Key Takeaways

• The Arctic Freezer 50 is for anyone who wants a solid-performing air cooler without compromising on build quality or RGB lighting.
• The Arctic Freezer 50 is not for users interested in building a small form factor PC due to its larger overall size.
• The Arctic Freezer 50 provides fantastic thermal performance, maintaining temperatures of 73°C on a Ryzen 7 3700X at an ambient of 19.3°C.

Packing and Unboxing

The cooler is shipped inside a cardboard box.

Unboxing

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Arctic Freezer 50 Contents

Let’s take a look at what is bundled with the cooler.

Content

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Closer Look

It is time to take a look at the cooler.

Measuring 148x150x166mm (LxWxH), with a weight of 1160g including fans, the cooler features a black housing encompassing both the heatsink and fans. The sleek design not only enhances aesthetics but also ensures an overall height of 166mm.

The cooler boasts an aggressive yet elegant design with backlit ARCTIC branding at the top, flanked by backlit diffusers on either side. The user-facing side showcases a sleek aesthetic, concealing the aluminum heatsink and fans beneath a visually appealing exterior. Below the branding, carefully designed cutouts ensure ventilation.

The identical layout on both sides reveals the jointed assembly of aluminum fins, providing a glimpse of the high-quality construction. The central portion features another ARCTIC branding, contributing to a well-executed and thoughtfully planned overall design.

The cooler features a pre-installed 120mm P series high-performance fan on the front side, complemented by a stylish housing design. The rear showcases a curved layout of straight aluminum fins, providing full exposure for effective exhaust.

Taking a look at the bottom of the cooler, we find a protective sheet on the base. The base is nickel-coated with the cables coming out from the opening on the mid-section.

The removable central portion of the housing is easily detachable by pulling the bottom ends on both sides. The 140mm P series fan with 5 blades is fixed to the frame, featuring a black ring frame attached to the cooler’s housing. The back of the fan reveals a 4-arm assembly holding the motor and blades.

Connect the 140mm fan’s 4-pin PWM connector and socket to merge control with the 120mm fan. This allows a single control through the motherboard’s 4-pin PWM header. Note: Only the 140mm fan speed will be displayed due to different rated speeds. The cable length is approximately 210+82mm.

Additionally, sync and control the cooler’s lighting by connecting the 3-pin A-RGB cable to the motherboard’s A-RGB header using the motherboard’s software. The A-RGB cable has a length of approximately 348mm.

There are 13 A-RGB LEDs installed on the ARCTIC Freezer 50 Review cooler. Now that we have removed the central panel, let’s take a look at the top of the heatsink. We have 6 copper heat pipes terminating alternately on the top of both towers, with no color coating on the fin stack or heat pipes. V-shape notches on the front of both towers reduce airflow resistance and noise. Additionally, the backside of the front tower has a plain layout, contrasting with the backside of the rear tower.

ARCTIC Freezer 50 Review has 52 aluminum fins per tower making a total of 104 fins. The fins are joined from the sides.

The close-up of the rear tower front reveals numerous V-shaped notches. On the flip side, the back of the front tower displays a plain layout of fins.

Here is the close-up view of the front side. The 120mm fan is pre-installed and fixed to the frame. It has 5 black color blades and a ring frame.

The 120mm fan has a 4-pin PWM connector cable having a length of 145mm approximately.

The image above displays the curved fin design at the rear of the cooler, with the entire area exposed to effective exhaust. Furthermore, it illustrates the displacement of the nickel-plated copper heat pipes inside the tower.

The ARCTIC Freezer 50 is equipped with 6 nickel-plated copper heat pipes, each boasting a 6mm thickness. Moreover, the mounting plate comes pre-installed on the base, featuring a spring-loaded screw on each side for added convenience.

The ARCTIC Freezer 50 utilizes continuous direct contact technology, incorporating nickel-plated heat pipes for direct CPU contact. The base, about 40x36mm, has a non-mirror finish. It employs two P-fans in a push-pull configuration. Combining a 120 mm and a 140 mm fan leads to an increase in airflow for improved cooling while keeping the noise level and the installation height down.

Here are the specifications of the Fan:

Arctic Freezer Installation

The cooler is tested on the AMD AM4 socket using X570 AORUS PRO WIFI. 

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Here are the steps needed for the installation of this socket.

1. Remove the stock retention brackets on the motherboard. Install 4x AMD standoffs on the mounting holes.
2. Place the mounting brackets as shown in the picture.
3. Use the thumb nuts and secure the brackets on the stock AMD backplate. Take off the center panel from the cooler. Peel off the protective cover from the base. Apply the thermal paste on the CPU.
4. Place the cooler on the CPU by aligning the spring-loaded screws on the base plate with the threaded sockets on the brackets and start screwing.
5. Put it back on the center panel. Make sure it sits fully and locks in at the tip of the sides.
6. Daisy chain the 4-pin PWM connectors and connect them to a single fan header on the motherboard. You can also connect both fans individually.
7. Connect the SATA cable of the PSU to the control box and connect the 3-pin A-RGB cable with the control box. Alternatively, you can connect the 3-pin A-RGB cable to the 5V header of the motherboard. The mounting bracket is sitting that close to the capacitors to my discomfort.

Arctic Cooling freezer Clearance

The height of the cooler is 166mm. Keep this in mind while planning your build with respect to the PC Chassis as the chassis should have support for CPU cooler’s height of a minimum of 167mm or so.

Clearance

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The cooler has a RAM clearance of only 31.7mm. Unfortunately, we can’t adjust the height of the fan to make the room as the fan itself is not an issue but the tip of the underside frame. This is a compromise one has to make for this ARCTIC Freezer 50 cooler. The RAM with an inset in the center can be installed with this cooler. I was able to install only one stick of ADATA XPG Spectrix D41. Fortunately, the cooler does not block the first PCIe slot.

Arctic Cooling Freezer A-RGB Lighting

The 13 A-RGB LEDs installed in the Freezer 50 are autonomously controllable. Freezer 50 is compatible with the common A-RGB standards of leading motherboard manufacturers or via an external controller. There are 15 lighting modes from the A-RGB controller. Here are some pictures:

RGB Showcase

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Arctic Freezer CPU Cooler Testing Methodology

The Testbed configuration is:

• X570 AORUS PRO WIFI
• AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
• ADATA XPG Spectrix D41
• Colorful iGame GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4G [For Display]
• HyperX 120GB SSD
• Cooler Master MWE 650W Gold PSU
• Custom Open-air Test Bench

The following software were used for testing and monitoring.

• AIDA64 6.20 Extreme

Here is the settings table for testing:

We are using Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste for coolers testing. Using the same thermal paste for all coolers would ensure standardization. We are reporting absolute temperature in the graph. The testing is done on an open-air bench system. Once inside the chassis, the temperatures are expected to rise and would largely depend upon the optimal airflow inside the chassis.

Not every run of the stress test may yield the same result. This could well be due to many factors like mounting pressure, thermal paste application, varying ambient temperature, the temperature sensor of the die. Not to mention the silicon differences even among the same category of the chips. Hence, it is pertinent to mention the testing methodology along with the specifics.

Let’s take a look at the results.

100% PWM Cycle

Boi o boi! We have a new winner here as the Freezer 50 manages to beat the NH-D15 by 1°C margin but at a bit an elevated noise level. The ambient temperature was in the range of 19.6°C to 19.9°C.

Acoustic

The sound meter was showing the noise level to be 48 dB(A) with an ambient sound level of 32 dB(A).

Should You Buy It?

After testing, I was able to list a few points that should consider before purchasing the cooler.

Buy It If:

You want a capable air cooler: In our tests, the Arctic Freezer 50 displayed remarkable cooling potential, going head-to-head with the Noctua NH-D15S.

You prefer RGB lighting: The Arctic Freezer 50 incorporates plenty of RGB lighting, making it a solid choice for anyone who prefers RGB.

Don’t Buy It If:

You prefer a smaller cooler: The presence of fans makes it a fairly large cooler, making it out of the question for anyone who wants to build a small form factor PC.

You want replaceable fans: Replacing them will require taking the entire cooler apart, which is certainly not ideal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ARCTIC Freezer 50 represents a strong comeback for ARCTIC in the realm of dual tower CPU air coolers. Combining a stylish design with 120mm and 140mm high-performance fans, this cooler stands out, albeit with some design and noise issues. Its ability to edge out competitors like the Noctua NH-D15, even by a slight margin, speaks volumes about its cooling efficiency.

The installation process is straightforward, aided by compatibility with all major motherboard brands and a reasonable price point of $85.99/€69.99 for the A-RGB controller edition and $74.99/€59.99 for the standard version. The 6-year warranty underscores ARCTIC’s confidence in their product. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limited RAM clearance.

Overall, the ARCTIC Freezer 50 is a commendable option for those prioritizing top-tier cooling performance, with the understanding that it comes with certain trade-offs in noise level and RAM compatibility.

Recent Updates

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

ARCTIC Freezer 50 CPU Air Cooler Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Since the Intel Core i9-14900KF has cemented its status as one of the best CPUs for gaming, enthusiasts are flocking to get their hands on the CPU. However, with its performance, it also generates a lot of heat. Therefore, after extensive research, we have compiled a list of CPU coolers for the Intel Core i9-14900KF that fit well.

Here’s a quick look at my top picks for the best CPU coolers for i9-14900KF and a brief comparison of their specs:

Fan

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB

DeepCool Assassin IV

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Great thermal performance, Low noise levels, Additional VRM fan

Extraordinary cooling performance, Exceptional aesthetics, Excellent build quality

Reliable air cooling performance, Dual performance modes, Reasonable noise levels

Competitive thermal performance, Excellent acoustics, Unique all-white theme

Compact radiator size, Superb RGB lighting, Relatively affordable

Extraordinary cooling performance, Unique LCD display implementation, Impressive RGB lighting

What We Disliked

Lacks RGB on pump

Quite expensive

Lack of RGB lighting

No RGB lighting on fans

Slightly higher noise level

Very expensive

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

360mm AiO

Dual Tower Air Cooler

360mm AiO

240mm AiO

420mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

398 × 38 × 120 mm

400 × 27 × 124 mm

144 × 147 × 164 mm

397 × 27 × 120 mm

277 × 27 × 120 mm

454 × 27 × 139 mm

Fan Speed

1800 RPM

2300 RPM

1700 RPM

2150 RPM

2100 RPM

1700 RPM

Noise Level

22.5 dBA

36 dBA

29.3 dBA

28.1 dBA

34.1 dBA

33.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Fan

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Great thermal performance, Low noise levels, Additional VRM fan

What We Disliked

Lacks RGB on pump

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

398 × 38 × 120 mm

Fan Speed

1800 RPM

Noise Level

22.5 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Fan

EK Nucleus AiO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Extraordinary cooling performance, Exceptional aesthetics, Excellent build quality

What We Disliked

Quite expensive

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

400 × 27 × 124 mm

Fan Speed

2300 RPM

Noise Level

36 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Fan

DeepCool Assassin IV

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Reliable air cooling performance, Dual performance modes, Reasonable noise levels

What We Disliked

Lack of RGB lighting

Cooler Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

Dimensions (LxWxH)

144 × 147 × 164 mm

Fan Speed

1700 RPM

Noise Level

29.3 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Fan

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Competitive thermal performance, Excellent acoustics, Unique all-white theme

What We Disliked

No RGB lighting on fans

Cooler Type

360mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

397 × 27 × 120 mm

Fan Speed

2150 RPM

Noise Level

28.1 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Fan

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Looks

Award

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Compact radiator size, Superb RGB lighting, Relatively affordable

What We Disliked

Slightly higher noise level

Cooler Type

240mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

277 × 27 × 120 mm

Fan Speed

2100 RPM

Noise Level

34.1 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Fan

CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Looks

Award

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Extraordinary cooling performance, Unique LCD display implementation, Impressive RGB lighting

What We Disliked

Very expensive

Cooler Type

420mm AiO

Dimensions (LxWxH)

454 × 27 × 139 mm

Fan Speed

1700 RPM

Noise Level

33.8 dBA

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-14

Buying the i9-14900KF? Check our following tested round-ups:

• Best RAM for i9-14900KF
• Best GPU For i9-14900K
• Best Motherboards For i9-14900K

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

Here is a selection of our best CPU coolers for the i9-14900KF:

1. Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
2. Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
3. Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF: DeepCool Assassin IV
4. Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF: Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2
5. Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT
6. Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF: Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 398 × 38 × 120mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 10.64dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: Impressively, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO provides superb cooling performance throughout our tests, owing to its high-quality pump and radiator. In our dedicated testing, the cooler kept the CPU at a nice, steady temperature quite comfortably.

Build Quality: There’s no denying the exceptional craftsmanship present in the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II. The innovative pump block is expertly built, providing dependable and effective cooling. The top-notch fiber-reinforced tubing not only improves longevity but also has cable management built right in.

Aesthetics: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB is an illustration of modern minimalism in terms of both form and function. We loved the pump block that is finished in a subtle all-black color. Moreover, the spaceship-like design stands out, giving the cooler the limelight it deserves.

Describing the cooler’s capabilities, our hardware reviewer, Awais Khan stated:

“The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is a no-frill design that is cost-effective and a low-noise cooling solution from the manufacturer.”

Buy It If

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360

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You want the ideal cooler for i9-14900KF while prioritizing VRM temperatures: Considering its excellent cooling performance and overall reliability to keep VRM temperatures cool, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO provides remarkable value and overclocking capabilities.

Don’t Buy It If

You want RGB lighting on the pump: Even though the pump block looks fine to our eyes, a hint of RGB lighting would have made it even better.

Editor`s Note

Out of all the coolers, my favorite is the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II, which is also our top pick for the best overall CPU cooler for the i9-14900KF CPU. The AIO offers impressive thermal performance, beautiful aesthetics, and a breath of fresh air with its unique design. Moreover, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer also offers incredible price-to-performance value, and I believe you can’t go wrong with this purchase.

– Usman Saleem

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360mm AIO features a low noise level of just 10.64dB(A), a respectable thermal capacity of 290W, and solid value for money, making it the best overall CPU cooler for the i9-14900KF processor.

• Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB Review
• Best 360mm AIO Coolers

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 400 × 27 × 124mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,300RPM | Noise Level: 36dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 provides exceptional cooling performance in our experience. When paired with the Core i9-14900KF in our testing, the cooler kept the CPU cool and comfortable without even breaking a sweat. Overclocking is also a breeze with the AIO, and you can get a decent performance uplift.

Talking about the AIO’s cooling performance, Awais Khan stated in his review:

“It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler, albeit a bit high price tag.”

Build Quality: One glance at the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 gave us a good idea about its premium build quality and high-quality finish. Under the hood, we found that the copper cold plate maximizes its heat dissipation capacity, while the diamond-cut brushed aluminum side panels truly make the AIO stand out.

Aesthetics: With an extremely pleasing holographic light effect on the pump block and diffused A-RGB lighting on the three provided fans, we think the EK Nucleus CR360 is one of the most visually pleasing AIO coolers on the market. With well-diffused internal LEDs, the lighting in the fans is particularly impressive to us.

Buy It If

EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

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You want to overclock the Core i9-14900KF: Thanks to its extraordinary cooling performance, we were able to achieve extraordinary overclocking results with the Intel Core i9-14900KF without worrying about temperatures.

Don’t Buy It If

Your budget is limited: Although its value proposition remains positive, we think that it is still an expensive CPU cooler that can deplete your savings.

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux can comfortably handle an overclocked i9-14900KF, featuring exceptional thermal dissipation capabilities and high-quality EK Vardar-S fans, making it the best performance CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

• Read Our EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB Review

DeepCool Assassin IV

Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF

Cooler Type: Dual Tower Air Cooler | Dimensions: 144 × 147 × 164mm | Fans: 1x 140mm 4-pin PWM Fan, 1x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fan | Fan Speed: 1,700RPM | Noise Level: 29.3dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 | RGB: No

Cooling Performance: The DeepCool Assassin IV’s 240-watt heat dissipation capacity is on par with many AIO coolers, and the Assassin IV also has the advantage of reliability. While overclocking the Intel Core i9-14900KF might not be possible, our dedicated testing found that the Assassin IV doesn’t thermal throttle the CPU.

Build Quality: Under the premium fan shroud, we see that the dual-tower heatsink is mated to a whopping seven copper heat pipes. The cooler uses a relocatable 120mm fan. Moreover, we found that the fan shroud is an example of expert craftsmanship.

Aesthetics: The fan shroud is undoubtedly the cooler’s most visually pleasing component for us, but the heatsink is also powder-coated to attain a level of stealth. We feel like the aesthetics would have been improved even more with a touch of RGB lighting. It’s a perfect cooler for darker builds, though.

According to Nauman Siddique, one of our hardware reviewers, the DeepCool Assassin IV provides an impeccable design and cooling performance:

“This cooler has quite some looks to it with its concealed design which is well synchronized and it has a top-tier performance while remaining highly competitive in the price point.”

Buy It If

DeepCool Assassin IV

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You want the best air cooler for i9-14900KF: Many users prefer air cooling to water cooling, and we think that the DeepCool Assassin IV is the best choice for air cooling enthusiasts.

Don’t Buy It If

You’re using larger RAM kits: If you’re using larger RAM kits, the DeepCool Assassin IV might not be the best choice because of its RAM clearance issues.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The DeepCool Assassin IV exhibits tremendous cooling capabilities thanks to its 240W heat dissipation capacity, exceptional reliability, and multiple performance modes, therefore making it the best air cooler for i9-14900KF.

• Read Our DeepCool Assassin IV Review
• Best LGA 1700 CPU Coolers

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 397 × 27 × 120mm | Fans: 3x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,150RPM | Noise Level: 28.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 managed to keep the i9-14900KF’s temperatures in check during our dedicated testing while being a value-oriented AIO cooler. You can even try your hand at manual overclocking but with reasonable expectations. Personally, we didn’t find any bottlenecking issues through overclocking, either.

Talking about the cooler’s performance, Awais Khan states in his review:

“The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 is a hidden gem when it comes to the liquid coolers’ paradise. It has a high-performance capability, particularly on the latest platforms, and it does so without breaking the bank.”

Build Quality: The Frozen Magic 360mm AIO features superb build quality. We found that the pump block uses an aluminum casing, giving a premium feel to the central component of the AIO. We also love that the tubing is protected using multi-woven polymer sleeves for protection against abrasions and evaporation.

Aesthetics: The Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 stands out, particularly for its unique all-white design that is tailor-made for your white PC build. The pump block has a refined mirror finish with A-RGB lighting. The non-RGB fans match well with a white PC case. We believe the AIO is one of the best white CPU coolers on the market.

Buy It If

Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 - Scenic V2

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You want the best value for money from a white AIO cooler: Thanks to its affordable price tag and superb cooling, we concluded that the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 is a value champion. The cooler is also a perfect fit for a white PC build which further increases its value.

Don’t Buy It If

You want RGB lighting on fans: Thermalright decided to go with all-white fans for this CPU cooler, which means that they lack RGB lighting. This may be a let-down for many gamers, making them stay away from the cooler.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

When paired with the Core i9-14900KF, the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 delivers solid cooling performance while also being supremely quiet and relatively affordable, making it the best budget CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

• Read Our Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 Review
• Best Budget CPU Coolers
• Best CPU Coolers Under $100

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Cooler Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 277 × 27 × 120mm | Fans: 2x 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 34.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: Surprisingly, the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix XT handled the Core i9-14900KF quite well at stock settings in our dedicated tests, which is great news for value hunters. Although its overclocking capabilities are limited, you can still use the i9-14900KF comfortably without bottlenecking issues.

Build Quality: Equipped with premium crafting materials and tight tolerances, we feel that the Corsair H100i Elite is extremely well-made. The fiber-reinforced tubing is a great addition to the package, while the Corsair AF RGB Elite PWM fans certainly take the build quality of the cooler to the next level.

Aesthetics: The central CPU block is the main attraction of the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix XT, with RGB lighting illuminating a very distinct pattern on the block that elevates the design of the cooler. We appreciate the Corsair AF RGB fans that come with supremely well-implemented A-RGB lighting.

Buy It If

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

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You want a compact liquid cooler without thermal throttling your CPU: With a 240mm radiator footprint, we observed that the Corsair H100i Elite can fit into most PC cases without thermal throttling high-end CPUs.

Don’t Buy It If

You want a quieter cooling solution: Although we found the acoustic profile to be quite comfortable even at its maximum fan speed of 2,100RPM, the peak noise level of 34.1dB(A) is pretty noisy and can get disturbing for many users.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

The Corsair H100i Elite stands above its competition thanks to its excellent thermal capacity of 270W, superb build quality, and excellent value for money, making it the best 240mm CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

• Read Our Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT Review
• Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF

Cooler Type: 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 454 × 27 × 139mm | Fans: 3x 140mm 4-pin PWM Fans | Fan Speed: 1,700RPM | Noise Level: 33.8dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: Undeniably, our testing shows that the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite shines in the cooling department, as one can expect from a 420mm liquid cooler. In our testing, the Corsair H170i Elite is one of the very few CPU coolers that can handle an overclocked i9-14900KF without breaking a sweat.

Build Quality: The high-quality materials used in the cooler are evident to us. Moreover, the fiber-reinforced tubing gives a palpable sense of luxury to the cooler. In our opinion, even the AF-series fans are crafted expertly using superb materials and fine workmanship.

Aesthetics: One look at the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite will showcase its glamorous design language in all its glory. The RGB illumination on the fans is expertly diffused and well-integrated, adding to the overall personality of the cooler. We also loved the LCD screen on the CPU block, which reinforces the aesthetics of the AIO.

Summarizing the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite’s performance and aesthetics, Nauman Siddique states in his review:

“With excellent thermal performance that is augmented by a well-executed LCD and extensive customization options using iCUE, the H170i Elite LCD XT is definitely a worthy contender should your wallet afford it in addition to your PC case.”

Buy It If

CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT

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You want to overclock the i9-14900KF without losing out on aesthetics: Our testing shows that the 420mm radiator and well-crafted pump provide exceptional thermal performance, allowing you to overclock the i9-14900KF comfortably without losing out on remarkable aesthetics.

Don’t Buy It If

You’re using an ATX case: If you’re using a smaller ATX case, you might have compatibility issues with installing the radiator. If that is the case, we don’t recommend purchasing this AIO cooler.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i9-14900KF?

Apart from its unparalleled cooling capabilities, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite also features premium build quality and unique personalization features, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for i9-14900KF.

• Read Our Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT Review
• Best 420mm CPU Coolers

Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

The cooling performance of a CPU cooler is the most important aspect to consider when making a purchase. Therefore, we have attached our performance results of all the coolers that are present in this article.

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

Here are some important terms that you must know when shopping for a CPU cooler in 2023.

1. AIO: AIO cooling solutions come pre-assembled and sealed, making them easy to install without the need for custom loop setups. AIO coolers consist of a pump, radiator, fans, and tubing, providing efficient cooling for CPUs.
2. Heatsink: A passive component with fins that dissipates heat generated by the CPU, transferring it away to maintain a lower temperature.
3. Heat pipes: Heat-conductive tubes filled with coolant that transport heat from the CPU to the cooler’s fins for dissipation.
4. Airflow: The movement of air within the case to carry away heat, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
5. Thermal Paste: A conductive material applied between the CPU and cooler base to enhance heat transfer and reduce temperature.
6. TDP: The maximum amount of heat a CPU cooler must dissipate to keep the CPU within its operational temperature range.
7. Noise Level: The amount of sound produced by the CPU cooler, indicating how loud it is during operation.
8. Socket Compatibility: The types of CPU sockets a cooler is designed to fit, ensuring it is compatible with your CPU and motherboard.
9. Overclocking: The process of increasing a CPU’s clock speed and voltage beyond its factory settings, often requiring a more robust cooler to manage increased heat production.
10. FPI: FPI refers to the number of fins packed into one inch of a heat sink or radiator in a liquid cooling system. Higher FPI values typically indicate better heat dissipation but may require more powerful fans to maintain optimal airflow.

How We Picked The Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF

Buying a CPU cooler can be a complicated process, especially if you are new to the world of DIY PC building. However, considering a few key factors in your purchase decision can help you save a lot of time and get the ideal cooler for your needs. Here are a few factors you should take into consideration:

• Cooling Performance: It is important to research and compare benchmarks to assess the cooler’s efficiency in various situations. A well-built cooler not only keeps temperatures in check at stock settings but also enhances the overclocking potential for your i9-14900KF CPU.
• Noise Level: When buying a CPU cooler, check its rated decibel level and the maximum speed of its pump and fans. It is also vital to check acoustic benchmarks in various situations with different components as well as load levels. Fans with fine PWM control and smoother fan curves provide a better acoustic experience.
• Design: A CPU cooler takes up the central spot in your PC case and, therefore, contributes greatly to its overall look. Nowadays, CPU coolers come with different color options, design patterns, and RGB lighting for added customization. Some high-end models include a personalized LCD display on the pump block for better aesthetics.
• Value For Money: When buying a CPU cooler for the i9-14900KF, it is vital to assess the price tag and the price-to-performance ratio the cooler offers. A more expensive cooler may not necessarily be the better choice, and similarly, a more affordable cooler might not provide the performance necessary to cool down your i9-14900KF CPU.

Looking for more options? We have you covered:

• Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K
• Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700K
• Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF
• Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600K
• Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600KF

Recent Updates

Usman Saleem

[Reviews Specialist]

Usman Saleem brings 8+ years of comprehensive PC hardware expertise to the table. His journey in the tech world has involved in-depth tech analysis and insightful PC hardware reviews, perfecting over 6+ years of dedicated work. Usman’s commitment to staying authentic and relevant in the field is underscored by many professional certifications, including a recent one in Google IT Support Specialization.

• 8+ years of specialized PC hardware coverage
• 6+ years of in-depth PC hardware analysis and reviews
• Lead PC hardware expert across multiple tech journalism platforms
• Certified in Google IT Support Specialization

Get In Touch: usman@tech4gamers.com

Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF [Budget, Performance, Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

The Intel Core i7-14700KF is a beastly high-end processor with 20 cores, 28 threads, and a staggering boost clock speed of 5.6 GHz. Of course, all of that performance translates to a hefty increase in heat output, making it pivotal to opt for a high-end cooler. That is why, after conducting several tests, we have compiled a list of CPU coolers for the i7-14700KF processor.

