CPU coolers / Compare

be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm vs Noctua NL-LC1-36

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Product A: be quiet!

Silent Loop 3 420mm

36 of 54 known

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B

Product B: Noctua

NL-LC1-36

29 of 54 known

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Abe quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm

BNoctua NL-LC1-36

General

8 of 12 differ

Series

Silent Loop 39Press articleguru3d.com/story/be-quiet-launches-silent-loop-3-series-aio-liquid-cpu-coolersRead 15 October 2026The Silent Loop 3 Series comes in 240, 360 and 420 mm.10Press articlefunkykit.comRead 15 October 2026Press release name: Silent Loop 3, a series of 240, 360 and 420 mm all-in-one coolers.

NL-LC18Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Review text calls it Noctua's first all-in-one cooler. The NL-LC1 family has 240, 360 and 420 mm models.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

BW02611Retailer pagevoelkner.de/products/13093242/Be-Quiet-Silent-Loop-3-420Mm.htmlRead 15 October 2026Hersteller-Nr. BW026.12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00672490.htmlRead 15 October 2026Model BW026.

NL-LC1-368Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Spec tables: model Noctua NL-LC1-36.

GTIN / EAN

426005219255911Retailer pagevoelkner.de/products/13093242/Be-Quiet-Silent-Loop-3-420Mm.htmlRead 15 October 2026EAN 4260052192559. A marketplace listing, but the number agrees with the maker's article BW026 on every page found.

90100180005592Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Copy of Noctua's comparison table, EAN barcode row: 9010018000559 for the NL-LC1-36. Watercooling UK and Vedant Computers print the same EAN. Vedant also prints UPC 841501100550, which only that shop lists and is not stored.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026EAN 9010018000559 (the shop also lists UPC 841501100550).5Retailer pagealternate.de/Noctua/NL-LC1-36-Wasserk%C3%BChlung/html/product/100205723Read 14 October 2026EAN 9010018000559.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

11 February 20255Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Club386 published its review on 11 Feb 2025, the same day as the Guru3D launch report.9Press articleguru3d.com/story/be-quiet-launches-silent-loop-3-series-aio-liquid-cpu-coolersRead 15 October 2026Published 2025-02-11 by Hilbert Hagedoorn.10Press articlefunkykit.comRead 15 October 2026FunkyKit repost of the be quiet! press release, dated 12 February 2025.

3 June 202613Press articletomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/noctuas-first-ever-aio-features-a-silenced-asetek-emma-v2-pump-and-nf-a12-14-fans-240mm-nl-lc1-starts-at-usd250-goes-up-to-usd325-for-420mm-coolerRead 14 October 2026Article of 3 June 2026: at Computex 2026 the company officially unveiled the NL-LC1 and its name. A first look was shown in 2025.

Status

Available12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00672490.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC France listed the 420mm model as in stock at 146.95 EUR on the access date.

Available12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026QuietPC lists the NL-LC1-36 at EUR 213.97 on the access date, and igor'sLAB's price table of mid-July 2026 shows 249.90 euro at German shops.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$174.95Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026MSRP table row Silent Loop 3 420: $174.90 / EUR 174.90. US prices exclude tax.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026MSRP of USD 174.90 and EUR 174.90.9Press articleguru3d.com/story/be-quiet-launches-silent-loop-3-series-aio-liquid-cpu-coolersRead 15 October 2026$174.90 for 420 mm, $164.90 for 360 mm and $139.90 for 240 mm.10Press articlefunkykit.comRead 15 October 2026Suggested retail price $174.90 for the 420mm.

$249.911Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-reveals-its-nllc1-aio-series-with-advanced-acoustic-designRead 14 October 2026Series table: NL-LC1-36 $249.90. Tom's Hardware's review prints an MSRP of $249.99, which is not used.12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026NL-LC1-36 priced at $249.90. US prices exclude tax.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€174.95Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026MSRP table row Silent Loop 3 420: EUR 174.90. The FunkyKit press text gives the same figure.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026MSRP of EUR 174.90.10Press articlefunkykit.comRead 15 October 2026EUR 174.90 for the 420mm.

