Compare: Freezer 36 vs Mugen 6

Design and Aesthetics:

Freezer 36

This cooler features an all black design with a single heatsink, two Arctic P12 fans, and a polished top. It offers a clean and polished appearance that's ideal for an all-black setup, which is my preferred build.

Mugen 6

This cooler features a sleek, monolithic design with an exposed metal heatsink and a polished top that conceals the heat-pipe ends, giving it a clean, refined appearance. It comes with a single 120mm black fan, with the option to add a second for enhanced cooling performance. While other design variations exist, this model emphasizes simplicity and modern aesthetics.

Install Notes:

Freezer 36

the Arctic Freezer 36 features a novel way to secure the fan to the cooler. It uses buttons that are pre-installed and attached to the fan to snap into the cooler. This makes the process much easier relative to the main steam method that uses wires that can sometimes bend the heatsink fans. The rest of the installation process follows the industry standard with mounting brackets that secure the cooler to the motherboard. Given it's size, it's much easier to handle than some of the larger dual tower coolers.

Mugen 6

The Scythe Mugen 6 features a standard installation process, where brackets are first attached to the motherboard, followed by the cooler. It includes a single fan, with the option to install a second for enhanced cooling performance. Its design ensures compatibility with most motherboards, without interfering with RAM placement.

Cooling Performance:

Freezer 36

This cooler is better than many others and runs almost at full speed when cooling high-power CPUs with a lot of use. It works well for medium-level CPUs that produce a moderate amount of heat. However, it might not cool down CPUs very well if they generate a lot of heat.

Mugen 6

This cooler delivers above-average performance and its performance is in line given its size and single fan configuration. With the option to add a second fan, it allows for improved cooling and a better noise-to-performance ratio at minimal cost, offering upgrade flexibility. However, in its default configuration, it may not be sufficient for high-end CPUs that generate significant heat.

Noise Performance:

Freezer 36

This cooler is relatively quiet, making it perfect for setups where silence is important. Its efficiency in cooling relative to its noise level is matched by very few other coolers.

Mugen 6

This cooler boasts an excellent noise profile, thanks to its single 120mm fan. While adding a second fan can enhance overall cooling and improve the sound-to-performance ratio, it may also lead to increased noise levels at higher speeds. Overall, the cooler maintains a good balance between noise and performance, especially considering its size and fan configuration.

Summary:

Freezer 36

The Arctic Freezer 36 features a novel fan attachment method with pre-installed buttons for easy setup, avoiding the complications of traditional wire methods. Its compact size and standard mounting brackets simplify installation, making it less cumbersome than larger coolers. With an all-black design, single heatsink, and two Arctic P12 fans, it offers a sleek look ideal for all-black setups. This cooler performs well, efficiently cooling high-power CPUs under heavy use, best suited for medium-level CPUs. Despite its effectiveness, it may not handle extremely hot CPUs as well. Its quiet operation is a significant advantage, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments, standing out for its exceptional cooling-to-noise ratio.

Mugen 6

The Scythe Mugen 6 features a straightforward installation process, with brackets attached to the motherboard before securing the cooler. Its monolithic design includes an exposed metal heatsink and polished top, hiding the heat-pipe ends for a clean, modern look. It comes with a single 120mm black fan, with the option to add a second for enhanced cooling performance. The cooler is compatible with most motherboards, avoiding interference with RAM placement. Offering above-average performance, the option for a second fan allows for improved cooling and a better noise-to-performance ratio, though overall noise levels may increase at higher speeds. In its default configuration, the cooler performs well but may not be sufficient for high-end CPUs that produce significant heat. Overall, it strikes an impressive balance between noise and performance.