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

Next, the Spartan 3 Pro, with an MSRP of £17.90.

Just like the Spartan 3 LT, the Spartan 3 Pro is aimed at users on a tight budget but who are not content with a stock cooler. In fact, as far as I can tell, the only physical difference between the two Spartan coolers is that the Pro has 4 copper heatpipes, compared to just two on the LT model.

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): 500 g
• Heatsink: 4 x Φ6mm heatpipes
• Supported TDP: up to 150W
• 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

Installation is also identical to that of the Spartan 3 LT – meaning it is a breeze.

Incidentally, also included within the box is another set of fan clips – so you could add another 100mm fan and have a push/pull configuration should you wish. A second fan is not included, however.

Testing

Temperatures are very similar to the Spartan 3 LT across both tests.

At just £5 more than the LT, it may be worth getting the Pro model – at least that way you have the ability to add a second fan should you wish. However, there is not a lot between the two Spartan coolers, so if you are really tight for cash, that £5 could be spent elsewhere.

The extra heatpipes also differentiate the coolers, too. Given temperatures are so similar between the two Spartan coolers, the extra heatpipes must come into play somewhere. Practically, they allow the fans to spin slower, meaning less noise – all while dissipating less heat.

At stock speeds, the Pro is a quiet cooler. In all honesty, so are all the other coolers on test. Idling produces essentially no noise, while under load the fan does get moving – but it is not especially intrusive. The larger fan (compared to a stock cooler) also helps the noise to be bit easier on the ears – it is not quite so high-pitched as the whine of a stock cooler.

When overclocked, the Pro does make a fair amount more noise – as the 100mm fan is really straining to cool things down. Under load the volume does begin to get annoying – but you have to remember the small heatsink and 100mm fan is simply not designed to deal with a high overclock.

• MSRP: £17.90
• Product code: SPC146
• EAN: 5904730204408

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