Buying Guide
The Best Liquid CPU Coolers Under $150
Seven 360mm AIO coolers priced under $150 at the time of writing, compared on pumps, fans, cabling and socket support.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated
A 360mm AIO no longer has to cost much. Under $150 the extra money buys lighting, software and simpler cabling rather than more radiator.
We compared seven AIOs on pumps, fans, cabling and socket support, using the makers' specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Under $150
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360A thick radiator and VRM fan.
Best for: Most builds.
Check price for ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Corsair Without a Hub
CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGBFans that plug straight into the motherboard.
Best for: Simple wiring.
Check price for CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 360The Coreliquid A13 360 moves the pump into the radiator, leaving a slim block on the CPU.
Best for: Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Check price for MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Single-Cable Pick
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGBPump and fans on iCUE LINK.
Best for: Corsair ecosystems.
Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest 360
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGBThe lowest price here.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Check price for Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGBThe Kraken Core 360 is NZXT's lower-priced 360 without the LCD, keeping single-cable wiring.
Best for: Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Check price for NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
ASUS TUF Gaming LC III ARGB 360The TUF Gaming LC III 360 uses pre-installed integrated fans and 400mm sleeved tubes.
Best for: Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming LC III ARGB 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Under $1501 of 7
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 is a thick-radiator AIO at a price close to many 240mm units.
Best for
- Most builds.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Aqua Elite 360 V6 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
A small fan on the pump block cools the motherboard's power stages. Its integrated VRM fan cools the motherboard power stage, which a standard AIO leaves without airflow. The offset cold plate sits over the CPU hotspot rather than the centre of the heatspreader.
The fan cables run inside the tube sleeving, so only one cable reaches the motherboard. It also offers P12 PRO fans, native offset mounting toward the CPU hotspot and a contact frame for LGA1851 and LGA1700. 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 cost less, and the Kraken Core 360 cost more.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- VRM fan
- Yes
- Cabling
- Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Built-in fan that cools the motherboard's power stages
- Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- P12 PRO fans
Cons
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed maximum fan speed, look to the Titan 360 RX instead: it offers 2100 RPM, while this one gives no figure.
Best Corsair Without a Hub2 of 7
CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB
The Nautilus 360 RS keeps Corsair's lighting but drops the iCUE hub, so the fans connect straight to the motherboard.
Best for
- Simple wiring.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Aqua Elite 360 V6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its convex cold plate comes with pre-applied paste in an optimised pattern, and the RS120 ARGB fans use magnetic dome bearings for low noise. It also comes with a pump rated at 20 dBA. 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 Coreliquid A13 360 and cheaper picks cost less, and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 cost more. If you want a confirmed maximum fan speed, look to the Titan 360 RX instead: it offers 2100 RPM, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Cabling
- Daisy-chained fans that connect straight to the motherboard
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Daisy-chained fans that connect straight to the motherboard
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Pump rated at 20 dBA
- Fans that plug straight into the motherboard
Cons
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing
Solid Alternative3 of 7
MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 360
The Coreliquid A13 360 moves the pump into the radiator, leaving a slim block on the CPU.
Best for
- Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Aqua Elite 360 V6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 390mm tubes use a triple-layer, evaporation-proof design, and the mount fits AM5, AM4 and LGA1700 with paste included. Its split-flow radiator has the pump built in, which keeps the CPU block slim. It also offers ceramic pump bearings.
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. Worth noting: highest pump speed of the picks (3800 RPM).
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Kraken Core 360 and the Nautilus 360 RS, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Max pump speed
- 3800 RPM
- Tube length
- 390mm
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Split-flow radiator with the pump built into it
- Ceramic pump bearings
- Highest pump speed of the picks (3800 RPM)
Cons
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed maximum fan speed should compare it with the Titan 360 RX, which offers 2100 RPM.
Best Single-Cable Pick4 of 7
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB
The Titan 360 RX runs its pump and fans through one iCUE LINK cable.
Best for
- Corsair ecosystems.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when lighting and display control need iCUE is a problem.
