Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black vs Be Quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the be quiet light loop 360mm black vs silent loop 3 360mm. Both are 360mm AIO coolers designed for overclocked systems. They share a focus on high airflow and low noise. The main difference lies in their visual design and pump technology. The Light Loop emphasizes extensive LED lighting with a jet plate. The Silent Loop prioritizes acoustic silence with a three-chamber pump. You need to decide which feature set matches your build priorities.
Key differences
| Aspect | Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black AIO | be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | BW022 | BW025 |
| Lighting | 64 LEDs total (16 per fan) with ARGB-PWM-Hub | ARGB (specific LED count not listed) |
| Fan Type | Light Wings LX 120mm PWM | Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM |
| Pump Technology | Metal jet plate with progressive IC | 3-chamber design with dampened 6-pole motor |
| Weight | 3.31 pounds | 3.9 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black AIO if
- You want maximum visual customization with 64 individual LEDs.
- You prefer a lighter cooler that is easier to handle during installation.
- You value the metal jet plate for potentially enhanced liquid flow speed.
Choose be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB AIO if
- You prioritize acoustic silence with a specialized three-chamber pump design.
- You need wide CPU plate coverage including Threadripper support.
- You want the proven Silent Wings 4 fans for high performance and low noise.
Verdict: Choose the Light Loop if lighting and visual customization are your top priorities. Select the Silent Loop if you need the quietest possible operation and broader socket compatibility including Threadripper. Both offer strong cooling for 360mm radiators, so your choice depends on whether you value aesthetics or acoustic performance more.
Light Loop 3 vs Silent Loop 3 Specs
Pump Technology
The Silent Loop 3 features a powerful three-chamber pump design that significantly reduces turbulence and noise. It uses a dampened and adjustable pump with a six-pole motor to ensure smooth operation. In contrast, the Light Loop 360mm Black utilizes a progressive IC in the motor to reduce switching noise. While both aim for low noise, the Silent Loop 3 explicitly highlights its multi-chamber architecture and adjustable damping. The Light Loop focuses on the electronic control of the motor noise. The Silent Loop 3 appears to have a more complex mechanical approach to noise reduction.
Fan Specifications
Both coolers include three 120mm PWM high-speed fans, but the models differ. The Silent Loop 3 uses Silent Wings 4 fans, which are engineered for virtually inaudible operation and include radiator corners for better airflow management. The Light Loop 360mm Black comes with Light Wings LX fans. These fans feature nine airflow-optimized blades to reduce noise-generating turbulences while providing performance for demanding scenarios. Both sets of fans are designed for high speed and efficiency, but the Silent Wings 4 name suggests a specific focus on silence, whereas Light Wings LX emphasizes the integration of lighting with airflow.
Lighting Features
The Light Loop 360mm Black is built for visual impact. It features a total of 64 LEDs, including 16 LEDs per fan that scatter across the blades, plus an uniquely illuminated cooling block. This setup allows for individualized builds with numerous color options. The Silent Loop 3 also supports ARGB lighting, as indicated in its key specs. However, the Light Loop provides specific LED counts and highlights the visual highlight of the block. If you prioritize detailed, high-count lighting effects and customizable illumination across the entire loop, the Light Loop offers more specific visual data.
Cold Plate Design
The Light Loop 360mm Black uses a cold plate with a high-density fin stack to increase cooling performance on modern flagship and high-end CPUs. It also includes a metal jet plate that increases the flow speed of the cooling liquid, enhancing overall performance. The Silent Loop 3 features an engineered cooling block with wide CPU plate coverage. It explicitly supports Threadripper sockets, indicating broad compatibility. The Light Loop does not mention Threadripper support in the provided data. The Silent Loop 3 offers wider socket compatibility, while the Light Loop details specific internal flow enhancements.
Weight and Build
Weight can impact case mounting stress and shipping durability. The Light Loop 360mm Black weighs 3.31 pounds. The Silent Loop 3 is heavier at 3.9 pounds. Both are 360mm radiators, so the length is comparable. The Silent Loop 3 has specific dimensions listed as 15.6 inches in length, 4.72 inches in height, and 2.05 inches in width. The Light Loop only lists a height of 2.05 inches. The Silent Loop 3 is slightly heavier, which may suggest more robust materials or a larger pump head, but the Light Loop is lighter, potentially making installation slightly easier.
Which AIO fits your build needs
You want stunning RGB visuals and low pump noise
The Light Loop 360mm Black includes 64 LEDs for intense illumination. It uses Light Wings LX fans with 16 LEDs each. A progressive IC in the motor reduces switching noise. The jet plate increases coolant flow speed. This model prioritizes visual impact and quiet pump operation for your system.
You need virtually inaudible operation and wide CPU support
The Silent Loop 3 features a three-chamber pump design that reduces turbulence. It uses dampened Silent Wings 4 fans for quiet performance. The engineered cooling block offers high cooling power. It also supports Threadripper CPUs with wide plate coverage. This model focuses on minimal noise and broad compatibility.
