Buying Guide
The Best CPU Coolers for Video Editing
We weighed five liquid coolers on maximum fan speed and pump speed, and the Frozen Notte 360 White costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Exports hold the CPU at full load for minutes at a time, which is where a 360mm radiator earns its place. Every pick has a 360mm radiator and cost $110 or less.
We ranked these liquid coolers on max fan speed, max pump speed and fan size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these liquid coolers ourselves, and where a maker leaves out max fan speed, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2
The cheapest way into this group, below the Aqua Elite 360 V6.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB
A round ARGB pump head.
Best for: Buyers who want round ARGB pump head.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB White
A white radiator with a round ARGB pump head.
Best for: Buyers who want white radiator with a round ARGB pump head.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB White (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ID-COOLING FX360 PRO
A 350W rating.
Best for: Buyers who want 350W rating.
Our take Check price for ID-COOLING FX360 PRO (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Cooler Master 360L Core ARGB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a Gen S dual-chamber pump.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master 360L Core ARGB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Frozen Notte 360 White stands out for a white radiator and fans.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5300 RPM pump speed and offers a 120mm fan size. Its copper mirror base sits under a white 360mm radiator with 450mm braided tubes. Long tubes suit front-mounted radiators in large cases.
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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Aqua Elite 360 V6 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed maximum fan speed should compare it with the Aqua Elite 360 V6, which offers 2000 RPM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max pump speed: 5300 RPM
- Fan size: 120mm
- Tube length: 450mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- White radiator and fans
- Highest pump speed of the picks (5300 RPM)
- The cheapest way into this group, below the Aqua Elite 360 V6
Also Consider2 of 5
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Aqua Elite 360 V6 is the budget route to a 360mm radiator, listing a 2800 RPM pump and 2000 RPM fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want round ARGB pump head.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Frozen Notte 360 White, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits a hot CPU when the budget is tight. Its round pump head uses Thermalright's fourth-generation pump, and the fans and block sync to a 5V ARGB header. The radiator moves up to 70.84 CFM.
The fans are pre-installed and daisy-chained, which saves motherboard headers. 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 priced above the Frozen Notte 360 White and below the Aqua Elite 360 V6 White at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max fan speed: 2000 RPM
- Max pump speed: 2800 RPM
- Fan size: 120mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Round ARGB pump head
- 2000 RPM maximum fan speed
- 2800 RPM pump speed
Cons
- Costs more than the Frozen Notte 360 White at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Aqua Elite 360 V6 White is the white version of Thermalright's budget 360.
Best for
- Buyers who want white radiator with a round ARGB pump head.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Frozen Notte 360 White was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its fourth-generation pump head sits over a white 360mm radiator that moves up to 70.84 CFM. White fans and tubes suit an all-white build. White TL-N12W fans match the radiator for an all-white look.
The radiator measures 397mm long and 52mm thick with fans, so check your case's radiator depth. 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. The maker doesn't give its pump speed; if that figure matters, the Frozen Notte 360 White offers 5300 RPM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max fan speed: 2000 RPM
- Fan size: 120mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- White radiator with a round ARGB pump head
- Fourth-generation pump head
- TL-N12W white fans
Cons
- Costs more than the Frozen Notte 360 White at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ID-COOLING FX360 PRO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The FX360 PRO is ID-COOLING's budget 360 rated at 350W.
Best for
- Buyers who want 350W rating.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Frozen Notte 360 White was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
ID-COOLING rates it for 350W, and its three 120mm fans move up to 82.5 CFM. The all-black finish suits dark cases. Its fans daisy-chain to each other, which cuts down on cables to the motherboard.
