Compare: Liquid Freezer II 240 vs Hyper 212 Halo Black

Design and Aesthetics:

Liquid Freezer II 240

Highlighted by its captivating ARGB lighting, this cooler presents a streamlined look with a pair of 120-millimeter fans adorning its 240mm radiator. Cable management concerns are efficiently addressed from the start through the pre-daisy-chained ARGB and RPM cords. A seamless blend is achieved with its black radiator, fan frames, and water pipes, tailored to complement darker cooler setups. It's worth noting that the water pump, though possessing a distinctive design, may exhibit a more understated aesthetic when juxtaposed with AIO coolers showcasing more intricate pump designs.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

This cooler boasts a sleek, all-black RGB design that adds a stylish touch to any setup. Its compact size ensures it doesn't overpower the overall look and is ideal for builds where space is limited. Additionally, the cooler offers a sleek top that hides the coolers 4 heat-pipes. Moreover, it includes a sleek top cover that conceals its four heat pipes, contributing to a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.

Install Notes:

Liquid Freezer II 240

This cooler is relatively easy to install with the fans pre-installed on the radiator with the RPM connectors daisy chained neatly with a single connector coming out of the pump for the Fan inputs. However, this cooler requires it to be offset to the base mount, which can take some time to get right. Additionally, the heat pipes don't pivot from the pump which may make placement in certain setups difficult.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a distinctive installation design that is somewhat more complex than the standard design found in modern coolers. Initially, the mounting brackets are attached to the cooler, which is then secured to the motherboard at four points. While the process is straightforward, ensuring an equal connection at all four points can sometimes be challenging when handling the cooler.

Cooling Performance:

Liquid Freezer II 240

Despite its compact size, this cooler delivers impressive cooling power through its pair of 120mm fans. It matches the cooling performance of leading air coolers, making it an excellent choice for setups that demand efficient cooling while avoiding the bulkiness of traditional air cooling solutions. However, if you're seeking even higher performance beyond what an air cooler can offer, transitioning to a 360mm setup becomes necessary.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is small but works better than many other coolers. But, if you have a very strong computer or want to make it run faster than usual, this cooler might not keep it cool enough.

Noise Performance:

Liquid Freezer II 240

Operating with near-silent efficiency, the water pump ensures minimal noise disruption, while the pair of 120mm fans provide exceptional airflow at a manageable noise level. Consequently, the cooler excels in delivering impressive cooling performance with barely perceptible noise during typical usage scenarios. Nevertheless, when pushing a high TDP CPU to its limits, the cooler may produce some noise as it copes with the heightened heat load.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is quieter than many other coolers tested and provides better cooling for the amount of noise it makes. However, this efficiency comes with the trade-off of achieving only moderate cooling performance.

Summary:

Liquid Freezer II 240

Enhanced by ARGB lighting, this cooler boasts dual 120mm fans situated on a 240mm radiator, ensuring efficient cooling with discreet black components that complement darker setups. The installation process is made convenient through pre-installed fans and daisy-chained RPM connectors. Despite its compact size, it delivers efficient cooling comparable to premium air coolers; however, for heightened performance demands, a 360mm setup might be better suited. Operating with minimal noise, the water pump and fans collaborate to maintain exceptional airflow at manageable sound levels. During regular use, it offers efficient cooling with a slight noise presence, yet handling high TDP CPUs during intensive tasks may result in increased noise due to elevated heat loads.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a unique, slightly complex installation and a sleek, all-black RGB design that suits any compact setup well. Although straightforward to install, ensuring even connection at all motherboard points can be tricky. Its design cleverly hides the heat pipes for a clean appearance. While it outperforms many coolers in terms of noise-to-cooling ratio, it's best for standard use rather than high-powered CPUs or extensive overclocking, due to its moderate cooling performance.