Acoustic Performance

First let’s check out the noise measurements. Note that on the upcoming cooling efficiency diagram the results will be sorted out in order of noisiness. This way we will be able to base our verdict on the combination of both characteristics.

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No doubt, Accelero Xtreme GTX 280 is quieter than the reference GeForce GTX 260 cooler and the difference is dramatic. Both testing participants run equal in terms of noise levels until about 35% of their capacity and then “take alternate routes”. It is interesting that even at 50% capacity (around 1560RPM) Accelero Xtreme GTX 280 is moderately noisy, while GeForce GTX 260 cooler at the same 50% (1790RPM) brings evident discomfort to the relatively quiet system. At maximum fan rotation speeds the difference in noise reaches 11.1dBA!