Are 360 AIO actually 360mm?

[AYDANN6ix9ine]

So many AIO coolers with "360" in their name are advertised as 360mm AIO. But are they actually 360mm? Coolers like the DEEPCOOL Gamer Storm Captain 360 EX or Fractal Design Celsius S36 have radiator sizes listed at around 400mm. So does that mean cases that say they support a 360 at the front or top strictly support rads with an exact 360mm or can something with an actual rad size of 400mm fit? 

[paddy-stone]

No, they are not... there will always be some overlap, for fittings, and maybe pump, depending on the AIO. Most case makers, would allow for some of this, but you can check the dimensions, and pictures to see where the rad/fan mounts are located on the case, and try to extrapolate whether the AIO would fit.

[chewy3]

A 360mm radiator is a little more than 360mm, where the tubing would come in and out of it.  It is best to check the dimensions before purchasing your case and radiator.

[Jurrunio]

360 = 3 120mm fans. Not directly related to radiator size, but at least it has larger surface area than say, a 240mm.

[GeoSquigg]

generally add about 3cm to the fan sizes and that's a safe bet on how much room you need. Ie, 3x120mm fans + 30mm fittings = 390mm .. this is a safe bet, most AIO rads will be about 20-25mm taller than fans.