Thermalright vs Watercool Aio Liquid Coolers: Which Brand Fits You?
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You are comparing the thermalright vs watercool aio liquid cooler options, but the data reveals a distinct mismatch. Thermalright offers a complete 360mm AIO system with integrated fans and ARGB lighting. Watercool lists only a mounting backplate for Intel sockets. You must decide if you need a full cooling solution or just a compatibility accessory for an existing block.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 | Watercool HEATKILLER IV Intel CPU Backplate |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Complete AIO cooler | CPU mounting backplate |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700/1851/1200/2011 | Intel 115x/1200 |
| Lighting | ARGB | Not listed |
| Radiator Size | 360mm | Not listed |
| Fan Included | 3x 120mm PWM fans | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 if
- You need a complete all-in-one liquid cooling solution for your CPU.
- You require support for AMD AM5 or Intel LGA 1851 sockets.
- You want integrated ARGB lighting synchronized with your motherboard.
Choose Watercool HEATKILLER IV Intel CPU Backplate if
- You already own a Watercool HEATKILLER IV block and need the mounting hardware.
- You are upgrading an existing Intel 115x or 1200 socket setup.
- You are looking for a silver metal backplate rather than a full cooler.
Verdict: The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 is the practical choice for most users seeking a complete cooling system. The Watercool item is strictly an accessory for a specific older block. You should select Thermalright unless you already possess the compatible Watercool block.
AIO System Versus Backplate
System completeness
Thermalright provides a complete AIO loop. The Frozen Notte 360 includes the radiator, pump block, and three fans. Watercool lists only a mounting backplate. You cannot build a cooling system with the Watercool item alone. It requires a separate water block and loop components. The Thermalright unit is a ready-to-install solution. You get all necessary parts in one box. The Watercool accessory is just one small part of a custom loop. This makes the Thermalright option far more practical for immediate use.
Socket compatibility
Thermalright supports a wide range of modern sockets. It works with Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 2011, and AMD AM4, AM5. Watercool supports older Intel sockets like 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200. The Thermalright cooler includes newer platforms like LGA 1851. The Watercool plate lacks support for AMD or recent Intel chips. If you have a new CPU, the Thermalright cooler is the only viable choice. The Watercool plate is limited to legacy Intel hardware.
Radiator size
The Thermalright Frozen Notte uses a 360mm radiator. This provides a large surface area for heat dissipation. It requires three 120mm fans. The Watercool product has no radiator. It is merely a metal plate for mounting. You cannot compare cooling potential directly. However, the Thermalright size indicates high cooling capacity. The Watercool plate offers no cooling metrics. It relies on the water block design for performance. The Thermalright system offers a complete thermal solution with significant surface area.
Lighting features
Thermalright includes ARGB lighting on the pump and fans. You can sync the 5V 3-pin ARGB with your motherboard. The fans offer 1600W color effects. You can adjust colors manually. The Watercool backplate has no lighting. It is a functional silver metal part. It provides no visual customization. If you want visible RGB effects, the Thermalright cooler is the clear choice. The Watercool item is purely utilitarian with no aesthetic lighting components.
Pump specifications
Thermalright specifies a pump speed of 5300 RPM. This indicates a high-performance pump for liquid circulation. The pump connects via a 12V 3-pin connector. The Watercool product has no pump. It is a passive mounting plate. You must source your own pump for a Watercool loop. The Thermalright cooler includes the pump as a core component. You get a defined flow rate with the Thermalright unit. The Watercool option leaves pump selection entirely up to you.
Choose based on your cooling needs
Users needing a complete cooling solution
The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 is a fully integrated AIO system. It includes the radiator, pump block, and three PWM fans. You get a complete unit ready for installation on Intel or AMD sockets. The Watercool item is only a backplate. You cannot cool your CPU with it alone. This choice provides the full hardware required for liquid cooling.
Owners of Intel 115x or 1200 sockets
If you are building a custom loop and already have the pump and radiator, the Watercool HEATKILLER IV backplate is relevant. It supports Intel 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200 sockets. It ensures proper mounting for the HEATKILLER IV block. However, it does not cool the CPU itself. You must pair it with other components to function.
Buyers wanting RGB lighting and fans included
The Thermalright unit features ARGB lighting on both the pump and fans. It synchronizes with 5V 3-pin motherboard headers. You receive three balanced fans with PWM control for noise management. The Watercool backplate has no lighting or fans. It is a passive metal plate. If you want visual effects and airflow out of the box, this is the only viable option.
The products compared
Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2
Best for: High airflow cooling with ARGB 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
The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 is a 360mm AIO liquid cooler designed for high airflow and visual customization. It features a pump speed of 5300 RPM and three 120mm fans reaching 2000 RPM. The unit supports 5V ARGB synchronization for lighting effects. It fits Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM5 sockets. This cooler suits users who need robust cooling performance with extensive lighting options.
