The SilverStone Argon AR07 Cooler Review: Tower Cooling on a Budget
by E. Fylladitakis on June 9, 2017 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- SilverStone
- Cooler
Thermal Resistance VS Sound Pressure Level
During our thermal resistance vs. sound pressure level test, we maintain a steady 100W thermal load and assess the overall performance of the coolers by taking multiple temperature and sound pressure level readings within the operating range of the stock cooling fans. The result is a graph that depicts the absolute thermal resistance of the cooler in comparison to the noise generated. For both the sound pressure level and absolute thermal resistance readings, lower figures are better.
As expected, the Argon AR07 is no match for its significantly more expensive rivals, which can deliver better thermal performance at any comparable noise level, plus their operating range usually allows them to reach noise levels that are below the AR07’s capabilities. However, on the other hand, the Argon AR07 is more than a match for the slightly cheaper and simpler Cooler Master EVO 212. Both coolers have about the same operating range in terms of noise output, but the Argon AR07 is capable of much better thermal performance across the entirety of this range. At higher noise levels, the Argon AR07 is much closer in terms of thermal performance to the premium products of the range rather than to the budget-oriented EVO 212.
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Rocket321 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - link
@tonyou - thanks!Drumsticks - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
Great performance from Silverstone! Size permitting, it looks like this should displace the Hyper 212 as many default recommendations. Thanks for the review, as well.alin - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
I would review the Arctic Freezer 13.Outstanding cheap cooler. I personaly use it to passive cool a i7 4790. Great. No throttling at all. Checked using intel own XTU.
marc1000 - Sunday, June 11, 2017 - link
nice review and cooler. though I enjoy scythe products a lot, and for smaller case I can only think of Ninja Mini, being only 112mm tall it's the shortest tower cooler I have found.I got one used from ebay some 5 years ago and it's still rocking fine a OC i5 2500k to 4.0ghz. not the fastest overclock, neither the coolest temps ever, but on a small case where no other towers would fit, it is cool and silent enough. way better than any compact or standard cooler.
based on other comments however, I got really interested in Arctive Freezer 13, with only 130mm size and what looks like a way better design. thanks Alin!
alchemist83 - Sunday, June 18, 2017 - link
lol for real? is ugly, has clips and gets nosiy at temp.Samus - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
Wow $35? This effectively knocks the EVO212 from the top of the budget list, then.DominionSeraph - Thursday, June 15, 2017 - link
EVO and the new and improved 212X can be found for $20-25. (X is $20 right now) Their greatness is that it provides all the performance the majority of people need (silent operation at stock or a mild overclock) for the least amount of money. There are several coolers that beat the 212's at the $35 level, but they never fall under $35 and it's not such a big difference that there's any reason for most people to pony up the extra cash.Stock fans are loud. The 212 isn't, which is so worth the $20. Above that is only for pushing overclocks.
Oxford Guy - Sunday, July 2, 2017 - link
If someone can build a computer they can afford $10-15 more for a better cooler.yannigr2 - Saturday, June 10, 2017 - link
I wouldn't call it "budget" or "inexpensive" solution. The last few years, because of AIO watercooling solutions and their relatively high prices, manufacturers found an excuse to increase prices on their air cooling solutions. This cooler wouldn't cost more than 20-25$ a few years back. Coolers that you could buy for $15 a few years ago, now cost over $20.alchemist83 - Sunday, June 18, 2017 - link
$20? doubt it a bit. Infact I know thats ballz as its been my job to know prices for 15 years now.