The SilverStone IceGem AIO Coolers Review: Going Big For Threadripper
by E. Fylladitakis on July 21, 2021 9:00 AM ESTConclusion
SilverStone introduced the IceGem AIO coolers as a family that is fully compatible with the large IHS of Ryzen Threadripper processors. This is also why there aren't any smaller (sub-240mm) models in this series, as they would be unable to handle the thermal stress of such powerful (and power-hungry) CPUs. Other than that, the IceGem coolers are very similar to SilverStone’s existing – and less expensive – Permafrost series.
The thermal performance of the IceGem coolers is overall very good. The IceGem 280 ($197) and IceGem 360 ($162) performed thermally just as well as we expected them to, with no real surprises. On the other hand, the IceGem 240P ($147) proved to be the underdog of this review, outclassing even SilverStone’s larger coolers. Its thicker size may warrant some compatibility checks, but it performed unexpectedly well with regards to thermals. The performance-to-noise ratio graph revealed that the IceGem 240P is on equal footing with the wider IceGem 280, with only the significantly larger IceGem 360 having a slight performance advantage. Acoustically, all three IceGem coolers are excellent, surpassing several other competitive products, especially those based on older designs.
The RGB lighting of the IceGem coolers is well applied and very bright, creating a strong crystal-like effect on the main block and having the fans glowing brilliantly, generating a fantastic visual effect, especially in dark cases. It is compatible with nearly all current ARGB motherboards and can be controlled via the motherboard’s software. For users that do not have a compatible motherboard, the RGB lighting can be effectively programmed via the included controller that includes several fancy and static lighting effects, but the user will have to access the inside of the system for each program/brightness change. The only downside here is the number of cables, which will be difficult to hide.
Quality-wise, the IceGem coolers are very well made and we have no concerns regarding their long-term reliability. However, users should be careful of the warranty terms that apply to their region, as the IceGem coolers are currently being sold with warranties that cover anywhere between one and five years, depending on their distributor.
The IceGem coolers are designed primarily for users who own, or plan to own, a processor with a large IHS, without sacrificing compatibility with nowadays mainstream CPUs. They are definitely a great choice for users who have or are considering an upgrade to a Ryzen Threadripper CPU, as the IceGem coolers will be compatible with both their current CPU and a possible future CPU that may have a significantly different IHS. Otherwise, for users that do not plan on ever getting a CPU with a large IHS, the IceGem coolers may not be the most sensible choice from an economic point of view – the equivalent SilverStone Permafrost cooler can typically be had for $50 less – but their performance will certainly not disappoint.
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Ryan Smith - Thursday, July 22, 2021 - link
With Threadripper you should be using a full contact cooling block. While AM4-sized blocks may work, it is inadvisable. Theadripper places dies all over the place, and you do not want to risk those dies not making good contact with the cooler.tonyou - Thursday, July 22, 2021 - link
The size of the CPU does affect these cooler in a big way. On the smallest sized consumer CPUs such as Intel's LGA1200 / 115X, the performance between Permafrost series and IceGem series of equivalent size will be similar. On bigger CPUs such as on Ryzen, the IceGem will consistently perform better. On Ryzen Threadripper, the performance advantage of IceGem will widen if the Permafrost was made capable of mounting on the same CPU.E.Fyll - Friday, July 23, 2021 - link
Hello Citan. There you go:https://www.anandtech.com/show/12454/analyzing-thr...
domih - Monday, July 26, 2021 - link
3960X here with Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3 with the base as large as the CPU lid. I use my computer for work, not for games. I don't care if my computer look like a dancing club with RGB all over the place. I don't care about the beige/brown. I only care about the cooling and the silence. Normal usage (e.g. development): 45C in winter, 50C in summer. Running a lot of things (e.g. VMs, databases, simulation scripts): 65C-75C in summer, less in winter. Running heavy Phoronix benchmarks: 75C-80C. No need for water cooling. Using Linux. Large PC TT View 71 Snow edition case with 6 x 140mm intake fans = Plenty of CFM to feed the air cooler. For the case, I only care about minimalist white color and a glass so it goes with the rest of the furniture and does not disfigure the room.vanish1 - Thursday, July 22, 2021 - link
I feel like the people who have some sort of weird issue with RGB are just nerds with no sense of style or fashion.You do know you can turn it off right?
GeoffreyA - Thursday, July 22, 2021 - link
It's a matter of one's taste and also a generational difference, I'd say. Many, like myself, grew up in a time when computers looked simpler. So to be bombarded with so many lights and colours today is a bit much.vanish1 - Friday, July 23, 2021 - link
Lol I'll say it again.You do know you can turn it off right?
and btw if you think adding lights and colors to something is a new 'trend' like holy crap man you have no concept of history
GeoffreyA - Friday, July 23, 2021 - link
Didn't mean it in a bad way. I just prefer a plainer computer. A bit of light isn't bad but not too much. I actually have two fans that give off a faint bluish light. Came with the case.As for the motherboard, there's no way to turn off the RGB strip in the BIOS, so Mystic Light is running in the background just to do that. It's a B450 Tomahawk.
vanish1 - Saturday, July 24, 2021 - link
Sounds like you made an uniformed purchase and are blaming the hardware for your error in preparation.GeoffreyA - Saturday, July 24, 2021 - link
I'm happy with my hardware. No complaints with the Tomahawk except for that point. And strangely, I like the soft light of the fans. I suppose my original comment sounded arrogant. I really didn't mean it that way, and apologise.As in all fields of life, different people like different things. Some might prefer a brighter style. Some, a more subdued one. Also, RGB is being plastered all over hardware nowadays, so some will recoil from that. In most fields, taste changes from decade to decade. So we might see a plainer style replacing today's one. Then, when folk grow tired of that, they'll start becoming ornate again. By definition almost, fashion is temporary. Excellence is achieved when one hits on something that is unchanging.