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 maximum fan speeds, we find the MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360 ringing in at 47.4 dB(A) on our SPL meter. That’s 2.7 dB(A) louder than the Enermax LIQMAXFLO but quieter than the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS at 49 dB(A) and the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 at 50.7 dB(A).
Note that at this speed, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360 was running at 2350RPM, the Cooler Master MASTERLIQUID 360 ATMOS at around 2500 RPM, the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360 was running at 1900RPM and the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 at 1800 RPM.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Moving down to 1500 RPM across the board, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360 pulls even with the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS at 39.9 dB(A) with the Enermax LIQMAXFLO at 41.8 dB(A). The MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 clattered on at 45.9 dB(A) (which is somewhat expected as its top fan speed is a lot closer to 1500RPM than the others). At this speed, the top three dropped out of being noticeable when running in the testing bunker.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
At 1000 RPM, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360, MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 and Cooler Master 360 ATMOS tied for quietest at 38.7 dB(A). The Enerrmax LIQMAXFLO was 2.2 dB(A) higher at 40.9.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Finally, at our slowest tested speed, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360 and MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 achieved a 35.8 dB(A) result with the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS slightly louder at 37.4 dB(A) and the Enermax LIQMAXFLO at 39.9 dB(A). While there is certainly a measured difference by the SPL meter at these levels, none of the units were audibly noticeable in the test bunker.