Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma, an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler that's been making waves in the PC enthusiast community. If you're looking to keep your CPU frosty while adding a touch of RGB flair to your rig, this cooler might just be what you need. We'll cover everything from its design and features to its performance and installation, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Alright, let's talk about the unboxing experience and my initial impressions of the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma. When you first get your hands on the box, you'll notice that Fractal Design pays attention to detail, even in the packaging. The box is sturdy and well-designed, ensuring that all the components arrive safely. Inside, everything is neatly organized and separated, making it easy to identify each part. You'll find the cooler itself, three 120mm Prisma AL-12 PWM ARGB fans, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD sockets, a user manual, and some extra screws and zip ties for cable management. The inclusion of comprehensive mounting hardware is a big plus, as it means you won't have to worry about compatibility issues with your CPU. The fans are individually boxed to prevent damage. The attention to detail extends to the included thermal paste, which is pre-applied to the cooler's base, simplifying the installation process. The radiator and tubing are protected by cardboard inserts, preventing any bends or damage during transit. The overall presentation is clean and professional, reflecting Fractal Design's commitment to quality. Picking up the cooler for the first time, you immediately notice the quality of the materials used. The radiator feels solid and well-constructed, and the tubing is thick and durable. The pump housing has a premium finish, and the Fractal Design logo is tastefully displayed. The Prisma AL-12 fans are equally impressive, with their vibrant ARGB lighting and sturdy construction. The braided sleeves on the tubing and fan cables add a touch of elegance and prevent the cables from getting tangled. The overall build quality inspires confidence and suggests that this cooler is built to last. The attention to detail in the packaging and the quality of the materials used immediately give you the impression that you're investing in a premium product. The attention to detail in the packaging and components shows that Fractal Design cares about delivering a high-quality product. From the sturdy box to the individually packaged fans, every aspect of the unboxing experience is designed to impress. This level of attention to detail reflects Fractal Design's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. First impressions are crucial, and the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma definitely makes a strong one. The combination of thoughtful packaging, high-quality materials, and meticulous design creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. It's clear that Fractal Design has put a lot of effort into creating a cooler that not only performs well but also looks and feels premium. After unboxing and inspecting the components, I was eager to install the cooler and see how it performs. The initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive, and I had high expectations for the cooling performance and aesthetics. The unboxing experience sets the stage for a premium product, and the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma delivers on that promise.

Design and Features

Let's dive into the design and features that make the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma stand out. This cooler isn't just about keeping your CPU cool; it's also about adding a touch of elegance and customization to your build. Fractal Design has packed this AIO with features that cater to both performance enthusiasts and RGB lovers. The Celsius S36 Prisma boasts a clean and sleek design, with a matte black finish that complements any build. The water block features a subtle Fractal Design logo, and the included Prisma AL-12 fans add a splash of vibrant ARGB lighting. The lighting is customizable via popular motherboard software, allowing you to sync it with the rest of your components for a cohesive look. One of the standout features of the Celsius S36 Prisma is its integrated fan hub and cable management system. The pump housing includes a built-in fan hub that can control up to three PWM fans, reducing cable clutter and simplifying the wiring process. The tubing is sleeved for added durability and aesthetics, and the rotating fittings make installation easier, especially in tight cases. The integrated fan hub and cable management system are particularly useful, simplifying the installation process and reducing cable clutter. The rotating fittings on the tubing also make it easier to position the radiator and water block in your case. The overall design is clean and functional, with a focus on ease of use and aesthetics. The copper base plate ensures efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler. The pre-applied thermal paste simplifies the installation process, and the included mounting hardware supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The cooler is compatible with most modern CPUs, ensuring that you can use it with your current or future build. The attention to detail in the design and features of the Celsius S36 Prisma is evident in every aspect of the cooler. From the integrated fan hub to the rotating fittings, Fractal Design has thought of everything to make installation and use as easy as possible. The sleek design and customizable RGB lighting make it a great choice for anyone who wants to add a touch of style to their PC. The materials used are of high quality, and the build quality is excellent, ensuring that the cooler will last for years to come. The Celsius S36 Prisma is more than just a cooler; it's a statement piece that will enhance the look of your build. The combination of performance and aesthetics makes it a great choice for anyone who wants the best of both worlds. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who appreciates a well-designed PC, the Celsius S36 Prisma is sure to impress. The integrated fan hub and cable management system are a game-changer, making installation and maintenance a breeze. The rotating fittings on the tubing allow for flexible positioning of the radiator and water block. The copper base plate ensures efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler. The pre-applied thermal paste simplifies the installation process, and the included mounting hardware supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The Celsius S36 Prisma is a well-designed and feature-rich cooler that offers excellent performance and aesthetics. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their CPU cool while adding a touch of style to their PC.

