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.
Max Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At maximum fan speeds, the DeepCool Castle 360EX registered 50.4 dB(A) on our SPL meter, which was quite frankly a bit of a surprise as it did not contribute much in the way of noise to the room during testing at this speed. This lands it solidly in the middle of the pack across the other 360m coolers it was compared against.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Dropping down to 1500 RPM, we found the DeepCool Castle 360EX at 44.7 dB(A), which tied for last place with a bunch of the competitors. Last place or not, the DeepCool Castle 360EX did not contribute to the noise within the room by a discernable level.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Dropping down to 1000 RPM, the DeepCool Castle 360EX registered at 38.7 dB(A). At this point, the differences between the coolers are academic as you can’t tell a difference above the ambient noise in the room.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At 600 RPM, the DeepCool Castle 360EX achieved 37.4 dB(A), a rounding error of a difference compared to the 1000 RPM test, but a difference nonetheless.