Keith Soreghen
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Posts by Keith Soreghen
SilverStone Argon Series AR01 CPU Cooler

The Argon Series of CPU Coolers from SilverStone has something for everyone, with three different sizes and configurations to match any type of build. With support for all of the major socket types, a builder is only limited by the size of the case that the parts are going to be installed in. We recently reviewed the Argon AR02 cooler and gave it our Editor’s Choice Award for ease of install and price-to-performance. While the AR02 didn’t perform great in our overclocking test, we didn’t fault the cooler as that model isn’t really designed for that type of use.
Today we’ll be testing the AR01, which is the middle size cooler in the series at 120mm (W) x 50mm (D) x 159mm (H) (without Fan). This model supports the same CPU sockets as the other two Argon coolers and even uses the same mounting hardware, so swapping the AR02 for the AR01 cooler is going to be a simple process. Let’s check it out.
New Z87 Motherboards from Asus

Photo Credit: rog.asus.com
Intel’s new 22nm Haswell CPU architecture is expected to be released this June, and we were excited to see some news about a few of the motherboards that will support this new chip. Asus has been a long time favorite for us due to our experience reviewing computer components (we are currently using an Asus P8Z77-M Micro-ATX board for our test bed system). We’re not going to be reviewing these parts until they are released, but you might find the article on Tom’s Hardware interesting if you are looking forward to any of these boards. So it seems that the Z87 chipset is the one to watch for performance systems in the Haswell world.
SilverStone Argon Series AR02 Cooler

Today we’re taking a look at one of the latest CPU coolers from SilverStone, the new Argon Series AR02. This series of tower-style coolers features copper heat pipes with aluminum fins and comes in three models, the AR01, AR02 (featured here) and AR03. While the three coolers all support the same socket types, they vary by fan size, heat pipe configuration and fin dimensions.
The AR02 has three 06mm heat pipes and uses a 92mm fan. This cooler is the smallest of the three, at 92mm (W) x 50mm (D) x 134mm (H) without the fan. The AR02 seems like a perfect fit for smaller chassis where a large cooler might not fit. The case that we are testing with today has no such restrictions for cooler size, so let’s see how the AR02 fares against our current favorite air cooler, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo.
SilverStone Redline Series RL04

Today we’re taking a look at SilverStone’s latest case in their Redline Series, the RL04. This series was created to provide an affordable case for enthusiasts while still having features that are typically found on more expensive models. By using high-strength plastic for the front panel, SilverStone was able to create a sturdy enclosure while still keeping costs down. The RL04 has four 5.25″ drive bays, five 2.5″/3.5″ hard drive bays, one front mounted 120mm case fan, seven expansion slots, support for USB 3.0, and can accommodate power supplies of any size. Graphics cards up to 11.5″ can be installed, which gives builders a lot of options when selecting components. While there aren’t many accessories to speak of, builders get all of this for an incredibly low price of $48.99. Let’s see what we get for under fifty bucks after the jump.