With stock CPU settings, and the fans left to operate at default PWM profiles, we see the Swiftech H220 come in a degree behind the Corsair H100i. However, the default Corsair H100i set-up runs with much faster fans than the Swiftech H220 (about 1200RPM versus 800RPM on the H220) so these results are actually very solid from the Swiftech H220.
Here we can see the Swiftech H220 is only marginally quieter than some of the competition this is due to the pump being quite audible. However, the fans are totally silent.
Overclocking shows just how impressive the Swiftech H220 is. With the default PWM profile we saw fan speeds of around 900RPM which again do not really do the results justice. We ramped the fans up to full speed, 1800 RPM, just to show you what the Swiftech H220 is capable of and you can see the results are impressive. The Corsair H100i still looks very potent against the Swiftech H220 but considering the balance between performance and noise both look like equally good competitors. It is no secret that Corsair’s SP120 and AF120 fans are some of the best on the entire market, that fact alone makes these results all the more impressive.
Again the stock PWM profile gives totally silent fans with the only noise being generated by the pump. At maximum fan speed the unit still isn’t that loud due to the maximum RPM of just 1800RPM. Overall acoustic performance is impressive and the pump makes most of the noise. That can be easily fixed if you want to use the pump via PWM controls, we just use it at 12 volts for consistency of testing methods. If you were to use the pump at 50% speed you’d still have 3 watts of pumping power which is more than twice that of the Corsair H100i.
Great review Ryan, I’ve been reading all of your all in one watercooling reviews making a wishlist for a PC build I’m dreaming up for when I get settled in with my new job and hopefully can save for a build. This looks like one of the best ones you’ve reviewed and the H100 looks pretty sweet as well. Probably by the reviews I’m leaning more towards adding this one to my wishlist.
I’m not a novice to computer building and have build all my old builds and builds for friends but I am absolutely clueless with watercooling, sounds like this one is perfect as you say the installation is extremely simple in the review, so do you think this would make a good first delve into watercooling?
Thanks,
JB
Yes I would highly recommend this one as probably the best. It has got to be between this and the Corsair H100i. It isn’t really watercooling per se because you don’t actually have to do anything above and beyond what you would do for the installation of a normal air cpu cooler. The h100i is cheaper and gives you a better warranty duration, while the swiftech h220 is more expensive and has a shorter warranty but uses better quality components, is marginally quieter and is expandable. I’d personally rather pay more for the Swiftech H220 because it is has a much better pump, better radiator and a really nice fan controller. The H100i has advantages in having better fans and LED customisations. It is a tough one
Surely the H110 is the best compromise between performance and noise output?
Sure, if you have the space for it.