The Alpenföhn Matterhorn 2 series consists of three black air coolers: the simple Matterhorn 2 black and the visually enhanced AURORA black (both 200W TDP, single-tower) and the AURORA MAX black, a dual-tower model with 250W TDP and ARGB. All three are designed for current AMD and Intel systems and are developed by EKL AG in the Allgäu region.
Anyone familiar with the name knows that the Matterhorn was one of the manufacturer’s most popular tower coolers for years. With the second generation, Alpenföhn is now bringing the series back into the fray with a completely redesigned, all-black look—and this time, it’s available in three different configurations. We took a look at the technical differences between the models and who would benefit from each one.
TL;DR: The Matterhorn 2 series at a glance
- Matterhorn 2 black – Single-tower, 4 heat pipes, 200W TDP, one 120-mm fan, no lighting. The practical entry-level model.
- Matterhorn 2 AURORA black – identical in design to the black model, but with an ARGB fan and an illuminated top cover. 200W TDP.
- Matterhorn 2 AURORA MAX black – dual-tower, 6 heat pipes, nickel-plated copper base plate, two ARGB fans, 250W TDP. The top-of-the-line model.
All three models share the following features: screw-mounted installation on Intel and AMD, full RAM compatibility thanks to the compact design, thermal paste included, and the hydraulically-bearing 120-mm fan design with 500–1,800 RPM.
Matterhorn 2 Black – the practical entry-level model
The base model is a classic single-tower design with four 6-mm heat pipes and Heatpipe Direct Touch, meaning the heat pipes are in direct contact with the CPU. Alpenföhn specifies a cooling capacity of up to 200W TDP—enough to handle current mid-range CPUs and even many high-end models in everyday use, as long as you don’t plan on extreme overclocking.
At 158 mm tall and weighing 550 g, the cooler remains relatively compact. The airflow-optimized fins and black coating are not only designed to look good but, according to the manufacturer, also improve heat dissipation. The included premium 120-mm fan spins at speeds between 500 and 1,800 RPM and, with a specified noise level of 32.5 dB(A), operates within an audible but not intrusive range.
If you don’t care about RGB and are simply looking for a solid, quiet air cooler, this is the right choice for you. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the Alpenföhn Brocken 4 from our review, only a bit more compact and without the Brocken’s characteristic height.
Matterhorn 2 AURORA black – same technology, more style
The AURORA black is technically almost identical to the black model: single-tower design, four heat pipes, 200W TDP, the same dimensions, and the same weight. The difference lies in the aesthetics. Instead of the plain fan, this model features a 120-mm ARGB fan mounted in the frame, along with an illuminated top cover. If you’re showcasing your build through a viewing window and love coordinated lighting, you’ll get the same cooling performance with added visual flair.
RAM compatibility remains intact—even tall heat spreaders fit easily under the cooler thanks to the space-saving design. In practical terms, this means that if you’re torn between the black and AURORA black models, your decision comes down purely to the lighting, not the temperature.
Matterhorn 2 AURORA MAX black – the top-of-the-line dual-tower model
The most powerful model in the series is in a league of its own. The AURORA MAX black features an asymmetrical dual-tower design with six heat pipes and a nickel-plated solid-copper base plate, instead of the aluminum-copper combination found in the smaller models. The result: up to 250W TDP cooling capacity and a weight of 1,150 g—roughly twice that of the single-tower model.
Two 120-mm ARGB fans and an illuminated top cover provide the visual appeal, while the asymmetrical design ensures compatibility with tall RAM modules. The MAX is thus clearly aimed at gaming and workstation processors that generate a significant amount of heat.
The trade press has already responded: Hardwarezoom awarded the AURORA MAX black 2026 a distinction and, with a street price of around 55 euros, gave it a clear “buy” recommendation—citing good build quality, straightforward installation, and quiet operation during everyday use that only becomes noticeably audible at maximum speed. For a dual-tower cooler with ARGB, that’s a remarkably fair price.
Technical specifications at a glance
| Model | Matterhorn 2 black | AURORA Black | AURORA MAX black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Single-Tower | Single-Tower | Dual-Tower |
| Cooling Capacity | up to 200W TDP | up to 200W TDP | up to 250W TDP |
| Heat pipes | 4 × 6 mm | 4 × 6 mm | 6 × 6 mm |
| Base plate | Aluminum + Copper | Aluminum + copper | Copper (nickel-plated) |
| Fan | 1 × 120 mm | 1 × 120 mm ARGB | 2 × 120 mm ARGB |
| Lighting | None | ARGB + Top Cover | ARGB + top cover |
| Weight | 550 g | 550 g | 1,150 g |
| RPM | 500–1,800 rpm | ||
| Noise level | 32.5 dB(A) | ||
| Airflow | 120.34 m³/h | ||
| AMD Base | AM5, AM4 | ||
| Intel Socket | 1954, 1700, 1200, 115X, 20XX | ||
| Thermal paste | Included | ||
The socket list is noteworthy: With the inclusion of socket 1954, the series is already prepared for Intel’s upcoming platform, in addition to the established LGA-1700 and AM5 systems. This also makes the Matterhorn 2 series appealing to users looking to upgrade who plan to switch platforms in the foreseeable future.
Which model is right for whom?
The lineup is pleasantly logical. The Matterhorn 2 black is for those who want maximum simplicity: no RGB, no frills, just cooling. The AURORA Black is the choice for anyone who wants lighting while maintaining the same performance. And the AURORA MAX Black is the go-to option when it comes to power-hungry CPUs, overclocking, or simply maximum headroom.
What makes the series particularly exciting is its pricing structure. When the top-of-the-line model—with a dual-tower design and dual ARGB lighting—retails for around 55 euros, it almost begs the question of why anyone would opt for the smaller model—unless you have a very compact case that can’t accommodate the MAX’s 1,150 g and wider design. This is exactly where the slim single-tower models shine.
If you’re already considering a compact cooling solution, our review of the Alpenföhn Panorama 2 offers a low-profile alternative for small ITX systems. And if you’d rather go with a water-cooling setup, it’s worth checking out our review of the Alpenföhn Gletscherwasser 360.
Availability and Price
The entire Matterhorn 2 series is listed through Alpenföhn’s retailers and distributors. According to trade publications, the AURORA MAX black is available for around 55 euros; the two single-tower models are likely to be priced slightly lower. If you’d like to compare current prices, you’ll find them at retail stores and the usual online shops—the official datasheets and retailer listings are available directly on Alpenföhn’s product page.
Conclusion on the Alpenföhn Matterhorn 2 Series
With the Alpenföhn Matterhorn 2 series, the Allgäu-based manufacturer has put together a well-rounded trio: a no-frills entry-level model, an ARGB variant in the same price range, and a top-of-the-line dual-tower model that really stands out with its 250W TDP and reasonable price. The all-black design, high socket compatibility—including support for Intel’s Socket 1954—and straightforward screw-based installation make the series a serious contender for modern builds. We reserve the right to conduct our own in-depth hands-on review—but the initial impression is certainly promising.