Installation Process

Alright, let's break down the installation process for the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma. Don't worry, guys, it's not as daunting as it might seem! Fractal Design has made the installation process relatively straightforward, even for those who are new to liquid cooling. The first step is to gather all the necessary components and tools. You'll need the Celsius S36 Prisma cooler, the appropriate mounting hardware for your CPU socket, a screwdriver, and the user manual. Make sure to read the manual carefully before you begin, as it contains important information and instructions. Before you start the physical installation, it's a good idea to plan out the placement of the radiator and fans in your case. Consider the airflow and make sure that the radiator will have adequate ventilation. You'll also want to ensure that the tubing can reach the CPU socket without being stretched or bent excessively. Once you've determined the placement, you can begin mounting the fans to the radiator. Use the included screws to secure the fans to the radiator, making sure that they are oriented correctly for optimal airflow. Next, you'll need to install the mounting bracket for your CPU socket. The Celsius S36 Prisma supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, so make sure you're using the correct bracket for your CPU. Follow the instructions in the user manual to install the bracket securely. With the mounting bracket in place, you can now install the water block onto the CPU. Remove the protective cover from the base of the water block and align it with the mounting bracket. Secure the water block to the bracket using the included screws, tightening them evenly to ensure good contact with the CPU. Once the water block is installed, you can connect the fan cables to the integrated fan hub on the pump housing. This simplifies cable management and allows you to control the fans directly from the pump. Finally, connect the pump power cable to the appropriate header on your motherboard. With all the connections made, double-check everything to make sure it's secure. Power on your PC and monitor the temperatures to ensure that the cooler is working correctly. The installation process for the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma is relatively straightforward, thanks to the well-designed mounting hardware and clear instructions. The integrated fan hub and cable management system make it easy to keep your build clean and organized. The rotating fittings on the tubing allow for flexible positioning of the radiator and water block, making it easier to install in tight cases. Overall, the installation process is user-friendly and should be manageable for most PC builders. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can have the Celsius S36 Prisma up and running in no time. The pre-applied thermal paste simplifies the installation process, and the included mounting hardware supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The cooler is compatible with most modern CPUs, ensuring that you can use it with your current or future build. The attention to detail in the design and features of the Celsius S36 Prisma is evident in every aspect of the cooler. From the integrated fan hub to the rotating fittings, Fractal Design has thought of everything to make installation and use as easy as possible.

Cooling Performance

Now for the juicy part: cooling performance. Does the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma keep your CPU running cool under pressure? The short answer is yes, it does an excellent job. This AIO cooler is designed to handle even the most demanding CPUs, and it delivers impressive cooling performance in a variety of scenarios. In idle conditions, the Celsius S36 Prisma keeps CPU temperatures remarkably low. You can expect to see temperatures in the low 30s Celsius, which is excellent for maintaining system stability and extending the lifespan of your components. Under moderate loads, such as gaming or video editing, the cooler maintains temperatures in the 50s and 60s Celsius. This is well within the safe operating range for most CPUs, and it ensures that your system won't overheat during demanding tasks. When subjected to heavy stress tests, the Celsius S36 Prisma continues to impress. Even with the CPU running at 100% load, the cooler manages to keep temperatures below 80 degrees Celsius. This is a testament to the cooler's efficient design and high-quality components. The three 120mm Prisma AL-12 fans provide excellent airflow, dissipating heat quickly and effectively. The copper base plate ensures optimal heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler. The combination of these features results in outstanding cooling performance that can handle even the most demanding CPUs. The Celsius S36 Prisma also offers excellent noise levels, even under heavy load. The fans are relatively quiet, and the pump operates silently. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a high-performance cooler that doesn't add a lot of noise to their system. The cooler's performance is particularly impressive when overclocking. With the Celsius S36 Prisma, you can push your CPU to its limits without worrying about overheating. The cooler provides plenty of headroom for overclocking, allowing you to extract maximum performance from your system. The combination of excellent cooling performance, low noise levels, and overclocking potential makes the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma a top-tier AIO cooler. It's a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to get the most out of their CPU. The cooler's efficient design and high-quality components ensure that it can handle even the most demanding tasks. Whether you're gaming, video editing, or running heavy simulations, the Celsius S36 Prisma will keep your CPU running cool and stable. The low noise levels are a bonus, ensuring that your system won't sound like a jet engine when under load. Overall, the cooling performance of the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma is outstanding. It's a top-performing AIO cooler that delivers excellent results in a variety of scenarios. If you're looking for a cooler that can handle even the most demanding CPUs, the Celsius S36 Prisma is an excellent choice.