Here are my top picks for the best CPU cooler for i7-14700KF, all compared with each other:

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Design, Performance, In-House Pump, VRM Fan, Integrated Cable Management

Cooling, Appearance, Replaceable Pump Cap, Build Quality

Performance, Silent Fans, Black Coating, Easy Installation, Six Copper Heat Pipes

Performance, Infinity Mirror Pump, Incredible Value, Design

Impressive Cooling, Appearance, Compact Radiator Size, Affordable

Exceptional Cooling, Full Stainless Steel Radiator, Aesthetics, Fantastic Modularity

What We Disliked

No RGB On Pump, No Fan Control

Price, Noisy Fans, Non-Magnetic Hub

Size Issues, No RGB

Louder Fans, Fixed Enermax Text Under Mirror

Not Ideal For Overclocking, Higher Noise Output

Larger Size, Expensive, Noisy Fans

Cooler Type

360mm AIO

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dual Tower Air Cooler

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

420mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

398 × 120 × 63mm

397 × 120 x 27mm

135 x 150 x 160mm

394 × 120 x 54mm

277 × 120 x 27mm

458 × 144 × 30mm

Fans

3x ARCTIC P12 PWM A-RGB

3x AF RGB Elite Fans

1x NF-A15 140mm

3x 120mm

2x iCUE AF120 RGB ELITE

3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans

Fan Speed

1,800RPM

2,100RPM

1,500RPM

2,000RPM

2,100RPM

1,500RPM

Noise Level

10.64(A)

34.1dB(A)

24.6dB(A)

32.6dB(A)

34.1dB(A)

N/A

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Cooler

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Design, Performance, In-House Pump, VRM Fan, Integrated Cable Management

What We Disliked

No RGB On Pump, No Fan Control

Cooler Type

360mm AIO

Dimensions

398 × 120 × 63mm

Fans

3x ARCTIC P12 PWM A-RGB

Fan Speed

1,800RPM

Noise Level

10.64(A)

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Cooler

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Looks

Award

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Cooling, Appearance, Replaceable Pump Cap, Build Quality

What We Disliked

Price, Noisy Fans, Non-Magnetic Hub

Cooler Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

397 × 120 x 27mm

Fans

3x AF RGB Elite Fans

Fan Speed

2,100RPM

Noise Level

34.1dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Cooler

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Looks

Award

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Performance, Silent Fans, Black Coating, Easy Installation, Six Copper Heat Pipes

What We Disliked

Size Issues, No RGB

Cooler Type

Dual Tower Air Cooler

Dimensions

135 x 150 x 160mm

Fans

1x NF-A15 140mm

Fan Speed

1,500RPM

Noise Level

24.6dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Cooler

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB

Looks

Award

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Performance, Infinity Mirror Pump, Incredible Value, Design

What We Disliked

Louder Fans, Fixed Enermax Text Under Mirror

Cooler Type

360mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

394 × 120 x 54mm

Fans

3x 120mm

Fan Speed

2,000RPM

Noise Level

32.6dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Cooler

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Looks

Award

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Impressive Cooling, Appearance, Compact Radiator Size, Affordable

What We Disliked

Not Ideal For Overclocking, Higher Noise Output

Cooler Type

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

277 × 120 x 27mm

Fans

2x iCUE AF120 RGB ELITE

Fan Speed

2,100RPM

Noise Level

34.1dB(A)

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Cooler

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

Looks

Award

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

What We Liked

Exceptional Cooling, Full Stainless Steel Radiator, Aesthetics, Fantastic Modularity

What We Disliked

Larger Size, Expensive, Noisy Fans

Cooler Type

420mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Dimensions

458 × 144 × 30mm

Fans

3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans

Fan Speed

1,500RPM

Noise Level

N/A

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-14

More Of Our Tested Round-Ups For i7-14700KF:

• Best RAM For i7-14700KF
• Best GPU For i7-14700K
• Best Motherboards For i7-14700K

Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF

An overview of my top picks for the best CPU Coolers for i7-14700KF.

1. Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
2. Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT
3. Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF: Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black
4. Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF: Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB
5. Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT
6. Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF: Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Dimensions: 398 × 120 × 63mm | Fans: 3x ARCTIC P12 PWM A-RGB | Fan Speed: 1,800RPM | Noise Level: 10.64(A)| Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM3+, AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II’s cooling performance is top-notch. It comes bundled with 3x pre-installed P12 fans along with a larger 38mm radiator. These fans offer a maximum speed of 1,800RPM. In our dedicated performance testing, the i7-14700KF was running at low temperatures, even at max load.

There’s no denying the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II series’ outstanding noise-to-performance ratio. Our hardware tester, Awais Khan, was also quick to notice that, stating:

“The new pump of the Liquid Freezer II Series ensures an ideal ratio of high CPU cooling performance to low noise levels.”

Build Quality: ARCTIC has not disregarded the use of quality components. The AIO sports a 38mm radiator that benefits from the larger surface area and a 40mm VRM fan attached to the pump. We also loved the top-notch tubing used by the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II, which improves the AIO’s longevity. 

Aesthetics: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB has beautiful aesthetics with an exotic pump design. That said, we were impressed by the integrated cable management system that manages to enhance the overall appearance of the cooler by eliminating cable clutter. While there’s no pump RGB, the cooler is perfect for many PC builds.

Buy It If

We took a few images during our review:

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360

1 of 3

You want the perfect CPU cooler with impressive VRM cooling: Packed with an efficient pump, capable P12 fans, and a 40mm VRM fan; the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II brings a lot to the table at a reasonable price with impressive VRM cooling to enhance overclocking experience.

Don’t Buy It If

You require manual fan control: While the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II has impressive thermal performance and aesthetics, it doesn’t have many customization capabilities, making it less impressive for many enthusiasts.

What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

Between incredible cooling prowess and a reasonable price, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB has been bundled with every possible feature one would want out of a capable AIO cooler. It strikes a balance between performance and price, which is why it has been titled the best overall CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700KF processor.

• Read Our ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 Review
• Best 360mm AIO CPU Coolers

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Dimensions: 397 × 120 x 27mm | Fans: 3 x AF RGB Elite Fans | Fan Speed: 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 34.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT offers outstanding cooling performance. This is achieved through a combination of AF-RGB Elite 120mm fans and a radiator boasting a 20 FPI count. Furthermore, our testing showcased the AIO has no problems helping the i7-14700KF overclock without thermal throttling.

Talking about the cooler’s performance and aesthetics, our hardware reviewer, Nauman Siddique, loved the Corasir iCUE H150i and stated the following in his review:

“This cooler packs stunning visuals coming from CAPELLIX LEDs while providing adequate thermal performance at a reasonable noise output.”

Build Quality: With the Corsair iCUE H150i, you get an aluminum radiator with 12 channels as well as flexible rubber tubes extending to a length of 450mm. Moreover, the cooler features a copper baseplate with a slightly convex shape, allowing for better heat dissipation. We believe the longer warranty comes from the impeccable build quality.

Aesthetics: The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT’s visual appearance is enhanced through the presence of stunning A-RGB fans as well as a well-lit pump head consisting of 33 LEDs. The distinctive outline traversing the pump also greatly enhances the cooler’s appearance.

Buy It If

We took a few images during our review:

CORSAIR iCUE H150i Elite Capellix XT

1 of 4

You want to overclock the i7-14700KF without losing aesthetics: The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT provides remarkable thermal performance, allowing for overclocking high-end CPUs without any problems. You also don’t lose out on aesthetics, making your build visually attractive.

Don’t Buy It If

You dislike noisy fans: While the AIO cooler provides high-end performance, its fans also make a lot of noise. During our noise testing, the fan noise was ~34.1dB(A) and the noise was prominent. So, if you dislike noisy fans, we don’t recommend this cooler.

Editor`s Note

Among all the coolers available, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT stands out as my preferred choice and is also designated as our top recommendation for the best performance CPU cooler for the i7-14700KF CPU. This AIO cooler not only delivers impressive thermal performance but also boasts an attractive design with outstanding overclocking capabilities that sets it apart from its competition. I believe it’s a highly commendable purchase if you’re looking for the ultimate cooling solution.

– Hayyan Serwer

What Makes It The Best Performance CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

Not only does the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT outperform most AIO coolers it competes against, but it also adds vibrant elements into the mix for a much more visually appealing design. Sure, it might come in at a higher price point, but the performance advantages it boasts are enough to make it the best performance CPU cooler for the i7-14700KF CPU.

• Read Our Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT Review
• Best CPU Coolers For i5-13600K
• Best Gaming PC Under $5000

Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black

Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF

Cooler Type: Dual tower air cooler | Dimensions: 135 x 150 x 160mm | Fans: 1x NF-A15 140mm Fans | Fan Speed: 1,500RPM | Noise Level: 24.6dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4 | RGB: No

Cooling Performance: The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black is an absolute beast of a cooling solution. It utilizes Noctua’s NF-A15 140mm fan running at 1,500RPM. While you can’t overclock the CPU, our testing showed the cooler doesn’t thermal throttle the i7-14700KF at the least, even at full load.

Summarizing the thermal performance of the cooler, Nauman Siddique states in his review:

“I have no doubt in the capabilities of the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black based on its performance throughout my testing; I consider it a powerful champion among its competition and one of the best air coolers I have tested.”

Build Quality: The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black also delivers on a hardware forefront. For example, the fan uses the renowned SSO2 bearings, bolstered with four anti-vibrational pads and a circular case. Apart from that, the fin stack consists of a total of 45 fins, allowing for optimal heat dissipation.

Aesthetics: From a visual perspective, the Noctua NH-D15S is fairly standard. Everything from the heat pipes to the aluminum fin stack is completely covered in a black coating. We disliked that the cooler doesn’t have any RGB aspects, but that makes it a perfect option for an all-black build.

Buy It If

Here are a few pictures from our review:

NOCTUA NH-D15S chromax.black

1 of 4

You want a powerful air cooler with a silent fan: The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black’s cooling prowess rivals that of AIO coolers, making it a top pick among enthusiasts who want the best possible air cooler with zero thermal throttling issues and a silent fan for better acoustics.

Don’t Buy It If

You want RGB: The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black lacks RGB elements, which can make it less desirable for many gamers.

What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black combines an asymmetrical design, impeccable RAM clearance, as well as great performance. All of that is topped off by the clean black finish on the cooler, which has little to no effect on the cooling performance, making it the best air cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700KF processor.

• Read Our Noctua NH-D15S Chromax Black review

Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Cooler Type: 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Dimensions: 394 × 120 x 54mm | Fans: 3x 120mm Fans | Fan Speed: 2,000RPM | Noise Level: 32.6dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011-3, 2066 AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3+, FM2+, FM1 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: With a TDP of 380W, the Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB displays immense cooling capabilities. We observed that the fans have a maximum speed of 2,000RPM, providing the bulk of its performance. Also, we could manually overclock the i7-14700KF during our testing without any bottlenecking issues.

Build Quality: The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB is fairly well built, showing no signs of flaws that can harm the cooler’s lifespan. The radiator comprises 20 fins per inch, encased in a 27mm thick housing. Enermax has equipped the pump with a dual-chamber design for increased durability.

Aesthetics: The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 A-RGB is filled to the brim with RGB, which can be found on both the fans and pump head. The latter features an infinity mirror design along with an RGB stripe surrounding the head. RGB aside, the radiator has a plain black color that extends to the sleeved tubings and wires.

When our senior reviewer, Nauman Siddique, tested the Enermax AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm, he was especially surprised by its value. He mentioned:

“ENERMAX is providing a comprehensive performance-packed and feature-rich cooling solution at pocket-friendly pricing with a generous 5-year warranty.”

Buy It If

Here are a few pictures from our review:

Enermax AQUAFUSION ADV 360

1 of 3

You want a value for money 360mm cooler: The Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360 succeeds in providing fantastic value for its price, even allowing manual overclocking to a certain extent.

Don’t Buy It If

You want a silent cooler: While the cooler’s noise output is within reasonable range, it can be an issue for anyone interested in a completely silent experience.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The Enermax Aquafusion ADV has been crowned the best budget CPU cooler for the i7-14700KF for its outstanding price-to-performance ratio that is achieved through remarkable ADV RGB fans, an efficient pump, and a reasonable price tag.

• Read Our ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV 360mm Review
• Best Budget CPU Coolers
• Best CPU Coolers For i9-13900K

Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Cooler Type: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Dimensions: 277 × 120 x 27mm | Fans: 2x iCUE AF120 RGB ELITE | Fan Speed: 2,100RPM | Noise Level: 34.1dB(A) | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5, sTR4 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT uses 2x AF RGB Elite fans that offer 2,100RPM speeds. During our dedicated performance testing in various games, the i7-14700KF showcased reasonable temperatures with the AIO but didn’t show much overclocking headroom.

Summarizing the cooler’s performance and value, Nauman Siddique states in his review:

“This cooler offers a nice blend of performance and features with a 5-year warranty, albeit at a steep price.”

Build Quality: The AIO’s robust build quality seems to have carried over from the higher-end variants of the series. The AF RGB Elite fans boast fluid dynamic bearings, improving longevity. Additionally, The 27mm thick radiator arrives with a neat paint finish, coming with a 20 FPI count.

Aesthetics: Unlike its contemporaries, the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX allows users to swap out the pump caps for different designs, all three of which offer variations in RGB illumination. Furthermore, we also loved the AIO’s dark color scheme and RGB customizations.

Buy It If

We took a few images in our review:

CORSAIR iCUE H100i Elite Capellix XT

1 of 2

You want a compact AIO without thermal throttling your CPU: If you don’t have a lot of space in your chassis and want to utilize an AIO without thermal throttling your CPU, we recommend buying the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT because of its cooling performance and value.

Don’t Buy It If

You want to overclock the i7-14700KF processor: In case you’re looking to overclock your CPU, the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT won’t keep you happy as it doesn’t provide ample overclocking headroom.

What Makes It The Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT comes with top-performing AF RGB Elite fans, a zero RPM mode to keep noise levels low, and a well-built chassis. Everything is then rounded off by its mesmerizing display of RGB on the pump and the fans, making it the best 240mm CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700KF CPU.

• Read Our Corsair iCUE H100i Elite CAPELLIX XT Review
• Best 240mm AIO Coolers

Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420

Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

Cooler Type: 420mm AIO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Dimensions: 458 × 144 × 30mm | Fans: 3x Rise Aurora 140mm fans | Fan Speed: 1,500RPM | Noise Level: N/A | Socket Support: Intel: LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 115X AMD: AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4, AM5 | RGB: Yes 

Cooling Performance: Packed with 3x 140mm A-RGB fans, the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 AIO cooler has a lot going for it when it comes to thermal capabilities. The fans offer a maximum speed of 2,000RPM, and during our gaming tests, the cooler showcased remarkable performance, allowing for impressive overclocking headroom.

Our Editor-In-Chief, Malik Sajjad, performed hands-on tests on the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420. This is what he had to say about the cooler’s performance:

“The Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420 is an all-rounder liquid cooler capable of taming your high-end CPUs with the ability and capacity to handle overclocking as well.”

Build Quality: The Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420 makes use of a 30mm thick copper radiator, which comes with a 16 FPI count. The pump arrives with a nickel-plated copper baseplate and a nylon housing. Apart from the pump itself, Alphacool has reinforced the fans with a thick circular frame and sleeve bearings.

Aesthetics: The Alphaccool Eisbaer Aurora 420 features a number of visual elements that enhance its overall appearance, the most notable of which comes down to the A-RGB fans and the subtle RGB present on the pump housing. Personally, we loved the cooler’s pump block and RGB customizations, which give it an exquisite look.

Buy It If

Here are a few images from our review:

Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 420

1 of 3

You want to overclock your CPU with zero bottlenecks: If you want to overclock the i7-14700KF processor without having any bottlenecking worries, we recommend purchasing the Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm AIO cooler because of its impressive cooling capabilities.

