Alpenfohn Black Ridge vs Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280

Verdict

Overall, the Alpenfohn Black Ridge is a good performing cooler with a great build quality, but it has limitations due to its peculiar shape and mounting system. It is best suited for small ITX systems housed in a Dan SFX case, and requires a compatible motherboard with smaller VR heatsinks and a riser cable for the graphics card. It has been found to perform better than taller options and is comparable to Noctua's NH-L12S. However, early V2 models require some modification and the combination AM3/AM4 mounting bracket interferes with some B550/X570 motherboards. Custom unsleeved silicon cables and silicon gaskets for the fan can be helpful in managing the cooler. It pairs well with the Dan A4 case and is a good option for cooling in height-restricted layouts.

Verdict

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 is a highly effective cooler that is praised for its cooling performance and quiet operation. However, installation can be difficult and there have been some issues with compatibility and quality control. It is recommended to double check for clearance before purchasing and to be aware of potential packaging issues if ordering from Amazon. Overall, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 is a top-performing AIO cooler that is a great value for those who prioritize cooling performance over RGB aesthetics.