Head-to-head · Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers

Noctua NL-LC1-36 vs Thermalright Aqua Elite V6

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

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The short answer

Noctua NL-LC1-36 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about users prioritizing thermal efficiency and quiet operation — read the strengths below before deciding.

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 →

Ranked #3 in Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers

Thermalright Aqua Elite V6

4.0

4 sourcesall derived

Thermalright's Aqua Elite V6 represents an upgrade to the V3 model, featuring an improved 2,800 RPM pump and redesigned 120mm ARGB fans inspired by Arctic P12s. Kitguru.net noted the enhanced pump and fan design, though the performance improvements over the V3 are described as subtle. The cooler is positioned as a cost-effective AIO solution. While reviewers highlighted the better airflow and static pressure, the fans' minimum speed of 400 RPM may produce more noise than competitors.

Strengths

— Features upgraded 2,800 RPM pump for improved performance
— Includes 120mm ARGB fans with design inspired by Arctic P12s
— Offers better static pressure and airflow compared to previous models

Watch-outs

— Fans spin at 400 RPM minimum, which may be louder than some competitors
— Fans can be loud at maximum speed

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

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.

Thermalright Aqua Elite V6

The Thermalright Aqua Elite V6 offers better value and improved airflow compared to the ID-Cooling FX360 INF, but it's less quiet than the MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360 and lacks the advanced features of the Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360TL. It provides a middle-ground option with decent performance at a competitive price.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Noctua NL-LC1-36	Thermalright Aqua Elite V6
Pump Model	Asetek Emma V2	TL-N12-R5-S
Noise Level	14.9 dB(A)	29.8 dBA (MAX)
Fan Size	120mm	120mm
Radiator Size	360mm	14.2 in
Compatibility	AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1851, LGA1954	Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5
Fan Speed	0-1800 rpm	2000-400
Pump Speed	2100 rpm	2800
Fan Count	3x NF-A12x25 G2	—
Dimensions	15.75"L x 4.72"W x 2.32"H	2.05"L x 4.72"W x 2.05"H
Voltage	12 volts	—
Wattage	1.8 watts	—
Material	Copper (base) & aluminium (radiator)	Aluminum, Plastic, Rubber

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