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ARCTIC Freezer A35 vs Zalman CNPS20X: Comparison
ARCTIC Freezer A35 vs Zalman CNPS20X: the height difference
These two are close on paper, and height is the only measure that separates them at all: ARCTIC Freezer A35 158.5 mm against Zalman CNPS20X 165 mm. Zalman CNPS20X also leads on fan count, 1 on the ARCTIC Freezer A35 versus 2 on the Zalman CNPS20X. Max speed runs the same way, 1800 RPM on the ARCTIC Freezer A35 versus 1500 RPM on the Zalman CNPS20X, another win for ARCTIC Freezer A35. Heatpipe count is not the same on both, 4 on the ARCTIC Freezer A35 versus 6 on the Zalman CNPS20X.
ARCTIC Freezer A35 vs Zalman CNPS20X: which one fits your build
The ARCTIC Freezer A35 is the one to take for genuinely tight-budget AMD AM4/AM5 builds and mainstream Ryzen CPUs at stock clocks, though it is not built for Intel builds, since it doesn't cover current Intel sockets and Higher-TDP or overclocked CPUs. It is not the one for anyone who can stretch their budget slightly for a dual-tower cooler with more headroom. Buy the Zalman CNPS20X for RGB dual-tower builds on a mid-range budget and High-TDP CPUs needing dual-tower cooling, though it is the wrong buy for buyers prioritizing premium-brand warranty support and silence-first builds. Our rating of the ARCTIC Freezer A35 (7/10): A perfectly serviceable AMD-focused budget cooler, best suited to genuinely tight-budget builds rather than anyone with even a little more to spend. Our rating of the Zalman CNPS20X (7.9/10): an aggressively priced RGB flagship-class dual-tower for builders who want the look without premium-brand cost.
Frequently asked questions
Do the ARCTIC Freezer A35 and Zalman CNPS20X differ on tower type?
Yes. Tower Type reads Single-Tower on the ARCTIC Freezer A35 versus Dual-Tower on the Zalman CNPS20X.
Is the Cooler Type the same on the ARCTIC Freezer A35 and Zalman CNPS20X?
It is. Both are listed at Air Tower, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- ARCTIC
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Zalman
Cooler Type
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- Air Tower
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Air Tower
Series
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Zalman CNPS20X
Tower Type
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- Single-Tower
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Dual-Tower
Model Number
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- ACFRE00112A
- Zalman CNPS20X
- CNPS20X
Height
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- 158.5 mmBest
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 165 mm-4%
Socket Compatibility
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- AMD AM4/AM5
- Zalman CNPS20X
- AMD AM5/AM4/AM3+/AM3, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
Tower Layout
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- Single-Tower
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Dual-Tower
Fan Count
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- 1-50%
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 2Best
RGB Lighting
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- No
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Yes
Cooler Weight
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- 734 gBest
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 1300 g
Heatpipe Count
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- 4
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 6
Fan Size
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- 120 mm
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 140 mm
Max Speed
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- 1800 RPMBest
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 1500 RPM-17%
Bearing Type
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- Fluid Dynamic
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- ARCTIC Freezer A35
- None
- Zalman CNPS20X
- ARGB
Which one should you pick?
Choose ARCTIC Freezer A35 if you want the lower height (158.5 mm vs 165 mm) and the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1500 RPM).
Choose Zalman CNPS20X if you want the higher fan count (2 vs 1).
Price comparison
| Retailer | ARCTIC Freezer A35 | Zalman CNPS20X |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
ARCTIC Freezer A35
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A perfectly serviceable AMD-focused budget cooler, best suited to genuinely tight-budget builds rather than anyone with even a little more to spend.
Zalman CNPS20X
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
An aggressively priced RGB flagship-class dual-tower for builders who want the look without premium-brand cost.