Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 Review: Quiet i9 Chiller
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
Arctic’s Liquid Freezer Lives up to its name and performs well in loads of 200W+ when paired with Intel’s i9-12900K. It’s also very quiet and reasonably priced.
Pros
- +
Capable of cooling 200W+ with Alder Lake CPUs
- +
Reasonably priced at $110 USD
- +
Extremely quiet operation
- +
Strong performance
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German company Arctic has been a mainstay in the PC cooling space ever since its founding in 2001. Today the company is known for its Freezer Air & Liquid CPU Coolers, MX thermal pastes, fans, as well as custom Accelero GPU coolers.
It’s been a couple years since the company impressed us with its budget-priced Freezer 34 Esports Duo air cooler. Like the Duo, Arctic’s Liquid Freezer II 240 AIO is competitively priced at $110. Can it handle the heat of Intel’s Core i9-12900K and earn a spot on our best AIO Coolers list? We’ll put it through testing and find out.
But first, here are the cooler’s specifications, direct from Arctic.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Specifications for the Liquid Freezer II 240
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| Cooler | Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 (240mm AIO) |
| MSRP | $110 USD |
| Radiator Dimensions | 277 x 38 x 120mm |
| Radiator Material | Aluminum |
| Pump | 800-2000 RPM |
| VRM Fan | 1000-3000 RPM |
| Gross Weight | 3.69 pounds (1666g) |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011-3 Square ILM, 2066 |
| AMD AM5, AM4, AM3(+) | |
| CPU Block | Copper, Micro-Skived-Fins |
Packing and Included Contents
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 is packaged in a medium box, with shaped cardboard inserts and plastic coverings to product the parts during shipping.
- Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 at Amazon for $95.99
Included with the package are the following:
- CPU block with VRM fan
- Radiator with pre-installed fans
- Mounts for modern Intel & AMD platforms
- Small tube of thermal paste
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Cooler Installation
Installing the Liquid Freezer II 240 was fairly simple. To begin, you attach the studs to the backplate and secure them using the O rings. After pressing the backplate to the motherboard, you need to screw in the standoffs. Apply the included thermal paste from the syringe and then mount the CPU block and secure it with the thumbscrews.
Image 1 of 4
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
New Testing Configuration
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| Cooler | Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240, 240mm AIO |
| Comparison Coolers Tested | BeQuiet Pure Loop 2 FX, 360mm AIO |
| Cooler Master Master Liquid PL360 Flux, 360mm AIO | |
| Cooler Master Master Liquid PL240 Flux, 240mm AIO | |
| Cougar Forza 85, Air Cooler | |
| Cougar Poseidon GT 360, 360m AIO | |
| Corsair iCUE h200i Elite, 240mm AIO | |
| DeepCool AK500, Air Cooler | |
| DeepCool LS520, 240mm AIO | |
| DeepCool LS320, 120mm AIO | |
| Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, Air Cooler | |
| CPU | Intel i9-12900K |
| Motherboard | MSI z690 A-Pro DDR4 |
| Case | BeQuiet! Silent Base 802 Window |
| PSU | DeepCool PQ1000M |
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Features of the Liquid Freezer II 240
- Unique VRM Fan
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Arctic’s Liquid Freezer II incorporates a small fan atop the CPU block which helps dissipate heat and cool the VRMs surrounding the CPU.
- Thick Radiator
The radiator included with the Liquid Freezer II is extremely thick–1.5 inches or 38mm to be precise. This is good for cooling, but also means you’ll need a case with more clearance, about 2.5 inches when you add the fans.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
- Dual Pre-Installed Arctic P12 Fans
There’s more to an AIO than just the radiator. The bundled fans also have a significant impact on cooling, noise levels, and performance. Included with the Liquid Freezer are two P12 120mm fans, which are pre-installed for convenience. These fans include bearings developed in Germany, which use an alloy and lubricant combination designed to reduce friction and noise.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Model | Arctic P12 |
| Dimensions | 120 x 120 x 25 mm |
| Fan Speed | Up to 1800rpm |
| Air Flow | Up to 44. 8 cfm |
| Air Pressure | Up to 1.85mm h3O |
| Lighting | None |
I’ll be testing Arctic’s Liquid Freezer II 240 with Intel’s i9-12900K. Due to the increased thermal density of the Intel 7 manufacturing process, as well as changes to core and component layouts, Alder Lake CPUs are more difficult to cool than previous generation CPUs in the most heat-intensive of workloads.
