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 MASTERAIR MA624 Stealth be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 was the quietest (40.7 and 40.9 dB(a) respectively) while the Cooler Master MASTERAIR MA824 STEALTH featured a 47.8 dB(A) sound level and the Iceberg Thermal IceSLEET X7 Dual hit 54.1 dB(A)! From a subjective perspective, the Cooler Master MASTERAIR MA824 STEALTH was rather unremarkable from a noise contribution to the room perspective, but certainly louder than the quieter units.
Keep in mind that maximum fan speed varies between the units in this test – the Cooler Master MASTERAIR MA824 STEALTH topped out at 1900 and 1550 RPM, the Iceberg Thermal IceSLEET X7 Dual topped out at 1600 RPM, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 has the lowest max fan rpm at 1500 RPM and the Cooler Master MASTERAIR MA624 STEALTH tipped in just under 1500 RPM.
1500 RPM Fans
Dropping down to 1500 RPM, the field did not change much as most units were close to their maximum fan speeds in the first test. The Cooler Master MASTERAIR MA824 STEALTH shed 0.9 dB(A) but no changes in positions occurred.
1000 RPM Fans
When we lowered the fans down to 1000 RPM, the Cooler Master MASTERAIR MA824 STEALTH, be quiet Dark Rock Pro 4, and MASTERAIR MA624 STEALTH tied for first at 38.7 dB(A). The Iceberg Thermal IceSLEET X7 Dual was off in the weeds at 44.1 dB(A). At this point, the noise from all of the coolers sounded like it merged with the background noise for everyone except the IceSLEET X7 Dual.
600 RPM Fans
Lowering the fans to 600 RPM saw the Cooler Master MASTERAIR MA824 STEALTH take the lead at 35.8 dB(A), just in front of the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 at 37.4 dB(A). The MASTERAIR MA624 STEALTH took third at 38.7 dB(A) and the Iceberg Thermal IceSLEET X7 Dual continued to trail at 39.9 dB(A). At this point, there really is not a subjective difference between the sound output of all of the units.
With that said, let’s move on and recap all of this for you today!
Discussion (5 replies)
Join Discussion →Nice review!
Woah.... pricey. $99 on newegg and $217 on Amz? That has to be a price mistake.
Wondering how it compares to the $35 Peerless Assassin 120 SE....
Hmm I am trying to see where my current temps live, and I love how on my 5700x I get different CPU temps from Ryzen Master, HWinfo64, Core Temp, and Asrock A-tuning fan utility..... which one is right? I mean they are not even close.
David, which utility do you guys use for temp readings during these tests?
I don't think they've stocked it at Amazon yet so you've just got all the drive by scalpers listing it. I believe MSRP will be $99 on it.
Ryzen Master is what I watch when running the tests.
Impressive to say the least. I'm happy that I'm on the AIO wagon now (only took me about a decade to trust 'em) but if I was still doing air I'd consider one of these.
Amazon has it in stock now - and while you're at it, check out the new price comparison widget that I've dropped in (first page and last page).