ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU Cooler Review [2023]

Products of Arctic have been used for two decades, building customized PCs. Their primary market is cooling, which includes PC air coolers, AIO & thermal pastes, fans, and many more. They pioneered and continue to define the trend toward silent cooling systems, thus solidifying their position as a market leader in the PC cooling industry. Arctic has a CPU cooler to suit it, no matter the use case. High-performance tower coolers, small and affordable alternatives, packaged coolers, and entirely quiet passive radiators are all part of their extensive product line.

They often come equipped with a wide range of compatibility and cutting-edge additions. From budget-friendly Alpine models to powerful Freezer series, they provide CPU coolers for AMD and Intel processors over a wide price and performance spectrum. Each CPU cooler offers a perfect balance of excellent cooling performance and minimal noise. Since they are cooling specialists, Arctic offers the iciest solutions to every computer problem.

Arctic introduced the Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU cooler as part of their premium Freezer lineup. In this case, we’ll be taking a close look at the Freezer i35 A-RGB since we’ll be testing with an Intel CPU, but there’s also its counterpart, Freezer A35 A-RGB, which is similar. The only difference is that it comes with different installation equipment within the box. The Freezer series maintains the company’s pattern of providing long-lasting products with superior cooling capabilities. The name suggests that it has addressable RGB capabilities.

Arctics’ latest Freezer 35 CPU Cooler series ensures a custom cooling experience for your preferred platform. This means that you can’t use the same cooler on both platforms since the mounting hardware is specific to each one. The Arctic opted to take a multi-platform strategy rather than provide a single cooler with universal mounting gear. So let’s review it, examine how it looks and functions, and determine whether their previously undisputed Freezer 34 still stands.

Arctic Freezer 35 Lineup

If you haven’t heard about the Arctic by now, you may want to get out from behind that rock you’ve been hiding. They seem like they’ve been around forever to us, and they’ve always played a crucial role in keeping our CPUs cool. Moreover, their diverse lineup of CPU coolers sells quite well worldwide. We have observed their GPU cooling products to provide the finest benefits in aftermarket cooling.

The bright side is that the Arctic always seems to have something fresh up its sleeve, even when we think we have it all figured out. Similarly, Arctic requested us to review one of their latest additions to the 30-series Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB. In addition, Arctic is stepping up its aesthetic game with this release, bringing to market a CPU cooler that is more modern and in line with what the consumers want.

Until recently, a typical CPU air cooler box included the air cooler and separate bags containing mounting equipment specific to the AMD or Intel platform. The advantage of this method is that it works with any current user setup. Moreover, the cooler was still compatible if the user switched platforms.

The considerable quantity of unused installation equipment that resulted from this method was thrown away or accumulated unnecessarily. The Arctic has taken a new approach to waste management by providing the customers with its necessary installation pieces of equipment. While we agree that avoiding shipping out extra hardware to set up new computers makes sense, the explanation isn’t compelling.

We want to warn you to consider it before purchasing a cooler, which would necessitate you to either stick with the same platform or purchase an entirely new cooler in the case of an upgrade. The cooler is suited with Intel LGA1700/1200/115x. Moreover, the cooler is compatible with the Intel LGA1700 socket straight from the box, which is surprising. However, It is reasonable that the cooler would not work with the Intel LGA20xx socket.

Specifications

The cooler has dimensions of 91 mm in length, 133 mm in width, and 158.5 mm in height, making it a single-tower design. The Freezer i35 A-RGB is made entirely out of aluminum, copper, and plastic, and it weighs a total of 746 grams. The fifty-four fins, each 0.4mm thick, serve as a measurement of the aluminum components. Four 6mm heat pipes are displayed on the tower’s base, where the copper is housed. The plastic section of the Freezer i35 i-RGB is concealed behind the fan and on its clip-on shroud, which simplifies fan installation and provides much of the model’s attractiveness.

The fan is a 120mm version from the Arctic P-series, and its 25mm thickness is ignored by the cooler’s shroud this time. Utilizing a fluid dynamic bearing, the fan’s rotational speed may be adjusted from 200 to 1700 RPM. These fans will use little power through the short that plugs into a 4-pin PWM fan connection, and at maximum speed, the fan is rated to produce a little more or less to 0.35 Sone, or around 11 dB.

