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ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs DeepCool AK400

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 and DeepCool AK400 both score 7.1/10 overall.

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 leads on noise.

The DeepCool AK400 leads on compatibility and fit and build and installation.

They score the same on cooling and value.

ARCTIC Freezer 36

ARCTIC Freezer 36

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 is for builders who want a quiet, low-cost air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits mainstream and upper-mid-range chips rather than the hottest processors at sustained heavy loads. Buyers who want maximum air-cooling performance should look at what sits above it.

Typically about £20.49 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

DeepCool AK400

DeepCool AK400

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The DeepCool AK400 is for builders who want a low-cost air cooler for a mainstream Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits anyone who wants current socket support, including LGA1851 and AM5, without paying for a bigger tower or an AIO. It is a sensible pick for mid-range builds, and less so for chips that draw well above its 220 W rating.

Typically about £20.50 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightARCTIC Freezer 36DeepCool AK400
Cooling35%7/107/10
Noise25%7/106/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/108/10
Value15%8/108/10
Build and installation10%6/107/10
Overall7.1/107.1/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36DeepCool AK400
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansSingle-tower air cooler, four 6 mm copper heat pipes, one 120 mm fan
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155; AMD AM5/AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mm155 mm total (L×W×H); heatsink 152 mm
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)not listedUp to 220 W
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWMOne 120×120×25 mm FDB fan, 500–1850 RPM ±10%, 4-pin PWM
Noise level (dBA)40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)≤29 dB(A) (manufacturer rating)
Warranty (years)6 years (manufacturer-stated in A-RGB spec)3 years (per Hwbusters spec list; not confirmed by DeepCool)

Strengths and weaknesses

ARCTIC Freezer 36

  • + Quiet operation praised by owners
  • + Ties Dark Rock Pro 4 in GamersNexus testing
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • − Intel installs require the included contact frame
  • − Peerless Assassin ran 3.3 °C cooler
  • − Failed a 205 W load in Techspot's test

Skip it if:

  • Buyers pairing it with a CPU drawing 200 W or more under sustained load
  • Intel builders who do not want a contact frame on the CPU
  • Anyone chasing the lowest temperatures an air cooler can give
Read the full ARCTIC Freezer 36 review ›

DeepCool AK400

  • + Strong cooling for the money, per owners
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • + Easy installation reported by owners
  • − Reported 8% throttling on an 11900K in the FPU test
  • − 42 dBA at full 1850 RPM in KitGuru's figures
  • − Mounting kit and pre-applied paste draw criticism

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a hot, high-power CPU that sits near or above 220 W under sustained load
  • Anyone with a compact case that can't take a 155 mm cooler
  • Buyers who want quiet full-speed operation without setting a fan curve
Read the full DeepCool AK400 review ›

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