Why we like it
The FlowDrive pump uses 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 highest-priced of the 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the TUF Gaming LC III 360 and the rest. The maker doesn't give its pump speed; if that figure matters, the Coreliquid A13 360 offers 3800 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
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing
Cheapest 3605 of 7
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB
The Aqua Elite 360 V6 is one of the cheapest 360mm AIOs on sale, with three 2,000 RPM fans.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: maximum fan speed of 2000 RPM, behind the Titan 360 RX (2100 RPM).
Why we like it
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 cost the least of the 7 picks at the time of writing, with the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 the next step up. What it gives up: maximum fan speed of 2000 RPM, behind the Titan 360 RX (2100 RPM); by contrast, the Titan 360 RX offers 2100 RPM.
Key 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
- The lowest price here
Cons
- Maximum fan speed of 2000 RPM, behind the Titan 360 RX (2100 RPM)
Worth Considering6 of 7
NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB
The Kraken Core 360 is NZXT's lower-priced 360 without the LCD, keeping single-cable wiring.
Best for
- Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: lighting and display control need NZXT CAM.
Why we like it
Its 3,100 RPM pump and high static pressure fans cool heavy loads quietly, and it connects straight to the motherboard. No extra controller is needed. You also get adjustable fan control.
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 control; fan and pump speed can also run from the motherboard's headers.
When we checked, only the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Coreliquid A13 360 cost more. If you want a confirmed maximum fan speed, look to the Titan 360 RX instead: it offers 2100 RPM, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Software
- NZXT CAM
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Single-cable connection from the pump
- Adjustable fan control
Cons
- Lighting and display control need NZXT CAM
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice7 of 7
ASUS TUF Gaming LC III ARGB 360
The TUF Gaming LC III 360 uses pre-installed integrated fans and 400mm sleeved tubes.
Best for
- Buyers who want mounts on both am5 and intel lga1851.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Aqua Elite 360 V6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its fans spin from 650 to 2,600 RPM with 90.78 CFM of airflow, and the copper cold plate comes with pre-applied paste. 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.
You also get this: reinforced sleeved tubing. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Nautilus 360 RS and the Titan 360 RX, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed maximum fan speed should compare it with the Titan 360 RX, which offers 2100 RPM.
Key specs
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Tube length
- 400mm
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Pre-installed integrated fans
- Reinforced sleeved tubing
Cons
- Costs more than the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Liquid Coolers Under $150
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared seven AIO coolers on maximum fan speed, pump speed, fan size and cabling as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 5 of 7 picks leave out maximum fan speed.
- What every pick has in common
- All 7, from the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 to the TUF Gaming LC III 360, state sockets named.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Coreliquid A13 360, the Kraken Core 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 give no maximum fan speed; the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Titan 360 RX, the Kraken Core 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 give no pump speed.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Aqua Elite 360 V6 ($50 to $100) to the Titan 360 RX ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Liquid Cooler Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much maximum fan speed you need
Here maximum fan speed runs from 2000 RPM on the Aqua Elite 360 V6 to 2100 RPM on the Titan 360 RX, a 5% spread. Start with the Titan 360 RX if maximum fan speed decides it. The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Coreliquid A13 360, the Kraken Core 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 give no maximum fan speed figure, so 2 of 7 picks are compared here.
Pump speed
Across these 2 picks pump speed spans 2800 RPM (the Aqua Elite 360 V6) to 3800 RPM (the Coreliquid A13 360). If pump speed is your first filter, the Coreliquid A13 360 sets the ceiling at 3800 RPM. The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Titan 360 RX, the Kraken Core 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 give no pump speed figure, so 2 of 7 picks are compared here.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card Extras that separate them
The Aqua Elite 360 V6: a round ARGB pump head. The Kraken Core 360: adjustable fan control. The TUF Gaming LC III 360: reinforced sleeved tubing.
Budget
$50 to $100 buys the Aqua Elite 360 V6, the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Kraken Core 360, the Coreliquid A13 360 and the Nautilus 360 RS; $100 to $150 buys the TUF Gaming LC III 360 and the Titan 360 RX at our last check.
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them Start from what matters most
Most builds: the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360. Simple wiring: the Nautilus 360 RS. Corsair ecosystems: the Titan 360 RX.
