ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB Cooler Review

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.

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

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.

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.

The cooler does not come with an installation manual, but the backside of the packaging offers a QR code to obtain one online.

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.

Nothing but a brightly multi-colored backdrop with the ARCTIC logo and Liquid Freezer II 240 A-RGB branding on top of the container.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

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.

Place the backplate in the proper position, making that all holes are exactly aligned, once the insulating washers have adhered to the motherboard.

Now, using the Intel Socket 115x standoff, secure the backplate in place, making sure the connection is solid and firm.

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.

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.

Use the thumb nuts to attach the pump head to your CPU after it’s in position.

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 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

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.