This means that coolers that kept previous generation products like the i9-10900K nice and cool sometimes struggle to keep Intel’s i9-12900K under TJ max–the maximum temperature before the CPU starts to throttle. Many coolers that I’ve tested fail to keep the i9-12900K under TJ max when power limits are removed in workloads like Cinebench and OCCT when I’ve tested them, including many coolers I previously considered “top of the line.”
Please note there are many factors other than the CPU cooler that can influence your cooling performance.
A system’s motherboard can especially influence this, as there are boards on the market with CPU sockets that aren’t up to Intel’s spec, which can cause warping or poor contact with the CPU. The case you use will also influence cooling results.
With Alder Lake’s cooling demands in mind, I’ll be rating CPU Coolers in 3 different tiers.
Tier 1: These coolers are able to keep the i9-12900K below TJ max in most loads, with no power limits enforced. I expect only the best liquid coolers to meet this standard.
Tier 2: These coolers are able to keep the i9-12900K under the TJ max threshold with CPU power limits of 200W enforced. I expect most liquid coolers and the best air coolers to meet this standard.
Tier 3: These coolers are able to keep the i9-12900K under TJ max with CPU power limits of 140W enforced.
Testing Methodology
To test the limits of a cooler’s thermal dissipation capabilities, I run two primary stress tests: Cinebench and OCCT each for 10 minutes.
While this may be a short amount of time, it is sufficient to push most coolers–air and liquid–to their limits.
While stress testing in Cinebench, I run both with power limits removed and with an enforced 200W CPU power limit. In this test setup I’m using MSI’s z690 A Pro DDR4 Motherboard and Be Quiet’s Silent Base 802 Computer Case. Only the best coolers are able to pass Cinebench testing when power limits are removed.
I don’t test OCCT without power limits because attempting to do so results in CPU package power consumption jumping to over 270W and instantly throttling with even the best AIO coolers. Instead, I test at 200W to give coolers a chance at passing. I also include 140W to give data comparable to a CPU like Intel’s i5-12600K. 95w results are also included to give data closer to low-TDP CPUs such as AMD’s Ryzen 5600X or Intel’s i5-12400.
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Features and Specifications
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Albert Thomas is a contributor for Tom’s Hardware, primarily covering CPU cooling reviews.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Review [2022]
Summary
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is ONE-OF-A-KIND AIO for around 110 dollars. Considering its cooling capabilities and excellent performance, it is a good value for money!
Overall
8.4/10
8.4/10
- Aesthetics — 8/10
- Price — 9/10
- Overclocking — 8/10
- Compatibility — 7/10
- Quality — 10/10
- Design — 8/10
- Performance — 9/10
Pros
- Premium Quality
- Excellent Cooling Capability
- ARGB
- Less Noisy Fans
- Better Overclocking
- Premium Thermal Paste
- Unique Pump Design
Cons
- Small Cold-Plate for some
- Thicker Radiator
- No RGB pump
The market for AIO coolers keeps on growing with newer and better cooling technologies being introduced. These newer, better coolers promote rivalry among tens of manufacturers, who then go to great measures to provide the best AIO coolers.
As an example, ARCTIC has released the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB liquid coolers, which have A-RGB fans and a futuristic pump design. RGB is quickly becoming the new standard, and seeing any PC accessories without RGB is a midhaajor no-no, which is why manufacturers are increasingly focusing on aesthetics.
