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 Lian Li Hydroshift LCD 360R ringing in at 53.8 dB(A) on our SPL meter. That’s 3.1 dB(A) louder than the second loudest AIO cooler in this review, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360. The Enermax LIQMAXFLO and Cooler Master 360 ATMOS were even quieter at 44.7 dB(A) and 49 dB(A) respectively.
Note that at this speed, the Lian Li Hydroshift LCD 360R was running at 2400RPM, 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 Lian Li Hydroshift LCD 360R pulls up to third place at 42.6 dB(A), being defeated by the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS at 39.9 dB(A) and 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, MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 and Cooler Master 360 ATMOS tied for quietest at 38.7 dB(A) with the Lian Li Hydroshift LCD 360R 1.2 dB(A) louder at 39.9 dB(A). The Enerrmax LIQMAXFLO was 1 dB(A) higher at 40.9.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Finally, at our slowest tested speed, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 achieved a 35.8 dB(A) result with the Cooler Master 360 ATMOS slightly louder at 37.4 dB(A). The Lian Li Hydroshift LCD 360R and the Enermax LIQMAXFLO reported in at 39.9 dB(A).
The main driver of the Lian Li Hydroshift LCD 360R to be where it is was due to the pump running at 100%. In a real-world scenario, the pump speed would be cut significantly when fans are also rolling at their lowest speed. When tested at 50% pump speed (at 600RPM fans), we saw the noise level drop to 37.4 dB(A) and the audible drone of the pump disappeared.