Don’t Buy It If

You have limited PC case space: The larger size of the radiator reduces PC case compatibility, especially for smaller ATX cases. So, in such cases we don’t recommend purchasing the AIO cooler.

What Makes It The Best 420mm CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF?

The Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm AIO cooler offers numerous advantages, such as its remarkable performance. On top of all that, the cooler also does not miss the mark in terms of aesthetics and build quality, making it the best 420mm CPU cooler for the Intel Core i7-14700KF CPU.

• Read Our Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 420mm AIO Cooler Review
• Best 420mm AIO Coolers

Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Cooler For i7-14700KF

All of our recommended coolers have undergone thorough testing. This way, our results will give you a clear overview of what tier of performance to expect from our top picks for the best CPU coolers for i7-14700KF.

Important CPU Cooler Key Terms

Finding the best CPU cooler can be a daunting task for beginners. Here are a few key terms you should keep in mind before selecting your next cooler.

• TDP: Measured in watts, the TDP of a CPU cooler represents the maximum amount of dissipated heat the cooler can handle.
• FPI: The number of heat-dissipating fins present within one inch of your radiator is known as FPI.
• Heatsink: A layered metallic structure comprising multiple fins responsible for the dissipation of heat mainly through the help of a fan.
• Liquid Cooling: The use of a coolant in order to cool down PC components is known as Liquid Cooling. 
• Thermal Paste: Thermal paste is a widely used material used to eliminate gaps and discrepancies between two surfaces in order to provide optimal conduction for heat transfer.
• Noise Level: The amount of noise produced by your cooler is referred to as the noise level or noise output.

How We Tested & Picked The Best CPU Coolers For The i7-14700KF

Considering multiple factors is crucial to the CPU buying process. Here are some of the most important factors you should look out for when selecting a CPU cooler.

• Cooling Performance: Not only is the cooler responsible for avoiding thermal throttling issues, but it also plays a huge role in determining the overclocking potential of your processor. The most effective way of assessing a cooler’s performance is by looking at the airflow, heat dissipation capabilities, as well as fan specifications.
• Acoustic Performance: Determining the acoustic profile of your CPU cooler mainly comes down to the noise output of the fans and pump. In the case of an air cooler, only the former counts. In some cases, you might also be provided with a low-noise adapter to lower noise levels.
• Compatibility: Once you are done selecting the ideal cooler, it is important to check whether the cooler is compatible with your computer system. Compatibility regarding motherboards, PC cases, and RAM can play a huge part in influencing your decision.
• Build Quality: The importance of build quality regarding the sustainability of a computer system warrants its utmost emphasis when considering a new cooler. Gauging the build quality of a cooler mainly comes down to the use of materials, construction of components, and the overall durability the cooler offers.

Want More Options? You Can Read Our Following Tested Round-Ups:

• Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K
• Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900KF
• Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700K
• Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600K
• Best CPU Coolers For i5-14600KF

Recent Updates

Hayyan Serwer

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.

Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com

Best CPU Coolers For i7-14700KF [Hands-On Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

MSI has sent us a MAG CORELIQUID E360 black cooler for testing. This cooler comes with 3x 120mm fans and has a 360mm size radiator. It is compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets out of the box in addition to other listed sockets from both platforms. The salient features of this cooler include:

• MSI has enlarged the copper base which provides more surface area for effective heat transfer.
• The microchannels have been widened.
• The pump block top is rotatable.
• MSI Center will control the fans and ARGB Lighting.
• High-Performance 120mm Fans.
• The pump has a 3-phase, 6-pole motor for durability.
• Efficient Radiator Design.
• Compatible with AMD TR4 and sTRx4

Let’s go over the specifications:

The above picture shows the specifications of the cooler. The cooler has a 360mm size radiator in terms of 120mm size multiples. The pump is PWM controlled with a maximum speed rating of 3000 RPM±10%, and it has a life expectancy of 200,000 hours with typical use. The fans are using FDB bearings with a life expectancy of 50,000 hours at 40ᵒC.

Packaging And Unboxing

The cooler is shipped inside a cardboard box. This box has a black and yellow color theme that represents the MAG series colors. There is a container inside the main box that has the contents safely placed inside. The following are provided:

• 1x Cooler
• 3x Fans
• 1x Backplate for Intel LGA1700
• 1x Backplate for Intel other sockets
• 1x set of Mounting Brackets for Intel Sockets
• 2x set of Mounting Brackets for AMD Sockets
• 4x Intel Standoff Screws
• 4x Thumb Nuts
• 4x Screws for Mounting Brackets
• 1x Thermal Paste
• 1x MOLEX powered Pump Cable
• 1x 3-way PWM Splitter Cable
• 1x 3-way Low Noise Adapter Cable
• 1x User Guide

Design

It is time to take a look at each component of the cooler. I will start with the radiator. The salient feature highlight of this cooler is the enhanced copper base and cold plate designs for effective heat transfer. I will cover them later in this section.

Radiator

MSI has used a black color coating on the total assembly of this radiator. This radiator is made of aluminum material and has a dimension of 394×119.2x27mm (LxWxH). Here 27mm refers to the thickness of the radiator. After installing fans over the radiator, we would get a total thickness of 54mm or so. This radiator has 12 channels for the coolant flow and fin density is at 20 FPI. There is a gap of 105mm between any two fan mounting holes on the radiator. The overall fin stacking is satisfactory since I did not find a bend or broken fin.

I am showing the tube connection side of this radiator. MSI has used black clamps to conceal the connection between tubes and barbs. There is another port on the side that has a raised plug. There is a warranty void sticker over this plug. This port seems to be reserved for factory use only and using it may lose the vacuum pressure of the loop along with losing the warranty. There is a serial number sticker label as well. The 0.25A at 12VDC is the power rating of the pump. I am not sure about the OEM of this unit.

The above picture shows the side view of the unit. There is no branding on the side frame of the radiator. Notice the gap between the actual fin stack and the side frames indicating that the thickness of the fin stack is less than 27mm. MSI has used rubber tubes with nylon braided mesh sleeve covers over them for aesthetics. These tubes run to approximately 400mm in length.

Block

MSI uses a circular or ring-designed block housing that is finished in a matte black color. The housing is made of ABS material. The pump top has a stylish design resembling the reactor. The salient feature is that this top cover is rotatable up to 270ᵒ which makes the installation of this cooler regardless of the orientation. The center of the top lid has ARGB backlighting. There is MSI branding on one side. I appreciate the simplicity yet the elegance of this design. The housing has a dimension of 41±0.2×47.6±0.2mm. This block has relatively a slim profile.

I am showing the side of the main housing. We can guess a dual-chamber design. Take a look at the base where there are cut-to-size cutouts. This is where the mounting brackets are inserted into the block and secured using the screws. These screws are put on from the base.

Looking at the other side of the main housing, we can see two cables coming out of the main body. We can see similar cutouts over here as well because we need to install two mounting brackets (one on each side).

There are two flat cables coming out of the block. One has a 4-pin PWM connector for the pump’s motor and the other is a standard ARGB female connector using a 5V, 3-pin interface.

Looking at the backside of the housing, we can see that the tubes are installed at a 90° angle on rotary barbs. There are black color clamps hiding these connections.

This unit has a thick copper base measuring 56x40mm. There is a protective cover over the base that needs to be peeled off during installation. You can see two mounting holes above the copper base. This is where the screws go inside the housing.

MSI has enlarged the contact area between the coolant and copper base of the block. The fin density (microchannels) of the cold plate is increased as well which would improve the efficiency of the coolant flow.

The pump of this unit is using a 3-phase, 6-pole motor with a life expectancy of 200,000 hours. Its power rating is 0.25A at 12VDC. The maximum speed of this pump is 3000±10% RPM. This pump is rated for a noise output of 20 dB(A). The power consumption on a typical load is 3W with a maximum power of 6W.

Fans

MSI has provided 3x 120mm ARGB fans with this cooler. Each fan has 9x translucent blades with each having 3D stripes. These stripes are probably there to generate more airflow. The center has MSI branding on it. The main frame is in ring design. There are anti-vibration pads on the mounting corners.

There is a 4-arm assembly on the backside of the fan. One arm has catchers to hold the wires coming out of the center and going towards the frame. The power rating of this fan is mentioned as 0.40A at 12VDC. These fans are using Fluid Dynamic Bearings. These fans have a dimension of 120x120x25mm.

There are no arrow indicators on the side frame. These arrows provide a visual aid to determine the direction of airflow through the fan and the direction in which blades spin. The frame is quite sturdy.

The speed of these fans is not mentioned and I admit, I did not check that in the BIOS either. The maximum airflow is 75.04 CFM. It seems like MSI has emphasized enough on the pump but not so much on the fans. There is no static pressure rating or noise rating either. These fans have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours at 40ᵒC.

Each fan has two flat cables. One has a 4-pin PWM connector to power the motor of these fans. The other has two standard ARGB connectors (male and female) using 5V with 3-pin interface.

Installation

I have followed the following steps to install this cooler on the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard:

• Place the Intel LGA1700 backplate on the backside of the motherboard.
• Secure it using 4x Intel LGA1700 Standoff Screws.
• Install Intel mounting brackets on the block.
• Apply thermal paste over CPU.
• Peel off the protective cover from the base of the block.
• Place the block over the CPU by aligning the tips of screws with the holes on the mounting brackets.
• Use thumb nuts to secure the block over the CPU.
• Install fans on the radiator and set up cable connection.
• Installation is completed.

Clearance

This cooler has no clearance issue for DIMM and PCIe slots. You need to make sure that your case supports the 360mm size radiator and in particular the clearance for 394×119.2x54mm for the assembled cooler.

Digital RGB Lighting

MSI has wisely used the standard ARGB connectors that make this cooler compatible with the RGB sync technology of major motherboard manufacturers, including:

• ASUS AURA SYNC
• GIGABYTE RGB FUSION 2.0
• MSI MYSTIC SYNC
• ASRock RGB LED

I have tested the cooler on the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard using the RGB Fusion 2.0 app. The lighting was responding well to the change in mode. Here are some pictures:

RGB Showcase

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Thermal Testing

I have used the mentioned configuration to test the performance of this cooler: –

• Intel i7-13700k
• GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX
• XPG Lancer RGB 32GB DDR5 kit 7200MT/s CAS34
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB NVMe SSD [For OS]
• GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 VISION OC [For Display]
• be quiet! Straight Power 850W Platinum PSU
• Open-air Test Bench

Here is the settings table for testing:

Let’s go over the results:

I have seen many 360mm liquid coolers struggle to tame this 13700K with unlocked power limits. However, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 has managed to keep this CPU at 90ᵒC under stress test load. This is a good performance from this cooler albeit the fans were loud at full speed. You would not need to run the fans at full speed anyway. Better use AUTO PWM settings or a custom fan curve and you are good to go.

Should You Buy It?

Now, the main question is, should you get the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360?

Buy It If

If you need a good performance AIO: The MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 is a decent liquid cooler that can handle up to 280W or so load, but this cooler can handle the gaming load without a hiccup.

If you are looking for a value-oriented cooler: Coming in at USD 139.90, this cooler offers a good performance and packs vivid ARGB lighting effects offering a good value for your bucks.

If looking for a cooler for AMD TR4: This cooler has TR4 and sTRx4 compatibility for which the mounting brackets are provided (only a 360mm version has these brackets).

Don’t Buy It If

If you already own a liquid cooler: If you already have a 360 mm-sized liquid cooler, you probably do not need this cooler.

If you are on Intel LGA20xx Socket: This cooler does not support Intel LGA20xx sockets. If you are on this platform, then this cooler is not for you.

Final Words

CORELIQUID E360 is a new cooler from MSI under MAG branding. This cooler is available in white and black colors. This cooler is compatible with Intel LGA115x/1200/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5/TR4/sTRx4 sockets. It has all the mounting hardware for these sockets. AMD mounting uses a clip style for AM4 and AM5 sockets. The overall mounting is streamlined and convenient for installation.

The pump of this unit has a 3-phase, 6-pole motor with a life expectancy of 200,000 hours at a typical load (3W). This pump can pull 6W under full load with a maximum speed of 3000±% RPM. It is PWM-controlled. The block top can be rotated in 270ᵒ, making sure that the MSI brand logo remains upright. It is ARGB backlit. MSI has enlarged the copper base with a more dense microchannel.

MSI has provided 3x 120mm ARGB fans that have translucent blades with a striped design. These fans have brilliant ARGB lighting effects. MSI has used standard ARGB connectors, making this cooler compatible with the RGB sync technology of motherboard manufacturers.

Installation of this cooler on Intel LGA1700 is convenient and uses 16 items to install the block on the socket. MSI has also bundled the low noise adapter cable as well as a MOLEX to 4-pin connector cable. The overall build quality is on money, and I did not make any observations about it. This cooler is retailing at USD 139.90 and comes with a 3-year warranty. I would have preferred a 5-year warranty.

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 CPU Liquid Cooler Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• The cooler is good for users looking for a reliable cooling solution with Anti-Leak technology, flexible tubing, and a convenient pump block design, especially for AMD CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7700X.
• This cooler is not for users who prioritize minimal noise output, as it exhibits high overall noise, and the fans may produce a strange humming noise at full speed.
• The stand-out features of the cooler include an innovative 6’o clock orientation for optimal heat transfer, Anti-Leak technology, a removable and aesthetically designed pump block cover with mirror infinity design, and easy installation.

Specifications

Here’s a look at the cooler specifications.

A look at the cooler’s dimensions:

Packaging

The cooler is shipped inside a cardboard box.

Packaging Box

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Accessories

Let’s take a look at the accessories provided in the box. 

Accessories

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Design

The Deepcool LT520 is a 240mm CLC cooling solution with a 240mm radiator with two FK120s.

Radiator

Let’s start with the radiator.

Focusing on the dimension of the radiator, which is 282 x 120 x 27mm, its thickness comes to be 27mm. With 25mm fans, the overall thickness would be 53mm by incorporating the heads of the screws. The radiator has a 20 FPI count. There is a gap of 105mm between any two fan mounting holes on the radiator.

