Overall, the Valkyrie Vind SL125 falls short of expectations. Performance in general is far better on Intel than AMD but is still lackluster regardless of platform. At maximum RPM, the cooler is excessively loud compared to the performance it offers, but it can at least compete with Noctua's NH-U12A and NH-D15S, Montech's Metal DT24 Premium, and comes close to the DeepCool Assassin in certain tests. Yet in order to achieve that it hits a max noise level of 58 dBA which negates any real advantage. Especially when you consider the previously mentioned coolers offer 4-8 dBA lower max noise levels. When limiting all coolers to the same overall noise output of 45 dBA at 15 cm (6 inches), performance sees a significant drop-off, making it comparable to more basic entry-level air coolers. It doesn't matter if you run an AMD or Intel system, the Vind SL125 lags behind the competition by a sizable margin. Add in the steep price tag of $70, and it's a tough sell, especially when alternatives like the ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS offer better performance for less than half the price, while also being quieter overall.

While performance was not great, build quality on the other hand was a nice surprise, even if it doesn't resolve the noise issue. The unboxing experience was good, the added cost wasn't worth it, but it does give a premium feel. Meanwhile, the fit and finish was great with no blemishes on the fins, no bending or creases, and the hefty feel to the fans implies quality. The added optional top cover and easy to use mounting hardware are also a nice touch, but the generous 5-year warranty, while probably unnecessary for an air cooler, means Valkyrie believes that the cooler will hold up for the long haul.

As for the looks, If you plan to go with a red and black theme the cooler is a great fit for that with an otherwise visually appealing design. If you plan to use any other color theme the cooler likely isn't ideal, as it will easily clash with any other colors, for the same reasons the ARGB lighting implementation, if set to anything other than red, doesn't look that great. Valkyrie do offer a white and blue version, but again it has a limited appeal where you're looking at a specific visual theme.

In conclusion, the Valkyrie Vind SL125 offers a great unboxing experience and an impressive warranty, along with a visually appealing design. However, it's not competitively priced. While it will suffice for most mid-range or lower builds, the high cost means there are better options available unless you're particularly drawn to the aesthetics. In a highly competitive cooling market, the Vind SL125 would need to be priced in the $35-50 range to stand a chance, but even then, there are better value options out there. While the concept and design are promising, the company should prioritize improving performance of the base design over the visual elements.