€249.911Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-reveals-its-nllc1-aio-series-with-advanced-acoustic-designRead 14 October 2026Series table: NL-LC1-36 EUR 249.90. PCGH and Geektopia print 250 euro and 249.90 euro.12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026NL-LC1-36 priced at EUR 249.90.15Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Wasserkuehlung-Hardware-217994/News/Noctua-NL-LC1-AIO-Prices-Release-Pump-dampening-1541270Read 14 October 2026Recommended price 250 euro for the NL-LC1-36.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, EU, GB5Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026The review lists US dollar, euro and pound prices (GBP 124.99 in the press text).10Press articlefunkykit.comRead 15 October 2026The press release gives $, EUR and GBP prices (GBP 124.99 for the 420mm).

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026General data, Color option: Black.11Retailer pagevoelkner.de/products/13093242/Be-Quiet-Silent-Loop-3-420Mm.htmlRead 15 October 2026Farbe: schwarz.

Black & Brown14Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/noctua-nl-lc1-36-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: Colors Black & Brown.

Cooler typeiAir is a heatsink with fans that sits on the CPU. AIO liquid is a sealed all-in-one liquid cooler with a pump block, tubes and a radiator.

AIO liquid2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Review of the 420mm sealed liquid cooler with pump block, tubes, radiator and three fans.

AIO liquid8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

Air cooler layoutiAir coolers only. Top-flow covers low-profile coolers whose fan blows down onto the board.

Not available

Not available

Rated TDP (claimed)iThe heat load the maker says the cooler handles. Makers do not share one test method, so this is not a measured result. A maker's maximum heat dissipation power counts. Check the maker's CPU compatibility page too.

Not available

250W2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Maximum TDP row: up to 250 W for the NL-LC1-36 (200 W for the 240 and 275 W for the 420).

Base materialiThe surface that touches the CPU: the heatsink base or the AIO cold plate. Plating counts, so nickel-plated copper is not copper. Direct-touch heat pipes are the contact surface, so they count as copper unless plating is stated. The direct-contact heat pipes field records the design.

Nickel-plated copper2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026APH prints the maker's spec table as read on the maker's website. Base material / finish: copper / nickel plating.3Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mm/2Read 15 October 2026The base contacting the processor is copper with nickel plating.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026Base on this cooler is nickel-plated copper.

Copper2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Cold plate copper CU1100 (99.95% purity), 55.5 x 55.5 mm, skived fin micro channels. No plating is stated.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20268Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

Thermal pasteiPre-applied means paste is already on the base or cold plate. Included means a separate tube or syringe in the box.

Included2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Accessories, Thermal grease: Included. Tech4Gamers lists a separate paste tube.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026Box list names 1x Thermal Paste Tube.

Included8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026A full tube of NT-H2 is in the box.12Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026

Compatibility

2 of 3 differ

CPU socketsiSockets the maker lists as supported in its spec table, compatibility list or guide, written as cpu_socket writes them, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851. List each socket on its own, so LGA115x becomes LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156. When the maker names the sockets of such a family, list only the ones it names. A socket that needs a separately sold or requested mounting kit is left out. A new socket that the maker lists with no extra kit counts. LGA2011-v3 and 2011(V3) are written LGA2011-3. Threadripper sockets use AMD's names, so TR4 is written sTR4 and TR5 is written sTR5. sTRX4 and sWRX8 are sockets of their own.

AM5, AM4, sTR5, sTR4, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA11552Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Maker table: Intel 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 and AMD AM5 / AM4 / TR5 / TR4. The Threadripper bracket is in the box. LGA1156 is not named, so it is not stored. TR5 and TR4 are stored as sTR5 and sTR4, the names AMD uses for those sockets.4Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-aio-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: Intel 1851/1700/1200/115X, AMD AM5 / AM4 / TR5 / TR4. 115X is stored as LGA1150, LGA1151 and LGA1155, which the maker's own table names one by one.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026Compatible with Intel LGA 115x/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5/TR5/sTRX4/TR4. sTRX4 is not in the maker's table and is not stored.11Retailer pagevoelkner.de/products/13093242/Be-Quiet-Silent-Loop-3-420Mm.htmlRead 15 October 2026Suitable sockets list 1150, 1151, 1155, 1700, 1851, AM4, TR4, sTR5, sTRX4, 1200 and AM5.12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00672490.htmlRead 15 October 2026Processor support: AMD AM4, AM5, sTR4, sTR5 and Intel 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 1700, 1851.

