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.
Max Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At the highest fan levels, the Cooler Master MASTERLIQUID 360 ATMOS made a significant contribution to the overall room noise, but in a more wind-rushing and non-droning type of way. Subjectively, the CORELIQUID E360 made its presence known more (and, well, apparently quantitatively as well).
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Dropping down to 1500 RPM, the Cooler Master MASTERLIQUID 360 ATMOS basically fades to being near inaudible, much like the PL360 FLUX. The CORELIQUID E360 got a lot quieter, but since it only lost 300 RPM from its overall speed, it was still a decent contributor to room noise.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Dropping down to 1000 RPM, all three units are essentially inaudible as the 1.3 dB(A) difference at this point is academic rather than practical.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At the lowest fan setting, we again find an exercise in academic differences in dB(A) levels for fans that we can’t really hear.
Discussion (3 replies)
Join Discussion →Nice looking cooler and quite competitive. Taming a 13900K @275W under load is no easy task.
I just want to know, how well does it do at playing Dolby audio tracks?
Yea I don't understand the whole ATMOS part of the name either.
I considered testing that, but after finding out I had to completely redo the test platform.... I decided not to!
Maybe it's atmosphere. They focused on the fact they reduced packaging (which is actually quite nifty how they packed it compared to other aios) as well as heavy use of recycled materials - goes along with that flat pack case on the news page (I'll post a few more of that from Computex, but need to resize them to upload...)