Introduction
Today marks the first review that we will be using our new AIO test platform that is capable of putting out enough heat to make them sweat to test liquid cooling for CPUs. On the bench today is the Enermax LIQTECH II 360 cooler (ELC-LTTO360-TBP) which was the inspiration for our test platform as it plainly states on the box and on its product literature that it is capable of handling a “500W+ TDP.” It’s always a challenge to let a bold marketing claim walk past without having the urge to validate it, so that is what we shall do in this review.
Enermax LIQTECH II 360 Overview
The Enermax LIQTECH II 360 AIO cooler is an all in one CPU cooler that is designed to work on a wide variety of sockets, including Intel’s LGA 2066/2011-3/2011/1366/1156/1155/1151/1150 and AMD’s AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1. It is geared for the high-end desktop processors. While Enermax claims universal socket compatibility, it is not compatible with the Threadripper’s sTR4 socket as they manufacture a Threadripper specific line of LIQTECH II coolers. The tubes connecting the water block to the radiator measure 400mm.
Aurabelt RGB Water Block
The water block features a patented Shunt Channel Technology on the cold plate and directs the coolant to the hottest area within the block to quickly cool the processor. The shunt inside the micro fin structure optimizes the “Boundary Layer” effect which eliminates hot spots for better heat dissipation.
The cube-shaped water block includes the pump and measures approximately 70mm x 70 mm x 55mm.
Pump
The pump is an EF1 pump dual-chamber design that utilizes ceramic bearings. It sports a motor speed of 3,000 RPM and has an MTBF of 100,000 hours. Per Enermax, the pump is capable of a flow rate of up to 450 liters per hour.
Radiator
The radiator is designed to hold three 120mm fans and measures 394mm x 120mm x 28mm. By our count, the aluminum radiator sports a density of 22 fins per inch.
Fans
The included T.B. Pressure PWM fans are standard-sized 120mm fans that have an MTBF of 160,000 hours. The Twister Bearings support a fan speed of 500 to 2,300 RPM at a noise level of 14 to 28 dB(A). The stated airflow is about 24 to 102 CFM. The fans also have rubber pads on the corners to reduce vibration.
RGB
There is an addressable RGB water block. The RGB connectivity is provided through a 3 pin ARGB (5V/Data/Ground) connector and is compatible with ASUS, AsRock, MSI and Razer Chroma out of the box and with GIGABYTE boards with the included adapter. The RGB is limited to the Enermax word and a ring around the water block.
Enermax included a basic controller in the box for folks that do not have RGB capabilities built into their system. Lighting modes available via the included controller are as follows: Racing-Rainbow (Default), Breathing-Rainbow, Flash-Rainbow, Overlaying-Rainbow, Flow-Rainbow, Colors auto-run (8 colors), Ripple auto-run (8 colors), Overlaying-RED, Overlaying-GREEN, Overlaying-BLUE.