The fans are rated at 2.55mmH2O static pressure. You also get simple fan cable management. 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. When we checked, only the Aqua Elite 360 V6 White and cheaper picks cost less, and the 360L Core cost more. If you want a confirmed maximum fan speed, look to the Aqua Elite 360 V6 instead: it offers 2000 RPM, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- 350W rating
- Simple fan cable management
Cons
- Costs more than the Frozen Notte 360 White at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Cooler Master 360L Core ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 360L Core uses Cooler Master's dual-chamber pump and includes CryoFuze paste.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Frozen Notte 360 White cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its frosted fan blades spread ARGB light evenly, and the PWM blade design improves airflow and pressure. The minimalist pump cap keeps the look clean. 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 highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the FX360 PRO and the rest. The maker doesn't give its maximum fan speed; if that figure matters, the Aqua Elite 360 V6 offers 2000 RPM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fan size: 120mm
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Gen S dual-chamber pump
- CryoFuze paste in the box
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a Gen S dual-chamber pump
Cons
- Costs more than the Frozen Notte 360 White at the time of writing
How We Chose These CPU Coolers for Video Editing
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Setup
- We compared cabling, hubs and the software each unit needs.
- Pump and fans
- We noted listed pump and fan speeds and fan size.
- Fit and mounting
- We checked radiator size and listed socket support, including AM5 and LGA1851.
- Extras
- We recorded pump displays, VRM fans and zero RPM modes where listed.
What to Look for in a CPU Cooler for Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Mount the pump below the radiator's top
Air collects at the highest point of the loop. Keep the radiator's top edge above the pump, or tubes-down at the front, to avoid pump noise and wear.
Count the cables and headers
Some AIOs daisy-chain fans or run everything through one hub; others need several fan headers and a USB header. Check what your motherboard has free.
AIOs have a finite life
Pumps and coolant age over years of use. Warranty length is a fair guide to how long the maker expects the unit to last.
Match radiator size to the CPU
A 240mm radiator handles most gaming CPUs. 280mm and 360mm units give more headroom for 170W chips and let fans run slower.
Confirm radiator support in your case
Cases list which radiator sizes fit at the front, top and side. A top mount also has to clear the motherboard's heatsinks and tall RAM.
Check the case's clearance figure for radiator plus fans.
Software is optional but useful
LCD screens and lighting usually need the maker's software. Pump and fan speeds can run from motherboard headers instead.
How to Choose a CPU Cooler for Video Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Frozen Notte 360 White | The cheapest way into this group, below the Aqua Elite 360 V6 |
| Buyers who want round ARGB pump head | Aqua Elite 360 V6 | A round ARGB pump head |
| Buyers who want white radiator with a round ARGB pump head | Aqua Elite 360 V6 White | A white radiator with a round ARGB pump head |
| Buyers who want 350W rating | FX360 PRO | A 350W rating |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | 360L Core | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a Gen S dual-chamber pump |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| AIO cooler | Max fan speed | Max pump speed | Fan size | Sockets named |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Notte 360 White | Not listed | 5300 RPM | 120mm | AM5, AM4, Intel |
| Aqua Elite 360 V6 | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM | 120mm | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| Aqua Elite 360 V6 White | 2000 RPM | Not listed | 120mm | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| FX360 PRO | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| 360L Core | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The Frozen Notte 360 White. It undercut the Aqua Elite 360 V6 when we checked, while the 360L Core cost the most of the group.
Is an AIO better than an air cooler?
For CPUs rated at 170W or more, a 280mm or 360mm AIO usually runs cooler or quieter. For 65W to 120W chips, a good dual-tower air cooler is often just as effective.
Does an AIO need maintenance?
Only dusting the radiator. The loop is sealed and is not meant to be refilled.
Should the radiator be at the front or top?
Either works. Top-mounted exhausts keep warm air out of the case; front-mounted intake gives the CPU cooler air. Keep the pump below the radiator's top.
Is an LCD pump head worth it?
Only for looks or quick temperature readouts. It does not change cooling performance.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Frozen Notte 360 White, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Aqua Elite 360 V6. Look at the Aqua Elite 360 V6 for a round ARGB pump head, the Aqua Elite 360 V6 White for a white radiator with a round ARGB pump head and the FX360 PRO for a 350W rating if those matter more to you.
Mount the radiator at the top as exhaust so warm air leaves the case.