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
From a sound perspective, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 weighed in as the loudest at 50.7 dB(A), which was 1.7 dB(A) louder than the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS and 1.3 dB(A) louder than the PL360 FLUX. Note that each of these fans is running at its maximum (and different speeds). From a subjective perspective, there was no difference in overall sound from any of the coolers.
Note that at this speed, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 is running its fans at 1800 RPM, the PL360 FLUX at around 2300 RPM, and the Cooler Master MASTERLIQUID 360 ATMOS at around 2500 RPM.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Bumping down to an even 1500 RPM across the board finds the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 producing 45.9 dB(A) of noise, which was louder than the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS at 39.9 dB(A) and PL360 FLUX at 41.8 dB(A). Subjectively, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 was louder than the other two coolers at this point, but significantly less obnoxious than at maximum speeds.
Of note, the Cooler Master units are dropping 800-1000 RPM to reach this speed while the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 is only slowing by 300 RPM to reach the 1500 RPM test levels.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At the 1000 RPM level, the playing field levels out to where all three contenders are within an academic difference of each other. The MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 put out 38.7 dB(A) of sound, which tied with the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS and both were bested by the PL360 FLUX at 37.4 dB(A).
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At the slowest speed of 600 RPM, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 won the match at 35.8 dB(A), beating the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS and PL360 FLUX tied at 37.4 dB(A).