The SilverStone Argon series AR11 is a solid CPU cooler for small form factor systems. Offering impressive performance considering its diminutive size, it has absolutely no trouble keeping the Intel i7 8700k cool; with the CPU running at its base frequency of 3.7 GHz, temperatures peaked at 80°C. Taking things a step further and pushing the clock speed up to 4.3 GHz resulted in the AR11 still proving more than capable with temperatures peaking at just 84°C. Typical load temps were in the 70°C range.

A nice bonus of small form factor coolers is that memory and graphics card clearance is never an issue, which is true in regards to the AR11 as well. Users can install memory of any height without worry. The same goes for the graphics card; with no offending fan clips or giant heatsinks to get in the way, you can slap in the biggest card your case can hold for maximum frame rates.

I will say that I was a bit worried in terms of the build quality at first glance considering its affordable price, but those fears were unfounded. The fins are stiff enough to avoid severe bending, while the fan is firmly secured via four screws and doesn't rattle. When it comes to installing the AR11, you will be surprised by how easy it is. In fact, it is likely the easiest cooler to install I have ever had. Altogether, the build quality and design feels well thought out, making the best possible use of space for such a compact offering.

A few potential drawbacks do stand out. First and foremost, the cooler gets loud when the fan hits maximum RPM with a reading of 49 dBA at just 1 ft/30 cm away. Next is cooling performance: while fine at stock, it just cannot handle the overclocked i7 8700K. Its overall cooling capabilities are severely limited, which isn't surprising considering the maximum TDP of just 95 watts. Even then, it requires a case with adequate airflow to reach that target. This means the cooler is a niche product, and while there is nothing wrong with that, it limits its appeal. When you boil it all down, its size is both its greatest strength and weakness.

Furthermore, the AR11 is hindered by its limited socket support, being compatible with Intel's LGA115x only. Support for socket AM4 would have been nice. Granted, better socket compatibility would make for a more complicated mounting solution. Finally, there is the fan; come on SilverStone, you seriously need to start sleeving the cables or using completely black wires. It's 2018, not 2006. The days in which nasty multi-colored wiring was okay are long gone.

Overall, if a small form factor system is what you want, or you plan not to overclock, for that matter, and don't need anything fancy, then SilverStone's Argon series AR11 is an affordable option that gets the job done.