AM5, AM4, LGA1954, LGA1851, LGA17002Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Socket compatibility: AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954. Computer Lounge and IgorsLab print the same list. The launch coverage in Guru3D, KitGuru and Tom's Hardware names only AM5, AM4, LGA1700 and LGA1851.3Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-lc1-360mm-silent-aio-cpu-liquid-coolerRead 14 October 2026Spec row lists AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851 and LGA1954.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20268Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202615Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Wasserkuehlung-Hardware-217994/News/Noctua-NL-LC1-AIO-Prices-Release-Pump-dampening-1541270Read 14 October 2026Noctua lists AM5, AM4, LGA1700 and LGA1851 at launch. Older Intel sockets need optional kits. LGA1954 is on the spec pages of the shops listed above.

RAM height clearanceiAir coolers only. The tallest memory module that fits under the cooler with all included fans in their standard position. When the maker gives different values per socket, store the lowest and name the others in the source note. A heatsink that does not reach over the memory slots has no height limit, so the field is left out and the maker's statement goes in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Offset mountingiThe included mount can shift the base or cold plate off the socket centre, for example toward the AM5 hotspot. An asymmetric heatsink on a centred base does not count.

Not available

Yes7Owner's manualserverflow.ru/upload/iblock/616/130v3y3r3wb8j5l1rwkqk48yv245xlqz/%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%20%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B5%20Noctua%20NL-LC1-36.pdfRead 14 October 2026A reseller's copy of Noctua's NL-LC1 installation manual (the 360 mm model is the example). On AM5 and Ryzen 5000/3000 AM4 CPUs choose the -7 mm offset hole position. On 24- and 20-core LGA1851 CPUs use the +3.7 mm offset with a sideways shift. The standard position is 0.14Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/noctua-nl-lc1-36-reviewRead 14 October 2026Both the AMD and Intel mounting brackets come with 7 mm offset holes, which Tom's Hardware used on its Ryzen test bench.15Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Wasserkuehlung-Hardware-217994/News/Noctua-NL-LC1-AIO-Prices-Release-Pump-dampening-1541270Read 14 October 2026Offset mounting options for AM5 and LGA1851 are included to shift the cooler closer to the CPU hotspot.

Heatsink

None of 3 known

Heat pipesiAir coolers only. Number of heat pipes. A U-shaped pipe with two ends in the fins counts as one. A T-shaped pipe with three ends, such as Cooler Master's 3DHP, also counts as one. The maker's count wins over a review or Cybenetics count.

Not available

Not available

Heat pipe diameteriAir coolers only. Outer diameter, such as 6 or 8.

Not available

Not available

Direct-contact heat pipesiAir coolers only. The heat pipes touch the CPU directly instead of sitting in a solid base plate.

Not available

Not available

Liquid cooling

4 of 7 differ

Radiator sizeiAIO coolers only. The nominal size class from the fan positions, such as 240, 280, 360 or 420.

420mm2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Three 140 mm fans on a 457 mm radiator, so the size class is 420.

360mm2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026

Radiator dimensionsiRadiator without fans. Length runs along the row of fans. Width runs across it. Thickness is the depth the airflow passes through, such as 27 or 38.

Length457Width140Thickness27mm(18 × 5.5 × 1.1 in)2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Radiator specifications, Dimensions (H x W x D): 457 x 140 x 27 mm, without fans. The maker's table also prints 475 x 140 x 52 mm for the radiator with fans. Length runs along the fans. Thickness is 27 mm.

Length399.5Width120Thickness30mm(15.7 × 4.7 × 1.2 in)2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Radiator size 399.5 x 120 x 30 mm. Guru3D and KitGuru round it to 400 x 120 x 30 mm. Stored as length 399.5, width 120, thickness 30.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Radiator size 399.5 x 120 x 30 mm.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

Radiator material

Aluminium2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Radiator material / finish: aluminum / black spray painted.

Aluminium2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Fins, tubes and channels aluminium, frame steel.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20268Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026

Tube lengthiLength of each tube between the pump block and the radiator, as published. When the two tubes differ, the shorter is stored and the other goes in the source note.