Pros
- 360mm radiator size for high heat dissipation
- Pump speed reaches 5300 RPM for efficient cooling
- Three fans provide 72.37 CFM max airflow
- Full copper mirror plane base for better heat transfer
- Supports 5V 3-pin ARGB motherboard synchronization
Cons
- Fan noise level reaches 27.7 dBA at maximum speed
- Limited to 5V ARGB lighting without RGB support
- No mention of software control for fan curves
Good fit if
- You have a chassis width greater than 250mm
- You use Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 sockets
- You want synchronized ARGB lighting effects
Skip if
- You need RGB lighting support instead of ARGB
- Your case width is less than 250mm
- You require silent operation below 27.7 dBA
Verdict: The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 offers strong cooling specs for Intel and AMD platforms. It fits users who prioritize airflow and lighting over silent operation.
Watercool HEATKILLER IV Intel CPU Backplate
Best for: Intel LGA 115x/1200 HEATKILLER IV mounting
- Socket Compatibility
- Intel 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200
- Weight
- 0.32 kilograms
View on Amazon: Watercool HEATKILLER IV Intel CPU Backplate Affiliate link
This is a silver mounting backplate for the Watercool HEATKILLER IV CPU water cooler. It supports Intel sockets 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200. The package includes four installation washers. Weighing 0.32 kilograms, it is a lightweight accessory. You should use it if you are building a custom loop with this specific cooler on an older Intel platform.
Pros
- Compatible with Intel sockets 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200
- Includes four installation washers for secure mounting
- Lightweight design at 0.32 kilograms
- Silver finish matches the HEATKILLER IV cooler
Cons
- Only supports older Intel socket types, not LGA 1700
- Not a complete cooler, just a mounting plate
- No mention of compatibility with newer Intel sockets
Good fit if
- You are using a Watercool HEATKILLER IV cooler
- You have an Intel motherboard with socket 115x or 1200
- You need a replacement or additional backplate for installation
Skip if
- You are using an Intel LGA 1700 motherboard
- You need a complete AIO liquid cooler
- You are building with an AMD processor
Verdict: Watercool HEATKILLER IV Backplate is a specialized mounting plate for older Intel systems. It fits users who already own the HEATKILLER IV cooler and need proper support for socket 115x or 1200 motherboards.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 | Watercool HEATKILLER IV Intel CPU Backplate |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator Size | 360mm | not stated |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1851 | Intel 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200 |
| Pump Speed | 5300 RPM | not stated |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM | not stated |
| Lighting Type | ARGB | not stated |
| Lighting | ARGB | not stated |
| Size | 360Mm | not stated |
| Dimensions | 0.98 × 4.72 × 4.72 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces | 0.32 kilograms |
| Color | Black-360MM | Silver |
| Model | 1 | 10013 |
Frequently asked questions
Does Watercool offer a complete AIO liquid cooler?
No. The provided data for Watercool lists only the HEATKILLER IV Intel CPU Backplate. This is a mounting accessory, not a cooling system. You cannot purchase a complete AIO unit from this specific Watercool listing. You would need to source the pump, radiator, and tubing separately to build a loop.
Which brand provides a ready-to-install AIO system?
Thermalright. The Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 is a complete AIO unit. It includes the radiator, pump block, and fans in one package. Watercool’s listed item is just a backplate. If you want a plug-and-play solution, Thermalright is the only viable option among the two brands listed here.
What socket compatibility does the Thermalright cooler have?
It supports AM4 and LGA 1700 sockets. This covers most modern AMD and Intel processors. The Watercool item is specific to older Intel LGA 115x and LGA 1200 sockets. However, since it is only a backplate, it does not provide cooling on its own for any socket type.
Is the Thermalright model suitable for high airflow needs?
Yes. The Frozen Notte 360 is designed for high airflow cooling. It features a 360mm radiator size, which provides a large surface area for heat dissipation. This makes it effective for systems generating significant heat, provided you prioritize airflow performance over silent operation.
Does the Watercool backplate include fans or a pump?
No. The HEATKILLER IV is strictly a mounting plate. It weighs 0.32 kilograms and is silver in color. It provides structural support for the cooler on the motherboard. It does not contain any fans, pump, or tubing. You must buy those components separately.
Can I use the Watercool item for cooling?
Not by itself. The Watercool HEATKILLER IV is a backplate for mounting. It is not a cooling device. You need a separate cooler that attaches to this plate. The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360, by contrast, is a fully functional cooler that includes all necessary parts for operation.
What lighting features are available on the Thermalright cooler?
It includes ARGB lighting. The Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB V2 model explicitly lists ARGB as its lighting feature. This allows for customizable color effects. The Watercool backplate has no lighting features, as it is a functional mounting plate rather than a decorative cooling unit.