Thermaltake or ARCTIC? CPU Coolers Compared in 2026
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When you search for thermaltake vs ARCTIC CPU cooler options, you find two distinct approaches to air cooling. Both brands offer single-tower designs with PWM fans and copper heat pipes to manage processor heat. The main difference lies in their scale and features. The Thermaltake model uses a compact 92mm fan and three heat pipes. The ARCTIC option steps up with a larger 120mm fan, four heat pipes, and integrated A-RGB lighting for users who want visual customization.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermaltake 92mm Triple Heatpipe CPU Cooler | ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm |
| Heat Pipes | 3 | 4 |
| Lighting | None listed | A-RGB |
| Tower Design | Dual Heatsink Module | Single-Tower |
| Height | 0.98 inches | 6.24 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermaltake 92mm Triple Heatpipe CPU Cooler if
- You need a low-profile cooler that fits in smaller cases with limited height clearance.
- You prefer a simpler design without RGB lighting effects.
Choose ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU Cooler if
- You want higher thermal performance from a larger 120mm fan and extra heat pipe.
- You desire customizable A-RGB lighting for your build aesthetics.
Verdict: The Thermaltake model suits builds where space is tight or you want a quiet, unobtrusive cooler. The ARCTIC Freezer i35 is better for standard cases where you need more cooling headroom and RGB features. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize physical size or thermal capacity and lighting.
Thermaltake vs ARCTIC Cooler Specs
fan size
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 uses a 120 mm fan, while the Thermaltake ISGC-200 relies on a smaller 92 mm fan. Larger fans generally move more air at lower speeds, which can reduce noise. The 120 mm fan in the ARCTIC unit offers a larger surface area for heat dissipation compared to the 92 mm unit. This size difference affects how each cooler interacts with your case airflow. You need to check your case compatibility for the larger ARCTIC fan. The smaller Thermaltake fan may fit in tighter spaces, but the ARCTIC design is standard for modern mid-tower cases.
heat pipes
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 includes four staggered heat pipes, whereas the Thermaltake ISGC-200 has three heat pipes. More heat pipes allow for faster transfer of heat away from the CPU base. The staggered arrangement in the ARCTIC cooler helps distribute heat more evenly across the heatsink fins. The Thermaltake uses a copper and aluminum base with its three pipes. While both designs aim for efficient transfer, the additional pipe in the ARCTIC model provides a higher theoretical capacity for moving thermal energy. This gives the ARCTIC cooler a structural advantage in heat spreading.
lighting
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 features A-RGB illumination with 12 digital LEDs in the fan hub. These LEDs can be controlled individually for various color effects. The Thermaltake ISGC-200 data does not mention any lighting features. If you want visible aesthetics on your build, the ARCTIC option provides customizable lighting. The Thermaltake cooler appears to be a functional-only design without visual enhancements. This difference matters if you have a side-panel window or care about case aesthetics. For pure performance without light, the Thermaltake is sufficient, but the ARCTIC offers more visual control.
socket compatibility
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 is explicitly designed for Intel sockets 1700, 1200, and 115X. It uses an Intel-specific mounting design to simplify installation. The Thermaltake ISGC-200 data does not list specific socket compatibility. This lack of listed information makes it unclear if the Thermaltake supports modern Intel platforms. If you are building with a recent Intel processor, the ARCTIC cooler is the safer choice due to its confirmed compatibility. You should verify the Thermaltake specs with the manufacturer if your socket is not standard. The ARCTIC clarity gives it an edge for Intel users.
dimensions
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 is significantly larger, measuring 6.24 inches in height and 5.24 inches in width. The Thermaltake ISGC-200 is much more compact, with a height of 0.98 inches and width of 3.62 inches. The Thermaltake is also lighter at 1.05 pounds compared to the ARCTIC's 1.62 pounds. Your choice depends on case clearance and RAM height. The compact Thermaltake fits in smaller cases or those with tall RAM sticks. The larger ARCTIC cooler requires more vertical space above the CPU socket. Check your case specifications before choosing the larger unit.
thermal paste
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 includes 0.8 grams of MX-5 thermal paste in the box. This paste is described as non-conductive and safe for use. The Thermaltake ISGC-200 data does not mention included thermal paste. Having paste included saves you from buying it separately. The ARCTIC cooler is ready to install with all necessary materials. If you already have high-quality paste, this matters less, but the inclusion is a practical benefit. The Thermaltake may require you to source your own thermal compound for proper installation.
Which CPU cooler suits your build
Users needing low profile for small cases
The Thermaltake ISGC-200 stands just 0.98 inches tall. This slim profile fits into compact chassis where taller coolers will not clear side panels. It uses a 92 mm fan and three heat pipes to move heat away from the processor. If your case height is limited, this cooler provides a practical cooling solution without requiring significant vertical clearance space.
Users wanting higher cooling performance and RGB
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 features a 120 mm fan and four staggered heat pipes. This configuration allows for faster heat transfer into the heatsink compared to smaller designs. It also includes 12 digital A-RGB LEDs for customizable lighting effects. The included MX-5 thermal paste ensures efficient contact between the cooler base and your CPU for optimal thermal performance.
Intel users seeking easy installation
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 is designed specifically for Intel sockets 1700, 1200, and 115X. This dedicated design minimizes the amount of mounting hardware needed during setup. You can install it quickly without dealing with complex brackets or excessive screws. This streamlined approach reduces installation time and effort while ensuring secure attachment to your motherboard.
