Conclusion
We now come to the end of this test of the Alphacool Ocean T38. So, what is this model worth? We take stock.
Catastrophic noise..
We will start this conclusion with the biggest black spot of this watercooling kit : the noise ! It’s simple, with the proposed fans, namely the Core, forget any notion of silence. Following our test protocol, the ventilation was audible at all levels, even at low rpm. However, we have had noisy watercooling kits, but here..
To run silently, no choice, you’ll have to create a custom ventilation curve via the bios of your motherboard… Or even change the fan. As it is, it is not pleasant to use.
Good temperatures at high speeds!
Fortunately, when the fan and pump are running at their highest speeds, temperatures are very good. The Ocean T38 is even able to compete with the Liquid Freezer II 420, even though it is much bigger than it. Nevertheless, as soon as we reduce the pump and fan speeds (in accordance with our protocol), the temperatures are worthy of a small 240 mm kit.
As you can see, the temperature/noise ratio is catastrophic. As it is, it is the worst ratio of our selection. Too bad.
Catastrophic temperature to noise ratio, ok, but the rest?
For the rest, Alphacool offers a kit with a rather wise design and pass everywhere. Nevertheless, we feel that the brand has tried to make savings at all costs. Between a coarse sheath, basic fans and a light plastic pump, it is not the most careful construction we have seen. On the other hand, we find a nice thick radiator.
Finally, the accessory section remains complete and offers everything you need to assemble and start up the kit. It’s just a pity to find the same Intel backplate whose elements fly away as soon as you handle them a bit too much.
But at least it’s not expensive…
Finally, this kit will be interesting only by its very aggressive price. As a reminder, it can be found for less than 90 € incl VAT, no info for the US yet. At this price, we could be tempted to buy an Ocean T38 if the noise does not put you off. Otherwise, unless you want to change the fans, we can only recommend the Arctic alternative. Sure, it’s a bit more expensive, but it’s still quiet in all circumstances and temperatures are controlled at all speeds.
We like:
- The price, less than 90 €
- A complete range with all sizes of radiators
- The complete accessory part, with the splitter for three fans
- The presence of RGB for that price range
- The measured temperatures at high speed
We liked less:
- The finish is not always top notch
- The fans are too basic, no rubber silentblocks in particular
- The Intel backplate is a bit cheap
- The noise is much too present and at all speeds
- Temperatures that soar at low speeds
- The temperature and noise ratio is completely out of line with the competition
Unfortunately, the Ocean T38 won’t get away with anything special. Indeed, if Alphacool manages to offer us a very aggressively priced kit, unfortunately, that’s not all. In use, we find this model too noisy at all levels. If the temperatures are good at high speeds, it is not the case at low speeds. Finally, to have silence, a change of fan is not to be excluded and it will be necessary to add to the sum already paid… You might as well switch to a competitor’s kit in these cases.
Many thanks to Alphacool !
