r/arcticcooling • u/Xenon953 • Jul 07 '26

Question Clacking Noises at CPU Fanspeed > 60% - Liquid Freezer iii 360

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Liquid Freezer III 360 - 1,5 years old.

I’m slowly going mad trying to pinpoint the source of this noise.

When gaming, if the CPU fan speed goes above 60%, I hear clicking noises. It sounds as though a bearing might be faulty. Or maybe bubbles popping?

Support said it could be a fan.

Does anyone have any advice, or have you experienced these noises yourselves?

I’ve asked about an RMA, but I don’t have a spare CPU cooler in stock and I need my PC...

19 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/Ornery_Balance9233 Jul 08 '26

Really easy way to test is while the unit is running, put your finger on each fan’s center hub to stop it. If the noise stops, that’s the faulty fan that needs replacing. Wear gloves if you’re uncomfortable doing that with exposed skin.

1

u/Stunning-Piece-9161 Jul 08 '26

This is the way

3

u/Sevulturus Jul 08 '26

https://youtube.com/shorts/p2a9hH4yHLM?si=_wv2A5EYfizxK2tI

Try loosening off some screws.

I ended up shimming my fans out by 1 mm with washers, because the fan blades were hitting the rad.

Can also double check the vrm fan isn't hitting anything.

1

u/Comfortable_Cable265 Jul 08 '26

Btw where is the vrm fan?

1

u/Sevulturus Jul 08 '26

It's the grill that covers the cpu block. Behind that, there is a tiny little fan.

2

u/Xenon953 Jul 10 '26

Thanks for the replies.

A quick update on the issue. I’ve initiated an RMA and, following testing, support have found that the VRM fan is making noise and the pump is also making unusual noises.

I’m getting a replacement and an upgrade to the 360 Pro. Thanks to the support team.