The products compared
Thermaltake 92mm Triple Heatpipe CPU Cooler
Best for: Small cases and quiet builds
- Heat Pipes
- 3
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Features
- Fan
- Dimensions
- 3.62 × 3.62 × 0.98 inches
- Weight
- 1.05 pounds
View on Amazon: Thermaltake 92mm Triple Heatpipe CPU Cooler Affiliate link
The Thermaltake ISGC-200 is a side-flow CPU cooler featuring a slim 92mm PWM fan and three heat pipes. Its copper and aluminum base transfers heat to sawtooth fins for efficient dissipation. The Hydro Dynamic Bearing fan aims for stable, quiet operation. This compact unit suits small form factor cases or users prioritizing low noise over maximum cooling headroom.
Pros
- Slim 92mm PWM fan reduces air turbulence
- Three heat pipes with copper and aluminum base
- Hydro Dynamic Bearing for improved stability
- Sawtooth fin design enhances airflow
Cons
- Single 92mm fan limits cooling capacity
- Side-flow design may obstruct RAM modules
- No RGB lighting included
Good fit if
- You need a low-profile cooler for small cases
- You prioritize quiet operation over peak performance
- You have a budget build with modest TDP
Skip if
- You run high-TDP CPUs requiring dual towers
- You need RGB lighting for your build
- You require maximum cooling headroom
Verdict: Thermaltake ISGC-200 92mm Side Flow Cooler fits users with small cases or modest cooling needs. It trades raw power for a slim profile and quiet operation. Skip it if you need top-tier thermal performance.
ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU Cooler
Best for: Intel users wanting A-RGB and easy setup
- Socket Compatibility
- Intel 1700, 1200, 115X
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Single-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1700 RPM
- Lighting
- A-RGB
View on Amazon: ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU Cooler Affiliate link
This single-tower CPU cooler uses four staggered heat pipes to move heat into the aluminum fins. A 120 mm fan runs up to 1700 RPM to push air through the stack. It includes 0.8 g of MX-5 thermal paste and mounts to Intel 1700, 1200, and 115X sockets. The fan hub features 12 digital A-RGB LEDs for customizable lighting effects. It is designed for users who want efficient cooling with aesthetic control.
Pros
- Four staggered heat pipes for fast heat transfer
- 120 mm fan reaches 1700 RPM for steady airflow
- 12 digital A-RGB LEDs in the fan hub
- Includes 0.8 g of MX-5 thermal paste
- Intel-specific design simplifies installation on 1700, 1200, 115X
Cons
- Single-tower design limits cooling capacity for high-end CPUs
- 120 mm fan size restricts airflow compared to 140 mm options
- Only supports Intel sockets, not AMD
Good fit if
- You use an Intel 1700, 1200, or 115X processor
- You want A-RGB lighting control
- You prefer a compact single-tower build
Skip if
- You need AMD socket support
- You require a dual-tower for extreme heat loads
- You prefer a 140 mm fan for quieter operation
Verdict: ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB Single Tower Cooler offers reliable Intel cooling with customizable lighting. It fits users who value easy installation and aesthetic flexibility over maximum thermal headroom.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermaltake 92mm Triple Heatpipe CPU Cooler | ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | not stated | Intel 1700, 1200, 115X |
| Heat Pipes | 3 | 4 |
| Tower Design | not stated | Single-Tower |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120 mm |
| Fan Speed | not stated | 1700 RPM |
| Lighting | not stated | A-RGB |
| Color | not stated | Black |
| Features | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 3.62 × 3.62 × 0.98 inches | 3.58 × 5.24 × 6.24 inches |
| Weight | 1.05 pounds | 1.62 pounds |
| Model | CLP0538 | ACFRE00104A |
| Size | not stated | Freezer i35 A-RGB |
Frequently asked questions
Is ARCTIC better than Thermaltake for Intel builds?
ARCTIC offers a cooler specifically designed for Intel users. The Freezer i35 A-RGB includes four heat pipes and a single tower design. It provides reliable cooling with easy setup. Thermaltake’s ISGC-200 is a general-purpose option. It suits small cases but lacks Intel-specific mounting emphasis.
Which CPU cooler is quieter, Thermaltake or ARCTIC?
The Thermaltake ISGC-200 is noted for quiet operation. It uses a 92 mm fan and has a slim profile. The ARCTIC Freezer i35 uses a larger 120 mm fan. Larger fans move more air at lower speeds, which reduces noise. Both options prioritize quiet performance in different ways.
Does ARCTIC offer RGB lighting for CPU coolers?
Yes, the ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB includes RGB lighting. It allows for customizable aesthetic flexibility. The cooler features a black color scheme. Thermaltake’s ISGC-200 does not mention lighting features in its specifications. It focuses on function rather than visual effects for the build.
What is the height difference between these two coolers?
The Thermaltake ISGC-200 is 0.98 inches tall. The ARCTIC Freezer i35 stands 6.24 inches high. This significant difference matters for case compatibility. The slim Thermaltake fits compact chassis. The taller ARCTIC unit requires more vertical clearance inside the computer case.
How many heat pipes does the ARCTIC cooler have?
The ARCTIC Freezer i35 A-RGB has four heat pipes. This single tower design helps manage processor heat efficiently. The Thermaltake ISGC-200 is described as a triple heatpipe cooler. Both designs use copper heat pipes to transfer heat away from the CPU.
Which cooler is lighter and easier to install?
The Thermaltake ISGC-200 weighs 1.05 pounds. The ARCTIC Freezer i35 weighs 1.62 pounds. The lighter Thermaltake unit is easier to handle. The ARCTIC model is noted for easy setup. Its single tower design simplifies installation for most standard cases.