is water cooling really a quiet?

[Alan]

Hi, i'm looking to build a new P4 2.8 ghz. I'm looking for the quietest
solution. The koolance case system says its lowest dba rating is around
38dba. That doesn't seem so quiet? what do you think? how does that
compare with queit air cooled component systems?


Alan

 

[Steve]

I was thinking about that as a case mod, anybody seen it done ? The tropical
fish PC.
Seriouly though mine is swiftech using two quiet 120 fans not the stock
ones, and the Enhiem pump I can not hear. Keeps the cpu cooler than just
air, 37c to 38 under load. Not much cooler than a really good fan but for me
noise is a bother.
If I could find an as quiet and effective fan type cpu cooler I would not
waste money on water cooling. Just my two cents worth.

 

[Jim]

Although I've not used water cooling myself, I have seen many reviewed by
http://www.3dgameman.com.

I initially assumed these would be quieter too, but this doesn't seem to be
the case. Since most still require a radiator + fan, they tend to be AS
LOUD if not LOUDER than a simple HSF! Thus, they've never peaked my
interest enough to warrant serious consideration (more a curiosity than
anything else). Unless and until someone can show me a SILENT water cooling
system, why bother? Best I can tell, it DOES do a better job of cooling,
temps are typically 10-15C lower than a simple HSF, but that's only of
interest to gamers. Anyone hoping water cooling will provide siginificant
noise reduction is going to be sadly disappointed.

Here's a number of reviews from 3DGameMan, see for yourself (the Swiftech
H20-8500 unit seems particularly neat and reasonably priced, but again, w/o
noise reduction, why bother?):

http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/swiftech/h20_8500/video_review.html
http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/coolerguys/koolance_pc2_601blw/part1/video_review.html
http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/coolerguys/koolance_pc2_601blw/part2/video_review.html
http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/thermaltake/thermaltake_aquarius2/video_review.html
http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/highspeedpc/innovatek_h20_kit/video_review.htm
http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/cpufx/nitro_system/video_review_part1.htm
http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/cpufx/nitro_system/video_review_part2.htm
http://www.3dgameman.com/reviews_hardware_02_2001.htm#38

HTH

Jim

 

[Steve]

Mine is quieter, two slow 120's make very little noise, compared to the 80 I
have on an alpha pal cooler and it is a quiet fan. If I am running the water
cooler the only noise you can hear is the power supply fan (enermax
something or other) and it is quiet as well. Personal observation only, but
I trust my ears.

 

[Alan]

which water cooling solution is that?
alan

Mine is quieter, two slow 120's make very little noise, compared to the 80 I
have on an alpha pal cooler and it is a quiet fan. If I am running the water
cooler the only noise you can hear is the power supply fan (enermax
something or other) and it is quiet as well. Personal observation only, but
I trust my ears.