CPU AIO Cooler Round Up – November 2025

1. CPU AIO Cooler Multi Review2. Testing Methodology and Test Result3. Closing Thoughts4. View All Pages

Each year we see a flood of new CPU coolers hitting the market and 360mm AIOs remain one of the most competitive categories. This roundup brings together some of the latest 360mm liquid coolers from ID-Cooling, Lian Li, Thermaltake, and Cooler Master, covering a mix of designs, features, and price points. We’re here to see how these coolers stack up not just in raw thermal performance, but also in noise levels, build quality, and overall value. Let’s get into it.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid Core NEX 360 Black ARGB: Price and availability TBA

• Dual‑Chamber Pump Design — Cooler Master's latest patented dual‑chamber pump improves water pressure and optimises flow directly to CPU hot spots for better thermal performance.
• Infinity Mirror Pump Cover — A stylish infinity‑mirror design on the pump head gives a modern aesthetic and rotates for always correct logo orientation.
• 360 mm Radiator with High‑Efficiency Fins — The large 360mm radiator maximises surface area for optimal heat dissipation, paired with pre-installed fans for consistent cooling performance.
• 400 mm Tubing & Easy Setup — Core Nex 360 comes with 400 mm tubing for flexible mounting, plus pre‑installed fans, pre-mounted brackets, and pre-applied CryoFuze thermal paste for fast, clean installation.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Intel LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 1156, AMD AM5 / AM4
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Radiator Dimensions: 394 × 119.6 × 27.2 mm
• Pump Dimensions: 83.6 × 78.5 × 62.9mm
• Pump LED: Addressable RGB
• Pump Speed: 2800 ±10% RPM
• Pump MTTF: >35,000 hours
• Pump Noise Level: 25 dBA (Max)
• Connector: 3-Pin ARGB + 4-Pin PWM
• Tube Length: 400 mm
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Fan LED: Addressable RGB
• Fan Speed: 650–1750 RPM ±10%
• Fan Max Airflow: 122.4 m³/h (71.9 CFM)
• Fan Max Air Pressure: 1.86 mmH₂O
• Fan Noise Level: 27.2 dBA (Max)
• Fan Bearing Type: Rifle Bearing
• Fan Connector: 7-Pin PWM + ARGB
• Fan Rated Current: 0.26 A
• Warranty: 5 years

ID-Cooling FX 360 LCD: Available to purchase now from Amazon UK priced at £69.99 HERE.

• Customisable 1.48-inch LCD — The pump block sports an LCD screen with 240 × 240 resolution, 18-bit (262K colour) display with 300 cd/m² backlight. The screen can display real-time performance stats, custom images and GIFs, plus videos and system information.
• High-speed ceramic-pump design — The ID-Cooling Gen 7 pump spins at up to 2,900 RPM, uses a durable ceramic bearing rated for a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
• Robust 360 mm aluminium radiator — Measuring 396 × 120 × 27 mm, with 12 waterways, and a dense fin stack to support up to 350W TDP.
• Three AS-120 V2 ARGB fans — The equipped AS-120 V2 ARGB fans run from 300 to 2,000 RPM with a maximum airflow of 58 CFM and low maximum noise output of 27.2 dB(A).

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X, AMD AM4/AM5
• TDP: 350W
• Radiator Dimensions: 396 × 120 × 27 mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Tube Material: Premium sleeved tubing
• Tube Length: 420 mm
• Waterblock Dimensions: 73 × 69 × 57 mm
• Cold Plate Material: Copper
• Pump Speed: 2900 RPM ±10% (PWM)
• Pump Bearing: Ceramic
• Pump Life Expectancy: 50,000 hours
• Pump Noise Level: 25 dB(A)
• Fans: AS-120-ARGB V2
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Fan Speed: 300–2000 RPM ±10%
• Fan Max Airflow: 58 CFM
• Fan Max Static Pressure: 1.94 mmH₂O
• Fan Max Noise: 27.2 dB(A)
• Fan Rated Current: 0.15A
• Fan Bearing Type: Hydraulic
• Connector: 7-pin (4-pin PWM + 5V 3-pin ARGB)
• LCD: 1.48 inch, 240 x 240 px, 300cd/m2, 18-bit 262K

ID-Cooling FX 360 LCD PE: Available to purchase now from Amazon UK priced at £79.99 HERE.

