Switching coolers in my PC. Need a relatively quiet option. What does everyone suggest?

NateDZD

I'm currently using a Cooler Master ML240L, but the pump is loud enough to get picked up when I'm recording a podcast, even with a dynamic microphone. Moving the PC farther from my microphone just isn't an option at this point. I still want to have decent cooling performance for gaming, but I need to mitigate the noise when I'm recording.

My CPU is the Ryzen 5600X. I used to overclock, but since my rig has transitioned to podcasting more than gaming, I've scaled back considerably.

What do you all suggest? I'm currently looking at the Noctua NH-U12S and the be quiet Pure Rock 2.

Lesaol

The Shadowrock 3 from bequiet are really good coolers, they will do great on your Ryzen 5 and even a Ryzen 7 if you wanna upgrade later on. 👍🏽

magarity

The software for the coolermaster should let you adjust the pump speed. It probably defaulted to 100% but this isn't necessary. Those pumps have a sweet spot for ultra quiet, usually around 60%. play around with the speed setting and see if you can find the quiet zone.

NateDZD

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/46835#Comment_46835

Sadly, it doesn't look like my cooler is compatible with Cooler Master's software.

magarity

Is there no speed control at all then?

CoolerMaster's website says:

Pump Noise Level< 15 dBA

Which is rather low I think? Perhaps you can contact their support. You may have a unit with some defect that makes it loud. It should have a 2 year warranty.

roadPilot

How is it mounted? Often, pump noise comes from a AIO that's mounted incorrectly with the pump head above the top of the loop, leading to air getting trapped in it.