How to Choose a Liquid Cooler Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most builds | Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 | A thick radiator and VRM fan |
| Simple wiring | Nautilus 360 RS | Fans that plug straight into the motherboard |
| Corsair ecosystems | Titan 360 RX | Pump and fans on iCUE LINK |
| Tight budgets | Aqua Elite 360 V6 | The lowest price here |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Titan 360 RX leads on maximum fan speed at 2100 RPM, ahead of the Aqua Elite 360 V6 at 2000 RPM. "Not listed" marks maximum fan speed where the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Coreliquid A13 360, the Kraken Core 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 leave the figure out.
| AIO cooler | Max fan speed | Max pump speed | Fan size | Cabling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | Fan cables routed inside the tube sleeving |
| Nautilus 360 RS | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | Daisy-chained fans that connect straight to the motherboard |
| Coreliquid A13 360 | Not listed | 3800 RPM | Not listed | Not listed |
| Titan 360 RX | 2100 RPM | Not listed | 120mm | One-cable iCUE LINK hub for pump and fans |
| Aqua Elite 360 V6 | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM | 120mm | Not listed |
| Kraken Core 360 | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | Not listed |
| TUF Gaming LC III 360 | Not listed | Not listed | 120mm | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Aqua Elite 360 V6 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Titan 360 RX the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | AIO coolers |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Aqua Elite 360 V6, Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, Kraken Core 360, Coreliquid A13 360, Nautilus 360 RS |
| About $100 to $150 | TUF Gaming LC III 360, Titan 360 RX |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Aqua Elite 360 V6 compare with the Titan 360 RX on maximum fan speed?
Between the top two, it is 2100 RPM on the Titan 360 RX against 2000 RPM on the Aqua Elite 360 V6, a 5% difference. The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Coreliquid A13 360, the Kraken Core 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 don't state a maximum fan speed figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 7 picks are ranked.
Which has the highest pump speed: the Coreliquid A13 360 or the Aqua Elite 360 V6?
The Coreliquid A13 360 tops pump speed at 3800 RPM; the Aqua Elite 360 V6 follows at 2800 RPM, 36% apart. The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Titan 360 RX, the Kraken Core 360 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 are left out of this ranking because their pump speed isn't stated; 2 of 7 picks are ranked.
What does the Titan 360 RX add over the Aqua Elite 360 V6?
On paper it adds maximum fan speed (2100 RPM against 2000 RPM). On our last price check the Aqua Elite 360 V6 was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Titan 360 RX in the $100 to $150 tier, with 5 other picks between them; pay the difference only if maximum fan speed decides your purchase.
Why is the Nautilus 360 RS our Best Corsair Without a Hub pick?
It carries the badge for fans that plug straight into the motherboard. It makes sense for simple wiring.
Do the Titan 360 RX and the Kraken Core 360 differ on software?
The Titan 360 RX uses iCUE; the Kraken Core 360 uses NZXT CAM. The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, the Nautilus 360 RS, the Coreliquid A13 360, the Aqua Elite 360 V6 and the TUF Gaming LC III 360 have no software listed, so 2 of 7 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 and the Nautilus 360 RS include?
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360: P12 PRO fans. The Nautilus 360 RS: a pump rated at 20 dBA. The Coreliquid A13 360: a split-flow radiator with the pump built into it.
Bottom Line
The Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 is the pick under $150. The Aqua Elite 360 V6 is the cheapest, and the Titan 360 RX or Nautilus 360 RS suit Corsair builds.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best 360mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Related guideThe Best Liquid CPU Coolers Under $200
- Related guideThe Best 240mm AIO Liquid Coolers
- Lower budgetThe Best AIO Coolers Under $120
- Similar guideThe Best Liquid CPU Coolers Under $300
- ExplainerPC Airflow Explained
- ExplainerHow Many Case Fans Do You Need?
- Check compatibility: processorsWhat Is a CPU Bottleneck and How Can You Identify One?
- Similar guideThe Best CPU Coolers Under $30
- Topic hubAll cpu coolers and cooling guides
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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