Thermalright vs Be Quiet! Aio Liquid Coolers: Which Brand Fits You?
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When you compare thermalright vs be quiet aio liquid cooler options, you look at two 360mm AIOs that both support modern AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets. They both use ARGB lighting and 120mm fans. The main difference lies in the pump design and included accessories. Thermalright lists specific fan noise and speed ratings, while Be Quiet! emphasizes its doubly decoupled pump and included ARGB hub for easier cable management. You need to decide which feature set matches your build priorities.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 | Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700/1851/1200/2011 | AM5, AM4, LGA 1700/1200/2066/1150/1151 |
| Pump Speed | 5300 RPM ± 10% | Doubly decoupled PWM pump (speed not listed) |
| Fan Noise | ≤ 27.7 dBA | Not listed |
| Included Hub | Not listed | ARGB-PWM Hub included |
| Socket Support (Intel) | LGA 1700, 1851, 1200, 2011 | LGA 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 if
- You want a pump speed specification of 5300 RPM for reference.
- You need explicit fan noise ratings of 27.7 dBA or lower.
- You use LGA 1851 or LGA 2011 sockets.
Choose Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler if
- You value a doubly decoupled pump for reduced vibration.
- You want an included ARGB-PWM hub to manage up to 6 components.
- You use LGA 2066 or LGA 1150/1151 sockets.
Verdict: Choose the Thermalright if you need detailed performance specs like pump RPM and fan noise levels, or if you use newer LGA 1851 sockets. Pick the Be Quiet! if you prefer a vibration-dampened pump design and want the convenience of an included ARGB hub for cleaner cable management. Both are solid 360mm options for modern platforms.
Thermalright vs Be Quiet AIO Specs
socket compatibility
You need to check if the cooler fits your specific processor. Thermalright lists support for LGA 1851, which is a newer Intel socket. It also covers LGA 1700, 1200, 2011, 2066, and all major AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. Be Quiet! supports LGA 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151, 1155, and 2011(-3) Square ILM, plus AM4 and AM5. Thermalright has the edge because it explicitly includes LGA 1851 support in its specifications. Be Quiet! includes older LGA 115x sockets, which Thermalright omits from its key specs list.
pump speed
The pump speed indicates how fast the coolant circulates through the block. Thermalright specifies a pump speed of 5300 RPM with a tolerance of ±10%. This is a high rotational speed for a 360mm AIO, suggesting strong fluid movement. Be Quiet! describes its pump as doubly decoupled for quiet operation and minimal vibration, but it does not publish a specific RPM figure in the provided data. Without a number, you cannot directly compare the flow rate potential. Thermalright provides the concrete performance metric here, giving it the advantage in transparency.
fan airflow
Airflow determines how much cool air moves through the radiator fins. Thermalright includes three TL-E12B-S V2 fans with a maximum airflow of 72.37 CFM. The fans operate at 2000 RPM with a static pressure of 2.87 mmH2O. Be Quiet! uses Light Wings 120mm PWM fans. The description highlights high air pressure and vibrant ARGB illumination but does not list specific CFM or static pressure values in the provided data. Since Thermalright gives you exact airflow numbers, you can verify if it meets your chassis airflow needs. Be Quiet lacks these specific stats in the provided text.
lighting hub
Managing ARGB lighting requires the right connectors. Be Quiet! includes an ARGB-PWM-Hub that allows synchronization of up to 6 ARGB components and PWM fans. This simplifies wiring if you have multiple lighting devices. Thermalright supports 5V 3-pin ARGB for both the fans and the water block, allowing them to be connected in series to avoid insufficient motherboard light slots. This is a daisy-chain approach rather than a dedicated hub. Be Quiet! offers a more robust central management solution for complex builds, giving it the edge for users with many lighting components.
radiator dimensions
You must ensure the radiator fits inside your PC case. Both units use a 360mm radiator size. Thermalright lists the radiator dimensions as 397mm in length, 120mm in width, and 27mm in thickness. Be Quiet! does not provide specific radiator length or thickness in the provided data, only stating the 360mm size category. Thermalright gives you precise measurements to check against your case specifications. Be Quiet! requires you to look up the exact dimensions elsewhere. This transparency helps you avoid fitment issues with Thermalright.
Pick your ideal AIO cooler
Intel 1851 platform users
You need a cooler that supports the latest LGA 1851 socket. Thermalright lists compatibility for this newer Intel platform. Be Quiet! does not mention LGA 1851 in its specifications. Choose Thermalright to ensure your new processor mounts correctly without adapter issues.
Users wanting quiet pump design
Be Quiet! features a doubly decoupled PWM pump. This design aims for quieter operation and minimal vibration. Thermalright specifies a pump speed of 5300 RPM but does not describe vibration isolation. If low noise is your priority, the Be Quiet! pump design is the better choice.
Users with limited ARGB headers
Be Quiet! includes an ARGB-PWM-Hub. This accessory allows synchronization of up to six ARGB components and fans using a single header. Thermalright requires connecting fans and the pump head separately to motherboard headers. If you have few available headers, the Be Quiet! hub simplifies your setup.
