Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler vs Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Overview of the Coolers

When it comes to CPU cooling solutions, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler and the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler cater to different needs and preferences. The Frozen Notte 360, priced at C$65.37, features a powerful water-cooling system, while the PS120SE, slightly cheaper at C$63.68, utilises air cooling technology. Understanding their functionalities is crucial for choosing the ideal cooler for your setup.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 excels in cooling performance due to its water-cooling design, which includes a full copper mirror plane base and a 360mm black aluminum fin cold plate. This setup enables it to maintain lower temperatures effectively, supported by three 120mm PWM fans that can reach speeds of up to 2000 RPM and provide an airflow of 72.37 CFM. In contrast, the Thermalright PS120SE features two PWM fans with a maximum speed of 1500 RPM and an airflow of 66.17 CFM. Although both coolers provide effective cooling, the Frozen Notte 360's superior airflow and cooling efficiency make it a more robust option for high-performance CPUs.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many PC builders. The Frozen Notte 360 operates at a maximum noise level of 27.7 DBA, which is relatively quiet for a water cooler, especially given its high-performance capabilities. The PS120SE, on the other hand, boasts an even lower maximum noise level of 25.6 DBA. While both coolers are designed to minimise noise, the PS120SE may be more appealing to users who prioritise a quieter operation, especially in a home or office environment.

Build Quality and Materials

In terms of build quality, both coolers are constructed with high-quality materials. The Frozen Notte 360 utilises a copper base and aluminum alloy cover, ensuring durability and efficient heat transfer. It also features a protective water pipe designed to enhance longevity. The PS120SE is made from anodised black frosted top and pure copper base technology, along with industrial-grade materials that contribute to its robust construction. While both coolers showcase exceptional build quality, the Frozen Notte 360's use of a full copper base may offer a slight edge in thermal conductivity.

Aesthetics and Lighting

Aesthetically, both coolers feature ARGB lighting, but they differ in their implementation. The Frozen Notte 360 includes ARGB lights on both the fan and water-cooling head, with a rich array of 1600W colour soft light effects that can synchronise with a motherboard. This allows for a dazzling lighting display that enhances the visual appeal of your build. The PS120SE also features ARGB lighting with up to 17 modes of light effects, which can be managed through the motherboard. While both coolers provide stunning lighting options, the Frozen Notte 360 offers more versatility in terms of light synchronisation and effects.

Compatibility

Compatibility is crucial when selecting a CPU cooler. The Frozen Notte 360 supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 2011, 2066 for Intel and AM4, AM5, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ for AMD. The PS120SE also offers good compatibility, supporting Intel sockets LGA 1700, 1851, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200 and AMD sockets AM4 and AM5. Both coolers provide mounting options for various CPU platforms, making them versatile choices for different builds.

Installation Process

The installation process is an essential factor to consider. The Frozen Notte 360 is designed for easy installation, with a dual platform full metal black buckle that simplifies the mounting process. Its compatibility with a chassis width of more than 250mm ensures that it fits into most cases without issue. Similarly, the PS120SE includes corresponding mounting plates and fasteners for various CPU slot platforms, making it straightforward to install. Overall, both coolers are user-friendly in terms of installation, but the Frozen Notte 360 may be slightly more accommodating for larger builds.

Price Point

When comparing the price points, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 is priced at C$65.37, while the PS120SE is slightly lower at C$63.68. The price difference of C$1.69 might not be significant for many users, but it is worth considering what you receive for each price. The Frozen Notte 360's advanced water-cooling technology and higher cooling capabilities may justify the additional cost for those seeking optimal performance, while the PS120SE offers a solid air cooling solution at a lower price.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler and the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler depends on your specific needs. If you prioritise superior cooling performance, stunning ARGB lighting effects, and can accommodate a larger chassis, the Frozen Notte 360 is the better choice despite its slightly higher price. However, if you are looking for a quieter option with solid cooling capabilities and a more budget-friendly price, the PS120SE is an excellent alternative. Both coolers provide reliable performance, so your decision should align with your preferences and system requirements.