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 Assassin 4S was the quietest (44.1 dB(a)), ahead of the CORSAIR A115, and IceSLEET G6 Stealth hit 47.4 dB(A) tying for second place. The Cooler Master MasterAir MA824 barely brought up the rear at 47.8 dB(A). From a subjective perspective, there was not a substantial difference between the coolers.
Note that the max fan speed on the Assassin 4S reached 1850 RPM while the CORSAIR A115 topped out at 1600 RPM, the MasterAir 824 topped out at 1900/1550 RPM and the IceSLEET G6 Stealth topped out at 1450 RPM.
1500 RPM Fans
Dropping down to 1500 RPM, the Assassin 4S takes the lead at 39.9 dB(A). The CORSAIR A115 lands in second with 45.9 dB(A) of racket and the Master Air MA824 is one decibel louder. The IceSLEET G6 Stealth wins the loudest prize as its single fan is spinning at the same speed as the maximum fan speed test.
1000 RPM Fans
When we lowered the fans down to 1000 RPM, the Assassin 4S improved its lead with a 37.4 dB(A) result which was slightly quieter than the two double fan entrants (the CORSAIR A115 and MasterAir MA824 Stealth) that produced 38.7 dB(A) of noise. The single fan IceSLEET G6 Stealth sneaks in at 40.9 dB(A). From a subjective perspective, there was no difference in how they sounded at 1000 RPM.
600 RPM Fans
Lowering the fans to 600 RPM brought a three-way tie at 35.8 dB(A) for the Assassin 4S, CORSAIR A115, and MasterAir MA824 Stealth. The IceSLEET G6 Stealth is slightly louder at at 37.4 dB(A). With that said, let’s move on and recap all of this for you today!