Thermalright Frozen Notte 120 ARGB Black Liquid CPU Cooler, 120mm PWM Fan with ARGB-Up to 2000RPM Speed, for AMD/AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851,Black
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AI Verdict
This is a budget 120mm ARGB liquid CPU cooler with a 2800RPM pump and 2000RPM fan, best for compact builds or CPUs with lower thermal demands.
This 120mm AIO is a situational fit because its compact size and ARGB lighting are appealing for smaller builds and aesthetics, but its cooling capacity is inherently limited by the single 120mm radiator. It's a strong contender for budget-conscious users with mid-tier CPUs who value liquid cooling aesthetics over raw thermal performance for high-end chips.
If you have a high-end CPU or plan on overclocking, look for AIOs with at least a 240mm or 360mm radiator to ensure adequate heat dissipation.
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Pros
- ARGB lighting on both the fan and pump head synchronizes with 5V 3-pin motherboard headers, offering rich lighting effects.
- The pump head features an all-aluminum alloy cover, mirror electroplated acrylic, and a 0.1mm pitch copper bottom, with a pump speed up to 2800RPM±10%.
- Equipped with a Stably-FDB magnetic stabilization bearing fan, designed to reduce fan blade shaking and lower noise levels.
- Broad compatibility with Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5/AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+/FM1/FM2/FM2+ sockets.
- The pump is located on the tubing, which can free up space around the CPU socket.
- Includes mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, simplifying installation.
Cons
- A single 120mm radiator might struggle to effectively cool high-TDP CPUs, especially during sustained heavy loads.
- The fan can get audibly loud when operating at its maximum 2000 RPM speed to achieve optimal cooling.
- The pump's location on the tubing can make tube routing slightly more challenging in some cases.
- Some users have reported concerns about pump failure rates across various Thermalright AIO models, though experiences vary.
Dimension Scores
The 120mm radiator and 2000 RPM fan provide adequate cooling for mid-range CPUs but will be limited for high-TDP processors, performing similarly to high-end air coolers in some scenarios.
While designed to minimize noise, the fan can become subjectively loud at its maximum 2000 RPM, which may be necessary for effective cooling under load.
Features like an all-aluminum alloy pump cover, 0.1mm pitch copper bottom, and S-FDB bearing fans suggest a focus on component quality for its price point.
The pre-installed fans and branch connectors simplify some aspects, but the inline pump on the tubing might introduce minor challenges for clean tube routing in some builds.
Best For
- Compact PC builds where space for larger air coolers or AIOs is limited.
- Systems with mid-range CPUs (e.g., Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5) that don't produce extreme heat.
- Users prioritizing ARGB aesthetics and synchronized lighting in a budget-friendly liquid cooling solution.
- First-time liquid cooler buyers looking for an affordable entry point.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs (e.g., Intel i9, AMD Ryzen 9) that generate significant heat under heavy loads or overclocking.
- Users who demand near-silent operation, especially under load.
- Anyone needing a primary cooling solution for a workstation or gaming rig with consistently high CPU utilization.
Watch Out For
- The fan can become noticeably loud at its peak 2000 RPM, potentially distracting during intense tasks or gaming without headphones.
- Installation might require some 'finagling' of the tubing due to the pump's inline placement, which could complicate routing in tight cases.
- While not specific to this model, some users have reported a pump failure rate of 3-7% across various Thermalright AIOs within months of purchase, raising long-term reliability concerns.
- Thermal paste is not pre-applied, requiring manual application, though a tube is included.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 753873529290 |
| ASIN | B0FDKDXW2D |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3.04 pounds |
| Noise Level | 27.7 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 72.37 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72 x 4.72 x 2.05 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2000 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Users often pick this cooler because it's cheap and looks cool with all the ARGB, especially for smaller builds where a big air cooler just won't fit. People are generally surprised by how well it cools for the price, even keeping a Ryzen 7 5800X3D around 70°C while gaming, though that means the fan is probably screaming. The pump being on the tube instead of the CPU block is a weird design choice that some folks found made tube routing a bit fiddly, but not impossible. There's definitely a mixed bag on long-term reliability for Thermalright AIOs, with some reporting pump failures after a few months, while others have had theirs running for over a year without issues.
