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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Outlander_04 - Saturday, June 10, 2017 - link
I hope they have other colorsjardows2 - Monday, June 12, 2017 - link
This is a nice review, and a nice product. Without overclocking, there is a limited level of heat dissipation that is needed before diminishing returns sets in. Spending $75-$100 that will provide no better practical results is a waste. The noise levels are starting to get close on these "budget" products compared to the premium products.To see a product like this that performs competitively with premium products, at a price level competitive with what is considered the "budget" champion, is exciting to me!
mschira - Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - link
Shouldn't a cooler with a 120mm fan be plenty efficient?I guess if a 140 fan fit's in why not, the bigger the merrier, but 120 fan is pretty big already.
I remember the days when CPU coolers had 80mm fans, and they did the job pretty fine.
And they did so with CPUs that consumed quite a lot of power.
Coolers were a little noise at times back in those days, so I get you want a bigger fan.
M.
Outlander_04 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - link
All else being equal a 140 mm fan can move more air at lower speed with less noisemschira - Wednesday, June 14, 2017 - link
No doubt that is true. If a 140 cooler fits, that is good. But it often won't.M.
alchemist83 - Sunday, June 18, 2017 - link
140mm, that extra 20mm makes all the differrence in terms of noise output.vext - Thursday, June 15, 2017 - link
Great article, the Argon 7 looks like a good inexpensive alternative. But I have to point out that the best cooler in the article is the Thermalright 140 True Spirit Direct by almost all of the criteria. Just look at the performance graphs. I wish there was just a little discussion about the top performing cooler and what you lose to save $15. The Thermalright is $46 at Newegg right now. That nominal difference gets you a much better fan, full nickel finish, better thermals, and just a better overall , more attractive design. If you think about it, CPU coolers are perhaps the one thing that you can keep using over many computer builds. IMHO it's worth paying just a little more for the best. Thermalright is effectively the Rolls Royce of air cooling. They are also far more reasonably priced than Nexus.Leyawiin - Saturday, June 17, 2017 - link
The other Argon coolers have neat little silicon barrel type fan mounts that easily slide into the cooler and isolate vibration at the same time. Shame to see Silverstone backtrack and start using those damned wire fan mounts again.alchemist83 - Sunday, June 18, 2017 - link
Totally agree, my AR01 had silicone mounts, very easy to use and helps to eliminate vibration.alchemist83 - Sunday, June 18, 2017 - link
Had me an AR01 - was pretty good, lasted a few years till i got bored and upgraded to a Thermalright Macho Rev.B. Way better cooling perf & its totally silent at times. Has full cleareance for high DDR. QUite cheap at 35 pounds, I cant fault it.