• About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
Real Hardware Reviews
RHR
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Accessories
    • Processors (CPU)
    • GPU
    • Mobile
    • Games & Software
    • Systems
    • Cases
    • Tablet & Laptops
    • Ram
    • Storage
    • Motherboards
  • News
  • Off Topic
    • How To
    • Cryptocurrencies
No Result
View All Result
Real Hardware Reviews
RHR
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Accessories
    • Processors (CPU)
    • GPU
    • Mobile
    • Games & Software
    • Systems
    • Cases
    • Tablet & Laptops
    • Ram
    • Storage
    • Motherboards
  • News
  • Off Topic
    • How To
    • Cryptocurrencies
No Result
View All Result
Real Hardware Reviews
RHR
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Reviews

Arctic Alpine 17 LP Review

GaK_45 by GaK_45
November 8, 2022
in Reviews, Cooling
Arctic Alpine 17 LP Review
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT
ARCTIC Alpine 17 LP - Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA 1700, 92 mm PWM Fan, Low Installation...
ARCTIC Alpine 17 LP - Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA 1700, 92 mm PWM Fan, Low Installation Height: 42.9 mm, 4-pin Connection, 300-3000 RPM, Tool-Free Push-pin Installation, top Blower
ARCTIC Alpine 17 LP - Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA 1700, 92 mm PWM Fan, Low Installation...
$16.01
$16.99
in stock
3 new from $11.99
as of March 26, 2023 7:29 am
BUY NOW
Amazon.com
Last updated on March 26, 2023 7:29 am
Jump to section

1. Why bother with an RS1 when you can have an Alpine?

  • 1. Why bother with an RS1 when you can have an Alpine?
  • 2. Specifications
  • 3. Closer Look
  • 4. Closer Look p.2
  • 5. Testing Methodology
  • 6. Performance Results
  • 7. Performance Results (Noise)
  • 8. Score Card and Summary
  • 9. Closing Statement

While it is extremely easy to lose sight of the fact that not everyone wants, needs, or even desires a huge CPU cooling solution, that does not change the fact that most… do not need, want, or desire one. In fact, for many people the Intel factory / stock cooler that came with their i3 or i5 is “good enough” and trying to convince them otherwise is an uphill battle. One company that has been successfully waging the war on terrible factory coolers is Artic. Just as their ‘Freezer’ is for mainstream, and their ‘Liquid Freezer’ is for enthusiasts, their ‘Alpine’ series is for value orientated consumers interested in a decent cooling solution that will not break the bank. Their latest foray into winning the hearts of minds of joe and jane sixpack is the $12 Alpine 17 LP.

As the name suggests the Alpine 17 LP is a Low-Profile cooling solution meant for Intel socket 1700 users. As such, phrases such as ‘small’, ‘easy to use’, and even ‘inexpensive’ should all spring to mind for experienced systems builders… as that it what the Alpine LP’s have been offering for a couple years now. For novice system builders, and even the average joe/jane who never thought about a CPU cooler before, the Alpine LP’s are targeted with laser like intensity on eliminating OEM CPU coolers from every system out there.

Arctic Alpine 17 LP Review 1

On paper it is “easy” to do just that. Build a cooler that does not sound like a SJW’er having a(nother) meltdown. Does not “work” like a New Jersey teamster union member on their (fourth) lunch break. Is as simple to install as changing a light bulb. Weighs (relatively) the same as the typical bulimic super-model. Is as durable and robust as a Glock 19… and above all else is nearly as inexpensive as a McDonald’s Happy Meal. Doing all that and being as compact as possible… now therein lies the rub. That is not easy. It is as hard as Chinese math with the classic snarky engineering request of ‘you have three options, choose any two’ springing to mind. Yet, that is what the Alpine LP’s routinely do.

