Noise Levels & Fan Speeds

Testing Procedure

Fan noise testing is done at 25%, 50%, and 100% fan speed, with a Pyle PSPL25 sound pressure level meter recording the dBA level at a distance of 30 cm. The fan(s) RPM results are taken at the same 25%, 50%, and 100% settings. The selected speeds are handled by MSI's Command Center software, and a Lamptron FC6 fan controller is also used as a secondary method of confirming RPM and dBA readings. This ensures that proper results can still be obtained if MSI's Command Center cannot control the fan(s). To give users the noise profile of the tested CPU cooler, testing is done using fan speed percentages instead of various load levels.

Noise Levels

Cooling performance may not be the Shadow Rock LP's strong point, but its low noise levels certainly are. It manages to tie the Thermalright Silver Arrow for the title of quietest cooler. To put it into perspective, the similarly designed Reeven Steropes is a full 8 dBA louder for the same performance.

Fan Speeds

Our RPM readings show that be quiet!'s fan is more than just a marketing hype as it actually delivers. The Pure Wings fan has a PWM range of 407-1588 RPM yet remains nearly silent. Performance may suffer, but for those wanting truly silent cooling, the be quiet! Shadow Rock LP is a great place to start, especially for a small form factor system.