Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
ARCTIC Freezer 50 vs Scythe Ninja 5: Comparison
What is the difference between ARCTIC Freezer 50 and Scythe Ninja 5?
On height the spread is 10%, ARCTIC Freezer 50 166 mm against Scythe Ninja 5 182 mm, so ARCTIC Freezer 50 takes it.
Who each one is for
Buy the ARCTIC Freezer 50 for budget-conscious builders who still want RGB dual-tower cooling and 230W-class CPUs in windowed builds, though it is the wrong buy for very compact cases without dual-tower clearance and builders who specifically want no RGB at all. Avoid it for absolute peak thermal performance seekers, where pricier flagship air coolers edge ahead. it is not built for the smallest cases, given the dual-tower footprint and buyers wanting RGB lighting, since Scythe keeps this unlit. The same goes for buyers who want dual-tower cooling with a specific focus on quiet acoustics. It is not the one for the heaviest overclocking, where the DeepCool Assassin IV, covered elsewhere on this site, has more headroom. Our rating of the ARCTIC Freezer 50 (8.3/10): one of the strongest value picks in RGB dual-tower air cooling, delivering real performance and lighting without the price premium of bigger-name competitors. Our rating of the Scythe Ninja 5 (8/10): A quietly capable dual-tower cooler that continues Scythe's long tradition of acoustics-first value engineering.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, cooler type, tower type, tower layout, fan count and heatpipe count included, so the decision does not turn on any of those. They match on 2 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the ARCTIC Freezer 50 and Scythe Ninja 5 differ on socket compatibility?
Yes. Socket Compatibility reads AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011-3 on the ARCTIC Freezer 50 versus AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/2066/2011 on the Scythe Ninja 5.
Is the Bearing Type the same on the ARCTIC Freezer 50 and Scythe Ninja 5?
It is. Both are listed at Fluid Dynamic, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- ARCTIC
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Scythe
Cooler Type
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Air Tower
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Air Tower
Series
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Scythe Ninja 5
Tower Type
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Dual-Tower
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Dual-Tower
Model Number
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- ACFRE00065A
- Scythe Ninja 5
- SCNJ-5100
Height
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- 166 mmBest
- Scythe Ninja 5
- 182 mm-10%
Socket Compatibility
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011-3
- Scythe Ninja 5
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
Tower Layout
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Dual-Tower
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Dual-Tower
Fan Count
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- 2
- Scythe Ninja 5
- 2
RGB Lighting
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Yes
- Scythe Ninja 5
- No
Cooler Width
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- 149.5 mm
- Scythe Ninja 5
- 137 mm
Cooler Weight
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- 1160 gBest
- Scythe Ninja 5
- 1200 g
Heatpipe Count
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- 6
- Scythe Ninja 5
- 6
Base Material
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Direct-Touch Copper
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Nickel-Plated Copper
Bearing Type
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Fluid Dynamic
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Fluid Dynamic
PWM Control
- ARCTIC Freezer 50
- Yes
- Scythe Ninja 5
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose ARCTIC Freezer 50 if you want the lower height (166 mm vs 182 mm) and the higher fan count (2 vs 2).
Choose Scythe Ninja 5 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Verdict
ARCTIC Freezer 50
8.3 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the strongest value picks in RGB dual-tower air cooling, delivering real performance and lighting without the price premium of bigger-name competitors.
Scythe Ninja 5
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A quietly capable dual-tower cooler that continues Scythe's long tradition of acoustics-first value engineering.