Sound Issues and Conclusion

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Sound Issues

In addition to thermal performance, more and more people are becoming interested in the noise levels associated with various cooling solutions. I recorded sound pressure readings for the Aero 7+ blower while operating it at three different speeds (minimum, medium and maximum RPMs). Measurements were taken with the computer off and no other sources of sound in the room. I used a small external (fan-less PSU) to operate the fans while taking sound level readings. Measurements were taken 3’ away with an average background noise level of ~30 dBA. The Aero 7+ and Delta RPM readings were measured earlier using MBM5 and the manufacturers rated speeds are quoted for the two Panaflo fans without RPM sensing.

Cooler Master Aero 7+ Heatsink Fan - Cases and Cooling 21

Once again we see that the sound levels generated by the new, lower speed Aero 7+ blower are much quieter than the original Aero 7. The low and medium speed-readings from the Aero V blower are comparable to the low and medium speed Panaflo axial fans. One of the big selling points of the Aero 7+ cooler is supposed to be better performance with less noise, however I obtained just as good or slightly better temperature readings with the two comparable speed axial fans. Of course the much larger Delta SHE axial fan was noticeably noisier than the Aero V blower at full speed but also produced much better cooling.

Conclusions

The Cooler Master Aero 7+ is available now and carries a MSRP of $40 US ($35 street). This places the Aero 7+ squarely in the value-performance category. As I mentioned earlier, the new Aero 7+ was not designed or is it priced to compete directly with high-end air coolers like the SLK-800/900 and MCX462+.

The copper skived heatsink with aluminum fan shroud performed quite well. It closely matched the Volcano 11+ performance and came very close to the classic AX-7 with axial fans. After the formal testing was completed, I lapped the Aero 7+ heatsink base to #600 grit and performed a quick re-test. Lapping the base improved the CPU full load temperatures by 2.4° C.

The new shortened mounting clip handle has been revised but I wouldn’t call it improved from an ergonomic standpoint. The clip was originally designed to be tool-less and there is no provision for attaching a screwdriver blade, etc. The handle pivots so you have to both push down and pull out the 3-lug clip. Unfortunately, now that the handle has been shortened to prevent potential interference with nearby hardware, it is much more difficult to grasp and use. I found myself grabbing the stub-end handle with a pair of pliers and wishing for a screwdriver-mounting slot.

The Aero V blower appears to be more of a gimmick than a viable technological improvement. Yes, it works and it definitely looks cool, but it didn’t offer any better performance or less noise than two traditional axial fans provided, especially now since it has been de-tuned for lower speeds and quieter operation. The blower did not perform well at all on the AX-7, even though I mounted it up on ½” stand-offs. I believe this shows the blower needs a plenum area between the bottom flange of the blower and top of the heatsink fins – both the Aero 7+ heatsink and Volcano 11+ heatsink have integral fan shrouds that perform this function. Besides, the AX-7 is designed to take advantage of the axial fans greater circumferential flow.

Overall, the Cooler Master Aero 7+ HSF is a welcome addition to the mid-range, value-performance cooler market. Its stylish appearance and unique blower set it apart from the rest of the pack. You will definitely want a side-window and internal case lighting to show it off. The Aero 7+ package comes loaded with extra goodies like a variable speed fan and two styles of speed control mounting brackets.

A big thanks to our friends at Cooler Master for sending us the Aero 7+ for review! Check one out at your favorite Cooler Master retailer.

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