Taking a closer look at the fins, DeepCool has done a good job in the overall finishing with the E shape fins. There are no protective sheets over the fins under the fan mounts. So, take care while mounting the fans as longer screws could damage the fins which would hamper the performance of the cooler. It is recommended to use the supplied long screws to mount the fans onto the radiators.

Since the radiator is made up of aluminum, it is lightweight. This is Deepcool’s own design. The blocks on both ends of the radiator are rectangular. The fin stack is dense and taking into account the left and right side channels, it has a total of 12 channels for water flow. There is a DeepCool logo on the tube side.

DeepCool placed a pressure release valve on the radiator’s right side, along with an elastic pressure-release bag on the outlet. This bag, immersed in coolant on one side and exposed to air on the other, expands the loop’s volume when internal pressure equals or exceeds atmospheric pressure. This prevents AIO leakage by releasing excess pressure through the valve.

This cooler is using two barbed fittings with metallic covers for reinforcement and better aesthetics. Also, take note of the plastic-made black color tube holder. DeepCool has provided 2x such holders which are easy to remove and their position can be adjusted as well. The far head of the radiator has a sticker pasted on it; this is not an Asetek design.

The soft tubing is made from an upgraded anti-explosion rubber tube manufactured using an anti-corrosion, crush resistant and thermostable material. The soft material tubing is flexible and doesn’t produce kinking which is always a plus. Deepcool is using mesh sleeves on the hoses to give them clean look. The length of the tube is approximately 410mm.

Pump/Block

Let’s take a look at the main element of this cooler. It is the water block with the pump housing. We have a different outlook on the LT series compared to the LS and Castle series AIOs.

The block has a size of 94×60/88mm. There is a DeepCool logo on the top and the top cover is completely removable. Though it seems like the cover is made of aluminum, it is not. There is a light gray color housing of the cover with geometrical cutouts exposing the infinity mirror design. This design has a multi-faceted geometric reflection creating a 3D effect.

Looking at the block from the side, we can see the harmony in the flow of the design as these cutouts and the exposed mirror infinity design look quite good in person.

The picture on the left shows the block with the top cover removed. Looking inside the cover, the frosted diffuser is covering the three sides. The geometric shapes are placed under the diffuser. The 6x A-RGB LEDs are installed vertically to the top diffuser. To be honest, there is nothing futuristic about it as it is a simple design. 

Here’s a look at the pump specifications:

Analyzing the base of the block, it has a size of 53x53mm approximately which is quite large given the size of the CPU IHS that we will be using for the testing. The unit comes with the pre-applied thermal paste. Notice the 4x mounting holes on the base surrounding the housing. This is where the mounting brackets are installed.

The tubes are installed in a 90° mount on the base of the block so that they can be rotated as per the requirement to the left or right side position. There is one cable coming out of the pump housing while the second is coming out of the removable top.

To power the pump, the pump housing has a 3-pin power cable. In addition, there are standard 3-pin 5V, A-RGB connectors to power the LEDs and daisy chain the A-RGB elements.

Here’s a look at what’s going on inside the block.

Pump Design

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Fans

The LT520 comes with 2x FK120 (non-RGB) fans.

The square-framed fans elevate the cooler’s bold, stylish aesthetic. With nine sleek black blades and a centered DeepCool branding sticker, they stand out. To reduce vibration, each corner features a custom-cut rubber pad. Examining the back reveals a four-arm assembly securing the blades and center, with one arm wider to accommodate the power cable. These fans are manufactured in China.

There is a black color flat cable with a 4-pin PWM header coming out of the hub. This cable powers the fan. This is another difference between the LT and LS series. The LS series fans even if not A-RGB are still using the 6-pin proprietary connectors. I think DeepCool has made a wise decision of using a standard connector on these fans.

The salient specifications of the fans are:

A-RGB Lighting

There is no dedicated A-RGB controller provided with the cooler. There is no hub provided with the cooler either. The terminal connectors are 4-pin PWM and 3-pin, 5V, and A-RGB ones. The A-RGB lighting is compatible with:

• ASUS AURA SYNC
• GIGABYTE RGB FUSION 2.0
• MSI MYSTIC SYNC
• ASROCK POLYCHROME SYNC
• BIOSTAR RGB

Here are some pictures for your eye pleasure.

DeepCool LT520 Build

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Installation

We have tested the cooler on the AM5 platform using the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER Motherboard and AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU. The installation is simple and convenient. We need 14 components to set up the mounting hardware for the block. Please refer to the user manual for detailed installation instructions.

Clearance

The cooler is an AIO and has no clearance issue for the RAM and PCIe slot. However, make sure that your case supports 240mm AIO. The dimension of the radiator without fans is 282x120x27mm (LxWxH). With fans, the dimension is 282x120x53mm (height is increased).

Performance Benchmarks

It’s time to put this cooler to the test.

Test Bench

The following test bench is used:

• AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
• GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER
• XPG Lancer RGB 2x16GB @ 6000MHz
• MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio 24G
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB NVMe SSD [For OS]
• be quiet! Straight Power 11 850W Platinum PSU
• Thermaltake Core P6 TG Snow Edition in an open-frame layout

Here is the settings table for testing:

Results

This is our first regular cooler being tested on this platform hence there is no other cooler in the graph at present. We have been testing this platform for some time and based on our testing we can confirm that the DeepCool LT520 has a fantastic performance. Previously, the Alphacool 360mm AIO which I tested for other media site was doing 85°C at an ambient of 24°C. This is almost a similar performance from both coolers which makes LT520 a better one given its size of 240mm. 

Noise

We recorded 50 dB(A) noise output from these fans at an ambient of 32 dB(A). The fans are loud at full speed and I would suggest PWM Auto control or custom fan curve.

Should You Buy It?

Let’s quickly review whether or not this cooler is for you.

Buy It If:

You Prioritize Efficient Cooling: The cooler is ideal for those valuing efficient heat transfer with a 6’o clock orientation.

You Seek Sleek Customization: The Deepcool LT520 240mm cooler has a sleek design with a removable, customizable block cover for an aesthetically pleasing setup.

You Prefer Easy Installation: The cooler offers installation with 14 components for AMD CPUs, suitable for users valuing straightforward setup.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Need a White Option: Only black themes are available, so the cooler is not suitable if you’re specifically looking for a white cooler. For that, we recommend our best white CPU cooler guide.

You Require Low Noise: It has a fairly high overall noise output, so may not be suitable for users prioritizing a quieter system.

You’re On a Tight Budget: With an MSRP of $109, it’s positioned in the mid-range; consider more budget-friendly options if cost is a primary concern. Consider reading our best budget CPU coolers guide for that.

Verdict

We tested the DeepCool LT series cooler on the AMD platform. Both the 240mm (LT520) and the 360mm (LT720) come in a black theme, featuring a 27mm thick aluminum radiator with a 20 FPI count. The Anti-Leak technology and flexible, kink-resistant tubing, along with mesh sleeves for a clean appearance, are notable features. The geometric design under the diffuser and the 6x A-RGB LEDs contribute to the cooler’s futuristic aesthetic. The LT520 includes two FK120 non-A-RGB fans, which despite using Fluid Dynamic Bearings, exhibit a peculiar humming noise at full speed.

Installing the pump block on an AMD CPU (AM5 Platform) is simplified with only 14 components. DeepCool’s implementation of the LT series, with basic connectors and a straightforward design, stands out. Priced at $109 with a 5-year limited warranty, the cooler showed impressive performance AMD Ryzen 7 7700X. However, users should be mindful of the overall high noise output and consider using auto PWM or a custom fan curve. The pump block displayed flawless RGB lighting using the GIGABYTE RGB FUSION 2 software.

We are thankful to DeepCool for providing the testing unit.

Awards Received By The Deepcool LT520 Cooler

The following Tech4Gamers awards have been received by this cooler after testing:

1. Best Budget 240mm AIO Cooler
2. Best White CPU Coolers for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Recent Updates

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

DeepCool LT520 240mm AIO Review: Worth It? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

You may also check our unboxing and video review of the product.

Key Takeaways

• The cooler is good for users who prefer smaller ITX designs, want 100% PCIe and RAM clearance, and engage in casual use or smaller ITX configurations.
• This cooler is not for users looking for extreme CPU loads or high-power TDP workloads, as it is intended for casual gaming and smaller setups and is not recommended for intense overclocking.
• The standout features of the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black includes its low-profile design, all-black aesthetic, and the inclusion of an NF-A9x14 fan with adjustable RPM for efficient cooling in compact installations.

[toc]

Take a look at the cooler specifications.

Unboxing And Accessories

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black comes in a glossy black packaging, the same as the other Noctua chromax.black series coolers. The image of the actual Cooler is on the top, along with the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black logo and a badge for the award-winning Cooler.

Packaging Box

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Design

The latest all-black Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black has a 37mm high heatsink that offers the same outstanding performance and quietness. The build quality is unquestionable, as Noctua has always prioritized customer satisfaction. The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is also equipped with the well-known SecuFirm2 low-profile mounting mechanism, supporting the LGA 1700 and LGA 115x sockets. 

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black includes the visually striking all-black NF-A9x14 P.W.M. fan, about 14mm tall. It also has a premium 92x92x14mm chromax.black fan. Users can opt for a 92x92x25mm fan (not included). The fan operates on Noctua’s SSO2 bearing with nine blades and flow channels. It has black anti-vibration cushions and showcases CHROMAX branding and electrical ratings on the backside with a 4-arm assembly holding the main rotor.

We can’t overlook the two copper-based heat pipes, which are entirely black and nickel-coated. The copper-base plate, measuring about 40x40mm, is also completely nickel-coated and exhibits a mirror-like finish, consistent with other Noctua coolers.

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black cooler has 55 black-coated aluminum fins. Noctua employs soldering to attach the fins to the heat pipes, enhancing cooling performance. This cooler features two 6mm heat pipes fused to the fins. The mounting bar has four screw holes for motherboard attachment.

We can see that the left and right sides are symmetrical with exposed fins, while the front and rear sport metal plating with the Noctua logo. On both sides of the branding, you can see the tips of the two 6mm heat pipes. The fan also features arrow symbols indicating the airflow direction.

Installation

Installing the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is cake; there is no bracket installation/ or use of any spacers; it’s just straightforward. Ensure your CPU is free of any previous thermal paste before installing it; you may accomplish this by wiping it off with rubbing alcohol. After that, follow these steps for successful installation:

1. Add a tiny amount of the thermal paste provided with the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black on the top of the CPU. Place the cooler on top of the CPU, aligning the bracket holes with the motherboard holes. Once aligned, secure the cooler using the NM-IBT4 screws.

   

2. Once the Cooler is in position, tighten the last three screws to ensure a strong connection.

   

3. Connect the 4-pin PWM connector to a fan hub on your Motherboard once the cooler is in position. The Installation will be completed at this point.

Clearance

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is designed for SFF or HTPC form factor setups and boasts 100 percent RAM and PCIe compatibility. Even the tiniest cases are not a problem for the Noctua NH-L9i CPU cooler, which has a height of only 37mm.

The RAM and PCIe clearance we receive with the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black are exceptional, as shown in the photos above.

Performance Benchmarks

To find out if the Noctua NH-U12A was indeed an award-winning cooler, we had to run it through tests. The testing was conducted in the Thermaltake View 71t, which features three intake fans in the front and an exhaust fan in the back. The thermal paste that comes with the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black was used.

Test System:

The latest Intel Core i9-12900K will be our friend during the testing; the rest of the specs are as below;

• MSI MEG Z690 Unify Motherboard
• Intel Core i9-12900K processor
• G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 Memory @ 5600MHz
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Graphics card
• Windows 11 Pro
• Thermaltake View 71T

Testing Methodology:

We set the i9-12900k voltage to 1.15V, P-Cores to 4.9 GHz, and E-Cores to 3.9 GHz in BIOS. In this way, we allow the comparison with simple heatsinks by forcing consumption of around 140W. We carried out the test in Aida64 with the processor and memory boxes activated for around 5 minutes. Next, for the ranking, delta temperatures are used between the ambient temperature and the corresponding test.

Benchmarks Results

We tested the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black against its well-known rival, the Noctua NH-U9S chromax.black, as well as the Noctua NH-U12A and other 240mm coolers to see how big of a difference we had on hand. The results were rather amazing for such a little cooler like the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black. The cooler was, of course, nowhere near the other coolers, but it was to be expected since we wanted to see how much of a difference there was for a single fan cooler, and it wasn’t much. At full CPU load, the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black kept the Intel i9-12900K at roughly 68 degrees Celsius. This demonstrated that the cooler is well than adequate for casual operations while also being able to withstand severe CPU loads.

Comparison With Other CPU Coolers

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is small, but it outperforms most larger air coolers on the market. In our testing, we were more interested in comparing the NH-L9i chromax.black to the NH-U9S chromax.black, and we discovered that both coolers were extremely close in terms of thermal capabilities.

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black had to lose against 240mm AIOs. However, it shows that casual usage and, on occasion, a light load will not harm the NH-L9i chromax.black. As previously stated by Noctua, the NH-L9i chromax.black is intended for use in tiny cases and HTPC situations; it is best suited for CPUs with a TDP of roughly 65W, but that doesn’t imply it can’t go much higher. After our testing, we concluded that the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is a viable alternative for customers looking for minimalistic settings that won’t tax their CPUs.

Finally, as we always say, it is up to the user to decide what is best for them, but in our opinion, the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is the best option for tiny systems and low TDP. With its all-black look and incredible cooling capabilities, the NH-L9i chromax.black is unquestionably a class winner.

Should You Buy It?

So, is the cooler for you or should you look some other way?

Buy It If:

You Prefer Compact ITX Builds: The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is ideal for ITX setups, providing a low-profile design and 100% PCIe and RAM clearance, making it perfect for compact configurations.

You Value Aesthetics and Build Quality: If you appreciate a sleek, all-black aesthetic with a strong build quality, the chromax.black series offers a stealthy appearance, including black heat pipes, fans, vibration cushions, and screws.

