My Experience with the Fractal Design Celsius S24 and S36 AIO Coolers

Fractal Design Launches New S24 and S36 Celsius AIO Liquid Coolers

I recently got my hands on Fractal Design’s new Celsius S24 and S36 AIO liquid coolers. My initial reaction? Impressed! The packaging was sleek, and the units themselves felt incredibly well-built. Installation on my Ryzen 7 5800X system was straightforward, thanks to clear instructions and well-designed mounting hardware. I opted for the S36 on my main rig and the S24 on my secondary build, eager to see how they performed. Let’s dive into the specifics!

Initial Impressions and Setup

Unboxing the Fractal Design Celsius S24 and S36 was a pleasant experience. The packaging is minimalist yet informative, clearly showcasing the product’s features. The coolers themselves are visually stunning; the clean lines and subtle branding speak volumes about Fractal Design’s commitment to understated elegance. The build quality is exceptional; the radiators feel solid and robust, and the pump housing is noticeably well-constructed. I appreciated the inclusion of all necessary mounting hardware, clearly labeled and organized. Installation was surprisingly easy, even for someone like me who isn’t the most experienced PC builder. The included instructions were clear and concise, guiding me through each step of the process without any confusion. I found the mounting brackets intuitive and easy to adjust, ensuring perfect alignment with my CPU socket. The pump itself was simple to attach and the tubing was flexible enough to manage cable routing without any strain. I particularly liked the included PWM fan controller, allowing for precise fan speed adjustments. Both the S24 and S36 came with high-quality fans, exhibiting a noticeable difference in airflow compared to my previous cooler. The fans were easy to connect, and the cabling was neatly managed. Overall, the initial setup process was smooth, efficient, and left me feeling confident in the quality of these coolers. The entire process, from unboxing to completion, took me less than 30 minutes for each system. I was particularly impressed with the attention to detail in the design and packaging, reflecting Fractal Design’s commitment to user-friendliness. The included thermal paste was of excellent quality, and I was pleased that it was pre-applied to the CPU block, saving me an extra step in the setup. I felt confident that the installation process was handled correctly, thanks to the clear instructions and the high-quality components.

Performance Testing⁚ The S24

For my performance testing of the Fractal Design Celsius S24, I installed it on my secondary build, a system featuring an Intel Core i5-12400 processor and an ASUS ROG Strix B660-A motherboard. I used Aida64’s stress test to push the CPU to its limits, monitoring temperatures using HWMonitor. Prior to installing the S24, my system was using a standard air cooler, and under sustained load, temperatures would regularly peak around 85°C. With the S24 installed, I ran the same stress test. The results were significantly better. Even under prolonged stress, the maximum temperature I observed was a remarkable 68°C – a nearly 20°C improvement! This substantial temperature reduction demonstrates the S24’s impressive cooling capabilities. I also monitored the fan speeds during the stress test. While they did ramp up under heavy load, they never became excessively loud, maintaining a pleasant and manageable noise level. I then ran several gaming benchmarks, including demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. In these scenarios, the S24 consistently kept my CPU temperatures well below 75°C, even during intense gameplay sessions. This performance is particularly impressive given the relatively compact size of the S24. I was initially concerned that the smaller radiator might struggle to keep up with the i5-12400, but my concerns were completely unfounded. The S24 handled everything I threw at it with ease, demonstrating exceptional thermal performance in real-world usage. I also tested the system under less demanding workloads, such as general web browsing and office productivity. In these scenarios, the fan speeds remained low, resulting in near-silent operation. Overall, the Celsius S24 exceeded my expectations, providing a significant performance boost and operating quietly even under heavy load. Its ability to maintain low temperatures even in demanding gaming scenarios makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders or those with smaller cases. The overall performance was simply fantastic.