• 1.48-inch Customisable LCD Display – Pump head mounted LCD with 240 x 240 resolution, offering an 18‑bit colour depth (262K colours) and a 300 cd/m² backlight. This allows users to display real-time system information — like CPU temperature or frequency or even set custom graphics and short animations.
• 350W Rated Thermal Dissipation (TDP) – Built to handle high-performance CPUs with a 350W TDP rating, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts or gamers running demanding workloads.
• 360 mm Radiator & Premium Tubing — Featuring a 396 × 120 × 27 mm aluminium radiator with 420 mm long premium sleeved tubing for efficient heat dissipation.
• Powerful, Quiet Fans — Equipped with three 120 mm AP-120-K fans with a speed range of zero to 2450 RPM, delivering up to 88.75 CFM max airflow and maximum noise output of 34.3 dB(A).

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X, AMD AM4/AM5
• TDP: 350W
• Radiator Dimensions: 396 × 120 × 27 mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Tube Material: Premium Sleeved Tubing
• Tube Length: 420 mm
• Waterblock Dimensions: 73 × 69 × 57 mm
• Cold Plate Material: Copper
• Pump Speed: 2900 RPM ±10% (PWM)
• Pump Bearing: Ceramic
• Pump Life Expectancy: 50,000 hours
• Pump Noise Level: 25 dB(A)
• Fans: AP-120-K
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 28 mm
• Fan Speed: 0–2450 RPM ±10%
• Fan Max Airflow: 88.75 CFM
• Fan Max Static Pressure: 4.35 mmH₂O
• Fan Max Noise: 34.3 dB(A)
• Fan Rated Current: 0.22A
• Fan Bearing Type: Hydraulic Bearing
• Connector: 4-pin PWM
• LCD: 1.48 inch, 240 x 240 px, 300cd/m2, 18-bit 262K

Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL: Available to purchase now from OverclockersUK priced at £199.99 HERE.

• Large 3.4″ IPS LCD Display — The HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL is equipped with a 480×480 resolution IPS screen featuring 500 nits peak brightness and 60 Hz refresh rate, offering sharp visuals, smooth animations, and real‑time system monitoring.
• Magnetic Hot‑Swap Mount — The display uses magnetically attached pogo‑pin connectors, allowing it to be installed or removed from the CPU block without powering down the system.
• Upgraded High‑Performance Pump — The latest Lian Li enhanced pump reaches an operating speed of up to 3,200 RPM, delivering stronger cooling while keeping noise lower.
• Clean, Minimalist Design — HydroShift II is equipped with side-mounted tubing with USB power/data lines fully concealed inside the tubes for a sleek, cable-free look.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1700 LGA1851, AMD AM4 AM5
• Colour: Black / White
• Radiator Dimensions: 400 x 122 x 24mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Tube Length: 450/470mm
• Waterblock Dimensions: 91 x 99 x 62mm
• Cold Plate Material: Copper
• Pump Speed: 1600-3200 RPM ±10%
• Pump Noise Level: ≤28dBA
• Fans: UNI FAN TL Wireless
• Fan Dimensions: 124 x 120 x 28mm
• Fan Speed: Zero, 200-2600RPM
• Fan Max Airflow: 90.1CFM
• Fan Max Static Pressure: 3.97 mmH2O
• Fan Max Noise: 33dBA
• Fan Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB)
• LCD: 3.4″ IPS, 480 x 480, 500nit, 60Hz
• Warranty: 6 Years

Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra ARGB Sync: Expected availability from Scan priced at £325.

