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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Under $150
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
A thick radiator and VRM fan.
Best for: Most builds.
Our take Check price for ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 (opens in a new tab)
Best Corsair Without a Hub
CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB
Fans that plug straight into the motherboard.
Best for: Simple wiring.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
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.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG CORELIQUID A13 360 (opens in a new tab)
Best Single-Cable Pick
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB
Pump and fans on iCUE LINK.
Best for: Corsair ecosystems.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest 360
Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB
The lowest price here.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V6 ARGB (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
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.
Our take Check price for NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
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.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming LC III ARGB 360 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Under $1501 of 7
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. 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 dimensions & 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
Best Corsair Without a Hub2 of 7
CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. Its price falls between the Kraken Core 360 and the Nautilus 360 RS, 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 dimensions & 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
Best Single-Cable Pick4 of 7
CORSAIR iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 iCU 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 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
- 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 dimensions & 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
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Extras
- We recorded pump displays, VRM fans and zero RPM modes where listed.
- Pump and fans
- We noted listed pump and fan speeds and fan size.
- Setup
- We compared cabling, hubs and the software each unit needs.
- Fit and mounting
- We checked radiator size and listed socket support, including AM5 and LGA1851.
What to Look for in a Liquid Cooler Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
Is an LCD pump head worth it?
Only for looks or quick temperature readouts. It does not change cooling performance.
Do AIO coolers leak?
Leaks are rare with current sealed units, and several makers cover damage under warranty. Check the terms for your model.
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.
Where do I plug in the pump?
Use the motherboard's AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN header, set to full speed or DC mode as the maker recommends.
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.
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.