Thermalright Frozen Notte 120 ARGB Black Aio CPU Cooler Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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In this thermalright frozen notte 120 argb black aio CPU cooler review, we look at a compact liquid cooling solution designed for modern processors. This unit features a 120mm radiator and a pump head that spins up to 2800 RPM. It uses a 120mm PWM fan with a maximum speed of 2000 RPM to push air through the black aluminum fins. The design includes a copper base for efficient heat transfer and ARGB lighting for visual customization. We break down these specifications to help you decide if this AIO fits your build.
What stands out
- Pump speed reaches up to 2800 RPM for consistent heat removal.
- 120mm PWM fan delivers 72.37 CFM of air volume at max speed.
- Noise levels stay at or below 27.7 dBA during operation.
- Full copper mirror plane base ensures direct contact with the CPU.
- Supports ARGB lighting via a 5V 3-pin interface for sync.
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this cooler if you have a compact case that fits a 120mm radiator. It suits users who want quiet operation, as the fan noise is rated at 27.7 dBA. The wide socket support, including LGA 1700 and AM5, makes it a good choice for recent Intel and AMD builds. If you prefer a low-profile black aesthetic with customizable ARGB lighting, this unit provides those visual elements without requiring excessive space.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need high-end cooling for heavily overclocked CPUs. A 120mm radiator has limited surface area compared to 240mm or 360mm options. This limits its ability to dissipate large amounts of heat under heavy loads. If your processor runs hot or you plan to push it beyond stock speeds, the smaller radiator may struggle to maintain low temperatures. You would get better thermal performance from a larger AIO size.
Verdict: This is a modest AIO suited for small cases and moderate thermal loads. It offers basic ARGB lighting and quiet operation for entry-level builds.
Key specs explained for this AIO
Fan Size: 120mm
This cooler uses a single 120mm fan on the radiator. You get a compact unit that fits in smaller cases where larger radiators will not clear the side panel. When shopping for air coolers, note that a single 120mm fan is smaller than the dual-fan setups common in high-end air blocks. This size prioritizes case compatibility over raw airflow volume.
Fan Speed: 2000RPM±10%
The fan spins up to 2000 RPM, which is a moderate speed for this size. You get decent airflow without the high-pitched whine of faster fans. This setting balances cooling performance with noise levels. Compare this to high-end air coolers that often use larger fans spinning slower to move the same amount of air. The PWM control lets the system adjust speed based on heat.
Lighting: ARGB
The unit includes addressable RGB lighting for visual customization. You can sync the colors with your motherboard software to match your build theme. This is purely aesthetic and does not affect cooling performance. When comparing air coolers, many budget models skip lighting entirely. If you want a specific look, this feature allows you to change colors manually or via software.
Socket Compatibility: AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200
This cooler supports a wide range of modern and older processors. You can install it on Intel LGA 1700/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. This broad compatibility means you do not need to worry about mounting brackets for new platforms. When buying air coolers, always check socket support first. This list covers most current desktop CPUs, making it a versatile choice for various builds.
Design and Build Details
The listing describes a compact AIO with a 120mm radiator and a single PWM fan. The pump head features an all-aluminum alloy cover with mirror electroplated acrylic. The base uses a 0.1mm pitch copper bottom. These materials aim to improve heat transfer and visual appeal. The unit measures 6.18 inches in length and width, with a height of 4.72 inches. This small footprint allows it to fit in cases with limited space. You should check your case dimensions before purchasing.
The included TL-E12B-S V2 fan spins up to 2000 RPM. It delivers 72.37 CFM of airflow with a noise level of 27.7 dBA. The fan uses a Stably-FDB bearing to reduce jitter and extend lifespan. It connects via a 4-pin PWM header for speed control and a 5V 3-pin ARGB header for lighting. The pump motor runs at 2800 RPM to circulate coolant. This speed ensures consistent cooling performance under load.
The cooler supports Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115x, and 1851 sockets, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. The listing notes that AMD installation requires the original motherboard backplane. The black finish matches most modern builds. You can manually adjust the ARGB colors. The design prioritizes compatibility and low noise. This makes it suitable for users who need a quiet, space-saving solution for current CPUs.
Installation And Daily Operation
You install this cooler using a dual-platform metal buckle system. The listing notes that mounting on AMD sockets requires the motherboard’s original backplate. This is a standard requirement for many AIOs to ensure secure attachment. You attach the pump head to the CPU and connect the fan and pump cables to your motherboard headers.
The fan uses a 4-pin PWM connection for speed control. It also includes a 5V 3-pin ARGB cable for lighting synchronization. You will need available headers on your motherboard for both functions. The pump head spins up to 2800 RPM. This speed helps move heat from the CPU to the radiator efficiently. The fan itself runs at 2000 RPM. It provides 72.37 CFM of airflow and stays under 27.7 dBA. This balance allows you to maintain temperatures without excessive noise.