You Seek Efficient Cooling for Casual Use: For users looking for efficient cooling in casual gaming and everyday tasks, the NH-L9i chromax.black performs well within its TDP range, offering a balance between size and cooling capability.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Require High TDP Performance: If you plan on intense CPU loads, overclocking, or high-power TDP workloads, the NH-L9i chromax.black is not intended for such scenarios and may not provide the necessary cooling capacity.

You Need Compatibility with Non-Intel Sockets: The NH-L9i chromax.black is exclusively backward compatible with the Intel LGA-115x socket, limiting its use for those with AMD or other socket types.

You Have a Tight Budget for Cooling Solutions: With a price tag of around $50, the NH-L9i chromax.black may not be the most budget-friendly option, especially for users seeking a cooler for basic tasks and cost-effectiveness. For more affordable options, you may consult our articles on the Best Budget CPU Coolers and the Best Low-Profile CPU Coolers.

Verdict

• chromax.black Design
• 37mm Low Profile
• 100% RAM Compatibility
• 100% PCIe Compatibility on Mini-ITX
• NF-A9x14 P.W.M. Premium Fan
• SecuFirm2 Mounts for LGA115x

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black, the latest addition to the chromax.black series, stands out as a compact cooling solution for ITX and HTPC builds. With an all-black aesthetic, including heat pipes, fans, vibration cushions, and screws, it offers a sleek and stealthy appearance. The NH-L9i is ideal for CPUs with a TDP rating of around 65W, making it a suitable choice for smaller ITX setups. The cooler is specifically backward compatible with the Intel LGA-115x socket. It features a nickel-coated heatsink with two 6mm heat pipes ensuring maximum heat dissipation.

Priced at $50, this cooler is not meant for heavy workloads or overclocking but proves efficient for casual gaming and daily tasks. Tested on the Intel i9-12900K, it demonstrated satisfactory performance, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a compact design with 100% PCIe and RAM clearance. Its sturdy construction and efficient cooling performance make it an award-worthy choice for those prioritizing aesthetics and functionality in compact PC configurations.

Other Noctua Cooler Reviews: 

• Noctua NF P12 Review
• Noctua NH L12S Review
• Noctua NH-L9A AM4 Review

Awards Received By The Noctua NH-L9i Chromax Black

This cooler has received the following Tech4Gamers Awards after thorough testing by our team:

• Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler For Core i7-12700K
• Best Budget Low Profile CPU Cooler for Mini-ITX Builds
• Best Overall Low Profile CPU Cooler

Recent Updates

Awais Khan

[Hardware Reviewer]

Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel.

Get In Touch: awais@tech4gamers.com

Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black Review [2023 Updated] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo is designed for users looking for a budget-friendly air cooler that provides reasonable cooling performance.
• The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo is not for anyone who wants to cool high-end CPUs or perform overclocking.
• The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio, maintaining a temperature of 44.5°C on an Intel Core i7-6850K at 4.3 GHz.

*Thermal paste is not pre-applied.

Freezer 34 eSports Packing and Unboxing

The product is shipped inside a cardboard box in a black and yellow color theme. From the packaging, I am guessing that each color-coded cooler will have the packing box finished in the same color design.

Unboxing

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Arctic Freezer 34 Contents

Everything that comes included in the box

Closer Look

The ARCTIC FREEZER 34 eSPORTS DUO is a single-tower cooling solution in 120mm sizing. It comes with two powerful BioniX-P120 fans which are static pressure optimized. Let’s take a closer look at the cooler.

The dimension of the cooler is 124x103x157mm (LxWxH) where 157mm is the overall height of the cooler. I found that the weight of the cooler is 764gm with the fans. The ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO boasts a TDP of up to 210W. Its black-coated assembly, thermal coating, and offset heat pipes improve heat dissipation for enhanced cooling performance.

The top fin plate features the ARCTIC brand logo and name embossed in the middle, with heat pipes terminating at the top. Four screws, two on each side near the corners, secure the fans’ metal clips, which come pre-installed. Although I removed the clips for demonstration, they don’t need removal during regular use.

The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo boasts 54 black-coated aluminum fins in an optimized-V shape notch design, minimizing noise and airflow resistance. Its dense, size-appropriate heatsink benefits from high-static pressure BioniX P-120 fans. With 0.4mm thickness per fin, the symmetrical layout maximizes surface area for effective heat dissipation. Heat pipes follow an offset displacement, ensuring even contact throughout the fin stack.

The heatsink’s left and right sides are identical, showcasing a closed and aesthetically pleasing design where fins are joined. The central portion features two cutouts, revealing fan clips that I intentionally left in the picture. The heatsink’s cross-section reveals a well-designed structure with smooth edges and a symmetrical layout. Fortunately, the black coating is uniform, with no uneven impressions, highlighting precise craftsmanship.

The ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO features four 6mm thick copper heat pipes coated in black. These pipes, exhibiting an offset displacement, make consistent contact within the fin stack, as illustrated in the picture. The offset from the cooler’s base aligns evenly within the fin stack.

The cooler comes with a protective sticker on its base (36x30mm) with a warning to peel it off before installation. While it may not fully cover the CPU’s IHS, it does cover the area under the IHS on the die.

When you peel off the sticker, you’ll find out that the ARCTIC FREEZER 34 eSPORTS DUO uses a Direct Contact method. What this means is that the heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU’s IHS, leaving no gaps, which ensures a seamless connection. The uncoated bottom part of the heat pipes also boosts heat transfer efficiency. Plus, the installation process is made even more convenient with the pre-installed mounting plate featuring two holes on each side.

The ARCTIC has provided two BioniX P series fans which are 120mm size with this cooler. Here are the specifications of the Fan:

The BioniX P120 fan features specially designed black blades for focused airflow, accented by a silver ARCTIC logo at the center and a yellow ring. The corner mounts also sport a vibrant yellow color, complementing the color customization of the Freezer 34 eSports DUO cooler. The sturdy black frame of the fan incorporates two labeled arrow symbols on one corner for easy identification of airflow direction and blade spin.

Looking at the backside of the fan, there is a 4-arms assembly holding and securing the motor and blades to the frame. One of the arms has power cable routed on it. The power rating of the fan is embossed in the center. The fan is using Fluid Dynamic Bearing for increased life span and operations. 10 years of warranty on this arctic freezer 34 review cooler shows the confidence and trust of ARCTIC in their cooling solution.

The user two BioniX-P120 fans in push/pull configuration result in increased (and focused) airflow ensuring that more cold air is transported into the heatsink for cooling and the heat from the CPU is dissipated even faster from the heat sink.

The rear fan has 4 black color pads on each corner. These pads touch the heatsink and act to reduce the noise from vibration. The metal clips are pre-installed on the heatsink. The user is not required to remove them. Installing/removing the fans is as simple as placing the fans on the heatsink and pushing/pulling these clips on the fans’ frame.

Each fan has meshed sleeve cable with a length of 195+80mm. The main cable has a 4-pin PWM connector. There is a 3-pin socket connector on the extended portion of the cable. I appreciate this simple yet effective idea in which both fans are daisy-chained and connected to a single 4-pin PWM fan header.

In the image, both fans are daisy-chained and connected with a single 4-pin PWM header. This setup is enhanced by PWM PST synchronous sharing. The fans, supporting an extended PWM range, come with an auto-stop function depending on the motherboard’s PWM controller and UEFI/BIOS settings.

Installation

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Since the cooler is tested on the Intel LGA2011(v3) socket, here are the steps needed for the installation on this socket.

• Install the Intel LGA20xx standoffs on the pre-drilled mounting holes around the socket.
• Place the Intel mounting brackets on the Mounting plate on the base of the cooler. Use two small size screws to secure the brackets on the mounting plate.
• Make sure that the mounting corners on the brackets are facing out.
• Peel off the transparent warning sticker from the base of the cooler.
• Apply the thermal paste.
• Place the heatsink on the CPU by aligning the mounting holes on the brackets with the standoffs.
• Use the thumb nuts to securely install the cooler.
• Install the fans using the metal clips.
• Daisy-chain the fans and connect the PWM connector to the 4-pin PWM fan header of the motherboard.
• This would complete the installation.

Here are the pictures of the assembled cooler.

Cooler showcase

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Clearance

• The height of the cooler is 157mm. Keep this in mind while planning your build for the PC Chassis as the chassis should have support for CPU cooler’s height of a minimum of 158mm.
• The cooler does not overhang the DIMM slot area hence there is no clearance issue what so ever concerning any height of the RAM. Even on our X99 with quad-channel configuration. Both sides of the DIMM slots are not covered by this cooler.
• The cooler does not block the first PCIe slot.

Here are some clearance-related pictures.

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Testing Methodology

The Testbed configuration is:

• Asus Rampage V Edition 10
• Intel i7 6850k
• CORSAIR Vengeance 4x8GB @ 2666MHz
• Gigabyte GTX 1060 6GB
• Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD
• Thermaltake TP iRGB 1250W PSU
• Primochill Praxis Wetbench

The software used for testing and monitoring are:

• Asus Real Bench v 2.44
• Real Temp GT v 3.70

Here is the settings table for testing:

After installing the cooler, we conduct a 60-minute stress test for the first time. Following this, the PC is powered down for a minimum of 15 minutes to allow for optimal thermal paste bonding—utilizing Noctua NT-H1 for standardization. Actual testing is then performed, noting that cure times vary among thermal pastes.

Delta temperatures (average of all cores’ max temps minus ambient temp) are reported on graphs. Testing occurs on an open-air bench system; temperatures may rise inside a chassis, dependent on airflow. Variability in results is expected due to factors like mounting pressure, thermal paste application, ambient temperature, and silicon differences

Let’s take a look at the results.

Results

We have seen some impressive performances from the Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo. During our PWM auto-controlled testing, the fans were spinning in the range of 1600 RPM. They reached a maximum of 1950 RPM depending upon the range.

The PWM function of these fans is effectively utilized as there is 1.3°C difference between both runs which can be in the margin of error. On 100% PWM cycle one fan was spinning at 2119 RPM. The other fan was spinning at 1989 RPM which is approximately 5% less than the advertised speed of 2100 RPM.

Again the margin of error needs to be taken into consideration but ARCTIC has not mentioned such information in the specification. Normally this information is presented in ±10% or so.

Noise

The sound meter showed the noise level of the cooler to be 45 dB(A) with an ambient sound level of 32 dB(A) which is quite good.

Should You Buy It?

I’ve listed a few points to help your decision when purchasing the cooler.

Buy It If:

You want a value-for-money air cooler: The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo boasts immense value as an air cooler.

You prefer low noise levels: The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo remained fairly silent during our tests, maintaining an auplaudable noise level of 45 dBA at an ambient of 32 dBA.

You want excellent clearance: Thanks to its single-tower design, the Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo provides excellent RAM and PCIe clearance.

Don’t Buy It If:

You intend on overclocking: While its performance is reasonable, anyone interested in overclocking their processor will have to look for a beefier cooling solution.

You prefer RGB: The absence of RGB on the Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo can make it a dealbreaker for some people.

Conclusion

The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo, a proficient single-tower air cooler, boasts commendable performance thanks to its 120mm fan. It features 54 black-coated aluminum fins and 4x 6mm copper heat pipes. The thermal coating creates micro-turbulences, optimizing heat dissipation when combined with offset heat pipes.

Furthermore, the heatsink utilizes static pressure-optimized fans and a V-shape notch design to reduce noise and airflow resistance. ARCTIC is using powerful BioniX-P series 120mm fans with this cooler in push/pull configuration. These fans use a new motor design that is quite power-efficient yet delivers powerful airflow and high static pressure.

The single fan is rated at 0.13A, drawing 1.56W of power. Equipped with Fluid Dynamic Bearing, the fan’s life expectancy isn’t specified, but ARCTIC’s impressive 10-year warranty reflects confidence in its design. I love the simple installation mechanism on this cooler which is a walk in the park. I would also like to add that their mounting hardware is completely in black! I like their attention to detail.

The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports Duo has an MSRP of USD44.90/€40 at the time of the review. This cooler in this price range offers what the 140mm good cooling solutions are capable of but at a higher price tag, which is further augmented by 10 years of warranty, pleasing aesthetics, and easy installation.

To put it simply, this cooler not only excels in its price-to-performance ratio but also delivers an impressive acoustic profile. We are thankful to ARCTIC for allowing us to review their Freezer 34 eSports Duo CPU Air Cooler.

Awards Won By The Arctic Freezer 34

Here are the Tech4Gamers awards received by the Arctic Freezer 34 after thorough testing.

1. Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7-12700k
2. Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 5 3600
3. Runner-Up For Best Budget White CPU Cooler

Recent Updates

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

Arctic Freezer 34 – Yellow CPU Cooler Review [Updated 2023] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways 

• The cooler is good for SFF/HTPC builds with space constraints, providing optimal cooling with an easy installation.
• This cooler is not for users looking to overclock or use chips with higher than 95W TDP, as it’s specifically designed for low-profile, space-constrained setups.
• Stand-out features of the cooler include a low profile design, a bundled NF-A12x15 PWM fan with SSO2 bearings, and compatibility with RAM up to 48mm with 100% clearance.

[toc]

Here is a peek at the cooler specifications.

Packaging Box

The cooler is shipped inside a cardboard box with Noctua’s typical branding. 

Packaging Box

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Accessories

Let’s see what accessories we get with the cooler.

Accessories

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Design

Let’s take a closer look at the cooler.

Heatsink

We’ll start with the heatsink.

The cooler, shaped like an L, utilizes heatpipes connecting its parts. Its top side has a heatsink made of 59 aluminum fins. The fan is preinstalled using two metal clips. On the heatsink’s top side, four jointed assembly parts sit above the heat pipes running through the finstack.

Installing the cooler with the pre-installed fan might require rotating the blades to make space for the bundled screwdriver to access the screws. The finstack is less dense compared to what we’ve seen on the NH-L9a-AM4 cpu cooler.

The backside of the heatsink is almost identical to the top side except on the border part where there are steps across the length of the border. This is to form a channel in which the fan is slided inside this part while installing it on the heatsink. This cooler has 4x copper heat pipes in nickel coating. They are soldered inside the base.