400mm2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Tube length (mm): 400. APH describes the tubes as rubber with a braided sleeve and measures 400 mm. Tech4Gamers measured 410 mm.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026Measured 410 mm. The maker's table says 400 mm, which is stored.12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00672490.htmlRead 15 October 2026Highlights: flexible 400 mm jacketed hoses.

410mm4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Tube length 410 mm, EPDM braided. Alternate.de and Geektopia list 400 mm. This copy of the maker's spec, igor'sLAB, Guru3D and KitGuru list 410 mm, which is stored.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Hoses and coolant table: hose length 410 mm.10Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026Spec block: tubing length 410 mm.

Max pump speediHighest rated pump speed. When the maker gives a range, this is its top.

3,500rpm2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Pump speed (rpm): 3500, adjustable 1700 - 3500.

3,400rpm2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Max rotational speed 3400 rpm in manual mode (2600 balanced, 2100 quiet, 750 at 0% and 20% PWM). Tom's Hardware prints 3700 rpm in its text, which is the 3400 rpm rating plus the 10% tolerance and is not used.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202610Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026Spec block: pump speed 750 to 3400 rpm (+/- 10%) at maximum in manual mode.

Pump power connectoriHow the pump gets power. A pump wired through a supplied hub or cable uses the plug at the motherboard or PSU end. A pump powered from SATA with a separate 3-pin speed lead is SATA power.

4-pin PWM fan header2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Pump connector: 4-pin PWM.3Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mm/2Read 15 October 2026The pump runs at 1700 to 3500 RPM and is powered and controlled through a 4-pin PWM header.

4-pin PWM fan header2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Pump connector type 4-pin PWM, cable length 500 mm.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 20267Owner's manualserverflow.ru/upload/iblock/616/130v3y3r3wb8j5l1rwkqk48yv245xlqz/%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%20%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B5%20Noctua%20NL-LC1-36.pdfRead 14 October 2026Step 5: connect the pump to the motherboard's pump or CPU fan header, set to PWM control. The three fans connect through the supplied splitter cable to another fan header.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202610Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026

VRM faniA small fan on the pump block that blows over the motherboard voltage regulators.

No4Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-aio-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list row VRM Fan: N/A. No review or retailer describes a fan on the pump block.

No8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026The NL-ACF1 auxiliary fan is optional and sold separately, so the cooler as sold has no VRM fan.

Fans

1 of 2 differ

Included fansiFans in the box that cool the heatsink or radiator, one row per fan model. A VRM fan on the pump block is left out. Speed, airflow, pressure and noise are the maker's figures for one fan at full speed, in the fastest mode and without a low-noise adapter. When a range is published, the top of the range is stored. Count is the number of rotors, so a unified frame with three 120 mm rotors counts 3 with size 120. Min speed is the lowest speed while spinning. A zero RPM stop is not stored. FDB and S-FDB are fluid dynamic. HDB is hydrodynamic. Cooler Master's Loop Dynamic Bearing is loop dynamic. If the maker gives airflow only in m³/h, convert with 1 m³/h = 0.5886 CFM, round to one decimal and say so in the source note. Connector is the fan's power lead. A separate lighting lead is not counted, and a maker cable or adapter in the box that ends in a 4-pin PWM plug counts as 4-pin PWM, even when the fan's own lead is proprietary. For an air cooler with one fan, the maker's noise figure for the cooler is the fan noise. A figure the maker does not label per fan or in total counts as per fan. When a maker table prints noise for the whole cooler with no per-fan label and the maker's own data sheet for the same fan gives a figure, the fan data sheet figure is stored.

