximum fan speed of 2100 RPM, behind the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 (2200 RPM)
How We Chose These CPU Coolers for 3D Rendering
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared five AIO coolers on maximum fan speed, fan size, pump display and zero RPM mode from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while maximum fan speed and pump display have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryujin III Extreme White to the Titan 360 RX, state fan size and sockets named.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryujin III Extreme White, the Kraken Elite 360 and the Kraken Plus 360 give no maximum fan speed; the Titan 360 RX gives no pump display.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Titan 360 RX ($100 to $150) to the Ryujin III Extreme White ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPU Cooler for 3D Rendering
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Maximum fan speed across these picks
Across these 2 picks maximum fan speed spans 2100 RPM (the Titan 360 RX) to 2200 RPM (the HydroShift II LCD-S 360). If maximum fan speed is your first filter, the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 sets the ceiling at 2200 RPM. The Ryujin III Extreme White, the Kraken Elite 360 and the Kraken Plus 360 give no maximum fan speed figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Zero RPM mode
The HydroShift II LCD-S 360, the Kraken Plus 360 and the Titan 360 RX have it. Sort out zero RPM mode before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 3.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card Software
The Kraken Elite 360 and the Kraken Plus 360 list NZXT CAM; the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 lists L-Connect; the Titan 360 RX lists iCUE. Sort out software before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2, 1 and 1.
Extras that separate them
The HydroShift II LCD-S 360: a slim 24mm radiator. The Kraken Plus 360: a single breakout cable from the pump cap. The Titan 360 RX: pre-mounted RX RGB fans.
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them Budget
$100 to $150 buys the Titan 360 RX; $150 to $250 buys the Kraken Plus 360 and the HydroShift II LCD-S 360; $250 to $500 buys the Kraken Elite 360 and the Ryujin III Extreme White at our last check.
How to Choose a CPU Cooler for 3D Rendering
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump and can spend more than the Kraken Elite 360 costs | Ryujin III Extreme White | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump |
| Buyers who want 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate | Kraken Elite 360 | A 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers who want a L-Connect software | HydroShift II LCD-S 360 | A L-Connect software |
| Buyers who want NZXT's Turbine pump | Kraken Plus 360 | NZXT's Turbine pump |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Kraken Plus 360 the next step up | Titan 360 RX | The cheapest way into this group, below the Kraken Plus 360 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The HydroShift II LCD-S 360 leads on maximum fan speed at 2200 RPM, ahead of the Titan 360 RX at 2100 RPM. "Not listed" marks maximum fan speed where the Ryujin III Extreme White, the Kraken Elite 360 and the Kraken Plus 360 leave the figure out.
| AIO cooler | Max fan speed | Fan size | Pump display | Zero RPM mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryujin III Extreme White | Not listed | 120mm | 3.5-inch | Not listed |
| Kraken Elite 360 | Not listed | 120mm | 2.72-inch IPS | Not listed |
| HydroShift II LCD-S 360 | 2200 RPM | 120mm | 3.4-inch IPS | Yes |
| Kraken Plus 360 | Not listed | 120mm | 1.54-inch | Yes |
| Titan 360 RX | 2100 RPM | 120mm | Not listed | Yes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Titan 360 RX was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Ryujin III Extreme White the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | AIO coolers |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Titan 360 RX |
| About $150 to $250 | Kraken Plus 360, HydroShift II LCD-S 360 |
| About $250 to $500 | Kraken Elite 360, Ryujin III Extreme White |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Titan 360 RX compare with the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 on maximum fan speed?
The HydroShift II LCD-S 360 leads at 2200 RPM, with the Titan 360 RX at 2100 RPM. No maximum fan speed figure is published for the Ryujin III Extreme White, the Kraken Elite 360 and the Kraken Plus 360, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Why is the Titan 360 RX our Lowest Price Here pick?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the Kraken Plus 360. It suits spending as little as possible, with the Kraken Plus 360 the next step up.
Do the Ryujin III Extreme White and the Kraken Elite 360 differ on pump display?
The Ryujin III Extreme White uses 3.5-inch; the Kraken Elite 360 uses 2.72-inch IPS; the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 uses 3.4-inch IPS; the Kraken Plus 360 uses 1.54-inch. The Titan 360 RX has no pump display listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Ryujin III Extreme White and the Kraken Elite 360 include?
The Ryujin III Extreme White: an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump. The Kraken Elite 360: a 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate. The HydroShift II LCD-S 360: adjustable tube routing.
Who should choose the HydroShift II LCD-S 360?
The HydroShift II LCD-S 360 carries our L-Connect Software label for a L-Connect software. It ranks third of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a L-Connect software.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryujin III Extreme White, chosen for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an Asetek Gen8 V2 pump. Look at the Kraken Elite 360 for a 640x640 LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate, the HydroShift II LCD-S 360 for a L-Connect software and the Kraken Plus 360 for NZXT's Turbine pump if those matter more to you.
Check the pump's warranty; it's the part that wears in long render sessions.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Related guideThe Best 240mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Related guideThe Best CPU Air Coolers
- Lower budgetThe Best CPU Coolers Under $30
- Similar guideThe Best Black CPU Coolers
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- Check compatibility: processorsHow to Check CPU and Motherboard Compatibility
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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