All-In-One CPU Cooler Final Thoughts

The SilverStone TD02-E is a top contender for any CPU cooler in our 2015 cooler roundup. As usual, SilverStone has released a very elegant option in response to a market filled with fancy coolers that feature RGB LEDs and aggressive looks. My impressions of the SilverStone TD02-E remain positive, the cooler performs and share punches with some of the most respected coolers out there including the Corsair H110i GT and the Raijintek Triton. Unfortunately there are some small things that SilverStone needs to work on. The mounting system resembles something from the pre-hestoric era, there should be a better retention mechanism so that the backplate stays in place when installing the CPU block. There should also be a toggle switch for the LED located in the block, so that users can color match their build accordingly. If SilverStone corrects these mistakes the TD02-E would get an almost perfect score.

SilverStone Tundra TD02-E Conclusion

The performance of the SilverStone Tundra TD02-E is right on the expectation level of most 240 mm all in one coolers. Using the included fans and TIM, it managed to beat everything in our first test. In our second test, the TD02-E managed to share some punches with even the 280 mm Corsair H110i. Overall the SilverStone Tundra TD02-E passed all of our tests with flying colors and deserves a good score.

It can almost be proved that I am biased towards SilverStone’s choices of design, but then again, beauty is very subjective and can change from person to person. The SilverStone TD02-E follows SilverStone’s design philosophy with a glossy black finish on the block surrounded by a nickle plated cover at the bottom. The radiator has carbon fiber accents along the side, which is a really nice addition. My only complaint is the blue LED located on top of the block, which unfortunately can not be turned off.

Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to test the reliability of most of the products we review. However, the TD02-E shows some very positive signs when it comes to it’s overall construction. The mounting mechanism is sturdy and showed no signs of flex, it also included the appropriate washers to prevent damage to the motherboard mounting holes in our mounting test. The radiator has the appropriate spacing between the screw joints and the fins to prevent the fins from being damaged. The copper base plate has no screws which should in fact prevent leaks from occurring at the bottom of the plate.

Like most all-in-one coolers nowadays, the TD02-E comes pre-filled and ready to be used out of the box. There are no complicated steps or problems that should prevent amateur builders from buying the SilverStone TD02-E, with the exception of the complicated mounting mechanism. However, the included manual does a really good job of guiding you through the already hard task.

Our last score pertains to the value of the product at hand. The SilverStone TD02-E is priced online for $89.99 (Newegg l Amazon) which is a fairly cheap price for a 240 mm water-cooler. Something we don’t usually expect from a SilverStone product. It is also just $3 more expensive than it’s smaller version, the TD03-E.

Pros:

+ Two PWM 120 mm fans included.
+ Stylish and simple design.
+ Really affordable when compared to other 240 mm coolers.
+ Above average performance.
+ 5 Year Warranty.

Cons:

– Mounting mechanism could use some improvement.
– LED should have a toggle off switch.

Ratings:

• Performance: 8.75
• Appearance: 9.50
• Construction: 9.50
• Functionality: 9.00
• Value: 8.75

Final Score: 9.1 out of 10.