Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E Special Edition Review

We are impressed with what the Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E Special Edition has to offer to the hardcore enthusiast user.

While it can't quite match the performance achieved by the Noctua NH-D14 and Phanteks PH-TC14PE, the acoustic performance is exemplary, making it ideal for use in a quiet, overclocked system.

The build quality of the cooler is very good and easily matches the standard of it's closest rivals from Phanteks and Noctua.  We were a little disappointed with the mounting mechanism, though, as it proved a little tricky to mount the cooler compared to the NH-D14.

The first time we mounted the cooler, the retention plate wasn't quite in the right place, leading to unimpressive cooling performance.  We remounted the cooler before recording final results, however this is something to be mindful of if you purchase it.

When it comes to value, the Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E is around the same price as the Noctua NH-D14 and Phanteks PH-TC14PE at just under £60 inc vat, however we think the Noctua offers a better comprise between acoustics and thermal performance.  We would like to see the Silver Arrow coming down in price to around £49.99 before it would get an ultimate recommendation from us.

Pros:

• Very Quiet.
• excellent choice for overclocked processors.
• Interesting Design.

Cons:

• Thermal performance isn't quite as good as the closest high end rivals.
• A little pricey.

KitGuru says: A good effort from Thermalright, however a little on the expensive side to be a Must Have.

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