Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 Black ARGB V2 Water Cooling CPU Cooler vs Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78

Overview of the Products

When it comes to CPU cooling solutions, Thermalright's Frozen Notte 240 Black ARGB V2 Water Cooling CPU Cooler and Noctua's NM-i17xx-MP78 mounting upgrade kit serve distinct purposes. The Frozen Notte 240 is a comprehensive water cooling solution priced at C$63.90, while the NM-i17xx-MP78 is an affordable upgrade kit costing C$12.95. This comparison will explore their features, performance, compatibility, and overall value to help you determine which one fits your needs.

Features and Technology

The Frozen Notte 240 boasts advanced cooling technology with a full copper mirror plane base and a 240mm black aluminum fin cold plate. This combination ensures efficient heat dissipation, providing a cooling experience that's hard to match. The cooler also includes two PWM fans capable of reaching speeds of 2000 RPM, delivering an air volume of 72.37 CFM while maintaining noise levels below 27.7 DBA. In contrast, the NM-i17xx-MP78 is not a cooling solution by itself but rather a mounting upgrade kit designed for Noctua CPU coolers. It enables compatibility with Intel’s newer LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets, ensuring that existing Noctua coolers can be installed on these platforms.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, the Frozen Notte 240 clearly outshines the NM-i17xx-MP78. With its high-performance cold head and dual fans, the Frozen Notte is engineered for optimal thermal management, capable of ensuring long-term cooling for CPUs. It operates with a pump speed of up to 5300 RPM, which is significantly higher than any passive cooling method, including those that would utilize the NM-i17xx-MP78. The NM-i17xx-MP78 does not provide cooling on its own but facilitates the use of compatible coolers, making it less impactful in performance metrics.

Design and Aesthetics

The aesthetic appeal of the Frozen Notte 240 includes ARGB lighting that synchronizes with the motherboard, offering vibrant colour effects while cooling. This feature allows users to create a visually striking setup that enhances the overall look of their gaming rig. The NM-i17xx-MP78, while functional, does not contribute to aesthetics as it is solely a mounting kit. Its design focuses on functionality rather than visual flair, making it less appealing for users who prioritize a visually cohesive build.

Installation Process

The installation process for the Frozen Notte 240 is designed to be user-friendly, with support for a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5. The included full metal black buckle ensures that the cooler can be securely installed across different platforms. On the other hand, the NM-i17xx-MP78 simplifies the upgrade process for existing Noctua coolers, featuring a dedicated one-piece backplate and straightforward installation. While both products are designed for ease of installation, the Frozen Notte offers a complete cooling solution, whereas the NM-i17xx-MP78 requires an additional cooler to function.

Compatibility

The Frozen Notte 240 boasts extensive compatibility with various CPU sockets, making it an ideal choice for users with different setups. It supports a range of Intel and AMD sockets, accommodating a wide user base. The NM-i17xx-MP78, however, is specifically tailored for Noctua coolers and is designed to work with Intel's latest LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets. While both products offer compatibility, the Frozen Notte is more versatile, appealing to a broader audience.

Pricing and Value

In terms of pricing, the Frozen Notte 240 is available for C$63.90, which reflects its comprehensive cooling features and performance capabilities. The NM-i17xx-MP78, on the other hand, is priced attractively at C$12.95, making it a cost-effective solution for Noctua cooler users looking to upgrade their mounting options. However, considering the Frozen Notte's advanced features and overall cooling performance, it offers more value for users seeking a complete solution rather than just an upgrade kit.

User Experience and Feedback

Users of the Frozen Notte 240 generally report high satisfaction due to its effective cooling performance and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice among gamers and PC enthusiasts. The dual fans and ARGB lighting contribute to a positive user experience, particularly for those who appreciate both functionality and style. In contrast, the NM-i17xx-MP78 has garnered praise for its reliability and ease of installation, particularly for those upgrading existing Noctua coolers. However, it lacks the comprehensive cooling capabilities that the Frozen Notte offers.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 Black ARGB V2 Water Cooling CPU Cooler and the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a complete and efficient cooling solution with aesthetic enhancements, the Frozen Notte is the clear winner at C$63.90. However, if you already own a compatible Noctua cooler and need an upgrade kit for newer Intel sockets, the NM-i17xx-MP78 is an economical choice at C$12.95. Ultimately, your decision should align with your current setup and cooling requirements.