Compare: Mugen 5 Rev. C vs Liquid Freezer III 240

Design and Aesthetics:

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The Mugen 5 Rev. C features a single-tower design with a large aluminum heatsink and a single 120mm Kaze Flex fan. This design ensures efficient heat dissipation while allowing compatibility with different system configurations, including those with tall RAM modules. Aesthetically, the Mugen 5 Rev. C has a sleek and modern appearance with a silver and black color scheme that complements various build themes.

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.

Install Notes:

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. C comes with a mounting system that offers compatibility with a wide variety of Intel and AMD sockets. The installation process is relatively straightforward, thanks to the detailed instructions and high-quality components provided. This cooler employs a similar method to the Noctua installation, but with a slight alteration in the male and female connectors on the cooler's mounting system. This modification allows for easy installation and removal of the cooler. However, to ensure optimal cooling performance, it's essential to carefully follow the instructions and achieve proper mounting.

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.

Cooling Performance:

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The performance of the Mugen 5 Rev. C is exceptional due to its six heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. It is suitable for a wide range of processors, including some high-end models with high TDPs. The cooler can handle moderate levels of overclocking on mid-level CPUs and provides reliable cooling under demanding situations, making it a popular choice among PC enthusiasts.

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.

Noise Performance:

Mugen 5 Rev. C

One of the standout features of the Mugen 5 Rev. C is its quiet operation. The included 120mm Kaze Flex fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Scythe fans are known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the Mugen 5 Rev. C upholds this reputation. Users can expect quiet cooling even during moderate workloads or gaming sessions.

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.

Summary:

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The Mugen 5 Rev. C is a high-performance air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its single-tower design and sleek aesthetics make it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their PC systems.

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.