Enermax ETS-F40-FS Silent ARGB CPU Cooler Review

We’ve already reviewed two ETS-F40-FS series CPU coolers from Enermax, so it’s time on the third one, which adds ARGB illumination to an already well-designed cooler. This version is the most interesting CPU cooler for gamers, and computer enthusiasts who wants everything that offers RGB illumination.

Also, this time, we will perform tests on the Ryzen 9 5900X processor and provide you with additional information about the latest Enermax cooler.

As usual, we will start with product features and specifications.

The ENERMAX ETS-F40-FS ARGB offers an outstanding cooling capacity of up to 200W TDP. Paired with a 140mm ARGB silent fan with a maximum noise level of 23dB(A), this makes the CPU air cooler the best choice for silent, media and gaming PCs. Particularly the optimized PWM control of the ETS-F40-FS ARGB with low starting speed (300 – 1200 rpm) makes no compromise between noise and excellent performance. The four asymmetrical 6 mm heat pipes with Heat Pipe Direct Touch provide best RAM compatibility and fast heat transfer. The ARGB fan and top cover offer stunning rainbow effects in combination with a supported mainboard. The cooler is a must-have for fans of RGB lighting.

Design

The ETS-F40-FS ARGB is a tower design cooler with copper heat pipes. Evaporation and condensation of a liquid inside the heat pipes are being used to transfer large amounts of heat to the heat sink. This technology is not only free of maintenance, long-lasting, and reliable, but also environmentally friendly since it does not use poisonous chemicals. The black thermal conductive coating protects against oxidation without compromising the heat transfer.

ARGB Lighting

The ETS-F40-FS ARGB is equipped with an addressable RGB LED fan and a top cover that can create lighting effects with different colors simultaneously.
The cooler supports synchronizable RGB lighting via addressable RGB headers of motherboards from Asus, Asrock, MSI, and Gigabyte for programming lighting effects via the motherboard software.
In combination with compatible motherboards from Asrock and MSI, the RGB lighting can be synchronized with the Razer Chroma software.

Note: Addressable RGB LEDs run on 5V, do not connect them to a non-addressable 4 pin header with 12V.

Vortex Generator Flow (VGF)

In aviation, spoilers, the so-called vortex generators, are used to guide the airflow evenly along with the wings. Enermax engineers have applied this technology to the CPU heat sink: Small spoilers on the fins next to the heat pipes create a vortex that brings more fresh air to the back of the heat pipes.

Vacuum Effect Flow (VEF)

The partially closed sides of the heat sink create a vacuum that additionally draws fresh air from the side.

Heat Pipe Direct Touch (HDT)

With the patented Heat Pipe Direct Touch technology, the heat pipes rest directly on the CPU. The advantage against a base plate is the faster transfer of heat without any additional resistance.

Asymmetric Heat Pipe Design

The asymmetrical heat pipe design creates additional space for the fan to prevent high RAM modules from being blocked.

140 mm ARGB Fan

The ETS-F40-FS ARGB is equipped with a 140 mm ARGB fan with LEDs on the hub, which distribute the light evenly over the fan blades and do not restrict the blade size as with ring LED fans.
The 9 sound optimized blades can rotate at very low speeds of only 300 RPM and are limited to a maximum of 1.200 RPM to support ultra-silent operation at all times. Due to the size of the fan, there is still a strong airflow for a cooling capacity of 200W TDP. A second set of mounting brackets allow the installation of an additional 120 or 140 mm fan for extra performance.

Compatibility

Quick & user-friendly universal mounting system supporting Intel® and AMD® sockets (excluding TR4/SP3 socket). The pressure adjustment spring system and high conductive Dow-Corning® thermal grease ensure perfect contact with the CPUs heat spreader.

You can buy the Enermax ETS-F40-FS Silent ARGB in the Amazon DE store for around €45 – https://amz.run/4aCN or around USD $55.00 from Amazon US – https://amzn.to/3vSKdGQ

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