RGB Lighting and Aesthetics

Let's talk about the RGB lighting and aesthetics of the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma. This cooler isn't just about performance; it's also about making your PC look amazing. The Prisma AL-12 fans feature vibrant ARGB lighting that can be customized to match your build's color scheme. The lighting is bright and evenly distributed, creating a stunning visual effect. The fans are compatible with popular motherboard software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and Gigabyte RGB Fusion. This allows you to sync the lighting with the rest of your components for a cohesive look. The water block also features a subtle Fractal Design logo that is illuminated with RGB lighting. The logo adds a touch of elegance to the cooler and complements the overall design. The combination of the RGB fans and the illuminated logo creates a visually stunning effect that will enhance the look of your PC. The Celsius S36 Prisma is available in both black and white versions, allowing you to choose the color that best matches your build. The white version is particularly striking, with its clean and minimalist design. The black version is more understated, but it still looks great with its matte finish and subtle RGB lighting. The cooler's aesthetics are further enhanced by the sleeved tubing and clean cable management. The sleeved tubing adds a touch of elegance to the cooler, and the integrated fan hub and cable management system make it easy to keep your build clean and organized. The overall design is clean and functional, with a focus on both performance and aesthetics. The RGB lighting can be customized to create a variety of effects, from static colors to dynamic patterns. You can use the motherboard software to control the lighting, or you can use a dedicated RGB controller. The options are endless, allowing you to create a look that is uniquely yours. The Celsius S36 Prisma is a great choice for anyone who wants a cooler that not only performs well but also looks amazing. The RGB lighting is bright and vibrant, and the overall design is clean and elegant. The cooler will enhance the look of your PC and make it stand out from the crowd. The combination of performance and aesthetics makes the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma a top-tier AIO cooler. It's a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to get the most out of their PC. The cooler's efficient design and high-quality components ensure that it can handle even the most demanding tasks. The RGB lighting is a bonus, allowing you to customize the look of your PC to match your style. Overall, the RGB lighting and aesthetics of the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma are excellent. It's a top-performing AIO cooler that delivers excellent results in a variety of scenarios. If you're looking for a cooler that can handle even the most demanding CPUs and make your PC look amazing, the Celsius S36 Prisma is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts and Verdict

Alright, guys, let's wrap things up with some final thoughts and my verdict on the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma. After spending some quality time with this AIO cooler, I can confidently say that it's a top-tier product that delivers on its promises. The Celsius S36 Prisma offers a compelling combination of excellent cooling performance, quiet operation, and stunning RGB lighting. It's a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to get the most out of their CPU. The cooler's efficient design and high-quality components ensure that it can handle even the most demanding tasks. The RGB lighting is a bonus, allowing you to customize the look of your PC to match your style. One of the standout features of the Celsius S36 Prisma is its integrated fan hub and cable management system. This simplifies the installation process and makes it easy to keep your build clean and organized. The rotating fittings on the tubing allow for flexible positioning of the radiator and water block, making it easier to install in tight cases. The cooler's performance is also impressive. It keeps CPU temperatures remarkably low, even under heavy load. The low noise levels are a bonus, ensuring that your system won't sound like a jet engine when under load. The Celsius S36 Prisma is also a great choice for overclocking. It provides plenty of headroom for overclocking, allowing you to push your CPU to its limits without worrying about overheating. The RGB lighting is bright and vibrant, and it can be customized to match your build's color scheme. The cooler is compatible with popular motherboard software, making it easy to sync the lighting with the rest of your components. Overall, the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma is an excellent AIO cooler that delivers on all fronts. It's a top-performing product that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and aesthetics. If you're looking for a cooler that can handle even the most demanding CPUs and make your PC look amazing, the Celsius S36 Prisma is an excellent choice. The price point might be a bit higher than some other AIO coolers on the market, but the Celsius S36 Prisma is worth the investment. It's a high-quality product that will last for years to come. In conclusion, I highly recommend the Fractal Design Celsius S36 Prisma. It's a top-tier AIO cooler that offers excellent performance, features, and aesthetics. If you're looking for the best of the best, the Celsius S36 Prisma is an excellent choice.