Compare: AK500 vs Liquid Freezer II 240

Design and Aesthetics:

AK500

The AK500 air cooler is like the AK400 but has a bigger radiator for better cooling. It has a smooth black top and comes with a single 120mm black fan, perfect for people who like a simple design. The one-tower aluminum radiator is really good at getting rid of heat, which helps keep your CPU cool. This small and low-key cooler works well and fits easily into all kinds of computer setups, making it an awesome choice for anyone who wants something that looks good and works great.

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.

Install Notes:

AK500

The AK500 has DeepCool's more modern installation designs as of 2023, which has more components than most for an easy install. The backplates are held down by single hand screwed nuts that also serve to hold the mount from the other side. This makes it easy to place the backplate correctly during the installation. The remaining portion of the install is similar to that of Noctua's typical installation, which makes it easy, but also can make the uninstallation challenging if the thermal paste sticks well to the CPU.

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.

Cooling Performance:

AK500

The AK500 delivers impressive cooling performance for its size, attributed to its four heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin array on the heatsink. It is well-suited for up to moderate-level processors; however, it might not be the best choice for high TDP CPUs or those looking to overclock their systems.

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.

Noise Performance:

AK500

This CPU cooler offers average cooling performance and operates at a moderate noise level. While it may not be the quietest option on the market, it maintains a comfortable balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance. This cooler is suitable for users who are not particularly sensitive to noise and are seeking a cost-effective solution for maintaining stable temperatures in their systems without demanding top-tier cooling or silent operation.

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.

Summary:

AK500

This cooler has a moderately difficult installation, especially for AMD CPUs, due to its unique mounting setup. The installation process is similar to the AK400. The AK500 has a compact design, moderate cooling performance, and above-average noise levels. With a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the cooler is suitable for various PC builds, offering a balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance for users seeking cost-effective solutions without top-tier cooling or silent operation.

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.