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In our noise level tests we switched off all the case fans and replaced the AMD Radeon HD 7950 graphics card with a HD 5550 passive model so were just taking into account the noise generated by the cooler fans themselves.
We measured the noise level with a Digital Noise Level meter at a distance of 1 m from the front of the system.
None of the all-in-one coolers on test offer great acoustic performance. Don't be fooled by the ‘Silent' mode of the NZXT coolers as they are far from silent, just less abrasive than the ‘Extreme' mode.
With the fans running at full speed, the X40 is unbearably loud, so the performance improvements gained by having a 500 RPM faster fan than the Corsair unit are negated.
Great looking cooler. They seem to be bringing out a lot of nice cases too.
I bought this last week and its brilliant. great value and handles my 3770k at 4.8ghz under 70c load.
close battle with Corsair with this one.
Unfortunately the NZXT compat guide is totally false. The systems listed, majority of them are not actually compatible. For example, the Corsair Carbide 500R. The guide will state rear compatibility, which is entirely not the case. There is no functional way for rear placement. As for top placement, there is barely enough room, but it works just about. Impossible for any push/pull config however.
When contacting NZXT about this, I was referred to Eric Henry the Tech Manager. He stated and I quote:
“We have the same case, here and I have tested it on it before responding to your email”.
I have had to make a video and take photos to prove he is lying and it doesnt fit. When called out on this, he said he must have made a mistake. Total and utter rubbish.
My warning to people, go with something that you know is going to fit. Buy something that is made by your case manufactor or is 12cm in size for a more guaranteed rear placement setup, because if you base your purchase off of their guide, they will pretty much tell you to bugger off, cut your own case up, and bother someone else.
As for product functionality itself, it works, so I guess thats a good part, just a shame I can’t return it for a refund and buy something that is compatible and has decent customer service.