Testing
The following system was used to test the cooler:
– Processor: Intel i9 9900K @ 5GHz
– Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X
– RAM: Ballistix Tactical Tracer 16GB DDR4 @ 2666MHz
– GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
– SSD: Crucial MX500
– HDD: WD 1 TB Blue
– PSU: Seasonic Snow Silent 750W Platinum
– Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe White
– Thermal compound: Noctua NT-H2
Software used for testing the cooler:
– AIDA64 Extreme Version: 6.25.5400
– Intel Burn Test v2.54
– Prime95 29.1
The cooler was tested with the CPU at the default turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz and overclocked to 5 GHz with a core voltage of 1.261 V.
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 idle test consists of the CPU sitting idle at the desktop for 30 minutes, the temperature was measured at the end of the test.
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.
Idle
Full Load – IntelBurnTestV2
Full Load – AIDA64 CPU, FPU & Cache
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.
Final thoughts
The SilentiumPC Navis EVO ARGB 280 V2 has a MSRP of around €92 EUR or $84 USD, a price which makes it cheaper than many 280mm AIO CPU coolers and even some 240mm coolers.
The cooling performance is good; especially when we talk about high TDP CPUs such as the Intel i9 9900K. However, I was expecting a bit better, especially from a cooler that has bigger fans and a bigger radiator.
One of the main reasons to buy this cooler, is the low noise operation of the pump. Even when running at its maximum speed of 2500RPM, the pump remains silent.
The build quality is very good, starting with the radiator, the tubes, water block and ending with the two fans and the mounting system. There are no uneven surfaces or sharp edges to be found, while the painted surfaces have no manufacturing defects.
The addressable RGB system present on both the fans and the CPU block is efficient and simple to use. The RGB LEDs can be controlled with the help of the included controller or through software, if they are connected to the motherboard.
In conclusion, the SilentiumPC Navis EVO ARGB 280 V2 is offering a good cooling performance, a low noise operating pump and good build quality. All these, backed up by a 3-year manufacturer warranty at an affordable price.
