| CoolIT Systems Freezone Thermoelectric CPU Cooler
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Conclusion:
The CoolIT Systems Freezone Thermoelectric CPU Cooler lives up to the name. The Freezone is capable of handling 175W of power and this means it can help you push your modern AMD or Intel processor to higher clock speeds with lower temperatures. Despite the complex appearance of the system, installation is surprisingly easy, meaning you will be up and running on your cooler CPU in no time.
Compared to a stock Intel heatsink the CoolIT Systems Freezone Thermoelectric CPU Cooler demonstrated at least a 50% improvement in cooling capability with the fan set to high speed. These results are impressive but they do come with some points to consider, and quite a price tag. The main points to consider are not negatives for all potential users, but they could be problems for some interested in this kit. The unit takes up a good deal of space inside a case, making it less than ideal for tightly packed systems. In addition, access to things such as memory slots, drive connections, and fan headers will become more inconvenient as this thing cantilevers out in front of them. The mount for the system requires a case with a rear 92mm or 120mm fan, so if your case has an 80mm fan out back it will not fit. And finally, the thermal control unit could be designed better so as not to clutter up the case, and to allow easier access.
A search of PriceGrabber finds the Freezone for $275 and up, which might be hard to justify when you consider aftermarket air cooled heatsinks that cost a fraction of the price may give you similar performance. Now if you are considering noise reduction then that may help you justify the $275 price tag demanded for the Freezone.
Considering the simple installation and great cooling performance, the CoolIT Systems Freezone Thermoelectric CPU Cooler can be a great solution for many users. Just make sure the cooler will fit inside your case. Overall, the final impression is quite positive and the Freezone earns the award of "Great Idea".
Pros:
» Very simple installation
» Reduced temperatures by more than 50% when compared to stock Intel heatsink
» Compact, self-contained, & maintenance free
» Adjustable potentiometer gives you further temperature control
Cons:
» Takes up a lot of motherboard real estate (IDE connections, RAM, etc. are harder to access)
» At maximum fan speed (43dBa) this cooler is not exactly "whisper quiet"
» Freezone fan is 92mm in diameter (no option for a 120mm case fan exists)
» Won't fit into a computer tower with 80mm rear exhaust fans
» Thermal control unit will clutter the case with cables
Special thanks to CoolIT Systems for providing the CoolIT Systems Freezone Thermoelectric CPU Cooler to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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