Noise Levels and Fan Speeds

Testing Procedure

Fan noise testing is done at 25%, 50%, and 100% fan speed, while the dBA level is 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 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 only two coolers that can compete with the Swiftech H240-X are the H220-X and the Corsair H105. With 54 dBA at full throttle, the H105 is far noisier since the H240-X only hits 46 dBA. What is surprising is that the H220-X proved to be marginally quieter overall. Regardless, Swiftech and their 280 mm AIO cooler offer a relatively quiet computing experience.

Fan Speeds

Swiftech's H240-X uses a relatively relaxed fan-speed profile. Ranging from 700-1800 RPM, it follows that sweet spot mentality by keeping fan speeds below the 2000 RPM mark, which, unlike with other AIO units that do not, results in acceptable noise levels.