ARCTIC Freezer 36 (Black) - Single-Tower CPU Cooler with Push-Pull, Two Pressure-optimised 120 mm P Fans, Fluid Dynamic Bearing, 200–1800 RPM, 4 Heatpipes, incl. MX-6 Thermal Compound

This was definitely the upgrade I needed after using an AMD Wraith Spire for several years now. The former worked well with the Ryzen 5 2600, however struggled to keep the Ryzen 5 5500 cool. The Arctic Freezer 36 is not only quiet, but cools well. I had to tweak fan settings some, but they were not for CPU fans, rather the rear case fan making too much noise. The installation was easy following the online guide on my phone and arguably was easier to install than the stock cooler. At some points with the included thermal paste, I can see temps around 28 C, but usually idling around 30 C. The highest I have ever seen, even under a load in my own machine was about 55 C with non-noticeable noise. I would recommend going to the arctic site to ensure it fits as they also recommend as this is definitely a sizeable cooler

Ulvgard93 · 2026-04-09 · via amazon

As of July 2025 this is undoubtedly the best budget air cooler for AM5 series CPU’s. The size (compared to a field of what are largely monstrously sized coolers) is pleasantly unobtrusive. The cooling is likewise impressive. A few warnings: At the motherboard the standard ‘base’ gets replaced by what are essentially two ‘bridges’. A two screw ‘bar’, at the base of the cooler, screws into the peak of those two bridges. The effect is that the two base/bar screws and the heat-sink base itself form a three-way force connection to the board & cpu. It’s not as stable as a 4 way connection. If you bump it (even a little) it may twist a little on the cpu. The heat sink has very innovative insets that let you ‘plug-in’ fans using standard fan screws. This means you can work setting-up the other connections/memory etc. without most the cooler (fans) being in the way. HOWEVER, be very careful applying force when pressing those fans into the heat sink … the base can twist around at the CPU connection point fairly easily. The design is good, the price is right, but you need to be gentle & thoughtful putting it together. Which I suppose is true of the other ‘monsters’ out there as well. For what it’s worth the Black Freezer 36 is replacing an older Arctic Freezer Xtreme (On my 10 year old FX 8350) … which since it fits AM4’s … should also work with an AM5 ? The older cooler is ~10.5 years old, so I’m guessing half way to it’s 100,000 MTF hours ? I also used that cooler model on an early Ryzen system I built for my son. Great performance from both. I’m very happy with ‘Arctic’ products in general (Price, performance & innovative design).

Steven Meyer · 2025-07-27 · via amazon

Quiet and included everything I needed for an easy install. The included thermal paste works well and seems like it would be enough for 2 installs. No complaints, the clipped fans were a nice addition. Cooling a Ryzen 5600X.

lswitzer · 2026-04-09 · via amazon

Fit exactly as supposed to, way better than the AM4 spring loaded cooler design. Snap in bolts had me confused at first, but install super easy once you figure it out. Performs great, light weight, solid value for the cooling performance 1 week in.

Tony Ament · 2025-05-27 · via amazon

Great air cooler. Cheap but offers amazing performance. Looks lovely on black case. Keeps my 9600x under 40°C while idle and under 55°C while gaming

Jorge · 2025-10-30 · via amazon

Best Buy

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MSI

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Newegg

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Newegg (Open Box)

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VALUE SCORE

Price

$9.99

Price

$20