ARCTIC is a well-known brand among PC enthusiasts. ARCTIC is recognized for producing high-quality, long-lasting PC accessories, with a concentration on low-noise PC coolers. ARCTIC also produces fans and other devices such as wall mounts and monitor tech equipment in addition to PC coolers.
ARCTIC has ruled many PC users’ hearts for the past 20 years, which is why it is held in such high regard in over 45 nations. For a wide spectrum of PC users, ARCTIC is recognized for providing high-quality items at a reasonable price.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB
We’ll be looking at the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Cooler today. The updated Liquid Freezer II comes in two sizes: 240mm and 360mm, both with P12 A-RGB fans.
Today, we’ll spotlight the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II’s 240mm variant.
We’ll go over the unboxing and installation of the cooler before putting it to the test to see whether it’s truly worth the hype.
Massive Awards List Received by ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240-A RGB
- Best Budget Liquid CPU Cooler For i9-12900k
- Best 240mm AIO Cooler
- Best 240mm AiO for Ryzen 9 5900X
- Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler for the Ryzen 9 5950x
- Best Budget AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Best AIO CPU Cooler for Ryzen 9 3900x
- Best 240mm Liquid Cooler For Ryzen 7 5800x
Technical Specifications
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Specifications
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is known for;
- 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
Now that we are done, let’s jump directly to ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240-A Review.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Unboxing
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB comes in a brightly colored cuboidal box with a picture of the real cooler on the front. Along with RGB SYNC compatibility for a variety of software, we also receive an advertising badge for the MX-5 paste.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Packaging Front
The technical specs are on the right side of the package, along with the cooler slogan in a variety of languages and a QR code to scan.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Packaging Side
The cooler does not come with an installation manual, but the backside of the packaging offers a QR code to obtain one online.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Packaging Back
The other side of the package is completely black, with a Support & Feedback QR code. ARCTIC additionally emphasizes how important client happiness is to them.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Packaging Side
Nothing but a brightly multi-colored backdrop with the ARCTIC logo and Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB branding on top of the container.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Packaging Top
Closer Look at ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB
When we open the top of the box, we find all of the components carefully packed within, as well as the fans already installed on the radiator with some tidy cable management. Inside its plastic wrapper, all of the contents are kept secure.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Pump
When we first glance at the pump head, we may notice that it is different from what we are used to seeing. The AIO pump head is extremely different from what we are used to seeing. The design is futuristic and robotic. We also observe that the pump head has a built-in fan. The fan, of course, helps with the VRM temperatures. The pump is the same as the previous non-RGB version of the cooler. Despite the fact that the pump does not include any RGBs.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Pump
The ARCTIC logo is branded on both flaps of the pump head, which gives it a highly subtle appearance.
The flaps and the fan have a silver lining around them, and the form between the flaps resembles a bird or a jet. The 40mm fan on top of the actual pump head is the most intriguing feature of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB. Because the fan is PWM regulated, it helps to minimize VRM temperatures and buzzing.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Pump
The two cooling tubes are located at the top of the pump head, with chrome fittings on both ends for optimal protection. These fittings, on the other hand, are extremely tight and do not allow for any movement or rotation; which might have been useful during installation.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Pump
The reverse side of the pump head features the same arrangement as the top with the ARCTIC logo, as well as the output lines for the PWM and RGB controls. The cable management of the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is insane; we only get to connect two wires to power the fans, RGB, and pump all at once.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Pump
The copper cold plate may be seen on the underside of the cooler pump head.
The cold plate has a lovely smooth finish and a large surface area. With no preceding thermal paste applied, we also receive a protective peel on top of the cold plate.
