Let’s start off with noise performance from each cooler at 100% fan speed.
This is important as it sets the precedence for which coolers we expect to deliver the higher levels of performance based on the faster and louder fans. Assuming that their performance is efficient in comparison to their noise output levels, that is.
The chassis fans are disabled, all case panels are on, and the sound meter is placed 12 inches from the side of the Fractal chassis’ glass side panel – roughly where a desk user will be sat.
Fractal's Lumen S36 RGB makes a promising start in the noise output test by managing to match the levels shown by be quiet!'s impressive Silent Loop 2. This is a particularly good result for Fractal, as the be quiet! cooler has one less fan and uses the superb Silent Wing 3 PWM models.
Fractal looks to have done a good job with the new Aspect 12 RGB PWM fans, based on this initial noise test. This is the quietest 360mm AIO cooler that we have tested to date, and that is by quite a margin.
It will be imperative to see if the Lumen S36 RGB is able to keep pace with the other AIO coolers and their typically higher speed fans.