The SilverStone Argon AR07 Cooler Review: Tower Cooling on a Budget

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.