Noctua NL-LC1-360 360mm AIO CPU Cooler Review

1. Noctua NL-LC1-36 AIO CPU Cooler2. Testing Methodology and Test Result3. Closing Thoughts4. View All Pages

Taken as a whole, the NL-LC1-36 is a very strong first entry into the AIO market for Noctua. Thermal performance is solid across all of our test scenarios, including both at full fan/pump speed and for noise-normalised testing. It consistently sits in the upper tier of our liquid cooler performance charts, it doesn’t necessarily push ahead of the very top performing designs in every scenario, but it remains competitive throughout.

Where the NL-LC1-36 really stands out though, is acoustics. At full fan speed testing, it is class-leading at a mere 41 dBA and even under sustained load the overall noise profile remains smooth and unobtrusive. Combined with the strong thermal performance, it delivers exactly the kind of low noise and high performance you would expect from a Noctua product.

Build quality is also excellent. Everything feels perfectly engineered and well implemented, from the pump housing and Noctua-designed noise-absorbing cover to the overall fit and finish of the radiator and fans. It has the same attention to detail you would expect from Noctua’s air cooling lineup, carried over into a liquid cooling product without compromise.

The main drawbacks are the price and a couple of minor design choices around cabling. The individual fan wiring with a three-way splitter, along with the pump’s flat ribbon-style cable, do feel a little less refined than the rest of the product and could be improved from an aesthetic standpoint. However, these are relatively small issues in the context of an otherwise very impressive overall package, especially considering that Noctua is technically a newcomer to liquid cooling.

The Noctua Nl-LC1 AIO series is available to purchase now from Amazon UK starting at £190.95 for the 240mm version HERE, the 360mm is priced at £216.95 HERE, and the massive 420mm is £242.95 HERE. The optional NL-ACF1 Auxiliary Fan is also available priced at £17.99 HERE.

Pros:

• Best in class noise output and solid thermal performance.
• Installation and wiring are very quick and easy.
• No additional hubs or software needed for control.
• High-quality product.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• The traditional Noctua colour scheme is an acquired taste.
• No fan wiring innovation.

KitGuru says: The price of the Noctua NL-LC1 series might not appeal to your average gamer, but if you prioritise low noise, high performance and reliability backed by a long warranty, then this could be the perfect AIO for your latest build.

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