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Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT — 420 AIO
Corsair

Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT

420 AIO

90
/ 100
From $349
VS
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 — 280 AIO
Arctic

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280

280 AIO

90
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

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

Pick Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT if…

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

Pick Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 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).

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

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT

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

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

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

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

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

Is Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT worth the price? +

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

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.

Does Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 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, Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280? +

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