You prefer a lighter cooler with included ARGB hub
The Light Loop 360mm Black weighs 3.31 pounds. It includes an ARGB-PWM-Hub for syncing up to 6 fans and 6 components. The hub can be mounted with adhesive or screws. This makes cable management easier. The lighter weight and included hub simplify installation for your build.
The products compared
Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black AIO
Best for: RGB-focused builds needing motherboard-synced lighting
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Weight
- 3.31 pounds
View on Amazon: Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black AIO Affiliate link
The Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black is a 360mm AIO cooler designed for overclocked systems. It includes three Light Wings LX 120mm PWM fans and a total of 64 LEDs for visual customization. The pump features a progressive IC to reduce switching noise, while a metal jet plate enhances coolant flow. This unit weighs 3.31 pounds and includes an ARGB-PWM-Hub for synchronized control of up to six fans and six lighting components via motherboard headers.
Pros
- 64 total LEDs for extensive illumination customization
- Metal jet plate increases cooling liquid flow speed
- ARGB-PWM-Hub syncs up to 6 fans and 6 ARGB components
- Progressive IC reduces pump switching noise
Cons
- No software control app mentioned in specifications
- Relies on motherboard headers without dedicated controller
- Weight of 3.31 pounds may stress some motherboards
Good fit if
- You prioritize high-end RGB lighting in your build
- You have available ARGB and PWM headers on your motherboard
- You need reliable cooling for overclocked CPUs
Skip if
- You require dedicated software for lighting and fan control
- You prefer a cooler with a lower weight profile
- You want to avoid using a hub for cable management
Verdict: Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black suits builders who want strong cooling performance paired with extensive, customizable RGB lighting controlled through motherboard headers.
be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB AIO
Best for: Threadripper builds and quiet operation needs
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Socket Compatibility
- Threadripper
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 15.6 × 2.05 × 4.72 inches
- Weight
- 3.9 pounds
View on Amazon: be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB AIO Affiliate link
The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB is an all-in-one liquid cooler designed for high-performance systems. It features a 360mm radiator and three Silent Wings 4 fans for efficient heat dissipation. The pump uses a 3-chamber design and a 6-pole motor to reduce turbulence. It supports wide CPU plates, including Threadripper. This model suits users who prioritize quiet operation and broad compatibility for overclocking.
Pros
- 3-chamber pump design reduces turbulence
- 6-pole motor for dampened pump operation
- Three Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM fans
- Wide CPU plate coverage with Threadripper support
Cons
- Heavier build at 3.9 pounds
- ARGB lighting only, no RGB or white lighting option
- No mention of software control or app support
Good fit if
- You need support for Threadripper CPUs
- You prioritize quiet pump operation
- You want a 360mm radiator for high airflow
Skip if
- You require software-controlled lighting effects
- You need a lighter cooling solution
- You prefer RGB lighting over ARGB
Verdict: The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB fits builders who need Threadripper compatibility and quiet pump performance. Its heavy weight and lack of software control limit its appeal for those seeking easy customization.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black AIO | be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 360mm | 360mm |
| Socket Compatibility | not stated | Threadripper |
| Lighting Type | ARGB | ARGB |
| Lighting | ARGB | ARGB |
| Size | 360Mm | not stated |
| Weight | 3.31 pounds | 3.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | not stated | 15.6 × 2.05 × 4.72 inches |
| Color | Black | not stated |
| Model | BW022 | BW025 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Silent Loop 3 fit Threadripper motherboards?
Yes, the Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB is designed for Threadripper builds. This compatibility makes it a suitable choice for high-end workstation setups. The Light Loop 360mm Black does not have this specific endorsement in its published specifications. You should verify your motherboard socket support before purchasing.
Which AIO is heavier?
The Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB is heavier. It weighs 3.9 pounds, while the Light Loop 360mm Black weighs 3.31 pounds. This difference may affect how you mount the cooler on your case. Ensure your case supports the additional weight of the Silent Loop 3.
What are the physical dimensions of the Silent Loop 3?
The Silent Loop 3 measures 15.6 inches in length, 4.72 inches in height, and 2.05 inches in width. These dimensions help you determine if it fits your case radiator space. The Light Loop 360mm Black is listed as a 360mm size, but specific dimensions are not provided.
Is the Light Loop 360mm Black suitable for RGB builds?
Yes, the Light Loop 360mm Black is best for RGB-focused builds. It offers extensive, customizable lighting controlled through motherboard headers. This makes it ideal if you want strong cooling performance paired with visual customization. The Silent Loop 3 also features ARGB, but the Light Loop is highlighted for its lighting control.
What model numbers do these coolers have?
The Be Quiet! Light Loop 360mm Black has the model number BW022. The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB uses the model number BW025. These identifiers help you locate the correct products on retailer sites or in user manuals. Use these codes to ensure you are comparing the exact units.
Which cooler is better for quiet operation?
The Silent Loop 3 360mm ARGB is suited for quiet operation needs. It features a pump design that reduces turbulence and noise. The Light Loop 360mm Black also focuses on low noise, but the Silent Loop 3 is specifically noted for its quiet pump performance. Check your case airflow if noise is a priority.