Fractal Design Kelvin S36 AIO CPU Cooler Review

Unboxing

When the unit arrived I was quite shocked at how big the packaging was, what was I to expect from a 360mm AIO cooler?

First look in box and I can see that Fractal Design took great care to make sure that nothing arrived broken or missing.

• Intel 775,1150,1155,1156,1366 mounting hardware (including back plate)
• Intel 2011, 2011-v3 mounting hardware
• AMD AM2,AM2+,AM3,AM3+,FM1,FM2,FM2+ mounting hardware
• PWM splitter cable
• Low speed cable for pump (9V)
• Fractal Design Zero™ Thermal Paste, 1g Syringe
• Long and short radiator mounting screws
• 3 Fractal Design Dynamic GP-12 PWM controlled fans

It’s very easy to see the collaboration between Fractal and Alphacool. When I had the unit in my hand, it reminded me very much of Alphacool’s nexXxos range which is not a bad thing, retaining low fin density I imagine in an effort to lower noise however don’t think that’s going to hinder its performance – it has a lot of surface area and cooling potential.

Upon inspection, the copper base is reasonably polished. Not quite as good as the T12 but acceptable. This is not directed at Fractal but it would be nice to see an AIO manufacturer take more time polishing their CPU blocks for those of us that want to gain ever degree we possibly can – overclockers are ruthless and sometimes the small things all add up.

[UPDATE] Fractal Design contacted me about my comment on the copper base and said that they thermal paste included is specifically formulated to smooth out any imperfections and leave a perfect contact between the IHS and the copper plate.

I will say for bundled thermal paste is does do a good job. Aside from my small gripe I can’t say its had any impact on overal temperatures.

• 1. Intro
• 2. Unboxing
• 3. Installation
• 4. Performance Testing
• 5. Conclusion