[section_title title=”Test Setup”]Test Setup
CPU – Intel i7 4770k
Motherboard – ASUS Z87 MAXIMUS GENE VI
Memory – Patriot Viper 8GB (2x4GB) 2400MHz
Graphics – MSI R9 270
Cooler – Enermax Liqtech 120X
Storage – Samsung 250GB EVO
PSU – Enermax 1350w MAXREVO
Acoustic performance
Each cooler will be tested at night as it is naturally the quietest time of the day. A decibel monitor is placed at 30cm away from the cooler which is much closer than you would probably be sitting but it allows for consistent readings in my eyes.  The system is left to idle for five minutes to ensure it is at its most rested work load and then the readings are taken. The fans are on PWM mode rather than ‘x’ volts as some fans will not spin without it getting its start voltage. The PWM curves are set to the default ones that are supplied by the Z87X-OC’s BIOS.
To find out how much noise the fan(s) will make under a full loading, I plug them straight into a 12v line to ensure that they are running at full speed to give you an idea of how much noise is created at maximum RPM ranges.
Thermal performance
Thermal performance is judged on four factors overall;Â the idle temperature at stock and overclocked speeds as well as the loaded temperatures at stock and loaded speeds. During the testing, whether that be the idle or loaded testing, the system is either in idle or full load for a duration of five minutes before any readings are taken. The average temperature across all four cores is then noted down and used as the results. All room temperatures are recorded beforehand as well as during the test to ensure that the delta temperature is as accurate as possible.
With the Enermax Liqtech 120X having 3 different fan speeds, I selected the middle ground to offer a balance of thermal/acoustic performance (600-2000rpm).
