Setup and test results …
Configuration …
For our test system we used following configuration:
Intel Core i5 4460 @ 3200 MHz with 0,99 Volt
MSI B85M-E45 Rev. 2.0
2x 4GB DDR3-1600
MSI GeForce GTX960 4GB OC
Cooler Master 500W Silent Pro PSU
Fractal Design Define R5 Gehäuse
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit Service Pack 1
For measurement we used following tools: Prime95 V28.7 und SpeedFan V4.51
Thermal grease: Arctic MX-4 (supplied)
The ambient temperature was at 20°C.
We tested the cooler first in the setup intended by the manufacturer, meaning the pump is connected with the Y-connector running permanently at 5000 rpm. The minimum speed of the pump is at about 1300 rpm but this does not provide sufficient cooling power. Therefore we decided to make another test run at 3500 rpm, which provides sufficient cooling while not being audible outside of the case.
For silent mode the Arctic fans have been fixed to 500 rpm. For maximum cooling the fans have been fixed to 1350 rpm. Idle testing was done only running Windows and speedfan. Stress testing was done by using small-FFT test of Prime95. Energy saving features have not been deactivated in BIOS/UEFI for testing.
Arctic Liquid Freezer 120 test results …
In comparison to the boxed cooler of the Intel Core i5-4460. The boxed cooler could not be tested in silent mode at high loads, as the temperatures exceed the save operating range quickly.
While operating with Y-connector we can hear a high frequency sound which can be located inside the pump. The fans start to be audible at around 800 rpm. At maximum speed you can hear the airflow, but there are no other noises like grinding or clacking.
Overall the Arctic Liquid Freezer 120 ranges between middle class tower coolers when it comes to cooling capacity. But shows a good performance even at low noise levels.
We can give users who prefer a near silent system and have the knowledge to control fans manually the advice to connect the pump to a separate connector to control it with its own temperature curve. Therefore you can keep the maximum cooling potential and still keep the pump silent until this potential is needed.
Arctic Liquid Freezer 120 result and general impression …