Silverstone AR07 & AR08 CPU Cooler Review

Introduction

SilverStone is back on eTeknix again today, with their new AR07 and AR08 CPU coolers. Both coolers are designed to be affordable, quiet, stylish and pack great value for money performance. We’re going to be putting both of them on our test bench today, and while we’re expecting the bigger AR07 to offer up better performance, we’re still eager to see what the smaller and more affordable AR08 is capable of.

“The Argon series coolers are designed to provide the best cooling solution for your CPU. To improve performance even further, unique and exclusive heatsink fin designs such as interweaving diamond edge and arrow guides are included. For users looking for a no-nonsense top performing cooler without the premium price, the Argon AR07 is the perfect choice.” – SilverStone

Both coolers come equipped with a triple heat pipe design and a high-quality fan tuned for silence. The AR07 has three 8mm thick pipes, a 140mm PWM fan and the AR08 uses 6mm pipes with a 92mm PWM fan.

Argon Series AR07

• Great balance of silence and performance
• Unique interweaving diamond edged fins for improved performance
• Exclusive arrow guides distribute airflow evenly among heat pipes
• Three Ø8mm heat-pipes and aluminum fins for excellent heat conducting efficiency
• Heat-pipe direct contact (HDC) technology
• Includes compact 140mm PWM fan for excellent cooling and low noise
• Anti-vibration rubber pads included for additional noise dampening

Argon Series AR08

• Great balance of silence and performance
• Unique interweaving diamond edged fins for improved performance
• Exclusive arrow guides distribute airflow evenly among heat pipes
• Three Ø6mm heat-pipes and aluminum fins for excellent heat conducting efficiency
• Heat-pipe direct contact (HDC) technology
• Includes compact 92mm PWM fan for excellent cooling and low noise
• Anti-vibration rubber pads included for additional noise dampening
• Intel Socket LGA775/115X/1366/2011 and AMD Socket AM2/AM3/FM1/FM2 compatible

Both coolers come nicely packaged with all the main specifications detailed around the box, as well as lots of images showing the fan, fin stack, block, heat pipes design and more.

In the box, you’ll find fan clips, a universal backplate for Intel and an AMD bracket, mounting arms, 3M pads, as well as all the required screws and some thermal paste. Both coolers come with a very similar mounting kit, the only exception being that the AR07 comes with larger fan retention clips.