The Aorus Waterforce X II 360 represents Gigabyte’s endeavor to capture the attention of the enthusiast market with its latest all-in-one (AiO) water cooler. Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, the Waterforce X, this new entrant boasts several impressive enhancements. Among these are FDB fans, magnetic daisy-chaining capabilities for streamlined radiator fan connections, a sizeable pump complemented by eye-catching RGB illumination, and an interactive LCD display to monitor system stats in style.
Novel to the Waterforce X II is its innovative cable management system, where cables are neatly tucked within the tubing, resulting in a sleek and uncluttered PC build. Performance-wise, the Waterforce X II excels, maintaining strong cooling efficiency for high-end processors like the Core i9-13900K, with an impressive Zero RPM fan mode for silent operation.
Yet, this high-functioning gadget doesn’t come without its drawbacks. The companion software, the Gigabyte Control Center, has room for improvement to match the hardware’s sophistication. Fan customization is also lacking, with no options to set personalized fan curves. Additionally, the LCD display, though a notable feature, falls short in resolution when compared to alternatives like the Galahad II LCD’s 480 x 480 24-bit display.
While firmware updates contribute to optimal functioning, they are not without prolonged installation times. Another consideration is the singular size option; the lack of a 280mm radiator variant may deter some users who seek that specific dimension for their setup.
With a price point approaching $300, the Aorus Waterforce X II 360 is a sizeable investment. Those already equipped with a working Waterforce X or other efficient coolers might see little reason to upgrade. However, high-end alternatives such as the Asus ROG Ryujin III and Lian Li Galahad II LCD provide compelling choices with similar features, including customizable LCDs and straightforward daisy-chaining, at competitive price points.
For PC enthusiasts seeking top-tier cooling performance with bonus aesthetic appeal, the Aorus Waterforce X II 360 stands out as a capable option, provided the premium cost aligns with the buyer’s needs and expectations.
