A Closer Look

The radiator be quiet! opted for is of course a 280 mm offering on this model (who would have guessed!). It has an FPI count (fins per inch) of 20, which is fairly typical. What is not typical is the included fill port on the radiator for easy access and refilling. This should allow consumers to extend the service life of these units and maintain optimum cooling performance. The tubing is 400 mm long and the same sleeved stuff you have seen a hundred times before. What is different is the pump placement, which is now on the tubing rather than the radiator or CPU block.


The CPU block itself is aesthetically pleasing in its own way, but I feel be quiet! could have done more here. Matching the radiator in some way, shape, or form to the silver block top would have made the cooler even more appealing as the design elements would come together better. Regardless, the design is fairly simple and robust all the same with the tubing and wiring coming out on the same side. be quiet! did opt to use swivel fittings, which is a nice touch, and the space between them and the wiring is enough to keep the rotational range fairly solid. The base is nickel-plated, and while machining marks are visible, it still feels smooth to the touch.


The fans be quiet! selected for the Pure Loop 280 are from the Pure Wings 2 family and have the model number: BQ PUW2-14025-HR-PWM, and have a maximum RPM of 1600. When it comes to the design, the fans use nine blades, which is a hybrid between static pressure and maximum airflow. As such, I expect alright performance, but nothing truly spectacular as it's more of a jack of all trades design.