SilverStone Introduces Low-Profile Argon AR11 CPU Cooler
Ron Perillo / 7 years ago
Smaller SilverStone Products
Compact products are something SilverStone has been focused on for the past few years. They have popularized SFX units and have high-wattage-per-litre ATX PSUs. Even their Raven and Fortress series has been slimmed down for more low profile needs. Now they are announcing a new low-profile CPU cooler for the Argon series which would fit nicely with these compact parts. Called the Argon AR11, it is a quad-heatpipe downward blowing cooler with a 92mm fan and is only 47mm tall. Because of its unique size, it actually installs differently from previous Argon cooling products since it does not require a complicated setup.
How Well Does it Cool?
As everyone knows when it comes to air coolers, bigger is better. It is just basic science considering a larger surface area means heat can move about. The active cooling fan can only do so much if the heat stays in place for extended periods. The AR11 measures 94 x 97mm and is only 47mm tall with the fan. Which means it has to compensate for the small size somehow.
To increase cooling efficiency, what SilverStone did is implement a direct-contact heatpipe design rather than use an interposer. The heatpipe parts touching the CPU IHS contact surface are flattened and alternates with an aluminum block. This results in faster heat movement from the CPU IHS to the heatpipe. After which, the 92mm fan can blow it out of the way. In terms of actual cooling, SilverStone recommends that the AR11 be used only on CPUs that have a 95W TDP rating or lower.
Even the Fan is Slim
The 92mm fan also has a unique design, operating at 1200 to 3000 RPM. It can deliver up to 55.76 CFM and maxes out at 44.5 dBA. It uses dual ball-bearings for a longer lifespan than sleeve bearing units. This fan is also only 15mm tall instead of 25mm, shaving some height for clearance. The impellers of the fan itself do not feature any curves on the leading or trailing edges. But the shape of the impeller surface curves slightly. This allows for greater airflow despite the small size, albeit at the expense of greater noise. Since it is a PWM fan, users can just re-adjust it to their needs if they wish it to be quieter.
Pricing information is not available yet. However, for further details, read the official product page on SilverStone’s website.
