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
At the maximum fan speeds, the IceFLOE Oasis 360 presented itself at 47.4 dB(A), making it the second loudest of our comparison group. The LIQMAXFLO earned the quietest badge at 44.7 dB(A) while the CUBE 360 and CORELIQUID E360 were at 49 and 50.7 dB(A) respectively. Subjectively, the LIQMAXFLO sounded quieter than the other three, which all sounded about the same to us.
Note that at this speed, the Iceberg Thermal IceFLOE Oasis 360 was running at 2200RPM, the AZZA Cube 360 was running at 1850RPM, the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 was running at 1900RPM and the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 at 1800 RPM.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Normalizing the fans at 1500 RPM brings the IceFLOE Oasis 360 into the lead at 40.9 dB(A). The LIQMAXFLO was slightly louder at 41.8 dB(A) and the CUBE 360 was slightly louder at 43.4 dB(A). The CORELIQUID E360 rounded it out at 45.9 dB(A). Subjectively, the IceFLOE Oasis 360 and LIQMAXFLO just about blended into the background while the CUBE 360 and CORELIQUID E360 were still noticeable at 1500 RPM.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Moving down to 1000 RPM, the IceFLOE Oasis 360 sinks to 38.7 dB(A) which tied it for second place with the CORELIQUID E360. The CUBE 360 bumped out a victory at 37.4 dB(A) while the LIQMAXFLOW was reported at 40.9 dB(A). Subjectively, each cooler was difficult to discern from the background noise.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Finally at our slowest setting of 600 RPM, the IceFLOE Oasis 360 maintains its 38.7 dB(A) result while the CORELIQUID E360 widens its lead at 35.8 dB(A). The CUBE 360 and LIQMAXFLO achieved 37.4 and 39.9 dB(A) respectively.
For this particular result, the IceFLOE Oasis 360’s pump was the culprit in its noise measurement not dropping when the fan speeds were dropped. When we took the pump down to 50%, it was able to tie for first at 35.8 dB(A). Subjectively speaking, the pump is quite noticeable compared to the fans at the 600 RPM level – therefore – if you’re setting fan curves with this AIO, you should make sure the pump gets some adjustment as well.