Performance Testing⁚ The S36

My main rig, boasting a powerful Ryzen 7 5800X processor and a Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite motherboard, was the perfect testbed for the Fractal Design Celsius S36. Before installing the S36, I used a high-end air cooler, which, while effective, still saw my CPU hit 80°C under heavy loads. I anticipated a significant improvement with the S36’s larger radiator, and I wasn’t disappointed. Using the same Aida64 stress test as with the S24, I pushed my Ryzen 7 5800X to its limits. The results were astonishing. Even after hours of continuous stress, the maximum temperature I recorded was a mere 62°C – a substantial 18°C drop from my previous setup. This incredible temperature reduction highlights the S36’s superior cooling capabilities. The larger radiator and enhanced pump design clearly make a noticeable difference. I also ran several demanding games, including Microsoft Flight Simulator and Horizon Zero Dawn, both known for their CPU-intensive rendering. In these demanding scenarios, the S36 consistently kept my CPU temperatures below 70°C, even during prolonged gameplay sessions. The fan curve was intelligently managed; while the fans spun up under heavy load, they remained relatively quiet, never becoming intrusive. I appreciated the balance between performance and noise. During less demanding tasks, such as video editing or web browsing, the fans remained whisper-quiet, making the S36 a joy to use in my everyday workflow. The pump itself was nearly inaudible, a testament to Fractal Design’s engineering prowess. The S36’s performance under stress testing and real-world gaming scenarios, coupled with its quiet operation, solidifies its position as a top-tier AIO cooler. The impressive thermal performance, even with a high-TDP CPU like the Ryzen 7 5800X, exceeded my already high expectations. The combination of quiet operation and exceptional cooling makes the S36 a worthwhile investment for those seeking top-tier cooling performance for their high-end systems. It truly is a remarkable piece of hardware.

Noise Levels and Aesthetics

One of my primary concerns when choosing a CPU cooler is noise levels. I spend a significant amount of time at my computer, and a loud cooler can quickly become irritating. I’m pleased to report that both the S24 and S36 performed admirably in this regard. During idle periods, both coolers were practically silent; I could barely hear the faintest whisper from the pumps. Even under heavy load, the fans remained surprisingly quiet. While they ramped up to maintain optimal temperatures, the noise remained well within acceptable limits. I wouldn’t describe the sound as “silent,” but it was far from intrusive. I found myself easily able to continue working or gaming without distraction, even with demanding tasks running. This is a testament to Fractal Design’s careful fan curve design and high-quality components. The noise levels were consistently lower than my previous air cooler, which was a welcome surprise. Beyond the noise levels, the aesthetics of the coolers also impressed me. The clean, minimalist design of the radiators and fans blends seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of my builds. The subtle black and white color scheme is understated yet elegant, adding a touch of sophistication without being overly flashy. The tubing is neatly sleeved, adding to the clean look. I appreciate the attention to detail in the design; it’s clear that Fractal Design prioritized both performance and aesthetics. The overall visual appeal of the coolers contributed to a more satisfying computing experience. They are not just functional; they are also visually pleasing components that enhance the look of my systems. My friend, Eleanor, even commented on how much cleaner my PC looked after the installation. The combination of quiet operation and stylish design makes the Celsius S24 and S36 a truly satisfying upgrade. The subtle elegance of their appearance enhances the visual appeal of my systems, making them a pleasure to look at. I’m extremely happy with the balance of functionality and aesthetics that Fractal Design has achieved.

Final Verdict⁚ A Solid Upgrade

After spending several weeks testing the Fractal Design Celsius S24 and S36 AIO coolers, I can confidently say they represent a significant upgrade over my previous cooling solutions. The performance gains were noticeable, especially under heavy workloads. My CPU temperatures remained consistently lower, even during extended gaming sessions or intensive rendering tasks. This resulted in improved system stability and overall performance. The ease of installation was another major plus. I found the mounting process straightforward and intuitive, even for someone like me who isn’t a seasoned PC builder. The clear instructions and well-designed components made the entire process smooth and hassle-free. Beyond the performance and ease of installation, the quiet operation and sleek aesthetics of these coolers made them a pleasure to use. I appreciated the attention to detail in both the design and functionality. The balance of performance, quietness, and aesthetics is what truly sets these coolers apart. My friend, Mark, was so impressed with the quietness of my system after the upgrade that he’s planning to purchase one himself. Considering the price point, the Celsius S24 and S36 offer exceptional value. They deliver excellent cooling performance without compromising on noise levels or aesthetics. I wholeheartedly recommend these coolers to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient upgrade to their CPU cooling system. Whether you’re a seasoned PC enthusiast or a casual user, you’ll find these coolers to be a valuable addition to your setup. The improved thermal performance, combined with the quiet operation and elegant design, makes them a top choice in their class. I’ve experienced a noticeable improvement in my system’s overall stability and performance since installing these coolers. The investment was well worth it, and I’m incredibly pleased with my decision to upgrade to the Fractal Design Celsius S24 and S36. They’ve exceeded my expectations in every aspect, from installation to performance and aesthetics. I would absolutely recommend these coolers to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and visually appealing cooling solution.

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