Daily use involves the system adjusting fan speed based on CPU temperature. The S-FDB bearing in the fan reduces jitter and noise during boost modes. This helps keep the system stable under load. The ARGB lighting can be adjusted manually through your motherboard software. You can change colors to match your build. The cooler supports Intel LGA 1700, 1200, and 1851 sockets, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. This wide compatibility means you can use it across many modern platforms. The compact 120mm size fits in smaller cases where larger radiators might not clear the side panel.
Before You Buy This AIO
Before you buy, check your case dimensions. This AIO has a 120mm radiator, so you need space for that plus the pump height. The listing gives specific width and height measurements. Measure your chassis carefully to ensure the radiator fits without blocking other components. You must also verify socket compatibility. This unit supports Intel LGA 1700, 1200, and 1851, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. Some older sockets may not work. Since this is a liquid cooler, unlike the air coolers listed on this page, you do not need to apply thermal paste to the CPU. The pump handles the transfer. However, you should still use high-quality thermal paste between the cold plate and your processor for best results. This cooler is best for users who prefer the compact footprint of a 120mm AIO over larger air towers. It suits builds where side-panel clearance is tight. Keep the fans clean to maintain the specified noise levels and airflow performance over time.
Check before you buy
- Measure your case for the 120mm radiator and pump height.
- Confirm your CPU socket is LGA 1700, 1200, 1851, AM4, or AM5.
- Use quality thermal paste between the CPU and cold plate.
- Check if your motherboard has a 5V 3-pin ARGB header.
The product at a glance
Thermalright Frozen Notte 120 ARGB Black AIO
Best for: compact cases and mainstream CPU cooling
- Socket Compatibility
- Intel lga115x/1200/1851/1700,AMD:AM4/AM5
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 2000RPM±10%
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Color
- Black
- Features
- Fan
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This Thermalright 120mm AIO cooler features a copper base and aluminum fin stack. The included TL-E12B-S V2 fan reaches 2000 RPM with 72.37 CFM airflow. It supports ARGB lighting and S-FDB bearings for stability. The pump head runs up to 2800 RPM. It fits Intel LGA 1700/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. This compact unit suits builds with limited radiator space.
Pros
- 120mm fan delivers 72.37 CFM max airflow
- S-FDB bearing reduces fan noise and jitter
- Pump speed reaches 2800 RPM for cooling
- Supports 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting
Cons
- 120mm radiator offers less cooling capacity than 240mm or 360mm options
- AMD installation requires the motherboard's original backplane
- Fan noise can reach 27.7 dBA at max speed
Good fit if
- You need a compact cooler for small cases
- You use Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 sockets
- You want ARGB lighting integration
Skip if
- You require high-end cooling for heavy overclocking
- You prefer a 240mm or 360mm radiator size
- You cannot use the motherboard backplate for AMD installation
Verdict: Thermalright Frozen Notte 120 ARGB Black AIO provides efficient cooling for mainstream CPUs in compact builds. It is a practical option for users with space constraints who still want RGB lighting and reliable fan performance.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Frozen Notte 120 ARGB Black AIO |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | Intel lga115x/1200/1851/1700,AMD:AM4/AM5 |
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | 2000RPM±10% |
| Lighting | ARGB |
| Color | Black |
| Features | Fan |
| Dimensions | 6.18 × 4.72 × 6.18 inches |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Frozen Notte 120 support modern Intel sockets?
Yes, it supports LGA 1851 and LGA 1200. This compatibility allows you to use the cooler with both older and newer Intel processors. You can install it on these platforms without needing additional adapters beyond the standard mounting hardware provided by the manufacturer.
Is this AIO compatible with AMD AM5 motherboards?
It is compatible with AM4 and AM5 sockets. You can mount this cooler on AMD platforms, but you must use the motherboard’s original backplate for secure attachment. This ensures proper pressure and stability during operation.
What are the physical dimensions of the pump head?
The pump head measures 4.72 inches in width, 6.18 inches in height, and 6.18 inches in length. These compact dimensions help it fit into smaller cases. You should verify clearance around the socket area to ensure the block does not interfere with RAM or VRMs.
What type of lighting does this cooler feature?
It features ARGB lighting. This allows you to synchronize the color effects with compatible motherboards or lighting controllers. The black color scheme provides a subtle look that blends well with dark-themed builds while still offering customizable visual effects.
Who is this cooler best suited for?
It is best for compact cases and mainstream CPU cooling. Users with space constraints who still want RGB lighting and reliable fan performance will find it practical. It is designed to handle mainstream processors efficiently without requiring a large radiator footprint.
Does the cooler include a fan?
Yes, it includes a fan as a key feature. This single fan mounts to the 120mm radiator to dissipate heat. You benefit from integrated airflow management without needing to purchase a separate fan for the radiator setup.