With the Argon series CPU coolers, SilverStone presents a range of coolers that are stripped down to the essentials yet still offer state-of-the-art technology. The significant advantage is an especially attractive price point without compromising on cooling performance. All Argon towers consist of an aluminum radiator and several copper heat pipes that, thanks to HDC technology (Heatpipe Direct Contact), rest directly on the processor's heat spreader, effectively dissipating heat into the fin tower.

The SilverStone SST-AR09-1700 offered here is an extremely compact tower cooler with three cleverly arranged 6 mm diameter heat pipes, suitable for 2U rack mounts or small form factor cases. The heat pipes, embedded in the base, transport waste heat to the 8.8 cm wide and 6.6 cm high radiator block. A seven-blade 60 mm fan with a sleeve bearing provides a decent airflow of up to 47.4 m³/h at a full speed of 5,000 RPM while generating no more than 42.5 dB(A). However, it can also operate very quietly when throttled by pulse width modulation, delivering airflow at just 1,200 RPM with slightly over 18.02 dB(A).

Technical details:

• Dimensions: 88 x 66 x 88 mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 323 g
• Material: Copper, aluminum (base plate), copper (heat pipes), aluminum (fins)
• Bearing: Dual ball bearing
• Heat pipes: 3x Ø 6 mm
• Fan:
• Speed: 1200 - 5000 RPM
• Noise level: 18.02 - 42.5 dB(A)
• Voltage: 12V
• Current: 0.35A
• Airflow: 47.4 m³/h
• Air pressure: 4.83 mmH2O
• Connectors: 4-Pin PWM
• Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700.