Testing
The following system was used to test the cooler:
– Processor: Intel i7 13700K @ 5.4GHz
– Motherboard: Biostar Z790 Valkyrie
– RAM: Neo Forza MDK5 DDR5 96GB 6000MHz
– Graphics Card: MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Suprim X
– SSD: NeoForza NFP075 2TB
– HDD: N/A
– PSU: Seasonic Prime TX-1000
– CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240
– Case: be quiet! Silent Base 802 White
– OS: Windows 10 64-Bit (After April Update)
Software used for testing the cooler:
– AIDA64 Extreme Version: 7.60.7300
– Intel Burn Test v2.54
– Prime95 29.1
The cooler was tested with the CPU at the default turbo frequency of 5.40 GHz.
Also, the included fans have been used at their maximum speed.
The room temperature was approximately 26°C (78°F), with 2°C margin of error.
The settings of the software used are the following:
Intel Burn Test v2.54 – Stress level: Maximum
Prime95 29.1- small FFT
AIDA64 Extreme Version – FPU Benchmark & Temperature monitoring.
Each test was conducted for 40 minutes.
CPU Temperature – Heat Load: 250W
The noise level was measured at three different distances from the fans (10cm, 20cm, 30cm.) the noise was measured with a margin of error of ± 2 db.
In terms of clearance around the CPU socket, it will depend on your motherboard’s VRM heatsink size & design. In my case, the fittings of the CPU waterblock would interfere with the heatsinks unless the waterblock was installed sideways.
Final thoughts
The Endorfy Navis F280 is an impressive all in one liquid CPU cooler that overdelivers on its promised performance. The reality of the fact is that this CPU cooler is better than coolers reaching twice its price point, while being easier to install.
While the Endorfy Navis F280 is not the quietest CPU cooler in the world, it does deliver an impressive cooling performance, something which I did not see coming.
The fans are not all that quite, but the pump is dead silent and that is the case even if you power it at its maximum speed.
In terms of the build quality, there are no complaints here, everything is well made and there are no rough edges to be seen. This is the case for the cooler, its fans and the mounting system. We are seeing a level of build quality that is on par with the likes of Noctua.
As for the installation, this CPU cooler is one of the easiest to install, and that’s mainly thanks to the integration of the mounting bracket within the CPU water block. The backplate is made from metal and has soft foam pads to evenly apply pressure on the motherboard.
The user manual is easy to understand, and it is actually included with the CPU cooler in a paper form, while other manufacturers just give you a QR code to download the user manual.
If there is a drawback, it has to be the decorative plate with the Endorfy logo on the CPU waterblock, which is not movable. If you have large VRM heatsinks on your motherboard, then the fittings of the waterblock will interfere and you’ll be forced to have the Endorfy logo facing sideways.
In conclusion, Endorfy Navis F280 has to be one of the best liquid CPU coolers we’ve ever tested so far, and for a great price as well. Not only is the performance great but the mounting system is one of the best around given its simplicity. The fans are reasonably quiet, and the build quality is great overall.
