Endorfy Spartan 5 Max ARGB Review – A shining price bomb and quieter than it should have been

Methodology

An AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has to be cooled at various power consumption levels, along with 16GB Crucial Ballistix Sport (2x8GB) DDR4 RAM on an MSI B550 Tomahawk (BIOS 7C91vAB). The Asus ROG Strix GTX 1060 6GB runs for the CPU stress tests only for the image output in zero-fan mode and a Fractal Design Ion Gold 750W serves as the power source. The whole thing is located in the Thermaltake Core P3 as an open benchtable.

The test system runs on Windows 10 Pro 22H2 (Build 19045.2251). All data sets are recorded with HWInfo64 v7.34-4930 – 5000ms logging, the specified temperature results from the CPU Die (Average) sensor. Since I don’t have air conditioning, the values in the graphs are the delta between room temperature and CPU temperature. This means that all cooling systems can be compared fairly, even if the ambient temperature is different. The heat-conducting paste supplied with the cooler or applied beforehand is used in each case.

I determine the sound level with a Voltcraft SL-200 measuring device at a distance of 40 cm, which works in 125 ms cycles in Lo mode. The room was measured at 33.2 dB(A), an external example table helps to break it down.

 

Benchmarks

In the first test run, even at maximum speed, the 40 dB(A) I usually aim for was not reached at a distance of 40 cm from the center of the fan.

I was able to measure a maximum of 36.1 dB(A), and the 200 watt test could not be completed without a thermal throttle. Only 193 watts of waste heat were dissipated on average, so the graph was not included. With a little more airflow, over 200 watts would have been possible, but Endorfy opted for a quieter, somewhat weaker fan. I can still see some potential here, but do you even want that? Even mid-range systems would still be cooled well here without the propeller acoustically clogging your ears.

A full comparison with other coolers can be found here:

Overview and comparison of all tested CPU air and AiO water coolers

Summary and conclusion

Overall, we have a good and affordable overall package from Endorfy, which only just fails the 200 watt test. However, the cooling performance is good in the power levels before that and that is ultimately exactly what counts in the performance and, above all, price class we are aiming for.

Even if I don’t see it as particularly relevant for an air cooler (compared to complete water cooling systems), the 6-year warranty from the manufacturer is a positive feature.

Incidentally, I would definitely advise you, as I did, to go straight for the “Max” version of the Spartan 5 tested here. Whether with or without RGB lighting, the double number of heatpipes for a minimal surcharge should definitely be included, because it’s worth it.

Installation with the integrated bracket is very easy, but the force required for this and the subsequent contact pressure could be a little less for my taste. Apart from that, you get an air cooler for little money, which can easily cope with most budget or mid-range processors. You can leave it at that, even if it’s not a cooling sensation. Sometimes, however, even such budget solutions have their very own charm. Especially when the value for money is right.

The test sample was provided by Endorfy without obligation. There was and is no influence on the tests and results. There was also no compensation for expenses and no obligation to publish.