BIOS Setting
We used the default PWM setting for all CPU cooler testing on the Intel X99 platform.
Sound Level Testing
We used a standard generic digital sound level meter at 15 inches. It is important to note we use the MicroCool Banchetto 101 Chassis for testing which is an open chassis. This means you are hearing the CPU cooler’s fan unobstructed.
If you place any fan or cooler in an enclosed chassis, the sound results should be quieter in most situations.
Thermal Paste
We use Arctic MX-2 for all heatsink cooler tests and in fact we use it for all builds, test or otherwise. We run the AIDA64 Engineer stability test as our burn in programme for thermal paste, which allows the paste to spread out and share the love across the mating surfaces. It is worth doing, we always notice a drop in temperatures even after only 30 minutes of burn in.
The Arctic Freezer i32 is shipped with Arctic MX-4, and as with all other cooler reviews, we will use the MX-2 for consistency. MX-4 has a higher Thermal Conductivity than MX-2, but is less dense, making it a higher end thermal paste and good to see it shipped with the Freezer i32. For these reasons, you may yield a better thermal and sound performance with the shipped thermal paste.
Arctic Freezer i32 Semi Passive CPU Cooler Review
Package - 7
Performance - 8
Price - 9
Consumer Experience - 8
8
The Arctic Freezer i32 Semi Passive CPU Cooler is a safe pair of hands. It's priced very well too, you will be able to pick this cooler up for little more than a stock CPU cooler, and Arctic still include premium Thermal Paste at this price point. The Arctic Freezer i32 is a bit of a hidden gem, with no corners cut.