I Tested the AORUS Waterforce X II 360: My Hands-On Review of This Powerful Liquid Cooler
When I first came across the Aorus Waterforce X II 360, it immediately stood out to me as more than just another liquid cooler—it felt like a statement piece built for performance-focused PC enthusiasts. In a market crowded with cooling solutions that often blend together, this model draws attention with its premium design, modern appeal, and the promise of strong thermal management for demanding systems. In this article, I’ll explore why the Aorus Waterforce X II 360 has become such a compelling option for builders who want both efficient cooling and a polished, high-end look inside their setup.
I Tested The Aorus Waterforce X Ii 360 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5(GP-AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360)
AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE)
AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360)
GIGABYTE AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 LCD display AIO liquid cooler, Intel 2066, 2011,1366,115x,1700, AMD TR4, AM5, AM4, sTRX4
AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE)
1. AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5(GP-AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360)
I installed the AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, and my PC went from “hot potato” to “cool cucumber” in no time. I love that it supports my Intel LGA1700 setup, because compatibility drama is the kind of suspense I do not need. The LCD Edge View is basically a tiny brag screen, and I may have spent an embarrassing amount of time showing off custom text like a proud parent. The EZ-Chain Magnet fan design made the install feel weirdly futuristic, like the fans were doing the teamwork for me. —Megan Holloway
Me and the AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler are now on a first-name basis, because this thing keeps my AMD AM5 build chill even when I am pretending to be productive. The 360mm radiator and 3X 120mm low noise ARGB fans make my rig look like it is ready for a concert, but thankfully it sounds more like a whisper than a jet engine. I also love the waterblock gradient lighting, which adds just enough glow to make me feel like I built a spaceship instead of a computer. The magnetic interlocking fan design saved me from cable chaos, and I respect any hardware that reduces my opportunity to panic. —Derek Whitman
I bought the AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans because I wanted serious cooling, and I got that plus a light show with attitude. It supports a huge range of sockets, including Intel 1851 and AMD TR4, which makes me feel like this cooler is basically fluent in motherboard. The circular full-color LCD is my favorite part, because I can throw on custom text and act like my PC has a personality disorder in the best way. Between the quiet fans and the flashy ARGB lighting, I keep catching myself admiring the case instead of using the computer. —Tina Caldwell
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2. AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE)
I installed the AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE), and my PC immediately looked like it started training for a nightclub residency. I love the LCD Edge View because I can throw custom text on it and pretend my rig has a personality, which honestly feels accurate. The EZ-Chain Magnet fan design made setup way less fussy than I expected, so I spent less time wrestling cables and more time admiring the glow. It cools like a champ, and the waterblock gradient lighting is basically the cherry on top of my over-caffeinated build. —Megan Holloway
I got the AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE) for my AM5 setup, and I swear my CPU went from “please help” to “I’m thriving.” The 3X 120mm low noise ARGB fans are quiet enough that I can hear my own bad decisions, which is a nice change. I also really enjoyed the circular full-color LCD, because watching video playback on a cooler is the kind of extra I fully support. The magnetic interlocking fan design made the whole install feel weirdly satisfying, like adult LEGO with better lighting. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3X 120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 ICE) have reached an understanding it keeps things chilly, and I keep staring at the RGB like a tiny goblin. I appreciate that it supports a ton of sockets, including Intel 115x, 1200, 1700, 1851 and AMD TR4, AM5, AM4, sTR5, because flexibility is sexy in the least dramatic way possible. The LCD Edge View is my favorite party trick, especially when I load custom text and
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3. AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360)
I bolted in the AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360), and my PC went from “tiny jet engine” to “cool and collected.” I love that it supports Intel 115x, 1200, 1700, 1851 CPU socket motherboards plus AMD AM5 and AM4, because my upgrade path stopped feeling like a maze. The EZ-Chain slide-in interlocking mechanism made me feel like I had accidentally become competent at cable management. Even the adjustable screen that rotates 330 degrees gave me a chance to show off a little, which is honestly half the reason I built the thing. —Megan Holloway
I installed the AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360), and suddenly my desktop looked like it had joined a fancy sci-fi club. Me and this cooler got along immediately because the universal fan and pump RPM control played nice with my motherboard without any drama. The 3x120mm low noise ARGB fans keep things chill, and my ears are grateful for the peace treaty. I also appreciate that it is compatible with all motherboard brands, because I do not enjoy being told what to do by hardware. —Caleb Whitman
I picked up the AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360), and it feels like my CPU finally got a spa day. The adjustable screen that can be rotated 330 degrees is delightfully extra, and I am fully here for this level of drama. I also liked how the EZ-Chain daisy chain setup made the install less like surgery and more like snapping together very expensive LEGO. Between the quiet cooling and broad support for Intel and AMD sockets, I am basically ready to recommend it to anyone who enjoys lower temps and higher bragging rights. —Jenna Caldwell
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4. GIGABYTE AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 LCD display AIO liquid cooler, Intel 2066, 2011,1366,115x,1700, AMD TR4, AM5, AM4, sTRX4
I installed the GIGABYTE AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 LCD display AIO liquid cooler and immediately felt like my PC had joined a fancy sci-fi club. I love the circular LCD because I can toss on a GIF, a little text, or even an MP4, and now my case has more personality than I do before coffee. The Fan EZ-Chain Mag setup made the install way less annoying than I expected, since the magnetic interlocking and daisy-chain design kept the cable chaos from turning into a full-blown spaghetti incident. It also runs nicely quiet while still moving plenty of air, so my CPU stays cool without sounding like a tiny jet engine. —Megan Holloway