The secret to the Alpine’s success is multi-fold. First Artic starts with Intel’s official ‘Keep-Ins’ specifications and builds the widest cooling solution that will fit inside that specification. In the LGA1700 & 1800 official documentation that is 95x95mm. Then, unlike Intel, they stack the largest fan on top of it as possible. This is where most other companies stop reading the specifications published by Intel and call it day. The LP design however keep going. Keep going and take into account the Intel LGA LGA1700 & 1800 official Maximum Thermal Solution Center of Gravity Height from IHS specification (25.4mm) and adjust the cooling fin array downwards until it meets this critical specification.

After doing all that, they then upgrade the fan’s bearings to Fluid Dynamic bearings to decrease noise as much as possible (even when running at the full 3000RPM) while at the same time upgrading the motor hub so that, unlike Intel which can only go down to 600RPM, it can keep spinning all the way down to 300RPM. Then to finish things off Artic pre-applies the TIM (MX-4), uses a pushpin mounting configuration, bestows upon it an impressive 6-year warranty, and then it gives the resulting marvel of engineering an MSRP of only 12 Euros.

On paper that sounds like mighty fine engineering, but at the end of the day it is only the real-world performance that matters. So, the question becomes not if it is better than stock Intel coolers but if it is better enough to justify upgrading from them. After all, Intel actually did put (a tiny bit) of effort into their 12th generation ‘R’ cooling solutions. To answer this question, we (temporarily) sourced and have included results for the short/slim RS1, the medium RM1, and Intel’s big boy RH1 CPU cooling solutions. Armed with that data one should be able to easily judge the Artic Alpine 17 LP on its merits and not its marketing. So let’s dig in.

Jump to section

1. Why bother with an RS1 when you can have an Alpine?

  • 1. Why bother with an RS1 when you can have an Alpine?
  • 2. Specifications
  • 3. Closer Look
  • 4. Closer Look p.2
  • 5. Testing Methodology
  • 6. Performance Results
  • 7. Performance Results (Noise)
  • 8. Score Card and Summary
  • 9. Closing Statement
Page 1 of 9
Previous 123456789 Next
Tags: 17 LPAlpineArcticARCTIC Alpine 17 LPLow-Profile CPU Cooler
ADVERTISEMENT
GaK_45

GaK_45

"Knowledgeable, opinionated and not afraid to ask the questions you can’t or won’t." GaK_45's combination of multiple industry certifications(MCSE, CCNA, various CompTIA, etc), and over twenty years' experience in the computer industry allows him to provide detailed analysis that is as trustworthy as it is practical.

Next Post
Intel 12th Generation NUC Review

Intel 12th Generation NUC Review

Leave Comment

Recommended.

MSI GTX 980Ti Lightning: The Silent Assassin

MSI GTX 980Ti Lightning: The Silent Assassin

by GaK_45
September 22, 2015
0
Zotac Mek Mini – Small Doesn’t Mean Less

Zotac Mek Mini – Small Doesn’t Mean Less

by Dave
April 16, 2019
0
ADVERTISEMENT

Trending.

MSI MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI Review

MSI MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI Review

by GaK_45
November 23, 2022
Seagate Exos X18 Review

Seagate Exos X18 Review

by GaK_45
December 22, 2020
MSI MAG CoreLiquid 360R Review

MSI MAG CoreLiquid 360R Review

by GaK_45
November 16, 2020
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 Review

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 Review

by GaK_45
July 13, 2021
Seagate Exos X20 Review

Seagate Exos X20 Review

by GaK_45
January 10, 2022
Real Hardware Reviews

© 2013 - 2023 | Powered by Real Hardware Reviews

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Editorial & Disclosure Policy

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Accessories
    • Processors (CPU)
    • GPU
    • Mobile
    • Games & Software
    • Systems
    • Cases
    • Tablet & Laptops
    • Ram
    • Storage
    • Motherboards
  • News
  • Off Topic
    • How To
    • Cryptocurrencies

© 2013 - 2023 | Powered by Real Hardware Reviews

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.