Three cutouts are present just below the mid-section of the finstack. The left and rightmost cutouts facilitate access to the spring-loaded screws, while the middle cutout allows access to the screw securing the mounting bar onto the base.

You can place the fan either under or above the heatsink. If you mount it above, the cooler’s height will reach 85mm. This would be a concern in compact spaces. Both sides of the heatsink look the same, featuring grooves or indents from the center, allowing easy attachment of the metal clips.

The cooler’s front proudly displays the Noctua brand name and logo at the center. Four heat pipes extend from the finstack and terminate here. On the rear side, these heat pipes evenly enter the heatsink. Cutouts above where the heat pipes meet the heatsink direct them downward towards the base area.

The copper base, coated in nickel, boasts a sleek mirror finish. It’s a crucial part of the larger block, housing the top-mounted mounting. Securing the cooler with the Secu-Firm2 mounting hardware requires using two spring-loaded screws on the bar. The base comes protected by a plastic box, and you’ll find the mounting bar labeled as NM-IFB4.

Fans

Noctua has bundled NF-A12x15 PWM fan with the cooler which features Noctua’s own SSO2 bearings. The cooler has a provision for mounting regular 25mm fan on the top side of the heatsink to enhance the cooling performance.

The fan has 7 blades in dark brown color. There are anti-vibration pads on the mounting corners on both sides. The back side has a sticker on the motor hub. There is a Noctua brand name and logo printed on its upper half. The lower half has power rating of the fan and its model printed on it.

The fan has a 4 pin PWM power connect. The length of the cable is approximately 200mm. There are additional metal clips provided with the cooler. In case you are thinking of push/pull setup, consider buying one set in advance.

Here are the fan specifications:

Installation (AMD AM4)

We have tested the cooler on the AMD’s AM4 platform. User is required to remove the stock retention brackets of the AMD motherboard but keep the stock backplate intact. Then, follow these steps:

1. Take out the gray color spacers as they are designed for the AM4 socket. Place them on the raised bars of the stock backplate.

   

2. Noctua has bundled two types of the mounting bars. If you are mounting the cooler opposite to the RAM slots, then use the NM-AMB10 otherwise use NM-AMB11. Each hole on these mounting bars has number printed near to it.

   

3. Use 4 typed hole for the AM4 socket. We have installed the cooler in parallel with the RAM slots. Place the NM-AMB11 on the gray color spacers such that curved side is pointing outside. Use the supplied screws to secure the mounting bars to the stock backplate.

   

4. Apply the thermal paste and place the heatsink on the mounting bars by aligning the spring loaded screws with the standoffs on the mounting bars. Use the supplied screw driver and secure the cooler to the mounting bars.

   

5. Last step is to connect the fan’s power cable to the CPU fan header.

   

Clearance and Compatibility

Let’s take a quick look at the clearance issues if any with this cooler. Thanks to the footprint, the cooler is suitable for the majority of the SFF/HTPC chassis in the market. Deciding the orientation of the cooler is important with respect to the RAM slots.

In our installed direction only the two outermost DIMM slots were accessible to be mounted which is due to high profile of the Corsair Vengeance DDR4 Red LED with height of 54mm. As this cooler is compatible with the 48mm height RAMs, you should take a note of it. Mounting the cooler in 180° may come in contact with the space tight mini-ITX IO side and may also hinder the DDR4 slots. On the Colorful Battle Flag C.X370 X5 V14 motherboard there was enough clearance from the first PCIe x16 slot.

Performance Benchmarks

Let’s put this cooler to the test. The following test bench was used to test the cooler:

• AMD Ryzen 7 1700
• Colorful Battle Flag C.X370 X5 V14
• Corsair 2x8GB Vengeance Red LED 2666MHz DDR4
• HyperX 120GB SSD
• Thermaltake Smart SE 730W PSU

AIDA64 was used for the stress test and the temperature monitoring. The Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste was used to test the cooler. AMD Ryzen Master was used to control the frequency and the voltages as the BIOS was not helpful in this regard.

Testing Methodology

The 1700 was set to run at 3000MHz at 1.00V. A stress test of 30 minutes was run using the AIDA 64. Maximum CPU temperature was noted and delta temperature was calculated by subtracting the ambient temperature from the maximum CPU temperature.

Then the 1700 was set to run at 3700MHz on all 8 cores at 1.200V. Unfortunately, this motherboard was not helpful in proper overclocking the chip hence we resorted to the 3700MHz. Stress test was run for 30 minutes and temperatures were observed using the AIDA64. Delta temperature was calculated in the same way as described above.

Results

The idle temperatures were 4.1°C delta. The under load temperature was 22.9°C delta. The temperature never crossed 51°C during the stress testing.

The idle temperature was 5.9°C on 3700MHz. Under stress test it was 42.9°C. These are delta temperatures. Under load, the temps were in 70s.

Noise

We also tested the noise output from the cooler.

Maximum noise level on the NF-A9x14 at the full speed is 25 dBA under full load. It was 12 dBA when idling.

Should You Buy It?

With the details out of the way, let’s look at who should or shouldn’t buy this cooler.

Buy It If:

You have a Space-Constrained Build: This low-profile Noctua NH-L12S cooler is ideal for Small Form Factor (SFF) and Home Theater PC (HTPC) builds with limited space.

You Need Optimal Cooling for up to 95W TDP: If your CPU has a thermal design power (TDP) of 95W or lower and you prioritize efficient cooling over overclocking, this cooler is a suitable choice.

You Prefer a Quiet Cooling Solution: With the bundled NF-A12x15 PWM fan featuring Noctua’s SSO2 bearings and Low-Noise Adaptor (LNA), this cooler offers effective cooling with minimal noise.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Plan to Overclock or Use High-Wattage CPUs: This cooler is not recommended for overclocking or CPUs with a TDP higher than 95W, making it unsuitable for users seeking extreme performance.

You Require Compatibility with Tall RAM Modules: If your RAM modules are taller than 48mm, you may face clearance issues with this cooler. Consider other options if you have higher-profile RAM.

You Are Looking for a Mirror-Like Finish on the Cooler Base: The Noctua NH-L12S features a base without a polished, mirror-like finish. If aesthetics are a priority, especially for visible components, this may not be the ideal choice.

Final Thoughts

The Noctua NH-L12S, a revision of the NH-L12 CPU Cooler, surpasses its predecessor in catering to space-constrained builds like SFF/HTPC configurations. Standing at 70mm in height, it offers low-profile cooling, extending to 85mm when the fan is mounted on top. Users have the option to install a 120x120x25mm fan on the top side, increasing the cooler’s height to 95mm—take note of clearance considerations.

The cooler efficiently handles chips with up to a 95W TDP. Not recommended for higher wattage chips or overclocking, it excels within its designated limits. Measuring 146x120x70mm (DxWxH), it features 59 aluminum fins, 4x 6mm copper heat pipes, and a nickel-coated copper base—though lacking a polished finish. Noctua includes their NF-A12x15 PWM fan, with the option to mount a standard 25mm fan on the top side for enhanced cooling. The fan features Noctua’s signature brown color finish. 

Clearance issues should be considered in the build, with RAM support up to 48mm and a cautionary note regarding cooler direction beyond that height.

We are thankful to the Noctua for giving us the opportunity to review their NH-L12S Low Profile CPU Cooler.

Next Up: Best Low Profile CPU Coolers in 2023

Recent Updates

Sajjad Hussain

[Editor-in-Chief]

Sajjad Hussain is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tech4Gamers.com. Apart from the Tech and Gaming scene, Sajjad is a Seasonal banker who has delivered multi-million dollar projects as an IT Project Manager and works as a freelancer to provide professional services to corporate giants and emerging startups in the IT space.

• Majored in Computer Science
• 13+ years of Experience as a PC Hardware Reviewer.
• 8+ years of Experience as an IT Project Manager in the Corporate Sector.
• Certified in Google IT Support Specialization.
• Admin of PPG, the largest local Community of gamers with 130k+ members.

Sajjad is a passionate and knowledgeable individual with many skills and experience in the tech industry and the gaming community. He is committed to providing honest, in-depth product reviews and analysis and building and maintaining a strong gaming community.

Noctua NH L12S Review [2023 Updated] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways 

• The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is suitable for those who want outstanding cooling capabilities, admirable build quality, and aesthetics in a 240mm AIO cooler, all for around $110.
• This cooler may not be ideal for individuals looking for a smaller or more compact cooler, as it is somewhat heavier and thicker than typical 240mm AIO coolers.
• The standout features of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB include its outstanding cooling performance, unique pump design with a running fan for improved cooling and reduced noise, and superb RGB lighting in the fan blades, making it one of the best 240mm AIO coolers in its price range.

[toc]

Let’s start by looking at the key specifications of the cooler.

Packaging Box

Let’s see what the box looks looks like.

Box

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Accessories

Here are the accessories you get with the cooler.

Design

Let’s dive deeper into the cooler design.

Radiator

Upon close inspection, the 240mm radiator is all-black Aluminum, measuring 38mm thick and 277×120 mm in size. It’s notably 13mm thicker than most 240mm AIO radiators, which could pose space challenges in smaller cases. The increased thickness enhances fin density to 14 fins per inch, offering improved airflow and lower fan RPMs. Consider the dimensions when planning your PC setup.

As I mentioned earlier, ARCTIC has pre-installed the fans on the radiator to simplify installation and keep cable management tidy. The fans are set up for a push flow configuration, promoting airflow out of the case, but you can adjust them in any direction. Looking at the exterior, it is matte black with the ARCTIC logo and branding on either side.

I see the black-silver braided 450mm tubing coming out of the radiator on the left. It’s a good length for most front installations. The tube measures 12.4mm in outer diameter and 6.0mm in inner diameter. These tubes come with aluminum case fittings that ensure a secure and leak-free connection.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGBs fans do not come with separate cables for PWM and RGB; instead, the fan connections are driven through the pump headers, and the connection is created by the manufacturer using the cooling tubes. Also, unlike other low-end AIOs, there is no fill port on either side of the radiator, and the cable management is also barely visible. 

Water Block And Pump

The pump head immediately stands out with its futuristic, robotic design — a departure from the norm. Notably, it integrates a fan essential for VRM temperature management. Unlike its non-RGB predecessor, the pump lacks RGB elements. The ARCTIC logo subtly marks both pump head flaps. With silver accents and a distinctive shape resembling a bird or jet between the flaps, it’s a uniquely styled component.

The pump head has two cooling tubes with secure chrome fittings, though they lack flexibility for installation convenience. On the reverse side, we see the same arrangement as the top, featuring the ARCTIC logo and output lines for PWM and RGB controls. Regarding cable management, the cooler excels as it requires only two connections for fan, RGB, and pump power, simplifying the setup process.

We can see the copper cold plate underneath the cooler pump head. It has a smooth finish and a generous surface area. There’s a protective peel on top of it, which is essential if you haven’t applied thermal paste yet. While the cold plate may appear slightly smaller compared to other coolers, it’s still compatible with a wide range of sockets.

Fans

The ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans are included with the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB.

The front fans have a classic design with the company logo in the center and noise-reducing cushions. They offer vibrant RGB lighting with five white blades and require a 4-pin PWM connector and a 3-pin RGB connector. Keep in mind, the AIO doesn’t come with RGB controllers, so you’ll need to use your motherboard software or get a HUB for fan control. 

The four arms of the fan are curled in at the back, along with the ARCTIC emblem and certain power ratings. As for the speeds, the minimum is 200 RPM and maximum is 1800 RPM. Cable length isn’t critical in the case of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB because the connection is established with the pump headers through the tubing and all other connections are neatly in place, but if it is, the cables are quite short.

Installation

While reviewing the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB, I was very worried about installation. However, the installation of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is simple. Because the package does not include any installation guidelines, we are given a URL on the package to obtain the essential installation instructions. 

We’ll be installing the cooler on an Intel 115x socket chipset, so make sure you’re on the same page as us before proceeding, since installation for AMD and other sockets may change. Before you begin, make sure your CPU is free of any previous thermal paste by wiping it off with cotton and rubbing alcohol. With that out of the way, follow these steps for installation:

1. Install the radiator in the desired direction of airflow onto the top or front of your case using the 8x screws and flat washers provided.
2. Now place the insulating washers on top of the motherboard, surrounding the backplate screw holes.

   

3. Place the backplate in the proper position, making that all holes are exactly aligned, once the insulating washers have adhered to the motherboard.

   

4. Now, using the Intel Socket 115x standoff, secure the backplate in place, making sure the connection is solid and firm.

   

5. Select the right mounting bracket for your CPU socket and use the two included mounting screws to secure it to your pump header. Ensure that both brackets are securely attached to the pump head and that the connection is upright.

   

6. Apply some of the included MX-4 or MX-5 thermal paste to the top of your CPU. Remember to remove the plastic label from the copper base before attaching the pump head to your CPU.

   

7. Use the thumb nuts to attach the pump head to your CPU after it’s in position.

   

8. It’s time to connect the cables after everything is in its proper spot. Connect the 4-pin PWM connection to any available Fan header on your motherboard, then connect the 3-pin A-RGB header to an RGB header. 

RGB Gallery

Here are a few snaps of the impressive RGB lighting of the fans.

RGB

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Performance

We tested the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB on the Intel i9-12900K to test the cooler to the limits. The tests were conducted in the Thermaltake View 71t, which has 5 intake fans on the front whilst 3 fans are used for exhaust including the ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans on top. We used the original MX-5 paste that came with the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB in the box. 

Test System

The latest Intel Core i9-12900K will be our friend during the testing, the rest of the specs are as below;

• MSI MEG Z690 Unify Motherboard
• Intel Core i9-12900K processor
• G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Memory @ 5600MHz
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Graphics card
• Windows 11 Pro
• Thermaltake View 71T

Testing Methodology

In BIOS, we set the i9-12900k voltage to 1.15V, the P-Cores to 4.9 GHz, and the E-Cores to 3.9 GHz. By forcing usage of roughly 140W, we enable comparison with basic heatsinks. We then ran the test in Aida64 for 5 minutes with the processor and memory boxes turned on. Finally, delta temperatures between the ambient temperature and the related test are considered for the ranking.

