The Endorfy Fortis 5 Dual Fan CPU Cooler Review: Towering Value

Conclusion

Endorfy, formerly known as SilentiumPC, has made a name for itself by delivering high-performance cooling solutions that strike a balance between efficiency and affordability. The Fortis 5 Dual Fan, the company’s largest single-tower cooler, arrives in straightforward packaging with essential information and hardware included, including a syringe of Pactum PT-3 thermal paste that we used to test this cooler with. However, the packaging and presentation could benefit from less marketing jargon, as the product itself has enough merit without the need for heavy promotional language.

The Fortis 5 Dual Fan is built around a robust single-tower design, standing 159 mm tall, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of PC cases. Weighing around 800 grams, it is engineered to provide effective cooling without exerting excessive stress on the motherboard. The cooler features a relatively simple setup of six copper heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat directly from the CPU to the sizeable aluminum fin array. The dual-fan setup features Endorfy’s Fluctus PWM fans, one 140 mm and one 120 mm, which are engineered to balance performance with noise. The overall construction feels robust, with high build quality evident in the materials used, although the absence of RGB lighting might deter those looking for more flashy aesthetics.

In terms of performance, the Fortis 5 Dual Fan holds its ground well. It delivers solid thermal performance, with an average thermal resistance of 0.1277 °C/W at maximum fan speed. The cooler manages to achieve this while keeping noise levels relatively low, generating only 37.7 dB(A) at full speed. When the fan speed is reduced to half, the thermal resistance rises to 0.1781 °C/W but the noise levels drop to 32 dB(A), making the cooler virtually silent in most environments. Although it may not outperform more expensive dual-tower coolers, the Fortis 5 delivers a commendable balance of performance and acoustic efficiency.

In summary, the Endorfy Fortis 5 Dual Fan stands out as a well-rounded cooling solution that offers solid performance, high build quality, and low noise levels at a competitive price point. Retailing at $49, and often available for slightly less, it provides excellent value for users looking for a reliable cooler that does not break the bank. While it might not match the raw cooling power of larger, more expensive coolers, its design and performance make it a compelling choice for users looking for a reliable, budget-friendly solution without compromising on quality.