Noctua
Noctua NH-U12A · RGB
Air tower
90
/ 100
From $109
VS
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 wins by 3
Arctic
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
360 mm AIO · VRM fan · silent
93
/ 100
From $109
Specdex verdict
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Noctua NH-U12A · RGB lands at 90 and Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 at 93. That puts Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Noctua NH-U12A · RGB if…
- ✓Multi-socket bracket support
- ✓Quiet fans at idle
- ✓Strong TDP rating
Pick Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 if…
- ✓Class-leading value
- ✓Integrated VRM fan
- ✓Excellent sustained load thermals
Noctua NH-U12A · RGB 90
vs 93 Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
Score breakdown
Noctua NH-U12A · RGB
90 thermals 90
noise 86
install 88
value 86
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
93 thermals 96
noise 90
install 88
value 100
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Noctua NH-U12A · RGB | Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Air tower | 360 mm AIO |
| Fans | — | 3× P12 PWM |
| Radiator thickness | — | 38 mm |
Noctua NH-U12A · 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
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
Pros
- +Class-leading value
- +Integrated VRM fan
- +Excellent sustained load thermals
Cons
- −Utilitarian looks
- −Thick rad needs case clearance
- −No RGB standard model
FAQ: Noctua NH-U12A · RGB vs Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
Which is better, Noctua NH-U12A · RGB or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360? +
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Noctua NH-U12A · RGB worth the price? +
At $109, Noctua NH-U12A · RGB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in thermals.
Is Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 worth the price? +
At $109, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in value.
Does Noctua NH-U12A · RGB or Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 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.