Operating in the DIY PC cooling scene since 2016, darkFlash has introduced the Explore DE360. This 360 mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler is equipped with ARGB lighting and a unique pump block featuring a magnetically mounted display. As the company continues to expand into new markets with cases, cooling solutions, and peripherals, the DE360 aligns with current industry trends while maintaining the brand’s unique design philosophy.
The cooler’s included fans offer a PWM range of 800 to 2000 RPM. While they stand out visually, they fall on the lower end of the airflow spectrum, providing a maximum of 55 CFM.
Positioned as a value-focused, display-equipped 360 mm AIO, the DE360 offers balanced cooling rather than outright dominance. Under sustained load on the AMD platform, the cooler trails top-tier models by a few degrees but maintains a clear advantage over previous generation designs. This trend remains consistent in noise-normalized testing, where the cooler performs adequately but does not stand out.
On the Intel test bench, the cooler demonstrates stronger relative performance at maximum fan speeds, closing the gap with higher-end competitors. However, the included fans are less optimized for lower RPMs. As fan speeds are reduced for noise-normalized tests, the Explore DE360 falls further back in the performance rankings.
Noise management is effective when fan speeds are kept at or below 60 percent PWM. Pushing the fans beyond 70 percent pushes noise levels past 50 dBA, eventually peaking at 57 dBA. The pump itself does not produce noticeable noise, and the fans operate smoothly without emitting any strange tonal frequencies.
In terms of build quality, the DE360 features excellent fit-and-finish, achieving a uniform look across the different materials used in its all-white design. The mounting hardware is user-friendly. A notable visual feature is the 2.88-inch IPS display, which is vivid and competitive in both size and resolution. The display can also be relocated from the pump to any magnetic surface.
The cooler’s orange accents create a distinctive look, though they can mix with ARGB lighting to produce interesting colors. The white version with orange accents has a somewhat limited appeal as it is harder to match with other PC components, whereas the black and orange variant offers users more visual flexibility.
Cable management poses a slight challenge. Although the fans are daisy-chainable, the long wire length requires extra time to arrange for a clean setup. Additionally, the included three-year warranty is relatively short compared to the extended coverage offered by other leading brands.
Software operation for the cooler runs without any issues. The darkFlash Explore DE360 serves as an affordable, visually striking option for users seeking a unique, display-equipped AIO, provided their focus is not solely on achieving maximum cooling performance.
Source: TechPowerUp