Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 Water Cooling CPU Cooler

Brand Overview

Both the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler and the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 Water Cooling CPU Cooler hail from the Taiwanese brand Thermalright, which boasts over 20 years of experience in the cooler market. This brand is known for its innovation in developing cooling solutions, focusing on both air and liquid coolers. While both products carry the same brand name, they cater to different user needs and cooling preferences, showcasing Thermalright's versatility.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 outshines the Assassin X 90 SE V2 due to its water cooling capabilities, which are generally more effective than air cooling solutions. The Frozen Notte features a full copper mirror plane base and a 360mm specification aluminum fin cold plate, designed to offer low resistance and high cooling efficiency. It can achieve a fan speed of up to 5300 RPM, compared to the Assassin X 90 SE V2's maximum fan speed of 2200 RPM. This significant difference means that the Frozen Notte can provide superior thermal management for high-performance CPUs.

Design and Aesthetics

Design-wise, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 offers a more modern aesthetic with its ARGB lighting that can synchronize with a motherboard’s RGB system. It produces a vibrant colour effect with its 1600W soft light effect, enhancing not just performance but also the visual appeal of a gaming rig. In contrast, the Assassin X 90 SE V2 has a more utilitarian design without RGB features, making it less visually striking but possibly more suitable for users who prefer a more subdued look.

Noise Levels

When it comes to noise levels, the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 operates at a maximum noise level of 23.85 dB(A), making it quieter than the Frozen Notte 360, which can reach up to 27.7 dB(A) under load. For users who prioritize a quiet workstation or gaming environment, the Assassin X 90 SE V2 may be the better option. However, the slight increase in noise from the Frozen Notte can be justified by its significantly higher cooling performance.

Installation and Compatibility

Both coolers offer extensive compatibility across various CPU sockets, catering to Intel and AMD platforms. The Assassin X 90 SE V2 supports Intel sockets 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD’s AM4/AM5, while the Frozen Notte 360 expands its compatibility to include a wider range of Intel sockets, such as LGA 1700 and LGA 2066, as well as AMD AM2 and AM3. This makes the Frozen Notte a more versatile choice for users with diverse setups. Installation for both units is designed to be straightforward, although the Frozen Notte may require more space due to its larger size.

Price Comparison

In terms of pricing, the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 is considerably more affordable at C$24.90, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable air cooling. On the other hand, the Frozen Notte 360 commands a higher price of C$71.90, reflecting its advanced water cooling technology and additional features like ARGB lighting. This price difference is significant and could influence purchasing decisions based on budget constraints.

Durability and Lifespan

Both coolers are designed for durability, but they differ in expected lifespan. The Assassin X 90 SE V2 is rated for an industrial service life of up to 20,000 hours, while the Frozen Notte 360 boasts a longer lifespan of up to 40,000 hours for its water-cooling head. This enhanced longevity of the Frozen Notte could be a decisive factor for users looking for a long-term cooling solution, especially in high-performance scenarios.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 and the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 ultimately hinges on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable, quieter air cooler that offers reliable performance, the Assassin X 90 SE V2 is a solid choice at C$24.90. However, if you are prepared to invest more for superior cooling performance, aesthetic appeal, and enhanced compatibility with a wider range of CPUs, the Frozen Notte 360 at C$71.90 would be the better option.