Compared to other coolers the cold-plate might seem a little smaller but it still supports a number of sockets like the paste tube and all the necessary bits and pieces for installation on Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011/2011-3/2066 and AMD AM3/AM3+/AM4.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Radiator
A closer look at the 240mm radiator reveals an all-black Aluminum construction. The radiator is 38mm thick and is 277×120 mm in length and breadth. The radiator is 13mm thicker than the majority of 240mm AIO radiators on the market. Because the thickness of the radiator rises with the fans fitted, it may become a concern for users with smaller cases.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Radiator
As previously stated, unlike in most circumstances, the fans are already fitted on the radiator. ARCTIC has done this to simplify installation and maintain cable management as neat as possible.
The fans are fitted in a push flow configuration to allow airflow out of the casing, although they may be put in any direction.
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.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Radiator
The black-silver braided 450mm tubing exiting the radiator can be seen on the left side. The tube isn’t too short, so it’ll work in most front-installation situations. The tube has an outside diameter of 12.4mm and an interior diameter of 6.0mm. Both tubes include aluminum case fittings, which provide a tight and leak-free connection.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Radiator
The fins’ density is increased by the radiator’s added thickness. Fin density is 14 fins per inch spacing on the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB. More airflow and lower fan RPMs are aided by the larger fin spacing.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Radiator
The exterior of the radiator is matte black with the ARCTIC logo and branding on either side; unlike other low-end AIOs, there is no fill port on either side of the radiator, and the cable management is also barely visible. The radiator is heavy weighing around 1191g with the fans mounted alongside the pump and tubes.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Fan
The ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans are included with the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB. The A-RGB fans that come with the cooler include a 4-pin PWM connector as well as a 3-pin RGB connector, as previously indicated. You should be aware that the AIO lacks RGB controllers, which means you’ll have to control the fans via your motherboard software or get a HUB.
The front of the Fans looks like any other fan, with the company logo prominently displayed in the middle and no additional information. The fans’ bodies are completely black, with vibration cushions on both sides to reduce noise.
For the finest RGB lumination, the blades are frosted white.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Fan
The four arms of the fan are curled in at the back, along with the ARCTIC emblem and certain power ratings. The fans’ maximum speed is roughly 1800 RPM, with a minimum of 200 RPM. The length of the cables 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.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Fan
ARCTIC has used icy white blades for the RGB lighting, with a total of 5 blades. The larger blades will aid in improved airflow and a more consistent RGB effect.
Accessories
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Accessories
Because the LGA socket range is wide, we acquire a lot of accessories with the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB. We comprehend;
- 4x Intel Socket 2066, 2011(-3) Standoffs
- 4x Intel Socket 1200, 115x Standoffs
- 4x Screws for AMD Socket AM4
- 4x Spacers for AMD Socket AM4
- 4x Thumb Nuts
- 8x Screws for Radiator
- 2x Screws for Mounting Clips
- 8x Screws for Fans
- 8x Flat Washers for Radiator
- 1x MX-5 (0.
8g) - 8x Flat Washers for Backplate
- 2x Mounting Clips
- 1x Intel Socket (1200, 115x) Backplate
- 2x AMD Socket AM4 Mounting Clips
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Accessories
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. 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.
With the radiator installed in place, now place the insulating washers on top of the motherboard, surrounding the backplate screw holes.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Installation
Place the backplate in the proper position, making that all holes are exactly aligned, once the insulating washers have adhered to the motherboard.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Installation
Now, using the Intel Socket 115x standoff, secure the backplate in place, making sure the connection is solid and firm.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB InstallationARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Installation
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.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Installation
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.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Installation
Use the thumb nuts to attach the pump head to your CPU after it’s in position.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Installation
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. Turn on your computer now that both connections are connected.
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Gallery
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGBARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGBARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGBARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGBARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGBARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Temperature Benchmarks
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
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB Benchmarks
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 get the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB?
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is a one-of-a-kind AIO, and for around 110 dollars, it’s almost free.
We believe the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is a good value for money, given its cooling capabilities and looks.