Abe quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM high-speed	140	3	1,900	78.4	2.36	29.3	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Fan model Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM, 140 x 140 x 25 mm, 1900 rpm at 100% PWM, 78.4 CFM, 2.36 mm H2O, FDB, 6-pole motor, 4-pin PWM, 3 fans. The maker's table prints the model without high-speed. The figures match the Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM high-speed fan (BL097). The plain Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM fan spins to 1170 rpm only. The maker's cooler noise row (34.3 dB(A) at 100% rpm, for the whole cooler) is not a per-fan value. The per-fan figure is in the Komputronik entry.3Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mm/2Read 15 October 2026Three Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM fans, seven blades, six-pole motor, fluid dynamic bearings, 2.36 mm H2O and 78.4 CFM. A 3-in-1 Y-adapter joins the fans on one header.4Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-aio-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: fan 140 x 140 x 25 mm, 1900 RPM max, 78.4 CFM, 2.36 mmH2O, FDB, 4-pin PWM.13Retailer pagekomputronik.pl/product/771125/be-quiet-silent-wings-4-140mm-pwm-high-speed.htmlRead 15 October 2026Retail copy of the data for the Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM high-speed fan (BL097): 1900 rpm, 78.4 CFM (133.2 m3/h) and a maximum noise of 29.3 dB at full speed. 29.3 dB(A) is stored as the per-fan noise because the maker's cooler table prints 34.3 dB(A) at 100% rpm for the whole cooler with no per-fan label. Three fans at 29.3 dB(A) add up to about 34 dB(A), which fits. The maker's fan data sheet itself is on bequiet.com and was not opened.

BNoctua NL-LC1-36

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
NF-A12x25 G2 PWM	120	3	1,800	63.2	3.14	22.5	SSO or SSO2	4-pin PWM

Source2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Fan table: NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, speed range 0 to 1800 rpm, airflow 63.2 CFM, max noise 22.5 dB(A), static pressure 3.14 mmH2O, 4-pin PWM. Airflow (max.) is 63.2 CFM in the maker's table. Other copies of the maker's spec give 107.3 m3/h (63.15 CFM). The 0 rpm minimum is a stop and is not stored.4Retailer pagevedantcomputers.com/noctua-360mm-nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Copy of the maker's spec: NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, 107.3 m3/h (63.15 CFM), 22.5 dB(A), 3.14 mmH2O, speed range 0 to 1800 rpm.5Retailer pagealternate.de/Noctua/NL-LC1-36-Wasserk%C3%BChlung/html/product/100205723Read 14 October 2026Spec rows: fan noise 22.5 dB, 1,800 rpm, fan bearing SSO 2, airflow 107.3 m3/h, pressure up to 3.14 mmH2O, three NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans in a PPA/PPB version.6Retailer pagejbhifi.com.au/products/noctua-120mm-nf-a12x25-g2-sx2-pp-pwm-fan-2-packRead 14 October 2026The standalone NF-A12x25 G2 PWM PPA and PPB fans are the fan model of the NL-LC1-36. Their spec table gives an SSO2 bearing, 1800 rpm (+/- 10%), 107.3 m3/h, 22.5 dB(A) and 3.14 mmH2O without the low-noise adaptor, which the cooler does not include.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026Fan table copied from the maker's page: 3 x NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 0 to 1,800 rpm, 107.3 m3/h, 3.14 mmH2O, 22.5 dB(A), 4-pin PWM. The three fans run in a PPA/PPB/PPA configuration with a slightly different speed on the middle unit.10Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026Spec block: NF-A12x25 G2, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 0 to 1800 rpm, 63.15 CFM, 3.14 mmH2O, 22.5 dB(A) per fan, 4-pin PWM.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

3=CalculatedFrom Included fans

3=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

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RGB lightingiLighting on the fans, the heatsink or the pump block.

Yes5Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026ARGB lighting on the pump block, no RGB on the fans.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026A-RGB lighting on the pump housing, subtle, synced with motherboard RGB software.9Press articleguru3d.com/story/be-quiet-launches-silent-loop-3-series-aio-liquid-cpu-coolersRead 15 October 2026The cooling block includes addressable RGB lighting.

No8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026No RGB lighting.

Lighting standardiThe named lighting connection. ARGB lighting alone does not prove a 5 V header. Proprietary means the maker's own hub or cable system.

ARGB 5 V2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Lighting connector: 3 Pin 5V Addressable.4Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-aio-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list row Pump LED: 3-pin 5v ARGB. Fan LED: N/A.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026Standard 5V, 3-Pin A-RGB connector on the pump housing.11Retailer pagevoelkner.de/products/13093242/Be-Quiet-Silent-Loop-3-420Mm.htmlRead 15 October 2026LED lighting: addressable RGB header.

Not available

Built-in screeniA screen on the pump block or the heatsink. LCD and OLED screens show images. A segment readout shows digits only, such as the CPU temperature.

