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Review: LGA1156 cooler shootout: Arctic Cooling, Corsair, Scythe and Zalman go head-to-head

by James Smith on 18 December 2009, 17:11 3.3

Tags: Corsair Hydro H50, ARCTIC COOLING Freezer XTREME Rev. 2, Scythe Kabuto, Zalman CNPS10X Flex, Zalman (090120.KQ), Corsair, Scythe, Arctic

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qaveh

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Arctic Cooling Freezer Xtreme Rev. 2 - Initial inspection

One of the larger coolers on test, there's nothing to differentiate the front from the back, thus begging the question which way around would work best?

Unlike some coolers the branding on the top of the Freezer Xtreme Rev. 2 isn't just for show, and in this case forms the top of the fan housing.

The heatsink-sandwiched fan needs to be removed during both installation and removal of the cooler, but this can be easily done, just squeeze the two plastic latches on either side.

Some people prefer to apply it themselves, however at least when testing coolers (and for the majority of users we think), it’s best if some T.I.M. (Thermal Interface Material) is already applied as seen here.

Also clearly visible in this photo are the two mounting holes for the cooler.

Supplied with just the bare necessities and a black-and-white instruction booklet, these are the only obvious signs of where costs may have been cut to reach the sub-£30 price point.