When it comes to PC cooling, ARCTIC is a household brand, and the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is yet another example of that. The AIO’s cooling capabilities are outstanding, especially when compared to comparable AIO coolers in its pricing range. The AIO cooler has done admirably in our tests, and it is one of the finest coolers we’ve seen thus far. Along with cooling, many people admire the build quality and looks. While some may criticize the unique pump design, others will applaud the bold move.
The cooler comes in a bright, colorful package with the ARCTIC logo all on it. When we reach out to remove the cooler, we notice that it is somewhat heavier than comparable 240mm coolers. The odd pump design on the Liquid Freezer II 240 is the first thing we notice. A 40mm running fan is included in the actual pump for reasons such as greater cooling and less buzzing.
The pump has an odd form, but it’s not unusual, and it doesn’t interfere with RAM or PCIe clearance, nor is it difficult to install. Instead, because of its flatness, I found the pump head to be easier to work with than other cooler pump heads. The gleaming silver and black nylon tubing is also noticeable. The Nylon tubing feels strong, and the connection is sealed with chrome fittings on both sides.
Then we look at the radiator itself. The ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans are already mounted in the 240mm radiator, which is made entirely of aluminum. The radiator is 277x120mm in length and width and is 38mm thick. The radiator is roughly 13mm thicker than the typical 240mm AIO, proving the extra weight. As previously stated, the fans are already installed with no cabling.
Yes, the fans do not require additional connections because they are powered by the Pump header through the tubing. The radiator’s cable management is spotless, and the fans are set up in a push-airflow arrangement.
The two ARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB Fans run quietly even at high speeds, and the RGB lighting is excellent owing to the frosted white blades. Overall, the radiator has a decent fin density of roughly 14 fins per inch, which aids in increased airflow and reduced fan RPMs.
We get a lot of accessories with the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 since the cooler supports a wide variety of Chipsets. Some may claim that the copper cold plate is too tiny for some sockets. The online tutorial makes installation go more smoothly. Although, for a better understanding right immediately, we would have appreciated an on-hand installation guide.
Overall, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is a bargain at around 110 dollars. With superb RGB uniformity in the fan blades, the aesthetics are on target. Some others, though, would have chosen an RGB pump.
The radiator is strong and holds weight, making it a long-term buddy, albeit the broader size may make installation more difficult in some circumstances.
Overall, we believe the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB is one of the finest 240mm AIO coolers currently available for its pricing.
Thanks to ARCTIC for sending out their ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB for Review.
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Review and test of liquid cooling system Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB / Cases, PSU, UPS, case cooling, surge protectors / iXBT Live
Choosing the right cooling system for the processor when assembling a computer is quite difficult. There is a huge range of different types of cooling on the market, but personally I give my preference to LSS and there are a number of reasons for this: efficiency, silence during operation and an unusual look of the entire assembly. This time my choice fell on the dropsy from Arctic, namely the Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB model.
Characteristics
Packaging and contents
The first thing we see is the packaging of the product.
The box from Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB immediately attracts attention with its bright design and high-quality printing. The packaging itself, made from recycled materials, is small in size and at the same time ensures the safe transportation of liquids.
Inside we are greeted by a radiator with pre-installed fans, it, like the pump, is hidden in cardboard and cellophane for safety reasons. We also see a box with a huge number of mounts for any system, as well as a small tube of the new Arctic MX5 thermal paste.
There are no paper instructions for installing the LSS, as it is presented in digital form after scanning the QR code on one of the sides of the box.
Appearance
The first thing you notice when looking at the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB is the pump, which has a rather unusual design. The water block with pump has an additional 40mm fan to cool the area around the socket. The pump speed is in the range from 800 to 2000 rpm, and the fan is capable of spinning at a speed of 1000-3000 rpm.
The base of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB water block is copper and well sanded. Two hoses in a black fabric sheath with white stripes depart from the pump. Their length is 450mm.
The radiator itself is made of aluminium, looks strict and has only the brand name on the side. Its dimensions are 277mm x 120mm x 38mm. It comes pre-installed with branded fans.
