Silverstone Tundra TD03-SLIM – Good Price, Good Cooling

Introduction
Water cooling systems have always attracted the attention of enthusiasts and fans of developing their "hardware". But not a small price for a full-fledged liquid CPU cooler frightens many customers off, and maintenance-free systems which are available on the market were inferior in efficiency to eminent super coolers, while significantly exceeding them in price.
 
Specifications
MANUFACTURER - SilverStone Technology
MODEL - Tundra TD03-SLIM
SOCKET SUPPORT - Intel: LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA2011-v3, LGA2066
AMD - AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4* V2 version
CPU BLOCK - Base Material: Copper
Pump RPM - 2500
RADIATOR - Dimensions: 153 mm x 120 mm x 22 mm
Material - Aluminum
FAN - Model: APA1215M12
Dimensions - 120 mm x 120 mm x 15 mm
Fan Speed - 800 - 2200 RPM (PWM)
Fan Airflow - 13.1 - 35.86 CFM
Fan Noise - 16.5 - 27.4 dBA
FEATURES - Super Slim design at just 37 mm thick fan included
Maintenance free design
0.2 mm micro-channel water block design
Thick Leak-proof tubing
PWM 120 mm fan
Large copper base plate for fast heat transfer
Integrated blue LED indicator
WARRANTY - Two years
MSRP: - $65
 
 
Packaging
The box of the SilverStone Tundra TD03 is made of solid cardboard and is decorated mainly in black and blue tones. Having a modest dimensions of 250x220x145 mm, the packaging weighs quiet impressively - 1.5 kg. On each side of the box there is a variety of information. The front and the side are illustrated by the image of the cooling system.
 
The package includes everything necessary for joining the system to all main processor connectors of Intel and AMD. The kit is sufficient for quick connection of the system to the PC: there is a tube with a thermal paste, a Y-splitter for connecting two fans and an adapter to the peripheral power connector. In the Tundra TD03-Lite, a complete cooling fan connects directly to the motherboard, like a pump that has a 3-pin connector. In this case, the pump is controlled as if a normal fan is connected to the computer, but in general the flow rate remains practically unchanged.
 
Closer View
In a set with a cooling system there is only one fan, but optionally it is possible to mount two. One option involves the installation of an external unit with two fans completely inside the housing, and the other with the removal of one of the fans by the wall of the housing. At the heart of the radiator there are aluminum plates, made in the form of cells. Thus, a better cooling of the liquid circulating within this block is achieved. Compared to the Tundra TD02-E, the standard plate shape is used in the form of triangles, which is used in many modern variations. The fan is attached to the radiator using special screws and completely covers the surface of the radiator, as the length of the radiator is increased due to the mounting system of the nozzles.

With the SilverStone TD03-Lite comes the company's SilverStone APA1225M12 fan. It has a 9-blade impeller of somewhat unusual shape - on each of the blades on the back side you can see three small incisions. It is assumed that such a structure allows obtaining greater efficiency at the same level of noise. In addition, at the ends of the fan there are small holes located closer to one edge. Holes are necessary for additional air intake, which allows gaining a performance boost, as well as noise reduction. SilverStone APA1225M12 has a 4-pin connector for connection to the motherboard and supports PWM control. This type of fan has not a very large speed range - from 1500 to 2500 rpm. According to the specification, the fan at maximum speed generates an air flow of 92.5 CFM, and the noise level is from 18 to 35 dBA.
 
The copper base of the pump is well polished and when installed, the imprint on the processor is fairly smooth. The dimensions of the pump are not very large - 65 × 65.7 × 38 mm. On the plastic case there is a company logo, which is highlighted in blue during operation. Only one cable comes out of the case with a 3-pin connector on the end that connects to the motherboard to power the pump. Accordingly, the pump is controlled by the controller of the motherboard, and the speed control is only possible by changing the supply voltage.
 
Conclusion
The system of water cooling SilverStone Tundra TD03, taking into account its class, can be called a revolutionary product. The water-block combined with the pump, due to its unique patented design, provides high performance. And the special structure of the fins increases the heat transfer, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency. The fans included in the kit can not boast of a quiet disposition, and after 1500 rpm they can not be called comfortable. However, the device can be advised to people who want an efficient water-cooling system of a closed type that is not inferior to modern super coolers.
 
Pluses:
 
The structure of the water block combined with the pump;
Radiator fin construction;
High cooling efficiency;
It’s easy to install.
 
Minuses:
 
Rigid hoses;
A high noise level of the fans is more than 1500 rpm.