X-bit labs

New Super Cooler: ASUS Silent Knight Review (page 9)

Category: Coolers

by Sergey Lepilov

[ 01/12/2007 | 11:28 AM ]

Conclusion

The Silent Knight cooler I have tested today has left me with positive impressions and is beyond doubt worthy of the title of super-cooler. Its only drawback is that it is not quiet. The fan is distinctly audible against the general noise from a quiet system case, but the noise level is low. Otherwise, it is a top-notch product without a doubt.

First of all, the Silent Knight proved to be as efficient at cooling our Intel Core 2 Duo processor as the best coolers from Zalman and Scythe. Second, the cooler supports all modern platforms and its reliable and clever fastening mechanism allows you to orient it in the most efficient way on the mainboard. And finally, the cooler has got blue highlighting of the fan, which makes it appealing for modders. You also get good thermal grease with the cooler while its pretty-looking stylish box just asks for you to present it as a gift to an overclocker friend of yours.

As for the price factor, I saw offers asking $89 for a Silent Knight. That’s not much for a super-cooler. But I also hope that an improved version with a 110mm fan, a speed controller and, perhaps, with a slightly changed heatsink design will be released.