These fans, however, have five A-RGB LEDs, each powered by a separate 3-pin 5V ARGB connector, and can be synchronized with the software on any existing motherboard. The ARGB cable is much longer than the power wire for the fan and includes a “sharing cable” that enables the connection of different ARGB devices in your system. Arctic guarantees unrestricted RAM clearing, and this Freezer i35 A-RGB comes with a six-year warranty.

Packaging

A cardboard box is used for the packaging of the cooler.

Arctic”s name and logo are displayed at the top of the box, while the ARGB and warranty information are next to the cooler’s picture [the box is a bit damaged, thanks to the customs inspection team]. The complete name of the cooler, along with a reminder that an MX-5 is included, is displayed below the image. At the bottom, we notice icons for Intel 1200 and 1700 support and the multiple sync software compatibilities.

The A-RGB color scheme used here denotes the cooler’s internal lighting system. We can see the company’s logo and website address in the middle of this. Below that, once again, is the cooler name and a little text that describes that it is compatible with Intel platforms. 

We first notice a code on the box’s backside; this allows you to download the manual instead of printing it out. The bottom is utilized for the presentation of the specs. Moreover, a sticker is added to demonstrate the fan’s ARGB element. The cooler’s name appears again on one side of the box, this time followed by the text indicating that it is an Intel CPU cooler with A-RGB lighting.

On the box on one side, the panel’s bright blue area towards its base has a code that links to the Freezer i35 A-RGB manufacturer’s website when scanned with a mobile device. There’s a third code for a scan if you need help, and the Arctic wants to hear about any positive or negative experiences with the cooler. In the end, Arctic states how they care about your satisfaction and are ready to assist you in any way they can.

What’s Inside the Box?

Let’s have a look into what comes with the cooler.

When you open the package, you’ll discover that the cooler and accessories box are stacked next to each other. A cardboard base and both sides protect the tower during transportation, while a hardware box shields the tower’s back from damage. However, the tower can come into contact with all the cardboard components and the box, resulting in dust and lint that must be cleaned before use. It is vulnerable to harm from outside impacts since it lacks further shielding. However, the cooler makes it to its destination without any slight damage. The necessary hardware is included in separate packaging.

Regarding motherboards, the Freezer i35 A-RGB is only compatible with Intel models. The packaging includes its most innovative thermal paste, Arctic MX-5, on this heatsink. Because of its low viscosity and decreased particle size, it forms a very thin layer between the processor’s IHS and the contact area. Due to its non-conductive and non-capacitive nature, it may be easily dispersed around the CPU.
The mounting brackets are on display beside the TIM; however, you will only use the outermost holes. We also get four screws and four standoffs that may be used with the factory backplate to attach the brackets.

A closer look at the Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB

The cooler’s five fan blades are protected by a thick plastic shroud and are connected by a ring around the front of the cooler. It is clear that the fan takes up a lot of room in the tower’s intake and almost touches the mounting hardware around the base. A 120mm, P12 A-RGB fan, is mounted in the front of the cooler’s case. The five translucent blades of the fan spin around an illuminated inner circle to create stunning visual displays.

This CPU heatsink cooler can compete with similar models thanks to its average speeds of 1800RPM and airflow of 56 CFM, and constant pressure of 2.2mm/H20. The cooler’s height of 158.5 mm and width of 133 mm make it compatible with most chassis but not with the conjusted ones. With its PWM connector, you can connect the fans, and its 3-pin 12V A-RGB connector may be used to connect to sync with other aesthetics in your pc. 

The lid of the CPU cooler is made up of angular, glossy, black plastic pieces with various textures. Arctic’s name and logo, in white, are shown on a square inset, complementing the gleaming pointed forms at the front edge and the sides in identifying the brand of the cooler. Both sides of the frame have two latches. These heatsink extensions serve as catchers. Pulling the housing’s sides frees it from its mount.

There is no difference in design between the left and right sides of the cooler. The sides of the heatsink are uncovered. The area the housing protects is hardly any. The single long clip used to secure the shroud to the tower in the center may be seen from the side, where it maintains the tower’s angular and geometric design. We also appreciate that the tower’s sides have been sealed off; this helps collect unused airflow and channel it upwards, which can better benefit the Freezer i35 A-RGB performance.

The four heat pipes are curved after exiting the base and do not continue to run through the tower together in a straight line when seen from either side of the cooler. ARTIC tilts and curves the inside pipes outward from the center to facilitate uniform heat transmission and provide each pipe with individualized airflow.

