be quiet! Pure Loop 3 LX 360 Review (2025): Silent Cooling & ARGB Design

In the competitive world of PC cooling, be quiet! has consistently set the benchmark for silent yet powerful solutions. With the launch of the Pure Loop 3 series, the German manufacturer pushes its AIO watercooling lineup even further, offering an impressive balance between performance, customization, and affordability. Available in 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm versions, as well as RGB-enhanced LX editions, the new range promises one of the best price-to-performance ratios in its category.

Today, we focus on the Pure Loop 3 LX 360, the flagship of the lineup, designed to tame high-end CPUs like Intel’s Core i9-13900K while remaining whisper-quiet.

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Key Upgrades in the Pure Loop 3 Series

The Pure Loop 3 is more than just a minor refresh of its predecessor. While it retains the sleek, understated aesthetic be quiet! is known for, several design changes elevate both performance and usability:

• Pump relocation: The pump is now integrated directly into the waterblock rather than the tubing, improving efficiency and reducing vibration.
• ARGB customization: The LX edition comes with full aRGB lighting and a customizable waterblock top. Users can swap interchangeable masks—10 are included—for unique personalization without requiring software.
• User-friendly maintenance: The AIO arrives prefilled and ready to install but features an accessible refill port. Unlike the Pure Loop 2, no coolant bottle is bundled, which is a slight drawback.

Build Quality and Design

The Pure Loop 3 LX 360 is built with durability and ease of installation in mind:

• Tubing: Flexible, sleeved hoses with pivoting fittings make routing simple, even in tight cases.
• Cold plate: A large nickel-plated copper base ensures optimal heat transfer.
• Pump: Powered by a PWM 6-pole motor, adjustable between 3000–5500 RPM for efficient liquid circulation.
• Radiator: An aluminum 360mm unit (397 × 120 × 52 mm with fans) featuring dense sinuous fins for maximum heat dissipation.

The bundled Light Wings LX High Speed 120mm fans deserve special mention. With 9 blades, 16 ARGB LEDs, and closed-loop control, they maintain consistent airflow and pressure even under radiator resistance. Their chainable design reduces cable clutter, though reliance on proprietary connectors limits replacement options.

Installation and Compatibility

Installing the Pure Loop 3 LX 360 requires a few extra steps compared to simpler coolers but remains straightforward:

1. Attach the pre-assembled backplate with spacers.
2. Secure mounting brackets on each side of the CPU socket.
3. Fix the three 120mm fans to the radiator.
4. Apply thermal paste and seat the waterblock onto the CPU.

The cooler supports a wide range of sockets, including Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115x and AMD AM4/AM5.

Cable management is simplified thanks to a Y-splitter, with fan control routed to the CPU_FAN header, pump control to CPU_OPT, and ARGB lighting to a standard 5V header.

Performance Testing

We tested the Pure Loop 3 LX 360 with an Intel Core i9-13900K, one of the most power-hungry consumer CPUs, drawing up to 330W under load.

Cooling Results

• Up to 285W TDP: The cooler maintained safe CPU temperatures around 95°C.
• Beyond 285W: At 330W, thermal throttling occurred, which is expected even for top-tier 360mm AIOs.
• Comparison: Performance closely matches high-end rivals like the NZXT Kraken Plus 360 RGB, with only a 2°C difference at peak load.

Noise Levels

True to its brand philosophy, be quiet! delivers one of the quietest AIO coolers in its class:

• Virtually silent under light workloads.
• Remains discreet up to ~55% fan speed.
• Noticeable airflow noise only appears beyond 80% fan speed, exceeding 50 dBA at full RPM but still quieter than many competitors.

Pricing and Variants

Be quiet! offers competitive pricing across the lineup:

• Pure Loop 3 240mm → $91
• Pure Loop 3 280mm → $107
• Pure Loop 3 360mm → $112
• Pure Loop 3 LX 240mm → $107
• Pure Loop 3 LX 360mm → $128

For an ARGB-equipped 360mm AIO, the LX edition remains one of the most affordable premium cooling solutions on the market.

Verdict: Is the Pure Loop 3 LX 360 Worth It?

The be quiet! Pure Loop 3 LX 360 strikes a rare balance of silent operation, efficient cooling, and customizable aesthetics. It handles demanding CPUs up to ~285W TDP, remains quieter than most competitors, and adds flair with its aRGB lighting and swappable waterblock masks.

While the lack of bundled coolant and reliance on proprietary fans are minor drawbacks, its $128 price tag makes the be quiet! Pure Loop 3 LX 360 one of the most compelling 360mm AIO coolers available in 2025. If you’re looking for a cooling solution that delivers strong performance, near-silent operation, and stylish customization without overspending, the Pure Loop 3 LX 360 deserves a top spot on your shortlist.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.