SilentiumPC Air Cooler Challenge – 6 Way Round-up

1. Introduction2. Testing Methodology3. Spartan 3 LT4. Spartan 3 Pro5. Fera 36. Fortis 37. Fortis 3 Malik Customs Edition8. Grandis9. Big Picture Overview10. Closing Thoughts11. View All Pages

First up is the Spartan 3 LT, with an MSRP of £12.90.

A small, cutesy cooler, the Spartan 3 LT has just two 6mm copper heatpipes in direct contact with the CPU. It comes with a 100mm fan pre-installed.

SilentiumPC describe it as a ‘cost-effective alternative to stock CPU coolers' which may give you a first indication about its performance.

Specifications

• Dimensions (heatsink only): 110mm(L) x 52mm(W) x 135mm(H)
• Dimensions (with fan and mounting clip): 110mm(L) x 82,5mm(W) x 135mm(H)
• Weight (with fan): 466g
• Heatsink: 2 x Φ6mm heatpipes
• Supported TDP: up to 135W
• Fan: 100 x 100 x 25mm
• Bearing type: HSB / Hydraulic
• Fan speed: 800 – 2000 RPM +/- 10%
• Rated voltage: 12V
• Rated current: 0.10 A
• Air flow: max. 55,7 CFM
• Noise level: 8,9 ~ 21 dBA
• MTBF: 50000h
• Connector: 4-pin PWM

Installing the Spartan 3 LT really is a doddle. Simply push the mounting frame through the holes around the CPU socket, then insert the pushpins to lock the frame into place. Then it is simply a case of seating the cooler and locking it to the mounting frame using two metal clips that are preinstalled on the cooler.

Everything is clearly explained on the included installation instructions, which has pictures for every step. And if you get really stuck (which is highly unlikely) there is even a QR code to scan which will take you to a video detailing the installation process.

Once installed, the Spartan 3 LT is an attractive yet diminutive cooler. As with all other coolers on test today, the top of the heatsink has a black, plated section which looks far better than just a metallic heatsink – in my opinion at least. I know I would much rather see the black fascia than a plain heatsink.

Testing

At stock speeds, the Spartan 3 LT did an admirable job, and stayed fairly quiet too.

When overclocked, though, I genuinely thought the system was going to shut down as the temperatures rocketed up to the high 80s almost immediately, but fortunately did not go much higher. Obviously the Spartan 3 LT is not going to appeal to overclocking enthusiasts but for those looking for a cheap and quiet stock cooler replacement, this could do the job just fine.

In terms of noise output, I am often wary of units with smaller fans – such as this 100mm unit. This is because they have to spin up faster to deal with the heat output. Especially considering the smaller heatsink means there is less physical space for the heat to dissipate, it is no surprise that when the fan kicks up to 100% (as it did under overclocked load, stock load was not as noisy) it produces a fair racket.

However, considering this cooler would be unlikely to deal with an overclock such as the one on our test, its stock noise levels are perhaps better representative of its true ability. At idle, it is very quiet indeed – proving just about audible from the open-air bench next to me. Inside a case I am sure it would be, practically speaking, silent. Under load the fan does spin up considerably faster, but does not quite reach 100%. This means there is an audible whirr, but it is constant and does not oscillate like some other coolers are known to. As such, the noise is bearable and would be blocked out by a game's soundtrack, for instance.

• MSRP: £12.90
• Product code: SPC145
• EAN: 5904730204415

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