A protection sticker protected the mating surface when we took the cooler out of the package. Under it, the pipes can be seen running through into the cooler’s base, and indeed the aluminum and copper can be seen having been machined in a single pass, as shown by the semicircular markings left on the surface. Most of the base is flat, which is good, and there aren’t any significant gaps between metals at which the cooler comes in contact with the CPU IHS.

The base’s top is metal, painted in black to match the tower’s overall look. A pair of screws with springs secured in the base make up the crossbar mounting mechanism, ensuring a quick and straightforward installation. Although the new heatsink’s size was instantly apparent to us, we find it strange that so much potential heat-transporting space was neglected in favor of a smaller base. Unfortunately, the base cannot support even an average 2022 CPU IHC. 

The 54-fin black-tinted aluminum radiator of the Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB is spanned by four U-shaped heat pipes that draw heat away from the CPU through the thermal paste that separates them. The tower’s design is quite different from its rear. Its slanted form and unevenly cut fins are reminiscent of older designs, and the valley in its center also pays homage to the old times.

The fins’ rear edge and the gap at which the shroud is significantly larger than the fins are also visible. The cardboard is secured between the mounting screws so that it cannot move and protects the 4-pin PWM and 3-pin 5V ARGB connectors from damage. It’s also fascinating how the heat pipes are routed: the pair closest to the edges are forced into all the fins, while the pair closer to the center of the cooler is routed through bigger holes for the first few fins, accommodating the tighter bends required there.

Installation

Here’s how you set everything up on an Intel LGA1700 motherboard:

The LGA 1700 socket is installed by positioning the backplate behind the motherboard, inserting the screws in the backplate’s outermost position, and fixing them with rubber washers. The white standoffs, thumb nuts, and brackets are essential to install our LGA1700 socket properly. When putting in the standoffs and brackets, be careful to keep a hand on the back of it since it is heavy and keeps falling out.

We can place the provided MX-5 thermal paste over the CPU and secure the heatsink with the two side screws. The thumb nuts hold the brackets, and the i35 A-RGB heatsink may be screwed on top. We had to take out the RAM closest to the tower, but mounting the fan and shroud was a breeze. After the fan had been installed, the cooler was set back much further for everything to fit, with a few millimeters to spare. Thus we agree with Arctic’s assessment of infinite RAM clearance.

We’re pleased with the look and feel of the system now that everything is placed on the chassis. This tower cooler might have looked boring if not for the interesting combination of flat surfaces, curved edges, and sharp corners.

However, the last ace in the Arctic Freezer i35 A RGB concerns the fan’s lighting. After turning on the system, we observed the fan synchronize with the motherboard and begin presenting the whole spectrum of colors—the cooler measures 158.5mm in height. Consider the height of your CPU cooler—ideally, no less than 160mm—when choosing a chassis for your PC.

Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB Testing & Benchmarks

It might seem today that testing a cooler is less complicated than it is. The following parameters and an ambient temperature of 24.4 degrees Celsius are used for the test. Using Cinebench, the I7 12700k has no difficulty reaching 4.8 GHz. The fans and pump are at full speed. 

Tech4Gamers makes a great effort to clarify all aspects of the benchmarking process so that readers may double-check the results and attempt to imitate them on their systems if they want. The results of our benchmark tests on the Dark Rock Pro 4 are relatively self-explanatory. Remember that the outcomes may differ based on the Processor, GPU, and many other components you utilize and that there is often some margin for error when using the software.

PC Specifications

Specifications for the test build are as follows:

• Intel i7 12700k
• Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB
• Gigabyte Z690 Aero D
• MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio
• be quiet! Straight Power 11 1000W Platinum
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB PCIe 4 NVMe SSD

We’re using Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB thermal paste to test the cooler. It would be easier to standardize if all coolers used the same thermal paste. On the graphs, average temperatures are shown. The testing is performed on a bench system in the open air. Temperatures are predicted to climb once within the chassis, with the ideal airflow inside the casing significantly mitigating the predicted temperature increase.

The stress test’s outcome may vary across repetitions. Several variables, including mounting pressure, thermal paste use, and ambient temperature changes, might be the reason. Even within the same family of chips, there might be noticeable variations due to the silicon used. Therefore, the testing procedure should be mentioned with the specifics.

