We start of the performance tests with the easiest configuration: CPU at stock, all case fans at full speed. For comparison purposes we've included the Intel Stock Cooler as well as the Scythe Ashura (a 140mm equipped tower cooler which costs ~45EUR). We liked to compare apples with apples, so we've also included results with the fan swapped with a reference model: GlobalWin NCB 120mm fan.

3rd party coolers are not wasted on this platform, at stock speeds the Intel cooler is overwhelmed, maxing out at 71+°C and closing in on 50dBA which is really loud. The Fera 2 improves cooling performance with more than 15°C and does so without much fuss noise wise, in fact, SilentiumPC includes a 120mm fan which bests our reference fan both cooling and noise wise! The Scythe Ashura is in another class, while in most cases 5°C difference in load can easily be dismissed, here the difference is much more than that, 13°C with identical fan.

Without the extra airflow through the case, the Scythe @ 5v hits 90°C and the CPU starts throttling, but that same fan at 12v dominates the charts again, nonetheless the Fera 2 holds its ground, and equipped with the same fan the Fera 2 is only ~5°C behind the more expensive Scythe cooler.

With the overclocked CPU we start to see a pattern in the results, the Scythe Ashura loves extra airflow and disappates the extra heat easily. The Fera 2 heats up by 4-5°C and handles the overclock without problem.

Our final configuration is a good stress test for silent computing, keeping the dual core Smithfield running stable (when overclocked!) without your PC sounding like a hairdryer is quite a challenge. We're glad to see that the Fera 2 with the stock fan is easily able to pass the test. While it's outperformed by the physically bigger Ashura, the Fera 2 is the little engine that could!

Conclusive Thoughts

We've come to the end of our evaluation and can now pen down our findings. For a CPU cooler product to be worthy of recommendation it must pass several criteria:

- Performance: The Fera 2 with direct heatpipe touch design is more than capable of cooling the hotter CPU out there, there's even headroom for overclocking! Pass

- Noise: SilentiumPC included an excellent 120mm fan with their product, one which delivers good airflow at very low noise. Pass

- Installation / Compatability: The installation is time consuming, but easy to follow and provides for a secure mount. It could be made faster, but not without sacrificing compatability, speaking of: SilentiumPC went well above and beyond was is deemed required for today's heatsinks, the Fera 2 supports a decade worth of platforms for both AMD and Intel! Pass

- Pricing/Availability: Here is where SilentiumPC needs to get their ass in gear, the current pricing is excellent (~€20), but Fera 2 is only available in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Baltic states. If they can find a distributor for the rest of Europe and possibly go overseas that would certainly put their name of the map! Pass

It's not hard to recommend the SilentiumPC Fera 2 to anybody looking for a very affordable and silent cooling solution that able keep your (overclocked) CPU from overheating.

SilentiumPC Fera 2 Recommended For

We truly believe that when it comes to CPU cooling that silent cooling is more important than lowest CPU temperature. With today's smart CPU which disable cores and features on the fly, having a silent machine which is fast and stable is a goal worth pursuing. The Fera 2 is worthy of Performance tag with its excellent low noise cooling powers!

We like to thank Marcin from SilentiumPC for allowing us to test their latest products.