This is the first time I’ve come across such an approach in pre-installation of fans from the manufacturer. Fan model — P12 PWM PST RGB 0dB [ACFAN00186A]. They are based on hydrodynamic bearings, the fan speed can vary from 0 — 2800 rpm, in addition, they are equipped with a backlight that can be synchronized with almost any motherboard through its software.
Installation process
For those who will be installing the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB coolant for the first time on their processor or who have difficulty, there is a QR code on the coolant packaging. By pointing the camera of your smartphone at it, you will receive detailed installation instructions.
- Step one. We fasten the appropriate mounting frame to a suitable motherboard.
- Step two. We fasten the necessary fasteners to the water block with a pump.
- Step three. We install the heatsink in suitable mounting locations in the computer case.
- Step four. Apply an even layer of thermal paste.
- Step five. We fix the water block to the motherboard using fasteners.
- Step six. We connect the cables from the LSS to the motherboard.
When installing the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB, as you can see, the fan installation step was skipped. Arctic installs the fans on the heatsink from the factory, thus facilitating the process of assembling and installing the coolant. It should also be noted that the cables are beautifully hidden here and the cable management in the case looks more aesthetically pleasing.
Tests
We decided to test this LSS on a Ryzen 9 5900x processor with the new Arctic MX5 thermal paste.
The tests were performed using the OCCT program. The results are below in the screenshots.
Idle
Loaded
The noise level was measured with a UT353 BT sound level meter on an open bench at a distance of 50 centimeters.
Conclusion
According to the results of testing LSS Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB suited me absolutely in all respects. It proved to be quite efficient and at the same time very quiet. The glow of the fans is pleasant, does not hurt the eyes and is conveniently controlled. I was very pleased with the Arctic MX5 thermal paste included in the kit. I can safely recommend this liquid cooling system for purchase.
Test & Review: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB — A cost-effective backlit CBO
The Arctic Liquid Freezer II range has earned an excellent reputation among customers who appreciate the best value for money. But for a long time there were no backlit models in the family.
Fortunately, Arctic is correcting this situation, now the company’s range includes CBO with RGB and A-RGB. Our test lab has received a new Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB, it will be interesting to evaluate it in practice.
The Liquid Freezer II range was introduced in 2019, the first Liquid Freezer II 240 we tested was a pleasant surprise. CBO showed high cooling performance, low noise level and innovations such as smart cable management and an additional fan for cooling power components. The price was also very affordable. Meanwhile, Arctic has expanded the lineup with a giant Liquid Freezer II 420 with a 420mm radiator. However, all previous models did not have a backlight.
Fortunately, with the new RGB and A-RGB models, things are starting to change for the Liquid Freezer II line. The novelties are based on the previously released CBOs, but are equipped with fans with LED RGB or even A-RGB. As you know, ARGB variants have the advantage of displaying multi-color effects.
Three illuminated CBO Liquid Freezer II models are available on a 240mm radiator. Namely Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB without controller, Liquid Freezer II 240 RGB with controller and Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB (without controller). Liquid Freezer II 360 RGB and Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB (both without controller) are available with 360mm radiator. The Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB we tested in Russia costs from 12.400 ₽. The standard non-illuminated variant, on the other hand, starts at $12,000. The Arctic A-RGB controller can be purchased for 2.200 ₽ if needed.
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Below is an unboxing and first look video.
| Make and model | Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB |
|---|---|
| Retail price | from 12.400 ₽ |
| Manufacturer website | Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB |
| Cooler type | Closed Loop Ready CBO with 240mm Radiator |
| Heat sink dimensions (without fans) | 277 x 120 x 38 mm (L x W x H) |
| Material | Base: copper Heatsink: aluminum |
| Tubes | Braided in fabric, 45 cm long |
| OEM fans | 2x 120mm PWM with A-RGB illumination, 200 – 1.
|