SilverStone Tundra TD03 Review

SilverStone Tundra TD03 Review

Manufacturer: SilverStone
UK price (as reviewed): £86.38 (inc VAT)
US price (as reviewed): $99.99 (ex Tax)

The SilverStone Tundra TD03 is the single radiator version of the SilverStone Tundra TD02 that we looked at recently. We found the TD02 to be incredibly well built for a closed loop cooler, but it was rather on the large side and didn't deliver quite as good temperatures as we were hoping on our LGA1155 rig. The TD03 solves at least the first problem just by being smaller, and it's 120mm radiator design lends it near universal ATX case compatibility. At £86, it's a little on the expensive side for such a cooler, so hopefully it can deliver elsewhere.

As there are so many similarities between the TD03 and the larger TD02, you'll find most detail describing the pair in our TD02 review. In brief, though, the TD03 has truly outstanding build quality compared to any other AIO cooler we've come across. This is thanks to the solid aluminium used to form the water block and mounting arms as well as the edging on the radiator. It may be expensive, but in this arena it's clearly a cut above the rest.


Starting with the water block, you'll find a and completely screw-free copper base that's large enough to give plenty of coverage to any modern CPU socket. A set each of Intel and AMD mounting arms are supplied, and these simply screw into the sides of the block and are exceptionally sturdy once in place.

As with the TD02, the use of thin, plastic piping is a shame given the sheer quality of the other materials on offer. It looks and feels less pleasant than the thick, rubber based tubes in coolers like Corsair's H80i, for example, although it's at least flexible.

The radiator uses a unique, patented fin design whereby the fins essentially cut across the full set of pipes rather than weaving between them as usual. The advantage of this wasn't entirely obvious from our tests of the TD02 but we're sure there's some logic to it.


Two AS1225H12 fans are also provided, as the TD03 is designed to be installed with a push-pull fan set-up, although users are naturally free to only use one if they're concerned about space requirements or noise levels. PWM is supported by both fans, but the lack of any other fan control means you'll have to set your own fan profiles in your motherboard's BIOS or software if you want finer control. The fan, pump and fan splitter cables are all nicely braided in black.

Installation is dead simple once again, and is in fact even easier than it is with the TD02 due to the smaller radiator. It can easily be done without removing any of your other hardware, and LGA2011 users will also benefit from their backplate-free motherboards. A small tube of thermal grease is also supplied, with enough for a few remounts should they be required.

Specifications

• Compatibility Intel: LGA775, LGA115x, LGA1366, LGA2011; AMD: AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2, FM1
  
• Weight 1.06kg
  
• Radiator size (mm) 159 x 124 x 45 (W x D xH)
  
• Water block size (mm) 60 x 55 x 33.5 (W x D x H)
  
• Tubing length 310mm
  
• Fan(s) 2 x SilverStone AS1225H12 120mm (PWM), 1,500~2,500RPM
  
• Stated Noise 16-33.5 dB(A)