The benchmarks were taken twice: once with the PWM settings and again with the fans and pump set to full speed.

Benchmark Results

In the graph above, we can see that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB outperforms a lot of other competitors. We put the coolers up against the Noctua air coolers and the Thermaltake Toughliquid 240 A-RGB.

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer is seen crushing all of its competitors by maintaining a maximum temperature of 41.6 degrees under PWM settings, while other coolers were spotted crossing 45 degrees. The cooler managed to drop 2-3 degrees more at the Max settings, down to 38.3 degrees, which was far from amazing.

These tests demonstrated that the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is more than just a good cooler. The cooler is capable of outperforming any 240mm cooler on the market while competing with 360mm AIOs.

Should You Buy It?

With the review out of the way, let’s clearly discuss who the cooler is for and who it isn’t for.

Buy It If:

You want excellent cooling performance: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB offers outstanding cooling capabilities, especially for its price range, making it a solid choice for keeping your PC cool and optimized.

You value build quality and aesthetics: The cooler has a sturdy build and an attractive design with RGB lighting on the fans. It adds a touch of style to your PC while providing efficient cooling.

You prefer an easy-to-install pump design: Despite its unique appearance, the pump design doesn’t interfere with RAM or PCIe clearance and is easier to work with, making installation hassle-free.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have limited space: The cooler’s larger size, including a thicker radiator, may pose installation challenges in smaller PC cases.

You prefer an RGB pump: If you specifically want RGB lighting on the pump itself, this cooler may not meet your preference, as it focuses on RGB lighting in the fan blades.

Final Words

To conclude, here are some of the highlight features offered by the cooler.

• LGA 1700 Compatibility
• In-house Developed Pump
• Premium Class 240mm Radiator
• Smooth VRM Fans
• High-Quality Hose With Integrated Cable Management
• The Right Configuration For Everyone
• Fab Optimized On Static Pressure
• aRGB

Priced at around $110, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB stands out as a top AIO cooler. ARCTIC, a trusted brand in PC cooling, demonstrates its expertise with this cooler, offering excellent cooling performance. Despite its unique pump design, it delivers outstanding results. The package includes essential accessories for various chipsets, but a more detailed installation guide would be helpful. While the fans’ RGB lighting is visually appealing, some users might prefer an RGB pump.

In conclusion, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is a solid AIO cooler, providing remarkable cooling performance and aesthetics, making it a great value at its price point.

Thanks to ARCTIC for sending out their ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB for Review.

Awards Received By The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB

Here’s the massive Tech4Gamers awards list Received by this Arctic cooler:

1. Best AM5 240mm AIO Cooler
2. Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Core i7-13700K
3. Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Core i9-14900K
4. Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Core i5-14600K
5. Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Core i5-14600KF
6. Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 9 7950x
7. Best Budget Liquid CPU Cooler For Core i9-12900k
8. Best 240mm AIO Cooler
9. Best 240mm AIO for Ryzen 9 5900x
10. Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler for the Ryzen 9 5950x
11. Best Budget AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X3D
12. Best AIO CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 3900x
13. Best 240mm Liquid Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800x

Recent Updates

Hayyan Serwer

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.

Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Cooler Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

This series of coolers comes with be quiet! new Pure Wings 3 series fans. These fans were not available when these coolers were launched. Be quiet! has recently launched these new fans as well. I am taking a look at the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 360 cooler in this article. This cooler is compatible with Intel LGA 115x, 1200, and 1700 sockets along with AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets.

Key Takeaways

• The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 360 is an excellent high-performance AIO that features the latest Pure Wings 3 series fines, ARGB mirror effect, and an overall good value for money.
• You should get the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 360 if you want a top-notch bang-for-the-buck 360mm AIO with a high-end build quality that does not compromise on performance.
• You should not get the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 360 if you have an LGA20xx socket, want RGB fans, or already have a 360mm AIO.

The above picture shows the specifications of the cooler. The cooler has a 360mm size radiator in terms of 120mm size multiples. The pump is rated for a maximum speed of 5500 RPM, and it is PWM-controlled. The radiator is made of aluminum material and the assembly is black spray painted. This cooler has 3x Pure Wings 3 120mm fans that are rated for up to 2100 RPM at 12VDC. The unit is rated for a maximum of 36.8 dB(A) sound level.

Dimension

The above is a block diagram showing the dimensions of the be quiet! cooler. The radiator of this cooler has a dimension of 397x120x27mm (LxWxH). The overall dimension is 397x120x52mm (LxWxH) after installing the fans. The block has a dimension of 94.5x83x42mm (LxWxH). The block has a relatively low-profile design because the pump is not integrated into this housing. The tube has a length of approximately 400 mm.

Packaging And Unboxing

There is a paper-board-made outer box finished in a black color. There is a cardboard-made container inside that box containing the cooler and accessories. The following are provided:

1x Cooler, 3x Fans, 1x Backplate, 1x set of Mounting Brackets for Intel Sockets, 4x Intel Spacer Nuts, 4x Mounting Brackets Fastening Screws, 4x Intel Backplate Screws, 4x O-Rings, 1x set of AMD Mounting Bracket, 4x Backplate Screws, 4x AMD Spacer Nuts, 12x Radiator Screws, 12x Fan Screws, 1x Thermal Paste Tube, 3x Zip Ties, 1x Warranty Paper, 1x User Guide, and 1x 100ml Coolant Bottle.

Design

It is time to take a look at each component of the cooler. I will start with the radiator. The salient feature highlight of this cooler is Pure Wings 3 120mm fan, which I will speak about later in this section.

Radiator

I am showing a picture of the radiator. It has a dimension of 397x120x27mm (LxWxH) without fans. The complete assembly is black spray painted and made of aluminum material. The overall height of this unit would be 397x120x53mm (LxWxH) approximately after installing the fans. This figure includes the heads of the screws. The radiator has a 20 FPI count and has 12 channels for the coolant flow. There is a gap of 105mm between any two fan mounting holes on the radiator. The overall fin stacking is satisfactory since I did not find a bend or broken fin.

There is a screw on the far block of this radiator. This screw is covering another port on this radiator. This port is called a refill port since it serves the same purpose. This unit has a refill port to service this unit for longevity. The user can refill the unit should the coolant level drop in the long run.

The above picture shows the side view of the unit. Be quiet! is using rubber tubes with nylon braided mesh sleeves covering these tubes. The pump housing is integrated into the tubes. Pure Loop 2 is written in white color on the side frame of the radiator.

There is a certain gap between the side frame and the actual fin stack. This indicates that the fin stack has less than 27mm thickness, probably around 23mm or so.

Pump

Be quiet! has integrated the pump into the tubes of this cooler. This is the same as is on the first generation of these coolers. However, this time, the pump is PWM-controlled. Although manufacturers mention this design to remove the vibrations from the CPU, in my opinion, this is one way of bypassing Asetek’s patent in North America.

The first decoupling is at the pump’s housing, and the second decoupling is at the level of the pump’s integration into the tubes. The speed of this pup is 4000 RPM to 5500 RPM. Be quiet! has mentioned that the damping on the pump housing would reduce the vibration and noise.

There is also a 4-pin PWM connector on the pump’s power cable. This is a wise move from the manufacturer.

Block

Be quiet! has retained the same design concept on the Pure Loop 2 series of liquid coolers as on the first generation of the Pure Loop series. The housing has a dimension of 94.5x83x42mm (LxWxH). This block has a low-profile design, which is due to the reason the pump is not integrated into this housing.

There is a sandblasted brushed aluminum cover on the top of the housing that has ARGB backlighting. There is a diffuser running across its borderline, which also illuminates with ARGB lighting.

The main housing is made of plastic material. There are two screws that are pre-installed in this housing for easy mounting on the CPU socket.

Looking at the backside of the housing, we can see that the tubes are installed at a 90° angle on rotary barbs. There are black color clamps hiding these connections. We can spot a flat 3-pin cable coming out from this side as well.

Be quiet! is using a standard ARGB connector that is 5V rated and has 3 pins for ARGB backlighting. The standard connector makes this cooler compatible with RGB sync technologies of motherboard manufacturers, including:

• ASUS AURA SYNC
• GIGABYTE RGB FUSION 2.0
• MSI MYSTICSYNC APP
• ASRock POLYCHROME SYNC

This unit has a nickel-plated copper base. It has a size of 54x54mm, and it has a mirror finish. There is a protective cover on this base that needs to be peeled off during the installation.

Fans

It is time to take a look at the new Pure Wings 3 120mm High-Speed fans and talk about the new technology introduced in these fans. There are 3x non-RGB fans included in the box. Each fan has 9x black color blades with a layered design. This design helps in enhanced airflow and reduces the air turbulence. There is a ring structure surrounding the blades.

There is a sealed-off design on these fans to prevent air leakage. These fans are using 4-pole motor control and Rifle bearings. Their maximum speed is 2100 RPM at 12VDC and draws 5.4W.

There are arrow indicators on the side frame. These provide a visual aid to determine the direction of airflow through the fan and the direction in which blades spin.

Each fan is powered by a cable having a 4-pin PWM connector.

What Is Closed-Loop Motor Control?

Be quiet! is using what they have referred to as closed-loop motor control. This concept is different than the traditional fan control in the majority of the fans. When a fan is controlled using a PWM control, there is a certain variation between any two PWM ranges mentioned in percentage. This affects the fan speed during that short interval, but in the long run, it affects the fan’s performance because the affected speed would impact the airflow.

Pure Wings 3 still uses the PWM function, but the speed of fans is not set against the PWM range but using the Tachometer’s signal from the fan. This is a closed-loop design where the motor is continuously getting feedback about the speed and adjusting current and RPM to ensure the same speed. Hence, we will get the same speed and same airflow.

Installation

I have followed the following steps to install this cooler on GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard:

• Prepare the Intel backplate using the standoffs and locking washers.

• Place the Intel LGA1700 backplate on the backside of the motherboard.
• Secure it using 4x Intel LGA1700 Standoff Screws. 

• Install Intel mounting brackets.

• Apply the thermal paste over the CPU.
• Place the block over the CPU by aligning the tips of the screws with the holes on the mounting brackets.
• Screw the block in to secure it.
• Install fans on the radiator and set up cable connection.
• Installation is completed.

Clearance

This cooler has no clearance issue for DIMM and PCIe slots. You need to make sure that your case supports the 360mm size radiator and, in particular, the clearance for 397x120x53mm for the assembled cooler.

Digital RGB Lighting

There is no dedicated ARGB controller with this cooler. The standard connector on the ARGB cable makes it compatible with the motherboard’s ARGB lighting solution. I have tested the cooler on the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard using the RGB Fusion 2.0 app. The lighting was responding well to the change in mode. Here are some pictures:

RGB Lighting

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Thermal Testing

I have used the mentioned configuration to test the performance of this cooler: –

• Intel i7 13700k
• GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX
• Corsair Dominator Titanium 32GB DDR5 kit 7200MT/s CAS34
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB NVMe SSD [For OS]
• Teamgroup MP44 NVMe SSD [For Testing]
• GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 VISION OC [For Display]
• be quiet! Straight Power 850W Platinum PSU
• Open-air Test Bench

Here is the settings table for testing:

The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 360 did not disappoint as it handled the 250W power load of i7 13700k conveniently. The temperature is in the 80s, and I have seen many 360mm AIOs struggling to keep this SKU cool even at fans’ full speed.

The cooler is loud, with fans at full speed. It does not make sense to run the fans at full speed, either. You can set up a custom fan curve or use Auto PWM settings, and you are golden.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

If you need a good liquid cooler: The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 360 is a no-frill design that offers good thermal performance. The Pure Wings 3 fans make a big difference in performance.

If you are looking for a value-oriented cooler: The Pure Loop 2 360 is a simple design, and be quiet has kept things to textbook basics. Coming in at USD 139.99, this cooler can provide a better value for your bucks.

If longevity is your need: This cooler has a refill port, and be quiet! has provided a 100mL coolant bottle as well. This will service the cooler for a longer run. The user can add more coolant if its level is depleted.

Don’t Buy It If

If already own a liquid cooler: If you already have a 360mm liquid cooler, you would probably not need this cooler.

If you are into RGB Lighting effects across the board: The Pure Wings 3 fans are non-RGB, and if this cooler does not suit your RGB requirement, you can take a look at be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 360 instead.

If you are on Intel LGA20xx Socket: This cooler does not support Intel LGA20xx sockets. If you are on this platform, then this cooler is not for you.

Final Words

Pure Loop 2 is a next-generation of high-performance liquid coolers from be quiet!. These coolers differ from the Pure Loop 2 FX series of coolers in terms of fans. The rest of the hardware is the same except maybe that the FX cooler is compatible with Intel LGA20xx socket, whereas Pure Loop 2 coolers are not. This cooler is compatible with Intel LGA115x/1200/1700 sockets and AM4/AM5 sockets from AMD. Be quiet! has simplified the mounting hardware so that the same hardware can be used for all Intel sockets.

The Pure Wings 3 120mm High-Speed fans are game changers for this cooler since these fans feature a closed-loop motor design whereby the motor is sent a tach signal regularly, and the motor adjusts the current to ensure that the user’s set speed is constantly met. This will eliminate the variances that the PWM range could have. Besides, these fans are still PWM. These fans use Rifle bearings, and the maximum speed is 2100 RPM.

Be quiet! has integrated the pump into the rubber tubes, and this pump is set to operate at 5500 RPM maximum at 12VDC. This pump is PWM-controlled. The block has a brushed aluminum top cover that is ARGB backlit. There is a diffuser running on the cover’s border, and it is also ARGB backlit. Be quiet! is using a two-point mounting mechanism. This unit has a refill port and a 100ml coolant bottle to service this cooler. This cooler has a good performance, but there is only a 3-year warranty on this cooler. I would have preferred a 5-year warranty.

Awais Khan

[Hardware Reviewer]

Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel.

Get In Touch: awais@tech4gamers.com

be quiet! Pure Loop 2 360 Liquid Cooler Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News