Budget-conscious builders
Thermalright offers strong specifications for a competitive market position. It includes three PWM fans with 2000 RPM speed and 72.37 CFM airflow. Be Quiet! is a premium brand. If you want high airflow and ARGB features without the premium price tag, Thermalright provides excellent value.
The products compared
Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2
Best for: High-performance cooling with manual lighting
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851
- Pump Speed
- 5300 RPM
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 0.98 × 4.72 × 4.72 inches
View on Amazon: Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 Affiliate link
This 360mm AIO cooler features a copper base and three 120mm fans. The pump runs at 5300 RPM, while the fans reach 2000 RPM with 2.87 mmH2O static pressure. It supports ARGB lighting via a 5V 3-pin header. The unit fits Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. You get effective cooling with a 450mm tube length and full metal mounting brackets for your build.
Pros
- 360mm radiator with three 120mm fans
- Pump speed up to 5300 RPM
- Copper mirror plane base for heat transfer
- ARGB lighting syncs with 5V 3-pin headers
- Fans produce 72.37 CFM air volume
Cons
- Fan noise reaches 27.7 dBA at max speed
- Pump uses a 12V 3-pin connector, not 4-pin PWM
- No software control for fan or pump curves
Good fit if
- You want a 360mm AIO for high-end CPUs
- You prefer manual ARGB sync over software control
- You have a case with 250mm+ width clearance
Skip if
- You need quiet operation below 25 dBA
- Your motherboard lacks 5V 3-pin ARGB headers
- You require software-based pump speed control
Verdict: Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 ARGB delivers strong cooling specs for Intel and AMD platforms. It suits builders who prioritize raw airflow and pump speed over software customization.
Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler
Best for: Quiet builds on AM5 and Intel 1700
- Radiator Size
- 360mm
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5, AM4, 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 15.6 × 4.72 × 2.05 inches
- Weight
- 5.73 pounds
View on Amazon: Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
The Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm is a black liquid cooler with ARGB lighting. It supports AM5, AM4, and Intel 1700 sockets. The unit includes three 120mm PWM fans and a doubly decoupled pump for quiet operation. An ARGB-PWM-Hub allows synchronization of up to six components. This cooler suits users seeking quiet performance and broad socket compatibility.
Pros
- Doubly decoupled PWM pump for minimal vibration
- Supports AM5, AM4, and Intel 1700 sockets
- ARGB-PWM-Hub syncs up to six components
- Three 120mm PWM fans for high air pressure
Cons
- Heavier at 5.73 pounds than many competitors
- Lacks software control for fan or lighting curves
- No display or sensor for real-time monitoring
Good fit if
- You need broad support for AM5 and Intel 1700
- You prioritize quiet operation over RGB customization
- You want a pre-assembled 360mm radiator solution
Skip if
- You require software control for fan speeds
- You need a lighter cooler for small cases
- You want a display for system monitoring
Verdict: Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm fits users who value quiet operation and broad socket compatibility. It is a solid choice for builds where silence matters more than software customization.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 | Be Quiet Pure Loop 2 FX 360mm ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 360mm | 360mm |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851 | AM5, AM4, 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151 |
| Pump Speed | 5300 RPM | not stated |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM | not stated |
| Lighting Type | ARGB | ARGB |
| Lighting | ARGB | ARGB |
| Size | 360Mm | 360Mm |
| Dimensions | 0.98 × 4.72 × 4.72 inches | 15.6 × 4.72 × 2.05 inches |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces | 5.73 pounds |
| Color | Black-360MM | Black |
| Model | 1 | BW015 |
Frequently asked questions
Which AIO is better for silent operation?
Be Quiet! designs its coolers for low noise. The Pure Loop 2 FX targets users who prioritize quiet builds. Thermalright focuses on raw airflow and pump speed. You should choose Be Quiet! if silence matters more to you than maximum software customization.
Does Thermalright support the latest Intel sockets?
Yes. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 lists compatibility for LGA 1851. It also supports LGA 1700, 1200, and AMD AM4. This broad socket list ensures it fits new and older Intel and AMD platforms without needing separate mounting hardware.
How heavy is the Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2?
The Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX weighs 5.73 pounds. This includes the radiator, pump block, and tubing. You should ensure your case has adequate support for this weight. The Thermalright model is significantly lighter at 3.53 ounces.
Can I control the lighting manually?
Both coolers feature ARGB lighting. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 allows for manual lighting control. This suits builders who prefer direct hardware adjustments over complex software suites. You can adjust the effects directly through the cooler or motherboard headers.
What is the radiator size for these models?
Both the Thermalright Frozen Notte and the Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 use 360mm radiators. This size provides a large surface area for heat dissipation. You need a case that supports 360mm radiator mounting. Both units fit standard 360mm slots.
Which brand is better for AMD AM5 builds?
Be Quiet! explicitly markets the Pure Loop 2 FX for quiet builds on AM5 and Intel 1700. Thermalright lists AM4 support but does not highlight AM5 in the provided data. You should verify AM5 compatibility with Thermalright before purchasing.
Do these coolers come with RGB hubs?
The data does not specify if hubs are included. Both units feature ARGB lighting. You should check the box contents for a dedicated hub. If your motherboard lacks ARGB headers, you may need an external controller for lighting synchronization.