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
It is a fact that stock cooling solutions rarely satisfy an advanced PC user, even if the system is not intended for heavy gaming, workload, or overclocked. While stock coolers are adequate for their intended purpose, most of the time are simply too loud or the user is uncomfortable with the operating temperature of the system.
Fancy as huge air coolers and liquid cooling solutions as they may be, it is an undisputable truth that the bulk of the market consists of users that are driven by a limited budget, thus seeking cost-effective, practical solutions.
In today's review we are taking a look at the SilverStone Argon AR07 cooler. It is a large tower cooler that is making use of a 140 mm cooling fan, much like the advanced tower coolers that we recently reviewed. Although this particular cooler also requires the user to have a rather wide case, SilverStone’s approach is a little simpler and considerably cheaper, with the Argon AR07 retailing for $35 including shipping. In the following pages we will examine its build quality, practicality, and overall performance in comparison to both more advanced/expensive offering and one of its primary rivals in the market, the Cooler Master EVO 212.
Packaging & Bundle
SilverStone supplies the Argon AR07 cooler inside a relatively simple but very sturdy blue cardboard box. The artwork is based on images and watermarks of the cooler itself, with plenty of information about the cooler printed on all sides of the box.
As expected from a product that is trying to compete in terms of value, the bundle is frugal, limited to the one-fits-all backplate, mounting hardware, two sets of fan affixing wires, a single dose of thermal compound, and a leaflet with very basic installation instructions.
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DanNeely - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
An impressive result for the price. Assuming sufficient room in the case and sustained availability; I think this might replace the 212 as my default recommendation for anyone looking for an affordable replacement for an Intel stock cooler either for performance or because the pushpins on the latter are throwing the installer for a loop.ImSpartacus - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
Yeah, I LOVE when I see reviews of the real products that people actually buy.A >$100 CLC review is neat, but most people are better served by funneling that extra money into their components and getting a cheaper cooler.
FreckledTrout - Saturday, June 10, 2017 - link
FYI: The Cryorig H7 already is the replacement for the good ole standby Cooler Master EVO 212. The H7 is quieter, cools better, and mounts easier than the EVO 212. The H7 is my default recommendation. The AR07 could be right in there although but I would need to see the H7 pitted against it.Hurr Durr - Sunday, June 11, 2017 - link
>Hive Fin™>Jet Fin Acceleration™
>Jet Fin Acceleration System™
Cooler made by lawyers. Literally.
alchemist83 - Sunday, June 18, 2017 - link
You read that in a review right? ''EVO 212 replacement''. So did I. Cryorig do sell some great kit, dont have the cleareance or cooling power of my Macho Rev.B at the same price.Arbie - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
I'd look at the Scythe Mugen 5 instead. It is $12 more than the AR07 but is shorter and cools much better - nearly as well as the Noctua tested here. I just got one and am very pleased with the quality, fit, and performance.djayjp - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
Very useful these cooler reviews. Keep it up!Rocket321 - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
My case specs list 165mm maximum cooler size. Not sure if I trust this with only 2mm of clearance! Still, seems like a great competitor to the Evo.Rocket321 - Friday, June 9, 2017 - link
It looks like the highest point of the fan extends slightly above the tip of the heatpipes. Can anyone confirm the 163mm height includes the fan?tonyou - Sunday, June 11, 2017 - link
According to SilverStone, 163mm includes the fan:http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=621