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 SilentiumPC Grandis XE1236 is a very quiet cooler. Its noise output is in fact very similar to Noctua's offerings. With a maximum of 44 dBA, it is definitely an option for those desiring a quiet computing experience.

Fan Speeds

RPM readings at 25%, 50%, and 100% show that SilentiumPC's 120mm fans with an RPM in-between 500-1500 are perfect. Noise levels are right where they should be considering these RPM readings, which shows that these fans are of good quality.