The Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 AIO Cooler Review: Quiet and Unassuming
by E. Fylladitakis on September 7, 2023 9:30 AM ESTConclusion
Wrapping things up, the Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 280 mm AIO cooler presents a mix of commendable attributes and certain shortcomings, making it a noteworthy contender in the realm of liquid cooling solutions. While its thermal performance falls within the realm of mediocrity, its undeniable standout feature is its exceptionally low noise output. This is a crucial consideration for enthusiasts and professionals seeking a serene computing environment without significantly sacrificing effective heat dissipation, and it's where the Silent Loop 2 makes sure to live up to its name.
The simplicity of design and high manufacturing quality is a hallmark of Be Quiet!’s products. The radiator is based on a common but proven design, ensuring that it efficiently dissipates heat while offering the convenience of a filling port, instilling confidence in users who prioritize the longevity of their hardware investments. The main block assembly of the cooler showcases a blend of practicality and aesthetics. The tasteful incorporation of RGBW lighting communicates a touch of elegance without veering into flashiness, catering to those who prefer subtle visual enhancements.
However, the Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 AIO cooler is not without its trade-offs. The cooler can be hard to find in the US, and as a result its current retail price runs rather high, at around $207. Understandably, this might deter some potential buyers, particularly when considering the cooler's middling thermal performance. On the other hand, over in the European market the cooler can be found for around €139 (~$149), presenting a far more reasonable proposition.
Overall, the Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 AIO cooler offers a harmonious fusion of simplicity, quality, and subdued elegance. While its thermal performance might not be at the forefront of its features, its exceptionally quiet operation is a standout trait that should please its intended demographic. With a straightforward design and tasteful aesthetics, it caters to users who prioritize a refined appearance and low noise levels. Given this, the higher cost in the US market and limited availability make it a tough sell, but the more reasonable European pricing makes it an appealing choice for those across the Atlantic. As the landscape of cooling solutions evolves, the Be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 AIO cooler maintains its relevance by appealing to users who seek an unobtrusive, well-crafted, and serene computing experience.
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osteopathic1 - Thursday, September 7, 2023 - link
Thanks for the review. I have been looking for an AIO but dont want fancy or RGB festooned devices. This fits the bill.Kevinlangford - Thursday, September 7, 2023 - link
is $207 a good starting point for a cooler?meacupla - Thursday, September 7, 2023 - link
$207(USD) for a 280mm/360mm size AIO is on the extremely expensive side.280mm/360mm typically cost half that, even when sticking to recognizable brands like Deepcool and MSI.
In fact, it is cheaper still to buy an average cost 280/360mm and then attach noctua sterrox fans onto that.
osteopathic1 - Friday, September 8, 2023 - link
Thanks for the head's up.deporter - Thursday, September 7, 2023 - link
Thanks for the review, it's mostly well done. But I take issue with this statement: "just 32.1 dB(A). To regular human ears, this is entirely inaudible from a distance of one meter."First of all, why say from a distance of one meter, if the measurement is already at one meter?
But most importantly, 32.1dB(A) does not mean entirely inaudible. The hearing threshold for humans is at around 0dB.
And if you want to measure quiet gear, you need a very quiet room and some equipment which can detect very low SPL levels. That's a bit expensive, though, so I feel your pain.
evilspoons - Thursday, September 7, 2023 - link
If we assume the measurement was taken completely perfectly (I know this is not reasonable) it is still likely that 32.1 dB(A) is below the noise floor of almost everyone's rooms, rendering it effectively inaudible.meacupla - Thursday, September 7, 2023 - link
Not only that, most consumer grade sound measuring devices only go down to around 30dBA.And then there is the pitch of the sound, which requires a very expensive professional grade device to measure.
deporter - Friday, September 8, 2023 - link
>it is still likely that 32.1 dB(A) is below the noise floor of almost everyone's roomsNo, not at all. With the windows closed, in the evenings, a room is definitely quieter than 32dB(A), unless there's a source of noise present inside. Look at various sound level charts to get an idea, or get a good SPL meter (but as I said, the good ones that measure low are expensive).
Ryan Smith - Friday, September 8, 2023 - link
For what it's worth, as a suburbanite, I've never been able to do better than 30dB(A). And that was on a snowy night. Otherwise 31dB(A) is the normal floor around here. The experience has been similar for other AT editors.ballsystemlord - Saturday, September 16, 2023 - link
Living in a rural area, IE where there are few people around, I can tell you that the noise floor here is about 30db. I have measured it with a decibel meter.The noise that enters the house at night is a combination of the cicadas and the road noise from a 2 lane road about 1400ft away.
And those cicadas are loud! I should measure how loud someday, but really, it can hurt your ears if you're outside of the house.