The AlphaCool Core Ocean T38 360mm AIO CPU Cooler Review: Loud and Proud
by E. Fylladitakis on April 29, 2024 9:30 AM ESTConclusion
When it comes to AIO liquid coolers, the AlphaCool Core Ocean T38 is a noteworthy contender that's difficult to ignore, even in the fiercely competitive AIO market. Especially for users seeking a balance between cost and performance, a 360 mm cooler with a $100 price tag is going to be an attractive offering, particularly with the T38's size and capabilities. This makes the T38 a option for budget-conscious enthusiasts who are first and foremost looking for cooling efficiency.
Even with its budget price tag, the Core Ocean T38 does not cut corners with its structural build. It features a durable design, implementing high quality materials that promise longevity and resilience. The RGB lighting on the pump top adds a touch of modern aesthetics, catering to users who favor visual flair alongside functional performance, all without upping the price tag too much.
When it comes to performance, the Core Ocean T38 delivers robust thermal performance, which is mainly attributed to its thick 360mm radiator and very high-speed fans. While this allows the T38's cooling efficiency to get to par with more expensive units, getting there comes with a caveat: the fans' noise level can get considerably high, even by 360mm AIO cooler standards. The T38 is not shy about its capabilities, but it's also not shy about its drawbacks - high performance comes at the cost of noise.
In conclusion, the AlphaCool Core Ocean T38 offers solid performance for its price, with its design allowing users to precisely dial in the balance between performance and acoustics they want, making it a pragmatic choice for users looking to optimize their system's cooling without breaking the bank. However, users need to be aware that very high noise levels are required to reach the top thermal performance figures we saw on our charts. For those who want a reliable AIO cooler with a long adjustable range, the Core Ocean T38 represents a cost-effective solution to advanced cooling needs.
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JFish222 - Monday, April 29, 2024 - link
It would be great to include a top-end, mid-priced, and low-priced air cooler.This would help contextualize everything from cooling capacity to sound. Given the cost and consensus, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO would easily qualify as a mid (low?) price point sample.
ballsystemlord - Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - link
Although it might not be as quiet as an Enermax cooler, it's also not got the failure problems of Enermax. Though I think Enermax would have resolved their problem (likely contaminated water according to Gamer's Nexus the YT-er), by now.