Let's dive into the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2, a cooler designed to keep your CPU running smoothly while adding a splash of color to your rig. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about this cooler, from its features and performance to installation and compatibility. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a newbie, this review will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2

The Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2 is an all-in-one liquid cooler designed for modern CPUs. Liquid coolers like the PF360 ARGB V2 offer superior heat dissipation compared to traditional air coolers, making them ideal for high-performance processors, especially if you're planning to overclock. The "ARGB" in its name signifies its addressable RGB lighting, which allows you to customize the cooler's appearance to match your build's aesthetic. With its 360mm radiator, it promises efficient cooling and quiet operation, even under heavy loads. Let's get into the key components of this cooler. The cooler includes a water block, pump, radiator, and fans. The water block sits atop your CPU, drawing heat away from it. This heat is then transferred to the coolant, which is pumped to the radiator. The radiator dissipates the heat with the help of the fans, and the cooled coolant returns to the water block to repeat the cycle. This closed-loop system requires minimal maintenance, making it a convenient cooling solution for your PC. The included ARGB fans are not just for show; they are designed to provide optimal airflow while maintaining low noise levels. The cooler is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including those from Intel and AMD, making it a versatile choice for various builds. The addressable RGB lighting can be controlled via motherboard software, allowing you to synchronize the cooler's lighting effects with other components in your system, creating a cohesive and visually stunning look. The PF360 ARGB V2 is built with high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. The radiator is made of aluminum, which is lightweight and efficient at dissipating heat. The tubing is flexible and durable, preventing leaks and ensuring reliable operation. The pump is designed to be quiet and efficient, minimizing noise while providing consistent coolant flow. The cooler also comes with a comprehensive installation kit, making it easy to install on your CPU. The included instructions are clear and concise, guiding you through each step of the installation process. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a newbie, you'll find the installation process straightforward and hassle-free.

Key Features and Specifications

When looking at key features of the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2, it's crucial to consider what sets it apart from the competition. This cooler has a range of features that make it an attractive option for PC enthusiasts. The first thing that catches the eye is the addressable RGB lighting. Each of the three 120mm fans and the water block feature ARGB LEDs that can be customized to display a wide range of colors and effects. This allows you to personalize your build and create a visually stunning look. The lighting can be controlled via motherboard software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome Sync, allowing you to synchronize the lighting effects with other components in your system. The cooler features a high-performance pump that ensures efficient coolant flow and heat dissipation. The pump is designed to be quiet and reliable, minimizing noise while providing consistent performance. The 360mm radiator provides a large surface area for heat dissipation, allowing the cooler to effectively cool even the most demanding CPUs. The radiator is made of aluminum, which is lightweight and efficient at dissipating heat. The cooler also features a copper base plate that makes direct contact with the CPU, ensuring optimal heat transfer. The copper base plate is precision-machined to provide a smooth and even surface, maximizing contact with the CPU. The cooler comes with a comprehensive installation kit that includes all the necessary hardware for installing the cooler on a wide range of CPU sockets. The installation kit includes brackets for Intel and AMD CPUs, as well as screws and other hardware. The cooler is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 115x, 1200, 1700, and AMD AM4, AM5 sockets. This makes it a versatile choice for various builds. Here are some key specifications:

• Radiator Size: 360mm
• Fan Size: 120mm
• Fan Speed: 600-2200 RPM
• Noise Level: 22.4 dBA (minimum)
• TDP Support: 350W+
• ARGB Lighting: Yes, Addressable RGB
• Compatibility: Intel LGA 115x/1200/1700/2011/2066, AMD AM4/AM5

Performance and Cooling Efficiency

Now, let's talk about performance and cooling efficiency. This is where the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2 truly shines. A cooler can look great, but if it doesn't keep your CPU cool under pressure, it's not worth much. The PF360 ARGB V2 is designed to handle high thermal loads, making it suitable for overclocked CPUs and demanding applications. The large 360mm radiator provides ample surface area for heat dissipation, allowing the cooler to effectively cool even the most power-hungry processors. In tests, the PF360 ARGB V2 has proven to be highly effective at keeping CPU temperatures low. Under heavy loads, such as gaming or video editing, the cooler maintains stable temperatures, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring smooth performance. The high-performance pump ensures efficient coolant flow, which is crucial for effective heat transfer. The pump is designed to be quiet and reliable, minimizing noise while providing consistent performance. The cooler's fans are also designed to provide optimal airflow while maintaining low noise levels. The fans feature a unique blade design that maximizes airflow and minimizes turbulence, resulting in efficient cooling and quiet operation. The cooler's copper base plate makes direct contact with the CPU, ensuring optimal heat transfer. The copper base plate is precision-machined to provide a smooth and even surface, maximizing contact with the CPU. This ensures that heat is transferred efficiently from the CPU to the coolant. When compared to other coolers in its class, the PF360 ARGB V2 performs admirably. It consistently outperforms air coolers and rivals other liquid coolers in terms of cooling efficiency. The cooler's ability to maintain low temperatures under heavy loads makes it an excellent choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who demands high performance from their PC. The cooler's performance is also enhanced by its ability to be customized. The ARGB lighting can be adjusted to match your build's aesthetic, and the fan speeds can be adjusted to optimize cooling performance. The cooler's ability to be customized makes it a versatile choice for various builds. Overall, the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2 offers exceptional cooling performance and efficiency. Its ability to keep CPU temperatures low under heavy loads makes it an excellent choice for anyone who demands high performance from their PC.

