Noise Levels and Fan Speeds

Testing Procedure

Fan noise testing is done at 25%, 50%, and 100% fan speed, with the dBA level being recorded by a Pyle PSPL25 sound pressure level meter at a distance of 30 cm. The fan(s) RPM results are taken at the same 25%, 50%, and 100% settings. These 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 in case MSI's Command Center cannot control the fan(s), which ensures that proper results can still be obtained if the software fails. 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

The Enermax LIQMAX 120S is loud when running at full tilt. Hitting 56 dBA at 2602 RPM, it's loud, it's noticeable, it's obnoxious. However, there are good news since you can use the APS feature to adjust its fan speed. While performance does suffer, the LIQMAX 120S drops down to just about 45 dBAin Quiet mode. Very acceptable, it does reduce performance by 3°C with intense loads.

Fan Speeds

RPM readings at 25%, 50%, and 100% show why the LIQMAX 120s is so loud—just look at that 2602 RPM reading while the fan is set to 100%; no wonder it hit 56 dBA.