Sound Level Testing
While we were testing cooling capabilities, as outlined in our recent introduction article, 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. Displayed below are the results of our Stock Clock Testing.
100% Fans – 100% Pump
At maximum fan levels, the SilverStone PF240-ARGB hit 49.8 dB(A) while the Corsair H115i Platinum hit 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 (SilverStone and Corsair units at 2200 RPM and 1800 RPM respectively).
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump
Dropping down to 1500 RPM, the SilverStone PF240-ARGB took the lead at 40.9 dB(A) and the Corsair H115i Platinum was almost 7 dB(A) behind at 47.8 dB(A). The PF240-ARGB was far less obnoxious at this fan level. In fact, it was getting into the comfortable range at this point unlike the Corsair H115i Platinum which was still not at 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, the Enermax AQUAFUSION 240 took the lead with a value of 37.4 dB(A) but the SilverStone PF240-ARGB (and the PF360-ARGB) is right there on its heels at 38.7 dB(A) while the other AIOs tied at 39.9 dB(A). At this point, the noise sounded like it merged with the background noise and this seems like it 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 SilverStone PF240-ARGB joins the SilverStone PF360-ARGB and the Corsair H115i Platinum 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 all of our review units to tie at 35.8 dB(A) except for the Enermax AQUAFUSION 240 which did marginally better. We could not ascertain a difference between ambient noise in the room (measuring 33 dB(A)) and the AIOs running.
Save for testing at stock clocks with Max fan RPM/100% pump and 1500 RPM/100% pump, the SilverStone PF240-ARGB performed like the PF360-ARGB in this portion of the testing. Thus, making this the second quietest unit we have seen so far in our AIO testing. That is definitely a solid outcome given the competition. With that said, let’s move on and recap all of this for you today!