To test the Freezer 64, I installed it in the following system:
• AMD Athlon 64 3200+ processor
• 1gb Ultra 3200 DDR (previously reviewed here)
• MSI K8T800 motherboard (default settings)
• PNY Geforce FX 5600 Ultra video card
• WD 200GB SE hard drive
• CoolerMaster CoolDrive 4 (used to take temperatures and fan speed)
• Case Temperature at 20.5C
To take the load temperatures, the following applications were run for several hours:
• Folding@Home 4.0
• EverQuest 2
• World of Warcraft
The chart below lists the temperatures indicated by the MSI Cool 'n' Quiet software. This is the same software that used to take previous CPU heat sink temperatures. The temperatures were confirmed accurate via the temperature probes on the Coolermaster CoolDrive IV.
The included fan ran at a default speed of 2100 RPM. Using my CoolerMaster CoolDrive 4, I could turn the fan down to 600 RPM (I confirmed this several times, rebooting between each test), and up to 2300 RPM. At any speed, the fan was indistinguishable from the rest of my system.
Lowering the fan speed changed the temperature readings 3.0C, which will still give your case some great cooling! The best part is with the fan running on its default speed, which is close to its maximum speed, there was very little noise. This is due to the unique design of the fan itself.
Conclusion:
The Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 does a great job at cooling, and the only negative is also a plus for it. The unique fan design can't be replaced with another fan if it dies, but the design of it is also the reason for it being so quiet and efficient. With a 6-year warranty on the fan this becomes less of an issue. If you are still using the same heat sink after 6 years you will have easily gotten your money worth out of it.
The Freezer series is priced at $34.99 retail, but you can find it online for around $32.00 at places like Jab-tech, Quiet PC and Xoxide. This seems very reasonable for the level of cooling it offers.
The price to performance ratio scores big points, I found it really difficult to come up with anything negative to say about the Freezer. Overall I have to give this a 5 out of 5... "Highly Recommended".
Final Rating (5 out of 5 stars):
Pros:
• Unique design
• Great cooling performance
• Simple Installation
• 6 year warranty
• Quiet, high performace fan
Cons:
• No LEDs (for those who like the 'bling' of LED fans)
• May need additional room between fan and first expansion card
Special thanks to Arctic Cooling for providing the Freezer 64 CPU Cooler to Bigbruin.com for review!
