Head-to-head · Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers

ID-Cooling FX360 INF vs Noctua NL-LC1-36

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Noctua NL-LC1-36 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about users prioritizing thermal efficiency and quiet operation — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers

ID-Cooling FX360 INF

3.9

5 sources1 derived$79.99as of Oct 2

ID-Cooling FX360 INF delivers exceptional value with its quiet performance and affordable price point, according to Tom's Hardware. The cooler achieves the best cooling-to-noise ratio among 360mm AIOs tested, while also topping the cooling-to-price leaderboard. Its ARGB lighting features an infinity mirror effect on the pump, and it includes three PWM-controlled RGB fans. However, reviewers noted it has a shorter 3-year warranty compared to its DX360 Max sibling, and its fans offer less static pressure and airflow than some alternatives.

Strengths

— Best cooling-to-noise ratio among 360mm AIO coolers tested
— Best cooling-to-price ratio in the tested category
— Includes ARGB lighting with infinity mirror effect on pump

Watch-outs

— Shorter 3-year warranty compared to DX360 Max (5-year warranty)
— Fans deliver lower static pressure and airflow than competitors

$79.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers

Noctua NL-LC1-36

4.6

6 sources$249.95as of Oct 2

Noctua's NL-LC1-36 delivers exceptional cooling performance with near-silent operation, featuring the Asetek Emma V2 pump and a sophisticated multi-layer noise absorber system. TweakTown praised it as a superior solution that outperforms previous AIO offerings, though at a premium cost. The cooler's design emphasizes reliability and acoustics over visual flair, making it ideal for users prioritizing thermal efficiency and quiet operation over flashy aesthetics.

Strengths

— Chart-topping thermal performance and noise suppression
— Premium build quality with Asetek Emma V2 pump and ceramic sleeve bearing
— Near-silent operation with 14.9 dB(A) maximum acoustic noise

Watch-outs

— Premium price point compared to competitors
— No RGB lighting or LCD displays

$249.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

ID-Cooling FX360 INF

The ID-Cooling FX360 INF offers the best cooling-to-noise ratio and price point compared to the MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360, but it lacks the advanced mounting solutions of the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB and the premium build quality of the Noctua NL-LC1-36. It's a solid value option for users prioritizing quiet performance.

Noctua NL-LC1-36

The Noctua NL-LC1-36 delivers unmatched thermal performance and near-silent operation compared to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB, which lacks the premium build quality and noise suppression. While it doesn't feature the OLED display or wireless fan options of the Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360TL, it provides superior acoustics and reliability at a premium price point.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ID-Cooling FX360 INF	Noctua NL-LC1-36
Radiator Size	4685 x 14173 in	360mm
Fan Count	0.12 x 4.72 x 1.02 in	3x NF-A12x25 G2
Noise Level	25 dB(A)	14.9 dB(A)
Fan Size	120mm	120mm
Compatibility	Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X, AMD AM5/AM4	AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1851, LGA1954
Pump Speed	2900 RPM	2100 rpm
Dimensions	4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H	15.75"L x 4.72"W x 2.32"H
Wattage	300 watts	1.8 watts
Material	Aluminum, Copper	Copper (base) & aluminium (radiator)
Voltage	12 volts_of_direct_current	12 volts
Pump Model	—	Asetek Emma V2
Fan Speed	—	0-1800 rpm

← See the full ranking of best aio liquid cpu coolers