Buzz
The CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB proves that even the smallest tweaks and upgrades can lead to a big improvement in performance.
Typically, with each new CPU release from Intel or AMD, accessory manufacturers, particularly those in the CPU cooling space, also launch new compatible products. As a leading component maker, Corsair is no exception, unveiling the NAUTILUS RS AIO cooling line with both ARGB and non-ARGB versions.
The CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB featured in this review is a 360mm radiator version, equipped with Corsair RS120 fans with ARGB lighting. Like other Corsair products, the packaging is dominated by a yellow and black color scheme, with the front showcasing the product image and model name. The sides highlight key features like low noise levels, the eight RGB LEDs in the cooling fans, and the ability to easily sync the LED lighting without needing a hub.
Like most products in this segment, the box contains the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB and three Corsair RS120 ARGB fans.
Released in late 2024, the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB includes all the necessary mounting brackets for the latest sockets, including Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM4 and AM5. Additionally, the package comes with extended PWM and ARGB cables for adjusting fan speed, LED colors, and effects.
The water tubes of the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB are quite slim, wrapped in durable braided material, similar to previous high-end AIO products from the brand.
The cooling block is where the most notable advancements of the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB are found. Firstly, this AIO is equipped with Corsair's latest pump generation, which operates at a maximum noise level of just 20dB, meaning users won’t hear the pump or the gurgling of the coolant.
Additionally, the copper base of the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB is slightly convex, combined with pre-applied thermal paste in an optimal pattern, maximizing the contact area with the CPU to ensure the best cooling performance, especially considering the increasing size of desktop CPUs.
The plastic cover on the top of the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB’s cooling block can be easily removed and rotated to adjust the logo’s sail orientation according to the case’s layout.
As briefly mentioned earlier, the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB is equipped with three 120mm PWM CORSAIR RS120 ARGB fans. One of the improvements of this fan series is its ability to daisy-chain, directly connecting both the PWM power and ARGB LED control pins to the motherboard. Furthermore, the Zero RPM mode of these fans, combined with the new-generation pump, provides users with a silent cooling experience.
Test Configuration:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
RAM: Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5 RGB 2x48 GB 8400MT
GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 4070 GAMING X SLIM 12G
PSU: CORSAIR RM1000X
Besides noise reduction, the performance of the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB is also a key focus. As mentioned earlier, this AIO can handle any desktop CPU on the market. During testing with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, even when using Intel Extreme Tuning’s Speed Optimizer 2.0 auto-overclocking feature (right image), the maximum temperature only reached 95°C during stress tests like CineBench 2024.
At a room temperature of around 27°C with a closed case, the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB effectively managed the idle temperature of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K. For basic tasks, users will enjoy a well-cooled system with noise levels that are nearly undetectable under normal conditions.
The performance of AIO is also influenced by the radiator fan. If the included CORSAIR RS120 ARGB fans with the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB cooler don’t meet your expectations, users can consider the new iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm PWM fan series from the brand for better performance.
In addition to the three fans, the set of three CORSAIR iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm PWM fans comes with extension cables and screws to assist users during installation. Furthermore, as part of the iCUE LINK series, the RX120 RGB 120mm PWM features a control hub to manage fan speed and lighting color.
Ultimately, the CORSAIR 360 NAUTILUS RS ARGB is a high-performance AIO cooler that provides excellent cooling for even the hottest CPUs. However, it may not be sufficient for overclocking high-end CPUs like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K due to the radiator's thickness limitation. With the addition of premium fans like the CORSAIR iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm PWM, users can push the combo to balance performance, noise, and price more effectively.
