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DeepCool AK500S vs Zalman Reserator5 Z36: Comparison
What is the difference between DeepCool AK500S and Zalman Reserator5 Z36?
Height is where these two genuinely part company, DeepCool AK500S 155 mm against Zalman Reserator5 Z36 27 mm, a 474% lead for Zalman Reserator5 Z36. Add tdp rating to that, 220 W on the DeepCool AK500S versus 280 W on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36, and the pattern holds. Zalman Reserator5 Z36 also leads on fan count, 1 on the DeepCool AK500S versus 3 on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36. There is a split on cooler type as well, Air, Single-Tower on the DeepCool AK500S versus AIO Liquid on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36. Socket compatibility is not the same on both, AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200 on the DeepCool AK500S versus AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011 on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36. There is a split on rgb lighting as well, No on the DeepCool AK500S versus Yes on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36.
Who each one is for
Buy the DeepCool AK500S for budget builds that don't need a status display and 220W-class CPUs on a tight cooler budget, though it is not built for anyone who wants the AK500 DIGITAL's real-time temperature readout and Higher-TDP CPUs where the dual-fan AK620 performs meaningfully better. The Zalman Reserator5 Z36 suits budget-conscious RGB showcase builds and 360mm-radiator cases, though it is the wrong buy for buyers wanting an LCD pump display and premium-brand software ecosystem integration. Our rating of the DeepCool AK500S (7.5/10): A sensible budget trim of the AK500 line for builders who don't need the display and want to save a few dollars. Our rating of the Zalman Reserator5 Z36 (7.5/10): A visually striking, competitively priced 360mm AIO for RGB-focused budgets.
What DeepCool AK500S and Zalman Reserator5 Z36 have in common
Everything else lines up. Noise level read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- DeepCool AK500S
- DeepCool
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Zalman
Cooler Type
- DeepCool AK500S
- Air, Single-Tower
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- AIO Liquid
Series
- DeepCool AK500S
- DeepCool AK500S
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
Model Number
- DeepCool AK500S
- AK500S
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Reserator5 Z36
Height
- DeepCool AK500S
- 155 mm-474%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 27 mmBest
Socket Compatibility
- DeepCool AK500S
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
Fan Count
- DeepCool AK500S
- 1-67%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 3Best
TDP Rating
- DeepCool AK500S
- 220 W-21%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 280 WBest
Noise Level
- DeepCool AK500S
- 28 dBA
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 28 dBA
RGB Lighting
- DeepCool AK500S
- No
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose DeepCool AK500S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Zalman Reserator5 Z36 if you want the lower height (27 mm vs 155 mm), the higher fan count (3 vs 1) and the higher TDP rating (280 W vs 220 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | DeepCool AK500S | Zalman Reserator5 Z36 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
DeepCool AK500S
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A sensible budget trim of the AK500 line for builders who don't need the display and want to save a few dollars.
Zalman Reserator5 Z36
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A visually striking, competitively priced 360mm AIO for RGB-focused budgets.