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. 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 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 NH-L9x65 might not be a top performer but it is near-silent. While it isn't the quietest cooler tested, it still only tops out at 44 dBA and stays below 40 dBA at idle and low loads.

Fan Speeds

RPM readings are just a tad bit interesting as they are on point with the fan's specifications, which is great, although it is rather weird to see a 2500 RPM fan that is not loud. Overall, the broad RPM range is a good thing; however, the fan's odd size and thin profile mean it can spin fast without getting loud because it still fails to push a lot of air.