Best CPU Coolers Deathmatch: Arctic 360 vs. EK AIO 360 Liquid Coolers for AMD Ryzen
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Date: 2020-07-18
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Comments and reviews: 10
Akubabu
I generally agree with the methodology used in your reviews but I think there is one aspect of noise that is lacking. Namely the lowest possible noise level you can expect at idle (or near idle) temperatures. The tests normalizing temperatures at 35dBA does not necessarily cover that. I am interested in the lowest possible noise level while the temperatures remain within acceptable range. I would argue that this is the critical aspect when talking about noise levels. For me at least I care less about the noise when I have something heavy running on my PC and care more about the PC being completely silent when for instance just using a web browser. I recently installed a Arctic Liquid Freezer II and while I am happy with the performance I think it is too loud at idle temperatures no matter how I set the RPM/temperature curve. I am not entirely sure but I think the noise is coming from the pump and it gets even louder when its running very slowly. My old air cooler was practically inaudible at idle temperatures. I would like to see a test where you measure the lowest possible noise level while maintaining acceptable temperatures (that does not compromise life span) together with qualitative evaluation about the nature of the sound.
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I generally agree with the methodology used in your reviews but I think there is one aspect of noise that is lacking. Namely the lowest possible noise level you can expect at idle (or near idle) temperatures. The tests normalizing temperatures at 35dBA does not necessarily cover that. I am interested in the lowest possible noise level while the temperatures remain within acceptable range. I would argue that this is the critical aspect when talking about noise levels. For me at least I care less about the noise when I have something heavy running on my PC and care more about the PC being completely silent when for instance just using a web browser. I recently installed a Arctic Liquid Freezer II and while I am happy with the performance I think it is too loud at idle temperatures no matter how I set the RPM/temperature curve. I am not entirely sure but I think the noise is coming from the pump and it gets even louder when its running very slowly. My old air cooler was practically inaudible at idle temperatures. I would like to see a test where you measure the lowest possible noise level while maintaining acceptable temperatures (that does not compromise life span) together with qualitative evaluation about the nature of the sound.
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Dyils
Can you benchmark some coolers with multiple different fans so we can find the best block / heatsink / rad, etc?
Ideally, finding the best RGB fan and the best non-RGB (Probably Noctua) fans at 30-40 dBA and testing with those.
We currently have no data from any reviewer, which shows the best heatsink / block / rad, etc. So if I want the best possible cooling solution I have no idea which radiator / heatsink and which fan to combine. And the charts here only show me stock performance which isn't useful in my pursuit of best possible thermals without overspending on a custom loop.
It's basically a comparison of fans in a way, especially in the charts with the 100% fan speed where as you said at 11:31 ... brute force their way into a lead ... . The same could be true (to an extent) at 35 dBA if some fans are naturally louder and others are naturally quiet.
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Can you benchmark some coolers with multiple different fans so we can find the best block / heatsink / rad, etc?
Ideally, finding the best RGB fan and the best non-RGB (Probably Noctua) fans at 30-40 dBA and testing with those.
We currently have no data from any reviewer, which shows the best heatsink / block / rad, etc. So if I want the best possible cooling solution I have no idea which radiator / heatsink and which fan to combine. And the charts here only show me stock performance which isn't useful in my pursuit of best possible thermals without overspending on a custom loop.
It's basically a comparison of fans in a way, especially in the charts with the 100% fan speed where as you said at 11:31 ... brute force their way into a lead ... . The same could be true (to an extent) at 35 dBA if some fans are naturally louder and others are naturally quiet.
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Feyangel23
To add to the topic of whether pc builders want extension cables I'd consider myself as an average builder and honestly just plugging the fans into the one on the pump is just easier and more preferred
cable management is already a hassle depending on the system I'm building like an average person's build for 1080p gaming is simple for the customers who want the best with rgb lighting and cases with multiple features then the space in the case can get tight and can become hell
to add to that with extensions seems highly unlikely. I can see heavy overclockers and enthusiast's appreciating the extensions but for the majority of people probably not. I'd bet 1000 that the majority will set the extensions aside
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To add to the topic of whether pc builders want extension cables I'd consider myself as an average builder and honestly just plugging the fans into the one on the pump is just easier and more preferred
cable management is already a hassle depending on the system I'm building like an average person's build for 1080p gaming is simple for the customers who want the best with rgb lighting and cases with multiple features then the space in the case can get tight and can become hell
to add to that with extensions seems highly unlikely. I can see heavy overclockers and enthusiast's appreciating the extensions but for the majority of people probably not. I'd bet 1000 that the majority will set the extensions aside
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Insomn
This is the cooler that I ordered before your 280 review dropped. No complaints and I've been using it since march. As much as I love your testing methodology I have to still wonder if you should create a new test, which is how most consumers will use the coolers: Hook it up, no extra settings or adjustments. All stock fan curves and whatnot. Some people might want the best performing cooler as it stands straight out of the box.
One other request is that you review the CRYORIG A40 Hybrid Liquid Cooler, as I was almost going to buy it before the liquid freezer II, and it would surely top the VRM cooling chart and even the playing field a bit.
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This is the cooler that I ordered before your 280 review dropped. No complaints and I've been using it since march. As much as I love your testing methodology I have to still wonder if you should create a new test, which is how most consumers will use the coolers: Hook it up, no extra settings or adjustments. All stock fan curves and whatnot. Some people might want the best performing cooler as it stands straight out of the box.
