SilverStone Tundra TD03 Review

Performance Analysis

As you'd probably expect, the TD03's performance is a little behind that of the TD02 on both sockets we currently use for testing. Using a standard PWM setting on our LGA1155 set-up, its noise output is marginally higher than that of the TD02 too, which is also to be expected, but its sound levels are more noticeable than they are loud.

In terms of temperatures, using PWM places the TD03 on par with the Corsair H90 with a delta T of 43°C. This also places it in between the maximum and minimum speed results of fan-controlled coolers like the Corsair H80i and NZXT Kraken X40, and overall this is a good result that strikes a decent balance between performance and noise.

With both fans at full speed, the TD03 is decidedly loud. However, as we saw with the TD02, temperatures only improve by 1°C despite a huge increase in airflow and noise. This seems to confirm that something in the design of the Tundra coolers is bottlenecking them and preventing the higher airflow from making the difference that it should. Whether this is the pump, piping or the radiator (or a combination) is difficult to assess, but what's clear to see is that both the H80i and the Kraken X40 have more performance in the bank for those less concerned about noise, despite also being cheaper.


On our LGA2011 rig the Tundra TD03 does fairly well too. That said, the Corsair H80i is still able to beat it, and even comes close to its result with its fans set to a much quieter Balanced profile (the TD03, on the other hand, runs at full speed on this system), so it's not quite the chart topper that its bigger brother is. Nevertheless, a delta T of 47°C is still a very good outcome on this toasty set-up, and even better is the fact that both the Corsair H90 and NZXT Kraken X40 are way behind this result.

Conclusion

The Tundra TD03 is a good all rounder for an all-in-one liquid cooler. Its major selling point has got to be its amazing build quality, and with this its rather unique looks, but it's also able to demonstrate great cooling results (although not the best) and has a much improved level of case compatibility over the huge TD02. This, along with its lower price tag, means it's much more likely to be the more attractive of the pair. It doesn't quite topple the feature rich, better performing and cheaper Corsair H80i, but it's still a worthy alternative for those looking for something a little different.