Antec VORTEX 360 ARGB Cooler Review

Antec is a well-known brand in the PC hardware industry, some of the first PC components I used were Antec nearly two decades ago, and I still use some today! They have been making high-quality products for many years, and now they’re back again with their stunning new all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler, the VORTEX 360 ARGB. This cooler is designed to provide high-performance cooling for high-end CPUs, and it features a unique pump head design and customisable lighting effects. When it comes to cooling, a powerful pump, three fans, and a 360mm radiator should make light work of cooling higher TDP processors.

Features and Specifications

• Radiator Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27 mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminum
• Pump Dimensions: 67 x 48.5 mm
• Pump Speed: 2800 ± 10% RPM
• Pump Noise Level: ≤ 28 dB(A)
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Fan Speed: 600 ± 200 ~ 2000 ± 10% RPM
• Fan Noise Level: 31.24 dB(A)
• Fan Type: Antec Fusion PWM ARGB Fan with 16 LEDs
• Tubing: EPDM high-density
• Compatibility: Intel LGA 115X / 1200 / 1700 / 20XX, AMD AM3 / AM4 / AM5 / TR4
• Warranty: 3 years
• Special Features: ARGB Controller included, Suspended spiral pump head design

ARGB Fans

The Antec VORTEX 360 ARGB comes equipped with three Antec Fusion 120 ARGB PWM fans. These fans aren’t just about aesthetics, though the 16 addressable RGB LEDs certainly contribute to the cooler’s visual appeal. Performance-wise, they offer a decent balance of airflow, reaching up to 57.93 CFM, and static pressure of 2.11 mmH₂O with the help of their nine-blade design. They should max out at just 31.24 dB(A) at maximum speed, keeping your system cool without excessive noise.

Control Hub

Antec includes a handy ARGB controller with the VORTEX 360. This hub allows for direct control of the fans’ RGB illumination, independent of motherboard software, although you could just hook them to your motherboard if you so desired. It can handle up to 48 LEDs per hub, and with the ability to connect up to 4 hubs, so you can synchronise lighting across a substantial number of devices. The controller offers various preset lighting effects and allows for the customisation of colours and patterns. Furthermore, it features a convenient switch that lets you seamlessly transition between the controller’s settings and your motherboard’s software for synchronized lighting across your entire system.

Socket Compatibility

One of the VORTEX360 ARGB’s strengths is its broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms. On the Intel side, it supports a wide range of sockets, including LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, and even the enthusiast-grade 20XX series. This means it can handle a lot of older systems to the latest 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core processors. For AMD users, the cooler is compatible with AM3, AM4, and the newest AM5 sockets, ensuring support for all modern Ryzen processors. It even extends its compatibility to AMD’s high-end desktop (HEDT) platform with support for TR4. This wide-ranging compatibility makes the VORTEX 360 ARGB a versatile cooling solution for a variety of builds, whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or enthusiast.