Sound Level Testing
While we were testing cooling capabilities, as outlined in our 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 IceGem 280 hit 49 dB(A). This is better than the Corsair H115i Platinum which was the previous best unit at 49.4 dB(A). Particularly interesting, this is better than all of the other 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm AIOs we have reviewed. This is with a caveat though since the IceGem’s fans max out at 1600 RPM while the fans on all of the other coolers max out in the 1800-2200 RPM range.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump
Dropping down to 1,500 RPM, the SilverStone IceGem 280 matches the Corsair H115i Platinum at 47.8 dB(A). The SilverStone PF240-ARGB took the lead at 40.9 dB(A) and the Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix and SilverStone PF360-RGB were next up at 41.8 dB(A). Overall, this means the 280mm options we have seen, to date, are our worst performers in this test.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump
When we lowered the fans down to 1,000 RPM, the Enermax AQUAFUSION 240 and ASUS Ryujin 240 took the lead at 37.4 dB(A). The SilverStone IceGem 280 joined various 240mm and 360mm AIO’s at 38.7 dB(A) which better than the CORSAIR H115i Platinum at 39.9 dB(A).
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump
Lowering the fans to 600 RPM (the lowest level we could keep them spinning at), the SilverStone IceGem 280 moves back to the head of the pack at 35.8 dB(A). The Corsair H115i Platinum, the most comparable cooler, came in at 37.4 dB(A).
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. The Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix was not tested here due to the issues it had earlier in testing with the coolant temperature.
With that said, let’s move on and recap all of this for you today!