“Dude, for fifty bucks, this thing actually keeps my Ryzen 5 7600X pretty chill, and the RGB looks sick. Yeah, the fan gets a bit noisy when I'm really pushing it, but I wear headphones anyway. Totally worth it if you're on a budget and want liquid cooling.”
Common Praise
- The ARGB lighting on both the fan and pump head looks fantastic and syncs easily with motherboard software.
- Offers surprisingly effective cooling performance for its budget price, especially for mid-range CPUs.
- The compact 120mm size fits well into smaller PC cases where larger coolers are not an option.
- Installation is straightforward with included mounting hardware for a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets.
- The unique pump-on-tube design frees up space around the CPU socket, which can improve aesthetics.
Common Complaints
- The fan can get quite loud when running at full speed, which is often necessary to keep temperatures down under load.
- Some users found the tubing with the inline pump a bit stiff or awkward to route cleanly in their cases.
- Concerns about the long-term reliability of Thermalright AIO pumps have been raised, with some reports of early failures.
- Performance on very hot, high-end CPUs might not be sufficient for heavy workloads or overclocking, performing more like a high-end air cooler in those scenarios.
Ownership Tips
- The ARGB lighting is bright and vibrant, and the synchronization with the motherboard works without needing extra software.
- The pump is surprisingly quiet, even when the fan ramps up.
- The tubing is a bit stiff, so plan your routing before you start tightening everything down.
- You'll want to replace the included thermal paste with something better if you're trying to squeeze every last degree out of it.
- The mirror effect on the pump head looks way cooler in person than in pictures, especially with the lights on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the cooler includes a tube of thermal paste for manual application, as it is not pre-applied to the cold plate.
Where is the pump located on this AIO?
Unlike many AIOs, the pump on the Thermalright Frozen Notte 120 is located inline on the tubing, rather than integrated into the CPU block or radiator.
Is the ARGB lighting compatible with my motherboard?
Yes, the ARGB lighting for both the fan and water-cooling head synchronizes with standard 5V 3-pin ARGB headers found on most modern motherboards.
What CPU sockets does it support?
It supports a wide range of Intel sockets including LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700, and AMD sockets AM4/AM5/AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+/FM1/FM2/FM2+.
How loud is the fan?
The 120mm PWM fan can reach speeds of up to 2000 RPM, and while designed to minimize noise, it can produce audible sound at its maximum speed.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at liquid CPU coolers, especially 120mm ones, you need to understand that they're not always about raw cooling power for the hottest chips. A 120mm AIO like this is often chosen for its compact size, which lets it fit into smaller cases, and for the visual flair of RGB lighting around your CPU. It's usually enough for mid-range processors, but don't expect it to tame a beastly, overclocked CPU without making some noise.
Radiator Size (120mm)
This tells you how big the heat exchanger is. A 120mm radiator is the smallest common size for an AIO. It's great for fitting into tight spaces, but it has less surface area to dissipate heat compared to 240mm or 360mm radiators. Think of it like a small car radiator – it can cool a small engine fine, but a big engine needs a bigger radiator.
Fan Speed (up to 2000 RPM)
RPM (revolutions per minute) indicates how fast the fan spins. Higher RPM generally means more airflow and better cooling, but it also means more noise. A fan hitting 2000 RPM can move a lot of air, but you'll definitely hear it working hard, like a small jet engine spooling up.
Pump Speed (up to 2800 RPM)
The pump circulates the liquid coolant. A higher pump speed means the coolant moves faster, carrying heat away from your CPU more efficiently. This cooler's 2800 RPM pump is pretty quick for a budget AIO, which helps compensate for the smaller radiator size.
ARGB (Addressable RGB)
This is all about the lights! ARGB lets you control individual LEDs on the fan and pump head, creating customizable color patterns and effects. It connects to a special header on your motherboard, so you can sync it with other RGB components in your PC, making everything glow in harmony.
Alternatives
If this 120mm AIO isn't enough, look for coolers with larger radiator sizes (240mm or 360mm) for significantly better cooling performance, or consider high-end air coolers if you prioritize silence and don't need the liquid cooling aesthetic.
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