Compare: AS500 Plus vs Liquid Freezer II 240

Design and Aesthetics:

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 Plus features a sleek and minimalist design with a large aluminum heatsink, an eye-catching black finish, and a top cover with customizable RGB lighting. The AS500 Plus comes with two 140mm PWM fans that provide efficient heat dissipation and a striking appearance.

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:

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 Plus features a mounting system compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, and as of 2023, it employs DeepCool's more modern installation designs. These designs include additional components for an easier installation process. The backplates are secured by single hand-screwed nuts that also serve to hold the mount from the other side, simplifying the backplate placement during installation. Comprehensive instructions and high-quality components make the process user-friendly and straightforward. The remaining part of the installation resembles Noctua's typical installation, which is easy to execute but may pose challenges during uninstallation if the thermal paste adheres 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:

AS500 Plus

The AS500 Plus has five heat pipes that effectively transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. The dual 140mm PWM fans deliver optimal airflow and cooling performance while maintaining low noise levels, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of processors, including high-end models with high TDPs.

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:

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 plus is a louder than average cooler. The two included 140mm fans are designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Although, this cooler can be louder than some other coolers of similar size, the relative cooling makes this cooler a contender for your setup.

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:

AS500 Plus

Deepcool AS500 Plus is a high-performance air cooler that provides excellent cooling capabilities, quiet operation, and a visually appealing design. Its customizable RGB lighting and compatibility with a wide range of processors make it a popular choice for PC enthusiasts seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their systems.

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.