One other request is that you review the CRYORIG A40 Hybrid Liquid Cooler, as I was almost going to buy it before the liquid freezer II, and it would surely top the VRM cooling chart and even the playing field a bit.
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Yakku
When you say consumers not understanding how to use properly , about Zakius comment, I don't think the blame goes entirely on consumers. When I bought my first 212 evo after seeing some reviews (not GN i think) calling it quiet, I was very surprised at how loud it was. And when I bought an h150I, I was surprised at how unpleasant the pump noise is. 35 dB at 20 inches is also too high for my liking, and I've seen many reviews that call something I find loud quiet. That said, I understand GN's methodology, and find it useful and informative, but I can see why people would sometimes struggle on finding the best product for them.
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When you say consumers not understanding how to use properly , about Zakius comment, I don't think the blame goes entirely on consumers. When I bought my first 212 evo after seeing some reviews (not GN i think) calling it quiet, I was very surprised at how loud it was. And when I bought an h150I, I was surprised at how unpleasant the pump noise is. 35 dB at 20 inches is also too high for my liking, and I've seen many reviews that call something I find loud quiet. That said, I understand GN's methodology, and find it useful and informative, but I can see why people would sometimes struggle on finding the best product for them.
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Michelle
I have a 2700X(constant 4.2 OC) running an Asus Ryujin 360 with an X570 MEG ACE. The VRM cooler does indeed have an effect: albeit very little. However, on this particular Mobo, the chipset fan is actually very effective. Far more so than the Ryujin, and definitely A LOT quieter. I do wish AIO manufacturers would stop putting noisy VRM micro-fans on their coolers, or at the very least produce relevant fan curves - ones based on the VRM cooling requirements, instead of being tied to the CPU temps. If I could disable the Ryujin's embedded micro-fan and it's constant noisy OoooWooo, I would.
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I have a 2700X(constant 4.2 OC) running an Asus Ryujin 360 with an X570 MEG ACE. The VRM cooler does indeed have an effect: albeit very little. However, on this particular Mobo, the chipset fan is actually very effective. Far more so than the Ryujin, and definitely A LOT quieter. I do wish AIO manufacturers would stop putting noisy VRM micro-fans on their coolers, or at the very least produce relevant fan curves - ones based on the VRM cooling requirements, instead of being tied to the CPU temps. If I could disable the Ryujin's embedded micro-fan and it's constant noisy OoooWooo, I would.
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Tails
Why is warranty periods never mentioned? Arctic offers 2 years compared to EK's 5 years. Whilst catastrophic failure is very low, a failing pump or even fan for that matter is still plausible. To add to that, the cost down here in the upside down country is a lot closer between the two (when Arctic LFII are in stock, which is never, thanks steve!), roughly around 20- 40 difference. I'd take an extra 3 years warranty at that price, especially with how good Australian consumer law is.
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Why is warranty periods never mentioned? Arctic offers 2 years compared to EK's 5 years. Whilst catastrophic failure is very low, a failing pump or even fan for that matter is still plausible. To add to that, the cost down here in the upside down country is a lot closer between the two (when Arctic LFII are in stock, which is never, thanks steve!), roughly around 20- 40 difference. I'd take an extra 3 years warranty at that price, especially with how good Australian consumer law is.
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shane
G'day Steve,
It is so cool when the Bully gets outsmarted, Asetek & their 'Do everything to stop competition' attitude has led others to better performing deigns,
I really like the look of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II, I wish we had Artic products available at our Large Tech Retailers here in Australia
I like EK's Custom Cooling Lines But like you think the AIO Pump looks Gaudy, looks similar to their Velocity Line would have been much better.
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G'day Steve,
It is so cool when the Bully gets outsmarted, Asetek & their 'Do everything to stop competition' attitude has led others to better performing deigns,
I really like the look of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II, I wish we had Artic products available at our Large Tech Retailers here in Australia
I like EK's Custom Cooling Lines But like you think the AIO Pump looks Gaudy, looks similar to their Velocity Line would have been much better.
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BRUXXUS
I really like the products from both of these companies, especially the Arctic fans. It's amazing how quiet and powerful they are for a crazy low price.
I have a custom EK loop with a 80x360mm rad, and I bought a set of 5 Antex Prizm fans... which work okay, but the RGB has started failing and glitching out, which is super annoying. Probably going to replace all the fans with the much nicer Arctic ones.
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I really like the products from both of these companies, especially the Arctic fans. It's amazing how quiet and powerful they are for a crazy low price.
I have a custom EK loop with a 80x360mm rad, and I bought a set of 5 Antex Prizm fans... which work okay, but the RGB has started failing and glitching out, which is super annoying. Probably going to replace all the fans with the much nicer Arctic ones.
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Zanpa
Something to consider about the Arctic is that the tubes come straight out of the CPU block and can't rotate at all. It can definitely be a problem for smaller builds. I have the 120 in my SG13, and it just barely fits with an SFX PSU (the tubes touch the PSU). It most likely wouldn't fit in something like CoolerMaster's new NR200, where the rad is mounted above the motherboard.
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Something to consider about the Arctic is that the tubes come straight out of the CPU block and can't rotate at all. It can definitely be a problem for smaller builds. I have the 120 in my SG13, and it just barely fits with an SFX PSU (the tubes touch the PSU). It most likely wouldn't fit in something like CoolerMaster's new NR200, where the rad is mounted above the motherboard.
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