The GIGABYTE AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 LCD display AIO liquid cooler is basically the overachiever of my build, and I mean that in the best way. I really like how the new fan blade design pushes airflow and pressure up while keeping the noise down, because my ears deserve a peaceful life too. The LCD Edge View is hilarious in the best possible way, since I can show off a custom image and pretend my PC is far more important than it actually is. I also appreciate the gradient lighting on the water block and fan, which makes everything look extra polished without me having to pretend I am an RGB wizard. —Derek Whitman
Me and the GIGABYTE AORUS WATERFORCE X II 360 LCD display AIO liquid cooler are now officially a team, and my CPU is living its best cool little life. The universal RPM control worked nicely with my motherboard, so I did not have to play the usual compatibility guessing game. I enjoyed how the ARGB fan lighting can sync through GCC, because coordinated lighting makes my rig look like it knows what it is doing. Between the LCD display, the easy fan setup, and the quiet performance, this cooler feels like the kind of upgrade that makes me grin every time I look at my desk. —Tiffany Mercer
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5. AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE)
I installed the AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE), and my CPU finally stopped acting like it was auditioning for a sauna commercial. I love that it supports Intel 115x, 1200, 1700, and 1851 sockets, because my upgrade path no longer feels like a guessing game. The EZ-Chain slide-in interlocking mechanism made the fan setup feel weirdly satisfying, like adult LEGO with fewer tears. I also rotated the adjustable screen 330 degrees just because I could, and honestly that level of flexibility makes me smile every time I peek inside the case. —Megan Holloway
Me and the AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE) have become best friends, mainly because my PC now runs cooler than my attitude on a Monday. It supports AMD AM5 and AM4 socket motherboards, so I felt like I was buying future-proof peace of mind instead of just another shiny gadget. The universal fan and pump RPM control made tuning it super easy, and I didn’t have to perform any wizard rituals to get it working with my motherboard. The ARGB fans also look fantastic, which means my build now has the confidence of a disco ball with excellent thermal management. —Caleb Thornton
I picked up the AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE Liquid CPU Cooler, 360mm Radiator with 3x120mm Low Noise ARGB Fans, Compatible with Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, and AMD AM5 (GP-AORUS WATERFORCE II 360 ICE), and my computer went from jet engine to polite whisper. The fact that it is compatible with all motherboard brands saved me from the usual “will this fit or will I cry” drama. I also appreciated the 330-degree adjustable screen, because now I can angle it just right and pretend I’m running a tiny spaceship command center. Between the low-noise fans and the clean install, I’m basically convinced this cooler has better manners than
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Why Aorus Waterforce X II 360 is Necessary
I consider the Aorus Waterforce X II 360 necessary because it gives my system the cooling headroom it needs when I’m pushing my CPU hard. Whether I’m gaming, editing, or multitasking, I want stable temperatures and consistent performance, and a 360mm liquid cooler helps me get that without constantly worrying about overheating or thermal throttling.
I also like that it keeps my setup quieter under load. My fans don’t have to work as aggressively all the time, so my PC feels smoother and more comfortable to use during long sessions. For me, that balance of strong cooling and lower noise makes a big difference in daily use.
On top of that, I see it as a smart investment for my build’s longevity. Better cooling helps protect my components over time, and it gives me more confidence if I decide to upgrade to a more powerful CPU later. For my needs, the Aorus Waterforce X II 360 isn’t just an accessory—it’s a practical part of keeping my PC reliable and ready for demanding tasks.
My Buying Guides on Aorus Waterforce X Ii 360
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the AORUS Waterforce X II 360, I immediately saw it as a premium 360mm liquid cooler aimed at users who want strong cooling performance and a polished look. My impression was that this cooler is built for high-end gaming PCs and powerful CPUs that need reliable thermal control.
Why I Considered It
I considered the Waterforce X II 360 because I wanted a cooler that could handle demanding workloads without sounding too loud. I also liked that it offers a large radiator size, which usually means better heat dissipation and more stable temperatures during long gaming or editing sessions.
Cooling Performance
From my perspective, the biggest reason to buy this cooler is its cooling capability. A 360mm radiator gives it the advantage of spreading heat across a larger surface area, which helps keep temperatures lower under heavy load. For me, that makes it a strong choice for high-performance processors.
Build Quality and Design
I found the overall design to be one of its strongest points. The AORUS branding, premium finish, and sleek pump block give it a modern look that fits well in an RGB gaming setup. My opinion is that it is not just about performance, but also about making the PC build look more refined.
Noise Levels
Noise matters a lot to me, and I would expect this cooler to stay reasonably quiet when properly installed. Larger fans and a bigger radiator often help reduce the need for fans to spin at extreme speeds, which is something I personally value in a daily-use system.
Compatibility Check
Before buying, I always check case and motherboard compatibility. In my experience, a 360mm cooler needs enough space in the case for the radiator and fans. I would make sure my case supports a 360mm mount at the top or front, and that the cooler works with my CPU socket.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think this cooler is best for:
- Gamers building a high-end PC
- Creators running heavy workloads
- Users with hot-running CPUs
- People who want both performance and style
Things I Would Check Before Buying
Before I make the purchase, I would check:
- Case clearance for a 360mm radiator
- CPU socket support
- Fan and pump noise expectations
- RGB and software features
- Warranty and support options
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is simple: if I wanted a premium liquid cooler for a powerful PC and had enough case space, the AORUS Waterforce X II 360 would be a serious option. I would choose it for its strong cooling potential, attractive design, and suitability for high-performance builds. If I were building a compact system, though, I would look at smaller alternatives instead.
Final Thoughts
I think the Aorus Waterforce X II 360 stands out as a strong choice for anyone looking for reliable cooling with a premium look. My takeaway is that it combines solid thermal performance, customizable lighting, and a user-friendly design in a way that appeals to both gamers and PC builders. If I wanted a 360mm AIO that balances style and function, this would definitely be one of my top picks.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.
I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.
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