Arctic Freezer 36-S performance test results

This data appears to be a compilation of temperature testing results and subjective reviews for various CPU air coolers. The information can be broken down into quantitative performance metrics and qualitative opinions on aesthetics, sound, and value.

Here is a structured summary of the extracted information:

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1. Quantitative Performance Data (Temperature Testing)

The data presents comparisons between several coolers under different test conditions. Two main stress tests are detailed based on Prime95 results normalized to ambient temperatures.

Test Scenario 1 (Implied Baseline)

(From the initial table, likely reflecting a specific baseline measurement):

Test Scenario 2 (Prime95 @ 1.325 V | Normalized to 20 °C | ~220 W Data)

Test Scenario 3 (Prime95 @ 1.4 V | ~253 W Data)

Ambient Temperature Data

The ambient temperatures measured were:
Arctic Freezer 36-S A-RGB: 23 °C
Arctic Freezer 36: 27 °C
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 6: 20 °C
Be Quiet! Dark Rock 5: 21 °C
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6: 20 °C
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE: 22 °C

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2. Qualitative Review Summary (Author’s Opinion)

The author provides commentary on the testing experience, focusing on specific aspects of the coolers:

Performance & Delta:

The author notes that the temperature difference between the Arctic Freezer 36-S A-RGB and the standard Freezer 36 is not significant during intensive tests.
Overall, there is not a huge temperature delta between the tested coolers, suggesting comparable performance in heavy workloads.

Aesthetics:

The author reviews the Arctic Freezer 36-S A-RGB, noting that while the RGB implementation uses standard blade/hub design, it still produces a “pretty enough effect for the price.”
The version reviewed came with an all-black coating, which the author feels gives it a premium look (“doesn’t scream ‘budget'”).

Sound:

Warning: The author strongly advises against running coolers at 100% PWM duty cycle in a home environment, specifically citing the Freezer 36-S, which was measured at 47 dBA.
The standard Freezer 36, with its two slower-spinning fans, is quieter.

Value Assessment:

The author strongly criticizes Arctic cooling solutions regarding value. They point out that the Freezer 36 is only marginally more expensive than the Freezer 36-S (depending on regional pricing) and argue that it does not offer adequate performance for the money, especially when compared to the superior cooling offered by coolers like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ($40 USD).
The author ultimately suggests that no matter how mighty a cooler is, they do not wish to purchase the standard Freezer 36.