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It looks like SilentiumPC is making a lot of good decisions with its CPU cooling products. We liked the budget Fera 5 Dual and we also like the lower-noise orientated Fortis 5 and Fortis 5 Dual that we tested today.
We will focus our analysis on the Fortis 5 single fan version – this looks to be the best option in our eyes. Even though the dual fan version is only £5 or 10% more expensive, it doesn’t really deliver a noteworthy performance boost.
The raw cooling performance offered by the SilentiumPC Fortis 5 is strong. When factoring in its impressively low noise operation, the thermal results become even more reasonable. Plus, £50 for this type of air CPU cooler with low noise design is actually quite acceptable.
We can’t really point the finger at too many downsides. I would say that the dual fan model was a bit disappointing in its (lack of) notable performance improvement. And perhaps performance junkies won’t really value the noise-balanced operation, hoping for higher performance at this price point.
The aesthetics are also basic, but that will be a positive to many people. Especially as there is an ARGB option available, albeit at £60.
£50 for an air cooler is getting to the point where the market is competitive. You’ll sometimes even see dual-tower or dual-fan coolers dropping to this price level. But, we feel that the Fortis 5 from SilentiumPC delivers a good set of noise-balanced thermal results.
It’s not quite the bargain that its cheaper Fera 5 sibling is, but I do think that the SilentiumPC Fortis 5 is worthy of recommendation, especially with such impressive low noise operation.
The SilentiumPC Fortis 5 and Fortis 5 Dual sell for £49.99 and £54.98, respectively, at Scan.
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Pros:
- Excellent low-noise operation even at 100% fan speed
- Good overall cooling capacity for a roughly £50 cooler
- Strong build quality with a positive 6-year warranty
- Wide range of control for fan speed operation
- Some offset/asymmetric design points to limit interference
- Very easy mounting approach
Cons:
- More noise-balanced than raw cooling junkies will care for
- Aesthetic design is basic for around £50, though this may appeal to some
- Dual-fan cooler doesn’t offer much performance gain
KitGuru says: Superb low-noise operation alongside competent cooling performance make the SilentiumPC Fortis 5 desirable. We like the single-fan version at a smidge under £50.
SilentiumPC Fortis 5 score:
SilentiumPC Fortis 5 Dual score:
