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
One thing to note with the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD is that our test sample’s ML140 fans maxed out at 1500RPM, which is in the ballpark of the rated 1600RPM +/- 10%. With that, we will still compare it at its maximum performance against the competition and again with its competition set at 1500RPM. Overall, 140mm fans tend to have a slower maximum speed than 120mm fans.
With fans blasting as fast as they will go, the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD landed in second place, belting out 47.8 dB(A) which was 3.7 dB(A) higher than the MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360. On a subjective level, it was obvious that air was being moved, however, it did not sound obnoxious.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Moving all the contestants down to 1500RPM, which is also the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD’s top speed finds it in last place, with the rest of the pack leaving it for the mid to low 40s. This is expected as the 120mm fans it was up against were well north of 2000RPM in the first test.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Heading down to 1000RPM, we again find the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD tied for last place with the CORSAIR H115i Platinum (the other 140mm fan-based AIO), however, subjectively at this point, we’re not able to distinguish the difference between any of the competitors.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
For our lowest test at 600RPM, we find the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD at the 37.4 dB(A) mark which ties it for second place, although the difference to first place is rather immaterial. When you pair the performance at this fan speed and sound level, it simply crushes the competition (silently).