Review of the Cougar Poseidon Ultra 360 ARGB AIO Cooler: Stunning Lights, Mediocre Performance

Established back in 2008, Cougar has steadily carved out a niche for itself within the PC hardware arena, particularly among gaming aficionados and technology enthusiasts. While Cougar might seem like a fresh face in the expanding industry, it actually benefits from the solid foundation of HEC/Compucase, an old-timer in the PC market known for its OEM strides. As a subsidiary, Cougar was crafted to channel its focus on producing and promoting high-performance gear aimed specifically at gamers and PC lovers.

Initially, Cougar made its mark with PC cases, and gradually they broadened their array of products as the brand’s popularity surged. Through the years, they’ve notably diversified, adding items like gaming chairs and mechanical keyboards to their lineup. This smart expansion has been pivotal in cementing Cougar’s robust position in the gaming hardware landscape.

In this particular review, we’re diving into Cougar’s latest venture in the liquid cooling department—the Poseidon Ultra 360 ARGB cooler. This cooler packs a punch as a high-performance, all-in-one unit boasting a 360mm radiator coupled with striking ARGB lighting. It’s precisely crafted to appeal to both performance junkies and those who thrive on the aesthetics of a visually stunning setup. We’ll explore the cooler’s standout features, its efficiency in managing heat, and even its noise levels to see how it stands against other players in the highly competitive liquid cooler market.

Cougar Poseidon Ultra 360 ARGB AIO Cooler Specifications

• Type: All-in-One Liquid Cooler
• Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 52 mm (with fan)
• Fans: 3 x 120 mm HDB Bearing Fans, 2200 RPM (max)
• RGB: Yes, ARGB
• Supported Sockets:
  • Intel: LGA1700 / LGA1200 / LGA 115x
  • AMD: AM5 / AM4
• Warranty: 5 Years
• Price: $119

Packaging & Bundle

The Poseidon Ultra 360 ARGB cooler is securely packed in Cougar’s distinct black and orange-themed, durable cardboard boxes. The packaging vividly highlights the eye-catching RGB lighting features of the cooler, making an instant visual impact. Inside, you’ll find the cooler components safely ensconced in tailor-made cardboard inserts for optimum protection during transit.

Inside the package, the bundle doesn’t particularly scream premium, even for a high-end CPU cooler. What’s included are essential cables for fan power and a single-use thermal compound, along with the necessary hardware for CPU socket installation. However, be aware there isn’t a standalone RGB controller; you’ll need a compatible motherboard or an external controller for operation.

The cooler comes with three 120 mm fans exhibiting a distinct frame design. The fans have blades lined with convex ridges and utilize a sophisticated hydro-dynamic bearing for enhanced endurance and performance. Although the fan’s original manufacturer isn’t identified, they carry the part number DF1202512FDMN. Outfitted with ARGB LEDs and blessed with semi-transparent blades, they softly diffuse light, adding to the cooler’s visual allure.

The Cougar Poseidon Ultra 360 mm ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler

The Poseidon Ultra 360 ARGB by Cougar follows the typical design set of all-in-one liquid coolers. It features a singular radiator, a duo of hoses, and a block that integrates the CPU contact plate with a petite liquid pump. Cougar’s choice of conventional rubber tubing, complemented by an exterior nylon sleeve for extra protection, reflects the norm seen within the industry. The fittings are crafted from plastic, as is common across AIO coolers these days.

The Poseidon’s radiator is designed using a dual-pass cross-flow layout with fine fins soldered to slender oblong tubes. This configuration remains favored in the AIO camp due to its effectiveness despite the space constraints and thermal challenges these coolers navigate. The radiator’s hose connections are fixed, which might slightly hinder flexibility during installation. Cougar engineered the radiator to be just 27 mm thick, bolstering its compatibility; but, bear in mind, with added fans, you’ll still need at least 52 mm of headroom, underscoring the need for a case built to house AIO systems.

Cougar’s commitment to design flair is starkly evident in the main block assembly. Skipping over the copper contact plate, the rest of the assembly is fashioned from plastic and acrylic, with Cougar clearly taking strides to ensure the block is a visual treat. The block’s top can be adjusted to realign the logo should you wish to make customization, facilitated by rotating it gently counterclockwise. Additionally, the 90° hose fittings can swivel, offering a tinge more adaptability during setup.

The main block is capped with a squircle-shaped metallic plate crafted from copper, smooth and sufficiently flat, sans that mirror polish. The screws holding the cold plate are neatly hidden beneath the plastic cover, eliminating any visual clutter. Although thermal paste isn’t pre-applied, this gives users the liberty to select their favorite compound. The contact plate’s ample surface ensures compatibility with all applicable processors.

Cougar has made a bold statement with the focus on RGB lighting through the Poseidon Ultra 360 ARGB, delivering an amazing light show—vibrant, yet soothing, thanks to the softly diffusing semi-transparent fan blades and block top. When linked to a compatible motherboard, it syncs seamlessly with the overall system lighting theme. However, should your motherboard lack 5V ARGB support and you lack the necessary controller, the lights won’t illuminate at all.