Review on 🌬️ MSI Core Frozr XL Cooling by Matt Pavelko

First impression Comment Comparison with the "S" variant (the "L" model is a product with silver heat pipes, and the "S" model - with copper-colored pipes). I ordered the "L" variant (large model) but it doesn't actually fit in my build because unfortunately it doesn't fit in my Zalman S2 case (it's so tall it sticks out the side of my case tempered glass). . panels; which could damage my motherboard and CPU if something hits the panel). I ordered the "S" variant (small model) the next day because the "S" model is 3mm shorter, but I'll keep it because it's SUPER GOOD - I'll just leave it when I upgrade my PC case. My photos compare the "L" and "S" options. First, the "S" model just looks cheaper (if I didn't know the price, I'd guess the "L" model is $80 and the "S" model is $45, for comparison). For the 'L' model the packaging was top notch - as all the nuts and bolts were neatly packed in a styrofoam box! The "S" has all the screws in just one zip pocket. The metal fins on the "L" model are also zinc plated, giving them a super shiny dark metallic sheen (similar to the expensive aftermarket car radiators that people put in their muscle cars). On the "S" model, the aluminum is unpainted, so everything looks matte, as can be seen in my drawing. What I would also like for the "L" model is to use straight heatpipes like the "S" model as shown in my picture - straight heatpipes should theoretically provide better heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink enable. and reduce the height of the radiator. The "L" model is also 30% heavier as it uses 8mm tubes instead of the 6mm tubes in the "S" model. The fins are also larger on the "L" model, which increases the weight. TDP specs are everywhere, some sites say the "L" has a nominal TDP of 200W, others say 140W. The "S" has a TDP rating of 120W, so based on the difference in volume and weight, my instinct is that the "L" has a TDP rating of 140W. Based on that assumption, I ordered another 120mm MSI Frozr fan as a 2-stroke to make up the 20W difference (since I originally wanted to put an "L" on my build). Study, adding a second fan as a push-pull configuration adds 20-30W effective TDP; So that should make up for the 20W TDP difference. Additional Notes - The "L" model has a light-up badge and interchangeable top plate. The badge on my "L" model is also different from the stock photos (it doesn't say "MSI Gaming" at the top). I actually prefer the badge on my "L" copy, so that's a bonus.