Quality (30% of the total score)
The quality standards of ARCTIC have always been high and the Freezer i30 bears no exception to that rule. The large tower cooler is generally well designed and manufactured, while it is complemented by a very good cooling fan as well. The mounting mechanism is very firm but we feel that it could be improved, at least to offer the ability to remove the CPU without disassembling the entire retention mechanism. However, even though the Freezer i30 currently is the best Intel CPU cooler the company offers, it is not immaculate. Although our complaints might seem focused on insignificant points, such as the lack of plating on the copper heatpipes and minor imperfections regarding the contact of the fins to the heatpipes, yet they are enough for us not to be able to call the quality of the Freezer i30 “flawless”.
Quality Score 8.5/10
Performance (40% of the total score)
Considering the class and retail price of the Freezer i30, the overall performance of the cooler is exceptional. The Freezer i30 did not provide either the best thermal performance or the lowest operating noise we have ever seen, yet it manages to combine both with extraordinary efficiency. The result is a low-noise cooler with exceptional thermal capabilities offered at a very competitive price. Enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find many other products balancing all aspects of performance as well as the Freezer i30 does.
Performance Score 9.5/10
Aesthetics (20% of the total score)
Aesthetically, the Freezer i30 is “just another” large tower cooler. Although the design is not dull, with engravings decorating the top aluminum fin, a sleeved power cable and a futuristic fin design, the major attraction of the cooler is just the white bladed fan and its glossy black frame. There is nothing wrong regarding the design of the Freezer i30 but nothing spectacular either. Aesthetically, we would simply rate the Freezer i30 as slightly above average.
Aesthetics Score 7.0/10
Value (10% of the total score)
Value is certainly the strongest selling point of the Freezer i30. The cooler is currently available for less than 50 USD (65 SGD) at the time of this review, a rather good price for the overall performance and features of this cooler. The price in Europe is far more competitive, with the Freezer i30 retailing for less than 25€ (40 SGD) in some stores, making it an insanely good bargain for anyone who would like a high performance, low noise CPU cooler. The fact that ARCTIC backs up their product with a 6 year long warranty enhances the long term value of their product even further. Especially for consumers capable of finding this cooler at or near the price it currently retails for in Europe, we sincerely believe that they will have a hard time finding anything better anywhere near this price range.
Value Score 10/10
Originally Posted by siopao1984
Quality (30% of the total score)
Reply With Quote
Posting Permissions