The processor’s load temperatures are shown in blue, while the idle temperatures are in orange. The graph above shows the average temperature of the P-Cores. As we can see, the Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB performs relatively poorly compared to the other coolers. The Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB keeps the I7 12700k at 27.5°C on idle. On the other hand, it reaches 88°C on load.

Compared to comparable low-cost alternatives that have proven successful in the past, it isn’t easy to see any positive aspect in the 88°C outcomes. A minor improvement over the factory cooler, however. While doing so, it is noticeably quieter and more fashionable. This cooler is not intended for use with high overclocking.

It would be best if you used it with a moderately robust build. Since this heatsink has a cooling capacity of about 150w, I do not think it is ideal for powering a system with CPUs that consume more than 65w, even when slightly overclocked. It will provide the best cooling performance at a speed of 1400–1450rpm while maintaining a noise level of less than 35dBA. At a distance of one meter under typical operating conditions, we experience sufficient cooling and almost inaudible noise levels.

Should You Buy ARCTIC Freezer i35

Arctic coolers have always been popular, and the Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB is no exception; it may be designed specifically for Intel sockets, but this simplifies the cooler’s installation process. This cooler is elegant and well-made. Additionally, adding a substantial heatsink and copper heat pipes improves cooling performance. It also features a great fan with high ventilation levels and little noise.

We like this CPU cooler a lot and think you will too. Its small size belies the aesthetic value, great functionality, and average performance it brings to your build. PC enthusiasts seeking a quiet, stylish heatsink will like the Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB lighting. Its height of 158.5 mm means it may be installed in any but the tiniest and most restrictive chassis.

But it can be configured to function, and it’s preferable to utilize it with CPUs with lower TDP. The temperature testing findings show that the Intel 12700k runs at 4.8GHz in the i35 A-RGB overheats. However, even though we have a hard time finding a cooler in this price bracket that can match the i35 A-features RGBs and performance, we must say that the A-RGB on the i35 A-RGB is wonderfully implemented and looks fantastic.

Despite our unwillingness to recommend it for anything more than a slight CPU overclock, it is still competent in cooling non-K, even K Intel CPUs to their maximum turbo frequencies.

Due in large part to the black fan housing that spreads out over the top of the heatsink covering most of the fins and heat pipes (which are also painted black to keep with the theme), the i35 A-RGB is also a reasonably attractive CPU cooler. It is difficult not to recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive Intel CPU cooler because of the huge 6-year warranty on offer and the quiet dynamic bearing fan used.

Price

Price is often the deciding factor when comparing coolers, but from what we’ve seen so far, it seems that won’t be an issue here. We found the Freezer i35 A-RGB on Amazon; nevertheless, keeping an eye out for six variations is important. Only one of these variants is the one we’re looking at right now; the rest are either earlier iterations of the same design or the AMD version. If you’re interested, the Freezer i35 A-RGB cooler will cost you $51.99, while the AMD version, the A35 A-RGB, will cost you just $50. 

So far in the evaluation, we’ve been impressed, and that’s saying a lot since just a handful of coolers costing about $50 are worth their price when it comes to reducing processors’ temperature. As with many other products, we can only anticipate the Arctic actively seeking the most effective low-cost air-cooling solution.

Final Words

Without any prior context, we find the Freezer i35 A-RGB appealing. It’s modern, simple to set up, and lighting is now all the vogue. Any one of those fantastic features has the potential to persuade a buyer away from the standard air cooling options. Despite our high aspirations for such a CPU cooler by Arctic, we were disappointed once we got beyond the product’s apparent appearance.

We’d have to pick an alternative to the few coolers we had in mind, each of which could be purchased for less than fifty dollars. There are too many options available, some of which may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the cooler but are just as effective or maybe more and make less noise. In light of Arctic’s shipment of a cooler with efficiency within a few degrees of the stick cooler, we don’t see much use in spending extra time and money on a more elaborate cooling system like this.

We’ll be honest and say that the Freezer i35 A-ARGB RGB’s lighting could be a solid argument to upgrade, and we know that most people won’t want to go with the stock cooler, but it still needs to be worthwhile. For the asking price, we do not think everyone should consider this cooler a viable option for their CPU cooling needs.

We may be willing to jump on board with Arctic’s newest cooler if the price were lower, but the Arctic has taken that choice away from us and left us dissatisfied. After reading our review of the Arctic Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU Cooler, what are your thoughts? You may get this from the manufacturer’s site if it’s what you’re looking for in your Intel build. As always, see you in the next one. 

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: [email protected]