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The next noteworthy in the line of Arctic Liquid Freezer II systems is without a doubt the model with a 280mm radiator. Based on past experience, this size generally shows the same or even better results in comparison with 360mm radiators, all other things being equal. Therefore, in this review, we will try it in a thermal test and talk about the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 (Rev.4).
Characteristics
Technical specifications | Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 |
---|---|
Product page | Liquid Freezer II 280 |
Processor socket compatibility | Intel LGA115x/1200/2011-3/2066 AMD AM4/AM3(+) |
Radiator dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 317x138x38 |
Fan dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 140x140x25 |
Radiator material and construction | Aluminum two-section radiator with belt-type fins |
Number of plates per inch, FPI | 14 |
Total weight of the system, grams | 1572 |
Water block size, (LxWxH), mm | 97x78x53 |
Water block material | Plastic housing with copper base |
Pump speed, rpm | 800 ~ 2000 with PWM |
Water block fan size, mm | 40 |
Water block fan speed, rpm | 1000 ~ 3000 with PWM |
Peak power consumption of the water block, W | 0.5 (pump) – 2.7 (fan) |
Fan model | 2 x Arctic P14 PWM |
Fan rotation speed, rpm | 200 ~ 1700 with PWM |
Air flow, m³/h | 123,69 |
Fan noise level, dB(A) / Sone | – / 0,3 |
Static pressure, mm of water | 2,4 |
Number and type of fan bearing | FDB (fluid dynamic bearing) |
Fan MTBF, hour | – |
Rated fan voltage, V | 12 |
Fan current, A | 0,12 |
Peak fan power consumption, W | 1,44 |
Additional features | 40mm CPU fan, simplified cable management, 6 year warranty |
average cost | UAH 2796 |
Packing and scope of delivery
LSS is packaged in a blue box made of very thin cardboard. On it, in the form of pictures and tables, there is all the information the user needs about the device.


Inside of the packaging elements there are only a few cardboard strips. A cardboard overlay for the water block, one gasket and a box between the radiator and hoses, in which the delivery kit is hidden. We recommend checking the system for shipping damage immediately after purchase.
The parts kit includes:
- a brochure that invites you to leave a review if the buyer is satisfied with the product, and contact support if not;
- insert with QR code leading to installation instructions;
- two mounting plates for AMD AM4 sockets;
- metal reinforcement plate for Intel LGA115x/1200 sockets;
- two universal mounting paws of the water block;
- syringe with Arctic MX-4 thermal grease;
- eight electrical insulating pads of the reinforcing plate.
- four plastic spacers for AMD AM4 sockets;
- eight metal spacers for the radiator screws;
- four long screws for AMD AM4;
- four nuts with a knurled head and a notch for a Phillips screwdriver;
- four screw racks for Intel LGA115x/1200 sockets;
- four screw racks for Intel LGA2011-3/2066 sockets;
- eight self-tapping screws for fans;
- eight screws for fixing the radiator;
- four short screws for AMD AM3 sockets;
- four screw stands for AMD AM3 sockets;
- two long screws for fixing the universal mounting feet of the waterblock.
Appearance
The appearance of the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 looks impressive due to the combination of a massive heatsink and large-sized fans. Matte black paint, square corners, wide hoses in a very soft patterned braid, nickel-plated fitting clips, all this gives an impression of solidity. The system does not require additional manipulations after being taken out of the box, everything is already assembled, the fans are screwed into place and connected. Put it in the case, mount the water block on the processor, turn on the only power cable and you’re ready to go. Medium flexible hoses are 450mm long, 12.4mm outer diameter and 6mm inner diameter. The braid performs a more decorative than protective function. Under it, a fan power cable is laid along the tubes, which goes directly into the water block.
The two-section radiator has dimensions of 317x138x38 mm. The side slats have two sets of mounting holes for 140mm fans, arranged without a gap. The belt type fins are manufactured at a density of 14 FPI (plates per inch). Between the fins are 14 channels through which the refrigerant is pumped.
On both sides of the radiator, on solid sidewalls, there is an inconspicuous Arctic inscription with a logo in front of it. Please note that the radiator in profile has a thickness of 38 mm. When assembled with fans and screws, the total thickness reaches 68 mm, so you should carefully choose a case for this LSS in order to avoid unexpected conflicts with other components.
The tubes are fixedly pressed with nickel-plated clips onto the radiator fittings in its central part. The thickness of the collector on this side is 18 mm.
The collector on the opposite side also has a thickness of 18 mm.
The two fans installed here are fastened with long screws without gaskets. They are the classic Arctic P14 PWM model, made on the basis of a hydrodynamic bearing and with only five long and curved blades. The speed range is from 200 to 1700 rpm and is controlled by PWM. The blades, motor and bearing have no parasitic overtones at all speeds and are quite quiet. A short four-pin power cable is connected to a common splitter.
The power splitter is laid along the side of the fans, behind the screws and goes under one of the fitting holders. The user no longer needs to worry about how to lay and hide the “noodles” of the many wires.
The plastic water block has an interesting multifaceted shape. The hoses enter it from above and are fixed motionless. A fan is built into its front part to blow the power circuits. Two fans, a pump and an additional propeller are powered through one common four-pin cable 260 mm long, which is connected to the CPU Fan connector of the motherboard. Only the speed of the two “main” propellers is displayed on the monitoring connector.
Centrifugal pump fan, 40 mm in diameter. It takes air from above and pushes it to the sides, within a radius of 180 degrees. Its speed is controlled by PWM in the range from 1000 to 3000 rpm. And if at a minimum it is almost indistinguishable, then at full speed its noise level reaches 48 dB (A), which is noticeable even against the background of the main 140 mm propellers.
The pump is also controlled by a common PWM signal and operates in the range from 800 to 2000 rpm. It is difficult to determine its work by ear, especially against the background of the built-in fan.
The height of the water block with fittings is 53 mm, and without them – 38 mm. But you should not count on this device to be placed in a narrow place, since the hoses require a decent bending radius to avoid breaking the tubes.
The smooth copper sole has a shape close to square with rounded corners measuring 40×44 mm. There are only four fixing screws with a standard Phillips head in the corners. Along the base there is a wire for connecting the fan of the power circuits.
Let’s move on to installing the LSS and testing its effectiveness.
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