Installation Guide

Installing the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2 might seem daunting, but it's quite straightforward. The process is similar to most all-in-one liquid coolers, and Silverstone provides clear instructions to guide you through it. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Prepare Your Components: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary components and tools. This includes the cooler itself, mounting brackets for your CPU socket, screws, thermal paste, and a screwdriver.
2. Install the Backplate: Depending on your CPU socket (Intel or AMD), install the appropriate backplate on the back of your motherboard. The backplate provides a secure mounting point for the cooler.
3. Mount the Water Block: Apply thermal paste to the CPU. Then, place the water block on top of the CPU and secure it using the mounting brackets. Make sure the water block is firmly attached to the CPU to ensure proper heat transfer.
4. Mount the Radiator: Choose a suitable location in your case to mount the radiator. This is typically at the top or front of the case. Secure the radiator using screws. Ensure that the radiator is mounted in a way that allows for optimal airflow.
5. Connect the Fans: Attach the ARGB fans to the radiator using screws. Make sure the fans are oriented in the correct direction to push or pull air through the radiator. Most users prefer to mount the fans to pull air through the radiator and out of the case. If your case has limited space, you can mount the fans to push air through the radiator from outside the case.
6. Connect the Cables: Connect the pump and fan cables to the appropriate headers on your motherboard. Connect the ARGB cables to the ARGB header on your motherboard or a separate ARGB controller. Make sure all the cables are securely connected.
7. Manage Cables: To keep your build looking clean and organized, manage the cables using zip ties or cable sleeves. This will also improve airflow inside your case.
8. Test the System: After installing the cooler, power on your PC and monitor the CPU temperature to ensure that the cooler is working properly. You can use software like HWMonitor or CPU-Z to monitor the temperature.

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to the Silverstone manual for troubleshooting tips. With a little patience and attention to detail, you'll have your PF360 ARGB V2 up and running in no time.

ARGB Lighting and Customization

One of the standout features of the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2 is its addressable RGB lighting. The cooler features ARGB LEDs on the fans and the water block, allowing you to customize the lighting to match your build's aesthetic. The addressable RGB lighting allows you to display a wide range of colors and effects, creating a visually stunning look. The lighting can be controlled via motherboard software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome Sync. This allows you to synchronize the lighting effects with other components in your system, creating a cohesive and visually stunning look. You can choose from a variety of preset lighting effects or create your own custom effects. The lighting can be adjusted to match your build's color scheme or to create a unique visual effect. The ability to customize the lighting makes the PF360 ARGB V2 a great choice for anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their PC. The ARGB lighting is not just for show; it also adds a touch of elegance to your build. The lighting can be used to highlight the cooler's components and create a visually appealing effect. The cooler's lighting can also be used to indicate the CPU temperature. You can set the lighting to change color based on the CPU temperature, providing a visual indication of the CPU's thermal status. The cooler's lighting can also be used to indicate the fan speed. You can set the lighting to change color based on the fan speed, providing a visual indication of the fan's performance. The cooler's lighting can be customized to match your personal preferences. You can choose from a variety of preset lighting effects or create your own custom effects. The cooler's lighting can also be turned off completely if you prefer a more subtle look. Overall, the ARGB lighting on the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2 is a great feature that adds a touch of elegance and customization to your build. The ability to control the lighting via motherboard software makes it easy to synchronize the lighting effects with other components in your system.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2:

Pros:

• Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPU temperatures low, even under heavy loads.
• Addressable RGB Lighting: Offers customizable lighting effects to match your build's aesthetic.
• Quiet Operation: Fans and pump are designed to minimize noise.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
• Easy Installation: Comes with a comprehensive installation kit and clear instructions.

Cons:

• Size: The 360mm radiator may not fit in all cases.
• Price: Can be more expensive than some other cooling solutions.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Silverstone PF360 ARGB V2 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-performance liquid cooler with customizable RGB lighting. Its excellent cooling performance, quiet operation, and wide compatibility make it a versatile option for various builds. While the size of the radiator and the price may be deterrents for some, the overall value and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize cooling efficiency and aesthetics. If you have the space in your case and are willing to spend a bit more, the PF360 ARGB V2 is definitely worth considering.