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Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 — 280 AIO
Arctic

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

280 AIO

90
/ 100
From $99
VS
Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB — 420 AIO
Corsair

Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB

420 AIO

90
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 lands at 90 and Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 if…

  • ✓Multi-socket bracket support
  • ✓Quiet fans at idle
  • ✓Strong TDP rating

Pick Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB if…

  • ✓Multi-socket bracket support
  • ✓Quiet fans at idle
  • ✓Strong TDP rating
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Thermals

Tie

Compared on the thermals sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Install

Tie

Compared on the install sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise

Tie

Compared on the noise sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 more score per dollar ($99 vs $349).

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 90
vs
90 Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB

Score breakdown

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280
90
thermals 90
noise 86
install 88
value 86
Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB
90
thermals 90
noise 86
install 88
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 versus Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB — full spec comparison
Spec Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB
Type
280 AIO
420 AIO

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

Pros
  • +Multi-socket bracket support
  • +Quiet fans at idle
  • +Strong TDP rating
Cons
  • −Height may conflict with RAM heatspreaders
  • −AIO pump noise varies
  • −Installation requires motherboard-off

Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB

Pros
  • +Multi-socket bracket support
  • +Quiet fans at idle
  • +Strong TDP rating
Cons
  • −Height may conflict with RAM heatspreaders
  • −AIO pump noise varies
  • −Installation requires motherboard-off

FAQ: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 vs Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB

Which is better, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 or Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB? +

Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 worth the price? +

At $99, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in thermals.

Is Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB worth the price? +

At $349, Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in thermals.

Does Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 or Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 or Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT · RGB? +

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 — more score per dollar ($99 vs $349). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.