• Patented Quad‑LCD Cube Display — The Thermaltake Minecube Ultra 360 ARGB Sync is equipped with four 3.95″ TFT LCD panels (720 × 720 resolution) that can display system info independently or fuse into a single panoramic display.
• Advanced Customisation with TT LCD Software — Using TT LCD Screen Software, users can upload GIFs, MP4s or custom data layouts to each screen or combine them into a unified style.
• MagForce 2.0 Fan Connection + Swappable Blade Design — The included SWAFAN EX12 fans use MagForce 2.0 magnetic quick connections to reduce cable clutter. Plus, users can quickly swap fan blades (standard vs reverse) to switch the airflow direction without losing RGB effects.
• Integrated VRM Cooling Fan — The pump block also includes a built‑in cooling fan (up to 3,500 RPM) to cool surrounding VRM components and help keep the LCD displays running reliably.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 2066/2011-3/2011/1851/1700/1200/1156/1155/1151/1150 AMD AM5/AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2/FM1
• TDP: 360W
• Radiator Dimensions: 396 x 120 x 27 mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Tube Material: Rubber
• Tube Length: 460mm
• Waterblock Dimensions:
• Cold Plate Material: Copper
• Pump Speed: PWM 1500~3300 RPM
• Pump Fan Speed: 3500 RPM
• Pump Fan Noise Level: 20 dB-A
• Fans: SWAFAN EX12
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Fan Speed: PWM 500~2000 RPM
• Fan Max Airflow: Standard Fan Blade 57.11 CFM, Reverse Fan Blade 56.26 CFM
• Fan Max Static Pressure: Standard Fan Blade 2.39 mm-H2O, Reverse Fan Blade 2.02 mm-H2O
• Fan Max Noise: Standard Fan Blade 30.6 dB-A, Reverse Fan Blade 32.5 dB-A
• Fan Rated Current: 0.27 A & 0.72 A
• LCD: 3.95” TFT-LCD x 4, 720×720 (RGB) px
• Warranty: 3 Years

Test System Specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
• Motherboard: ASRock Phantom Gaming X870E Nova WiFi
• Memory: 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) Kingston Fury DDR5-6000
• Graphics card: MSI Radeon RX 6600 XT Gaming X
• Storage: 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIe Gen4x4 NVME M.2 SSD
• Power Supply: Seasonic Prime TX-1600
• Chassis: Open Test Bench
• Thermal Compound: Arctic MX-6
• O/S: Windows 11 Version 24H2

Testing Methodology:

We are primarily focusing on the performance of each cooler at 100% fan speed and also when locked to 40dBA noise output. We will focus on cooling performance using a manual overclock with all-core frequency and VCORE locked to 5.2GHz/1.3V (AMD) and 5.5GHz/1.3V (Intel) and Precision Boost Overdrive performance.

• The test data is logged using HWINFO and the final 10 minutes of the data is calculated to find the average CPU temperature and CPU clock multiplier (AMD PBO Test) and then plotted in the charts.
• For testing, we use a 30-minute looped run of Cinebench R23 and record the steady-state CPU temperature at the end of the test. This ensures that the CPU has had ample time to warm up and reach a steady state under all of the coolers.
• The ambient is maintained at 19-21 degrees Celsius. Where there is variation beyond this temperature range, we add extra repeated tests to ensure consistency. However, this is well controlled now with A/C.
• We also test each cooler with at least two fresh installs (typically three) to mitigate the likelihood of poor mounting spoiling results.
• Ambient temperature and humidity are controlled via a mini split air conditioning system inside the test room. Ambient temperature is maintained between 19-20°C; temperature delta figures are shown in the charts (ambient temperature is deducted from the measured component temperature).

Test Results:

Acoustics

Looking at the noise data, the Cooler Master Core Nex 360 ARGB hits 52 dBA, putting it in the upper-mid range of the chart. At full fan speed, it’s noticeably louder than the quietest performers around 43–45 dBA, but still well below the most aggressive high-RPM designs that push past 58–60 dBA. For a cooler using mainstream 120mm fans with RGB lighting and a relatively compact pump assembly, the noise output is acceptable – definitely audible, but not harsh or too distracting. Compared to typical performance-oriented 360mm AIOs, it sits roughly where you’d expect a balanced model to land.