None4Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-aio-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list row LCD Screen: N/A.12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00672490.htmlRead 15 October 2026Integrated display: No.

None8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 2026No display on the pump cover.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

Not available

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Screen resolution

Not available

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SoftwareiThe maker's software for lighting, the screen or the pump. Software that works with the cooler out of the box. Software that needs a separately sold controller is left out.

Not available

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Needs a USB headeriThe cooler needs an internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard for software control, sensors or the screen. A wireless receiver that plugs into any USB port does not count.

No7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026The installation steps use only the pump PWM header, the fan PWM header and the 5 V ARGB header. No USB cable or software is mentioned.

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Measured

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Cybenetics THETA, AMD AM5iThe THETA level for this cooler's class on the Cybenetics AMD AM5 platform with a Ryzen 9 7900X. It is rated at 30 dB(A) normalized noise, or at 25 dB(A) for a cooler that cannot reach 30 dB(A). No level means tested without a level. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

Gold8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/84Read 15 October 2026Report BQCLR00084 for the same model, tested Feb 11 to Feb 25, 2025 with the Default mount. THETA Gold, AIO, rated at 30 dB(A). The report was evaluated under protocol revision 1.8, before revision 2.0. Its technical specifications row names Silent Wings 4 120mm High-Speed fans, which is a typo, since the maker's fans are 140 mm and the report shows 1.9k rpm.

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Cybenetics THETA, Intel LGA1851iThe same rating on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform with a Core Ultra 9 285K. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

Silver8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/84Read 15 October 2026THETA Silver, AIO, rated at 30 dB(A) on a Core Ultra 9 285K with the Default mount.

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Overall performance at 30 dB(A), AM5 (measured)iThe Cybenetics Overall Performance score at 30 dB(A) normalized noise on the AMD AM5 platform. It is average CPU power times average CPU frequency divided by average CPU temperature. Higher is better. A cooler rated only at 25 dB(A) has no value here.

11,2838Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/84Read 15 October 2026Overall Performance 11,283 at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X (PBO enabled).

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Overall performance at 30 dB(A), LGA1851 (measured)iThe same score on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform. Scores from the two platforms are not comparable with each other.

14,1278Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/84Read 15 October 2026Overall Performance 14,127 at 30 dB(A) on a Core Ultra 9 285K (Intel default mode).

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Noise at 100% fan setting (Cybenetics)iThe Cybenetics noise at the 100% fan setting, measured 1 m from the cooler in a hemi-anechoic chamber, with the pump of an AIO at full speed. Other reviewers' noise goes in the thermal test rows.

38dB(A)8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/84Read 15 October 202638.0 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (1886, 1880 and 1919 rpm). Hemi-anechoic chamber with a 6 dB(A) noise floor, Bruel & Kjaer 2270 G4 sound analyser, microphone 1 m from the cooler. The protocol keeps the AIO pump at full speed and says the pump noise is not part of the normalized fan-noise levels.

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Thermal tests (measured)iReviewer results, one row per test condition. Rows compare only when the test CPU, load, power and noise level match. The source note names the reviewer, ambient temperature, case or open bench, and thermal paste. Test CPU is the CPU name only, such as AMD Ryzen 9 7900X. The power limit and mode go in the load. Above ambient is stored only when the reviewer publishes it, never computed from the ambient.

Abe quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	197.1	20 dB(A)	20	91.7
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	198.7	25 dB(A)	25	90.9
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	196.5	30 dB(A)	30	91.1
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	198.9	35 dB(A)	35	90.4
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	199.1	100%	38	89.5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	299.6	20 dB(A)	20	92.2
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	300.5	25 dB(A)	25	90
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	299.4	30 dB(A)	30	88.8
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	298.3	35 dB(A)	35	86.8
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	298.5	100%	38	78.6
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench, 253 W power limit	Not available	600 rpm	30.2	89.4
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench, 253 W power limit	Not available	1200 rpm	34.3	83.5
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench, 253 W power limit	Not available	1900 rpm (max)	39.4	81.7
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench, 153 W power limit	Not available	600 rpm	30.2	63.4
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench, 153 W power limit	Not available	1200 rpm	34.3	61
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench, 153 W power limit	Not available	1900 rpm (max)	39.4	60.4

