The Endorfy Navis F280 all-in-one liquid CPU cooler is, without a doubt, a surprise for me. When it comes to performance, it did exceptionally well, handling all tests on both the AMD Ryzen 3900X and Intel 10900K with ease at both max fan RPM and when adjusted to hit the target 45 dBA for unobtrusive operation. It is one of the best value-focused liquid coolers on the market. Suppose you want to prioritize noise levels at lower loads while still having the maximum benefit when rendering or doing extremely heavy tasks; the extended fan RPM range makes that possible, with the fans being capable of dropping all the way down to 250 RPM. I also did a few quick tests with an extra set of Endorfy's Fluctus 140 mm fans, and in push/pull, the cooler still had even more performance on tap. On AMD, I saw a drop of 4°C at max RPM in the FPU OC test, and at 45 dBA, the push/pull setup delivered the same results as the cooler out of the box at max RPM (55 dBA). Switching to Intel, I saw a 2°C drop. Overall not a bad increase in performance for $25, give or take. While that would up the cost to around $130 / €130, it still results in great value if you have the space for such a configuration.

In terms of build quality, I have no real complaints. The cooler arrived in pristine shape until I touched it with my butterfingers (scratch on the cold-plate). I also have no issues with the mounting hardware, as it was dead simple and easy to work with. I will say the installation manual could be more detailed, such as showing the individual components as the same spacers are used on both AMD and Intel, which is not the norm. Not to mention that the diagrams are small and don't really show off the black plastic nature of the universal standoffs as the all metal ones are used exclusively on Intels HEDT platforms. These details, while minor, are still something that should be kept in mind for first-time builders. Also, they show the cooler installed with the tubing near the rear I/O being the preferred orientation, and I have no problems with that, but on my test bench, it is impossible to install the cooler that way due to the tubing length. It also leads to another issue in that the logo on the pump housing cannot be rotated, so if it doesn't reach, it is not going to be facing the right way. Thankfully the all-black design mostly makes this a non-issue, as you likely won't see the logo anyway unless the light hits it just right.

With all that said, there are a few issues to note for potential buyers. First, there is a lack of availability outside of Europe which is a shame, really. Second, there is no ARGB lighting which for some will be a huge win, but for others, not so much. I find the simple, clean design aesthetic a breath of fresh air. This is as simple as it gets with no garish branding or LED fan frames causing performance drop off etc. But it is worth noting all the same. Meanwhile, the 3-year warranty isn't great, but it is not terrible either. Other brands do back their coolers for far longer, so if that is of the utmost importance, it is something to keep in mind. But I do feel three years is, at the very least acceptable. If it was two years or less, I would definitely call it out as a negative.

Overall the Endorfy Navis F280 is a truly exceptional all-in-one liquid cooler that hits all the right notes. It offers clean looks and remarkable performance while also being great value. Thus I have no issues recommending it to anyone looking for a 280 mm liquid cooler.