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
At maximum fan levels, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 was the quietest (40.9 dB(a)) while the DeepCool AK400 hit 46.4 dB(A) for second place. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO hit 51.9 dB(A) and the SilverStone AR01 V3 hit 48.2 dB(A)! From a subjective perspective, the be DeepCool AK400 was about as unremarkable as the Dark Rock Pro 4, while the SilverStone and Cooler Master contestants were plainly audible.
1500 RPM Fans
Dropping down to 1500 RPM, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 shares its lead at 40.9 dB(A) with the SilverStone AR03 V3, but the DeepCool AK400 was right behind at 41.8 dB(A). The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO brought up the rear at 44.7 dB(A).
Subjectively, all except the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO blended into the background and were inaudible.
1000 RPM Fans
When we lowered the fans down to 1000 RPM, a three-way tie developed between the Deep Cool AK400, the Dark Rock Pro 4, and the SilverStone AR01 V3 at 38.7 dB(A). The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO was slightly louder at 39.9 dB(A). At this point, the noise from all of the coolers sounded like it merged with the background noise.
600 RPM Fans
Lowering the fans to 600 RPM saw the DeepCool AK400 take the lead at 35.8 dB(A) with the Dark Rock Pro 4 just behind it at 37.4 dB(A). The Cooler Master Hyper 212 and SilverStone AR01 V3 tied up the rear at 38.7 dB(A). In this range, the sound level differences are purely academic and quite possibly influenced by the cat down the hall yelling for dinner.
With that said, let’s move on and recap all of this for you today!