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.
For the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360, please keep in mind that the pump speed and VRM/pump 60mm fan speeds are yoked together and will match each other’s relative speed. As our standard sound level testing is performed at 100% pump speeds, this also means the 60mm weed trimmer operates at its full 3000 RPM regardless of the test case. We’ll show the impact of dropping the pump and fan speed in the conclusion.
Max Fans – 100% Pump Speed
With the fans turned up to 11, the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 only made 44.7 dB(A) of noise which was significantly better than all of its competition which landed in the 50 dB(A) ballpark across the board. From a subjective perspective, the main source of the noise was coming from the 60mm pump/vrm fan as opposed to the 120mm spinners on the radiator.
Note that at this speed, the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 is running at 1900RPM, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 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
Syncing all the fans up finds the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 at 41.8 dB(A) which ties with the PL360 FLUX and is about 2 dB(A) louder than the 360 ATMOS. The CORELIQUID E360 continued drumming at 45.9 dB(A). Subjectively, the main source of noise from the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 was the 60mm vrm/pump fan which made it sound significantly louder than the others even at the same measurement level.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At the 1000 RPM fan level, the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 lands at 40.9 dB(A) with the main contributor to its sound profile still being the vrm/pump fan. This is louder than all of the other units and the only unit that is subjectively noticeable when running.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Finally, at 600 RPM, we find more of the same with the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 at 39.9 dB(A) due to the vrm/pump fan and it is the only one subjectively noticeable to us.