The two ID-Cooling models show a clear split in acoustic performance. The FX360 LCD comes in at 44 dBA, making it one of the quietest coolers tested, while the FX360 LCD PE reaches 54 dBA, reflecting its higher-performance, higher-pressure fan setup. Lian Li’s HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL sits at 49 dBA, a moderate result that keeps it quieter than many LCD-equipped rivals. Meanwhile, the Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra registers 53 dBA, placing it on the louder end of the scale with its SWAFAN EX12 fans running flat out.

Thermal Performance: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X

Starting with the Cooler Master Core Nex 360 with a result of 60°C over ambient, puts it in mid-table. It doesn’t trouble the leaders, but it's perfectly serviceable for a mainstream 360mm unit on a high-end CPU. It delivers consistent performance under sustained load, though it clearly isn’t tuned to chase the absolute lowest temperatures. Interestingly, the ID-Cooling FX360 LCD PE lands at 61°C, only a degree behind the Core Nex. Given its higher-pressure fans, you’d expect a slightly stronger showing, but the PE ends up sitting in the same general performance tier – so it's capable, but nothing special in this max speed test.

The Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL performs much better at 58°C over ambient, placing it among the top-performing coolers, offering genuinely high-end thermal performance when the fans are allowed to run at their maximum. At 63°C over ambient, the ID-Cooling FX360 LCD slides a bit further down the table; it’s clearly tuned more for acoustics and aesthetics than raw cooling power. Finally, the Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra comes in at 62°C, which isn’t terrible, but certainly doesn’t match its premium price tag. It falls into that familiar category of feature-heavy, LCD-focused AIOs that prioritise functionality and design over outright thermal dominance.

Noise-normalised testing gives us a true reading of performance, and often shuffles the chart positions, which is the case here. The Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL performs particularly well, delivering 61°C average over ambient at 40 dBA, putting it right up with the strongest coolers in this noise focused scenario. It clearly doesn’t rely on high fan speeds to be competitive. The ID-Cooling FX360 LCD, by contrast, lands on 66°C, sliding back into the lower half of the table. This aligns with its acoustic-first design: once restricted to a fixed noise level, its lower-pressure fans simply don’t move as much air as its rivals, and that shows in the thermals.

The Cooler Master Core Nex 360 posts a 67°C over ambient, which puts it firmly in the lower tier under noise limits. Stable, but lacking the efficiency curve of the better-tuned high-end units. Right alongside it is the ID-Cooling FX360 LCD PE, also at 67°C, which is interesting given its far more aggressive fans. Once capped at 40 dBA, its advantage diminishes, suggesting it relies heavily on raw RPM for performance. The Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra also returns 67°C, landing squarely in the same bracket. With its feature-heavy design – quad displays, VRM fan, magnetic daisy-chain fans etc – thermal efficiency at lower fan speeds isn’t its strength.

Under PBO workloads with fans and pumps at full speed, the Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL continues to impress, holding 63°C over ambient and sustaining an average CPU multiplier of 52.6x, placing it at the top of our chart, proving excellent thermal headroom and allowing the CPU to maintain its maximum boost frequencies more consistently. The HydroShift’s radiator efficiency and pump design clearly help it keep thermals in check without compromising boost performance.

The Cooler Master Core Nex 360 ARGB delivers a 64°C delta and 52.4× multiplier, sitting in the mid-range. It offers steady performance under PBO, but without the top-end thermal efficiency, it loses a small amount of maximum boost potential. Finally, the Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra records 66°C delta with a 52.4× multiplier, showing competent cooling but, it’s slightly restricted by its design, focusing on features rather than performance.

The ID-Cooling FX360 LCD and FX360 LCD PE are behind in PBO performance. The LCD hits 66°C over ambient with an average multiplier of 52.1x, while the PE variant posts 67°C delta and 52.2x. While the PE is tuned for stronger airflow at the cost of higher noise, both models maintain reasonable clock speed, though the higher temperatures slightly limit their PBO headroom. Overall, the hierarchy under PBO is clear: Lian Li leads, Cooler Master sits comfortably in the middle, Thermaltake trades slightly higher temperatures for added features, while ID-Cooling shows solid performance for budget options.

The Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL is undoubtedly the standout performer in this roundup. Thermally, it’s excellent at max fan speed or when noise normalised, and even under maximum PBO load it allows the CPU to hold higher boost clocks consistently. The large square LCD is crisp and bright, providing a visually impressive centrepiece for any build, while the partially hidden tubing keeps the overall look extremely clean. That said, the pump can get a little loud at full speed, and despite being marketed as “wireless,” there’s still a fair amount of cabling to contend with – nothing deal-breaking, but worth noting for those chasing a minimalistic setup.

The Cooler Master Core Nex 360 strikes a very different balance. Installation is simple and the RGB effects are decent, making it an solid choice for system builders who want something straightforward. Thermal performance is OK, but the cooler is relatively noisy at maximum fan speed. Small inconveniences, such as the lack of an extra tube of thermal paste and a somewhat fiddly CPU block cover that’s difficult to rotate, prevent it from feeling like a premium package. It’s a competent cooler, but one that trades outright performance for simplicity.

For those looking for a budget-friendly LCD option, the ID-Cooling FX360 LCD delivers great value. Its thermal performance is respectable, the ID-COOLING software is simple to use and it remains impressively quiet even at full fan speed. The downside comes in the form of its small LCD and limited three-year warranty, which may be off-putting to enthusiasts who want a larger, more flexible display or longer-term peace of mind. Still, as a price-to-performance option, it’s difficult to beat.

The ID-Cooling FX360 LCD PE improves slightly on the thermal front compared to the standard model, when fans are running at maximum RPM. Installation remains straightforward and it’s still good value for money. However, the PE’s higher-speed fans come at the cost of noise, and thermal performance drops off significantly when restricted to 40 dBA, something to bear in mind if you want a quieter build. Like the standard FX360 LCD, the screen remains relatively small, and the three-year warranty is still limiting. ID-Cooling has also sent us a 20% discount code for Amazon purchases, valid until the end of December: 5HSKSWGY. Please note this is not an affiliate code.

Finally, the Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra is the most extravagant option here. It offers adequate cooling at maximum fan speed and a relatively low noise output at max speed, but the LCD screens fall short in brightness and viewing angles, plus the CPU block is very large and imposing once installed. Combined with a premium price tag, it’s clear that this cooler is more about the visual spectacle than pure thermal performance. While it will appeal to fans of over-the-top aesthetics and a certain game, it doesn’t quite match the performance or practicality of the other units in this roundup.

In short, if you want the best all-round performance and clean looks, the Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL takes the crown. If you’re looking for value and quiet operation, the ID-Cooling FX360 LCD series makes a strong case, and for eye-catching builds where looks matter more than pure thermals, the Minecube is a statement piece you might consider, however, it lacks the thermal performance numbers, and the price is at the very top end for a 360mm AIO.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid Core NEX 360 Black ARGB

Pros:

• Easy Installation.
• Good RGB lighting effects.
• Decent thermal performance.

Cons:

• Quite loud at max fan speed.
• No additional tube of thermal compound supplied.
• CPU Block top cover is tight to remove/rotate.

ID-Cooling FX 360 LCD

Pros:

• Great price-to-performance ratio.
• Decent LCD control software.
• Low noise at max fan speed.

Cons:

• Short 3-year warranty.
• The display is quite small.

ID-Cooling FX 360 LCD PE

Pros:

• Slightly improved thermals compared to the regular model at max fan speed.
• Still good value for money.
• Easy to install.

Cons:

• Loud at max fan speed.
• Performance drops off when noise is normalised to 40dBA.
• Small screen and short warranty, like the regular FX LCD model.

Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL

Pros:

• Top-class thermal performance.
• The big LCD screen is a good upgrade on the previous models.
• Clean look with partially hidden tubing.

Cons:

• The pump is loud at max speed.
• Still needs plenty of wiring for a “wireless” model.

Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra ARGB Sync

Pros:

• Low noise at max fan speed.
• Interesting screen concept.

Cons:

• Poor screen viewing angles.
• Screen brightness is quite disappointing.
• Huge CPU block when installed.

KitGuru says: All of these coolers have individual features worth considering when you buy, such as class-leading thermal performance, unique design, value for money, and high-end build quality. Only the Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-S 360TL offers it all… well, almost!

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