ID-Cooling has been a rapidly growing brand in the DIY PC market since its founding in 2013, known for its quick adaptation to industry shifts and affordable, effective products.
The company has established itself as a key player through products like the SE-224-XT series and the FROZN A620 PRO SE, with both models ranking highly among entry-level air coolers.
The latest model, the FROZN A620 SLK, is designed with several notable features, including counter-rotating fans for enhanced airflow efficiency and an offset design that ensures perfect memory clearance. These features contribute to an appealing, understated aesthetic, avoiding ARGB lighting.
Regarding performance, the SLK performs admirably. On AMD, at maximum RPM, it delivered thermal performance comparable to high-end competitors such as the be quiet! Dark Rock Elite and Thermalright Peerless Assassin SE120 ARGB, even surpassing its predecessor, the FROZN A620 PRO SE. However, when testing was normalized to 45 dBA, the PRO SE outperformed the SLK by approximately 2°C, and the FSP MP7 led the results.
For Intel CPUs, the SLK proved slightly more capable, achieving results comparable to the Pure Rock Pro 3 and Thermalright Peerless Assassin SE120 ARGB, depending on the test parameters.
Operationally, the SLK utilizes a broad RPM range and features a zero RPM mode for the middle fan, which helps balance noise and performance. While the cooler can be loud at its highest RPM, reaching 58 dBA, the design itself contributes to this increased noise.
In terms of build quality, the review noted that the SLK is feature-rich. The fit and finish of the heat pipes and fins are described as excellent, and the nickel-plated base adds visual appeal. Additionally, the counter-rotating fans were confirmed to effectively boost airflow and pressure. A quick test indicated the middle fan could push air three feet (91 cm) out the back.
Furthermore, the slim front fan and offset design contribute to excellent usability, specifically by allowing perfect memory clearance without compromising case compatibility, a feature noted as superior to many direct competitors.
The reviewer summarized that while the FROZN A620 SLK does not introduce groundbreaking innovations or revolutionize the cooling market, it successfully combines solid performance with practical features and an improved visual aesthetic compared to its predecessor.
Overall, the SLK aims to deliver performance similar to the previous A620 while integrating meaningful improvements. The unit is 160 mm tall, ensuring it will fit the majority of available cases, and the mounting hardware was reported to be solid and easy to use.
While the SLK may not offer the same value for money as the FROZN A620 PRO SE, the combination of performance and key features like perfect memory clearance makes it a recommended choice for users seeking improved aesthetics and solid cooling capabilities.
Source: TechPowerUp