Performance: 40 out of 40
When it comes to performance this is the 280-class AIO to beat. It is the gold standard and the rest of the pack are way, way back. So far back it is not even remotely close. It is not even close because it offers 360-class performance in a 280-class form-factor. As such if you want performance, but want an easier to work with ALF 3, this is probably the variant you want.
Ease of Use: 12 out of 20
This is the Achille’s Heel of the entire ALF 3 lineup and sadly the 2×140 AIO class is all about ease of use. After all, if one didn’t want as easy an installation as possible they wouldn’t be buying a 280-class in the first place. Instead, they would have opted for the 360 or even 420 class AIO! As such, its oversized block (and its issues) combined with its beefy rad are a one-two combination that downright hurts. Thankfully the performance (and price) are so darn good a bit more installation pain is going to be worth it for most. Mix in the fact it is easier to work with the ALF 3 360-class and many will still find the ALF 3 280 to be decent. Not great… but decent.
Build Quality & Warranty: 19 out 20
As with all the other ALF 3’s the build quality is only exceeded by its six-year warranty. That is to say, expect the best fusion of Swiss and German engineering you are going to find in the entire AIO marketplace. Hell, think better than AlphaCool AIO build quality for a point of reference… and go up from there.
Value: 20 out 20
When one combines 360-class performance with a 240-class asking price there is not much to dislike when it comes to the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280’s overall value. Mix in stunning good looks, arguably best-in-class warranty, and industry-first features like the improved VRM cooling solution and no one can argue with the fantastic value it has to offer.
Final Score: 91 out 100
While it is indeed true that the 2×140 / “280-class” variant of the Arctic Liquid Freeze III series is not perfect, the sheer mind-boggling performance it offers more than makes up for those imperfections. Imperfections that hopefully will be fixed in future variants; however, even if they do not get fixed this is still the 280 AIO you want to buy if you care about overall performance but cannot move up to a 3-fan option. Mix in an equally impressive asking price and the competition should be very concerned with the third-generation Liquid Freezer 280 options. Especially if their 280 AIO models cost more and yet offer less than what the ALF 3 already offers… which most do. Color us impressed.