Source5Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Club386 (Damien Mason, 2025-02-11). Intel Core i9-13900K, Cinebench loads at 253 W and 153 W power modes, fans fixed at 600, 1200 and 1900 rpm (maximum). The temperatures are the table values per rpm, which the How We Test page says are CPU-Z averages. Noise is from a Tadeto sound level meter. The 600 rpm noise is published as <30.2 and is stored as 30.2. The ambient temperature, bench or case, paste, meter distance and the pump setting are not stated. The noise table has one column per rpm, so the same noise applies to the 253 W and 153 W rows. The review prints the rows without a Cinebench version in the temperature table.6Reviewclub386.com/how-we-testRead 15 October 2026Cooling section: Core i9-13900K reference CPU, CPU-Z average temperatures, Tadeto sound level meter, Cinebench at 600 rpm, 1,200 rpm and max rpm across 153 W and 253 W modes. Ambient is only said to be kept in line with earlier reviews.8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/84Read 15 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol, revision 1.8 procedure. Ambient held at 25 C plus or minus 0.5 C in a climate chamber, open test bench (Cooler Master Test Bench for AM5 with an ASUS TUF Gaming X670E-Plus, DimasTech Bench for LGA1851 with an ASRock Z890 Taichi), Prime95 Small FFTs, pump at full speed in every row. Fans were set to reach each normalized noise level at 1 m, or 100%. CPU power is measured at the EPS connectors. The protocol states Arctic MX-4 paste for all tests. Mount: Default. The report publishes no temperature above ambient. The AM5 rows use the Ryzen 9 7900X with PBO enabled and the LGA1851 rows the Core Ultra 9 285K in Intel default mode. The Intel 35 dB(A) row (86.8 C) and the 100% row (78.6 C) are 8 C apart, while the fans only differ by about 200 rpm. The values are stored as printed.

BNoctua NL-LC1-36

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	Above ambient (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	100	40 dB(A) at 40 cm, radiator fans 96% PWM (1650 rpm), pump 100%	40	25
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	200	40 dB(A) at 40 cm, radiator fans 96% PWM (1650 rpm), pump 100%	40	59
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	100	100% PWM (1730 rpm), pump 100%	40.5	25
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	CPU stress at a fixed CPU power, power level as published	200	100% PWM (1730 rpm), pump 100%	40.5	58
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X	Cinebench R23 30-minute loop, manual overclock 5.2 GHz all cores at 1.3 V, steady-state	Not available	100%	41	59
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X	Cinebench R23 30-minute loop, manual overclock 5.2 GHz all cores at 1.3 V, steady-state	Not available	40 dB(A)	40	62

Source9Measurementigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aio/3Read 14 October 2026igor'sLAB: Ryzen 9 7900X on an ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero, open bench, Windows 11. Temperature is the CPU Die (Average) sensor in HWiNFO minus the room temperature. The room is not air-conditioned and its temperature is not stated. Noise is a Voltcraft SL-10 at 40 cm from the centre of the pump and radiator fans in a room of 30.4 dB(A). The 40 dB(A) run needed 96% PWM (1650 rpm) on the fans and 100% PWM on the pump. The 100% run reached 1730 rpm and 40.5 dB(A). The text gives the temperatures as 'around' 25, 59, 25 and 58 K and the charts were hidden, so these are rounded. A third power step at about 42 K (41 K at full speed) has no stated power and is not stored. The stress software and the paste are not named. The text says the same paste was used for every cooler.10Reviewkitguru.net/components/cooling/james-dawson/noctua-nl-lc1-360-360mm-aio-cpu-cooler-review/all/1Read 14 October 2026KitGuru: Ryzen 9 9950X on an ASRock X870E Nova WiFi, open bench, Arctic MX-6, 30-minute Cinebench R23 loop with all-core 5.2 GHz at 1.3 V, steady-state temperature minus an ambient of 19 to 20 C. Fans at 100% gave 59 C over ambient and 41 dBA. The 40 dBA run gave 62 C over ambient. The CPU power and the noise distance are not stated. A PBO run (62 C over ambient, average clock 52.5x) names no fan setting and is not stored.

Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiAir coolers only. The cooler with its included fans in the standard position, without the mounting kit. Height runs from the bottom of the base to the top. Depth runs along the airflow, fans included. Width runs across the fins. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160.

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Heatsink dimensionsiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans, as the maker lists it. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160. A heatsink depth that equals the depth with fans includes the fan, so that axis is not stored.

Not available

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WeightiAn air cooler with its included fans. An AIO cooler as one unit with pump block, tubes, radiator and fans. Mounting hardware is left out when the maker states it separately. When one maker figure may include the mounting kit, such as a press release net weight above the product page figure, the product page figure is stored. An RGB edition can weigh a little more or less, so it is per variant.

2,010g(4.4 lb)2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Total weight 2.01 kg. Cybenetics lists 2010 g, LDLC 2.01 kg and Tech4Gamers 2010 g. Voelkner's marketplace row of 1.4 kg is not used.7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026Key specs, Net Weight: 2010 gm.12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00672490.htmlRead 15 October 2026Weight 2.01 kg.

Not available

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

Not available

Not available

In the box

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

1x Intel Backplate, 2x Intel Mounting Brackets, 4x Intel Backplate Screws, 4x Locking Washers / O-Rings, 4x Intel Spacer Nuts, 4x Mounting Brackets Fastening Screws, 1x AMD TR4/TR5 Mounting Bracket, 1x set of AMD AM4/AM5 Mounting Brackets, 4x AMD Screws, 4x AMD Spacers, 12x Radiator Screws, 12x Fan Screws, 1x Thermal Paste Tube, 3x Zip Ties, 1x Refill Coolant Bottle 100ml, 1x 3-way PWM Splitter Cable, 1x User Manual, 1x Safety Paper7Reviewtech4gamers.com/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420-reviewRead 15 October 2026Packing and unboxing list copied in full: 18 lines, from the Intel backplate to the safety paper.

NL-LC1-36 closed-loop liquid cooler with NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber, Metal Noctua logo faceplate, 3x NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans with speed-offset (PPA/PPB/PPA), 3x NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gaskets (pre-installed), NA-SC1 3-way splitter cable, NA-EC1 30cm extension cable, Fan and radiator mounting screws (Torx® T20), SecuFirm2+™ multi-socket mounting system with offset options for AMD AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA1851/1700, NM-SD1 Torx® T20 screwdriver, NT-H2 thermal compound, NA-CW1 cleaning wipe, NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard for AMD AM5, Noctua metal case badge3Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-lc1-360mm-silent-aio-cpu-liquid-coolerRead 14 October 2026Scope of delivery as printed, with the Torx and trademark signs as in the listing.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.bequiet.com/en/watercooler/silent-loop-3/53951Maker product pagebequiet.com/en/watercooler/silent-loop-3/5395Read 15 October 2026The URL is the Silent Loop 3 series page from the job's selection step and from a search result. The page was not opened because bequiet.com is blocked. No value rests on it.

www.noctua.at/en/products/nl-lc1-361Maker product pagenoctua.at/en/products/nl-lc1-36Read 14 October 2026Product page of the NL-LC1-36, found in search results. noctua.at was not opened. Noctua's spec table was read in copies at QuietPC, Computer Lounge, Vedant Computers and IgorsLab.

Spec sheet

Not available

Not available

Manual

Not available

Not available

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years2Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-silent-loop-3-420mmRead 15 October 2026Service, Warranty (Years): 3.5Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Three-year warranty for every size.9Press articleguru3d.com/story/be-quiet-launches-silent-loop-3-series-aio-liquid-cpu-coolersRead 15 October 2026A three-year warranty is included.

6years2Retailer pagequietpc.co.nl/nl-lc1Read 14 October 2026Warranty 72 months.7Owner's manualserverflow.ru/upload/iblock/616/130v3y3r3wb8j5l1rwkqk48yv245xlqz/%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%20%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B5%20Noctua%20NL-LC1-36.pdfRead 14 October 2026Warranty period of 6 years. The manual names no market.8Reviewigorslab.de/en/noctua-nl-lc1-36-test-aioRead 14 October 202612Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/noctua-introduces-its-first-aio-liquid-coolersRead 14 October 2026Each package has NT-H2 thermal paste and a 6-year manufacturer's warranty.

Both are also in the API. Back to all CPU coolers.