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To test the performance of the Thermalright SilverArrow SB-E Special Edition, we built a powerful X79 based system on an open test bench to push the cooler to it's limits. As we were testing on an open test bench, we directed a Be Quiet! Shadow Wings 120 mm fan at the VRM circuitry to better simulate the airflow generated in a case.
Coolers Tested
- Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E Special Edition
- NZXT Kraken X60 (Silent and Extreme modes)
- NZXT Kraken X40 (Silent and Extreme modes)
- Corsair H110 (fans at 12V)
- Corsair H90 (fan at 12V)
- Phanteks PH-TC14PE (fans at 12V)
- Noctua NH-D14 (fans at 12V)
Test System
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K
- Motherboard: Asus P9X79
- Memory: 16 GB (4 x 4 GB) Mushkin Blackline 1600 MHz
- Thermal Paste: Arctic Cooling MX-2
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 7950
- Graphics Card (noise tests): HIS Radeon HD 5550 Silence
- Power Supply: Seasonic Platinum P1000W
Software
- Prime 95 (64-bit)
- CPUID Hardware Monitor
Overclocking
We manually overclocked the i7-3930K to 4.7 GHz by increasing the multiplier to 47x, leaving the baseclock set at 100 MHz. We set Load Line Calibration to ‘High', and increased the CPU Current Capability to 120% with a minor voltage increase. Speed stepping was disabled for both stock and overclocked tests.
See validation here.
Id much rather have the Corsair H100 or H110. These take up too much space around the CPU socket.
“they will both be completely inaudible when used inside a quality case.”
No, just no. Neither of them will ever be completely inaudible