Sound Level Testing
While we were testing cooling capabilities, we were also tracking the sound level of each of the coolers using a Risepro SPL meter attached to a boom arm pointed directly at the fans of the radiator at a distance of 12 inches. We recorded the dB(A) level for each fan and pump speed tested. The ambient room sound level measured 33 decibels.
100% Fans – 100% Pump
At maximum fan levels, the Enermax LIQTECH II 360 hit 56.8 dB(A) while the Corsair H115i Platinum landed at 49.4 dB(A). From a subjective perspective, both coolers sounded loud but not high pitched. We suspect the difference in sound is mostly related to the maximum RPM of each fan between the Enermax and Corsair units at 2250 RPM and 1800 RPM respectively.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump
Dropping down to 1500 RPM, the Enermax LIQTECH II 360 took the lead at 44.7 dB(A) and the Corsair H115i Platinum was just behind at 47.8 dB(A). Both units were far less obnoxious at his fan level, but still would not be a level we would want to run on a day to day basis.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump
When we lowered the fans down to 1000 RPM, both AIOs tied at 39.9 dB(A). At this point, the noise sounded like it merged with the background noise and would make a good day to day fan speed.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump
Lowering the fans to 600 RPM (the lowest level we could keep them spinning at), the Enermax LIQTECH II 360 was at 38.7 dB(A) while the Corsair H115i Platinum was 1.3 dB(A) lower at 37.4 dB(A). At this fan level, the whirr of the pump was louder than the fans.
600 RPM Fans – 50% Pump
Finally, reducing the pump speed to 50% caused both units to tie at 35.8 dB(A). We could not ascertain a difference between ambient noise in the room (measuring 33 dB(A)) and the AIOs running.