Test setup and results …
AMD Ryzen processors with 3D V-Cache are extremely temperature-sensitive, which is why AMD has prevented the overclocking of the processors in the X3D models of the 5000 and 7000 series.
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D that we used for the test requires a powerful cooling solution in order to work smoothly. The small structure size in combination with the overlying 3D V-Cache tends to form rapid and strong hotspots under load.
Unfortunately, the small Freezer 8A was unable to dissipate the heat generated by the AMD Ryzen 7800X3D quickly enough, which is why system crashes occurred just a few moments after starting CPU-heavy stress tests. We tried both mounting positions and checked the fit of the cooler several times. Since there was no evidence of incorrect installation and no crashes were recorded with other coolers under the same operating conditions, we have to attribute the problems in the test of the Arctic Freezer 8A to a lack of cooling performance in combination with the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
This fact clearly shows that the high-performance cooling solutions on the market are not just nice to have, but are actually necessary to reliably cool modern high-performance processors.
Sound …
With a maximum speed of 2300 rpm, the 100 mm fan of the Freezer 8A is capable of generating a decent airflow. Thanks to its liquid bearing, it remains surprisingly quiet, as we already know from the larger Arctic fans in the P series, even though the P10 of the Freezer 8A has no rubber pads on the corners. Although the fan is clearly audible at maximum speed, its operating noise is not particularly loud or unpleasant.
Arctic Freezer 8A Result and general impression …