Compare: Liquid Freezer III 240 vs Mugen 6

Design and Aesthetics:

Liquid Freezer III 240

This cooler showcases a sleek, symmetrical design with a modern aesthetic. While this model doesn’t include RGB lighting, there are versions available that do, allowing you to choose based on your style preferences. Overall, it adds a clean, contemporary look to your PC setup.

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:

Liquid Freezer III 240

The Arctic Freezer III 240 retains the easy installation features of its predecessor while offering added convenience. What sets this cooler apart is its pre-installed fans on the radiator, simplifying the setup compared to other all-in-one (AIO) coolers. The detachable CPU mounting bracket further enhances the installation process by eliminating interference from aesthetic components. However, attaching the control cable to the motherboard can be challenging once the cooler is mounted. To avoid this, it’s advisable to connect the cable to the motherboard before installing the cooler.

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:

Liquid Freezer III 240

The Arctic Freezer III 240 offers some performance improvements over its predecessor, the Arctic Freezer 240, but this comes with increased noise. Relative to other coolers in it's weight class, this cooler outperforms most.

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:

Liquid Freezer III 240

The Arctic Freezer III 240 has a more powerful pump that has the potential to be quite audible. Since our testing was conducted with the AIO pump running at 100% speed, lowering the pump speed during less demanding tasks can help reduce noise levels without sacrificing too much performance.

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:

Liquid Freezer III 240

The Arctic Freezer III retains its user-friendly installation design, featuring pre-attached radiator fans and a detachable CPU mounting bracket for simpler setup. However, connecting the control cable can be challenging once the cooler is installed, so it's best to attach it beforehand. The cooler sports a modern design, with some versions offering RGB lighting for added customization. While it boasts aesthetic improvements and lower noise levels compared to standard coolers and its predecessor, the Arctic Freezer 240, the Arctic Freezer III 240 delivers average performance and struggles to effectively cool high-core CPUs under heavy workloads.

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.