Thermalright Silver Arrow IB-E CPU Cooler Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. The Thermalright Silver Arrow IB-E CPU Cooler4. Installing the Thermalright Silver Arrow IB-E5. Testing Methodology and Overclocking6. Thermal Performance7. Acoustic Performance8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

The Thermalright Silver Arrow IB-E is remarkably similar to the Silver Arrow SB-E Special Edition that we have already reviewed, although it does not offer as good compatibility with tall RAM modules due to the square design of the heatsink.  The SB-E had tapered edges on the bottom of the heatsink which facilitated RAM compatibility.

Like the Silver Arrow SB-E Special edition, the IB-E doesn't offer as good performance as the Noctua NH-D14 and Phanteks PH-TC14PE.  In a similar fashion, the acoustic performance of the IB-E is very good indeed, making it perfect for those looking to build a silent system which packs a punch.

We are suitably impressed with the build quality of the cooler which comes close to matching that of Noctua, the leader in the marketplace. Unfortunately the installation process is more complicated than those offered by both Noctua and Phanteks products.

The aesthetics of the heatsink itself are quite distinctive, but the scheme of the fans is not likely to compliment many systems aesthetically. Unlike Phanteks, Thermalright do not offer the option of various coloured heatsinks, so the audience who like to colour coordinate may be dissapointed.

When it comes to value, the Thermalright Silver Arrow IB-E is around the same price as the Noctua NH-D14 and Phanteks PH-TC14PE at just over £65 inc VAT from Scan, however the Noctua model offers better performance and an easier installation process and the Phanteks model offers better performance and more diverse aesthetic options.

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Pros:

• More interesting heatsink design than competitors.
• Decent cooling performance, especially when overclocked.
• Excellent aesthetic performance.

Cons:

• Cooling performance falls slightly behind competing models.
• Similar price to competition, but offers less for the money.

KitGuru says: Another decent product from Thermalright, but doesn't quite stack up against the competition.

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