Compare: AS500 Plus vs FX360 Pro

Design and Aesthetics:

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 Plus features a sleek and minimalist design with a large aluminum heatsink, an eye-catching black finish, and a top cover with customizable RGB lighting. The AS500 Plus comes with two 140mm PWM fans that provide efficient heat dissipation and a striking appearance.

FX360 Pro

This cooler features a sleek, understated design, perfect for setups aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic rather than a flashy, Times Square vibe. The AIO pump adds a touch of reflection, drawing attention to the center of your build. This minimalist style aligns well with those who prefer a clean, sophisticated look for their system, like myself.

Install Notes:

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 Plus features a mounting system compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, and as of 2023, it employs DeepCool's more modern installation designs. These designs include additional components for an easier installation process. The backplates are secured by single hand-screwed nuts that also serve to hold the mount from the other side, simplifying the backplate placement during installation. Comprehensive instructions and high-quality components make the process user-friendly and straightforward. The remaining part of the installation resembles Noctua's typical installation, which is easy to execute but may pose challenges during uninstallation if the thermal paste adheres well to the CPU.

FX360 Pro

The installation of this cooler follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers. You will need to install the fans, which come with an easy daisy chain setup, making the process relatively simple. After connecting the fans, ensure the AIO pump brackets are set up and secure on the motherboard. Next, attach the radiator to the case, make sure the right mounting bracket is on the AIO pump, place the pump on the motherboard mounting brackets, and secure the AIO pump in place. Finally, connect the AIO pump cable to the motherboard pump input and the fans to the CPU input. Overall, this is what you would expect with most mainstream AIO coolers.

Cooling Performance:

AS500 Plus

The AS500 Plus has five heat pipes that effectively transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. The dual 140mm PWM fans deliver optimal airflow and cooling performance while maintaining low noise levels, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of processors, including high-end models with high TDPs.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, making it capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Testing at 100% AIO pump speed demonstrates that this cooler has enough headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it extremely competitive option at its price point.

Noise Performance:

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 plus is a louder than average cooler. The two included 140mm fans are designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Although, this cooler can be louder than some other coolers of similar size, the relative cooling makes this cooler a contender for your setup.

FX360 Pro

The base noise level is higher for this CPU drive due to the increased pump noise. However, since the testing is done at 100% pump speed, this can easily be toned down to quieter levels. With this in mind, the cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and also handle more demanding tasks, albeit with increased audibility.

Summary:

AS500 Plus

Deepcool AS500 Plus is a high-performance air cooler that provides excellent cooling capabilities, quiet operation, and a visually appealing design. Its customizable RGB lighting and compatibility with a wide range of processors make it a popular choice for PC enthusiasts seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their systems.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Installation follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers, with an easy daisy chain setup for the fans and straightforward attachment of the radiator and pump. The cooler features a sleek, understated design, ideal for those aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic. Testing at 100% pump speed shows the cooler's headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it a competitive option at its price point. Although the base noise level is higher due to the increased pump noise at full speed, this can be reduced to achieve quieter operation. The cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and handle more demanding tasks with increased audibility.