be quiet! Silent Loop 3 240mm CPU AIO Liquid Cooler | 2 Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM High-Speed Fans | Quiet Performance | 6-Pole Motor | Discreet ARGB Lighting | Refillable | Black | BW024
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AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO with a 3-chamber pump and two 120mm Silent Wings 4 fans is for PC builders prioritizing quiet operation over raw cooling numbers for high-end CPUs.
This 240mm AIO is a strong contender if your primary goal is a quiet PC during everyday tasks and gaming, thanks to its 'dead silent' pump and optimized fans at lower RPMs. However, its cooling capacity for extreme, sustained loads on top-tier CPUs might not match competitors that prioritize raw thermal performance over acoustics.
If you need more thermal headroom for heavy overclocking, look for a 360mm or 420mm AIO with higher static pressure fans.
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Pros
- The 3-chamber pump design with a 6-pole motor significantly reduces turbulence and pump noise, allowing for 'dead silent' operation at idle.
- Installation is simplified by screws with integrated stops, preventing overtightening.
- The cooling block features a large 1800mm² fin area for efficient heat transfer from the CPU.
- It includes an easy-to-access refill port and a coolant bottle, extending the product's lifespan.
- Discreet ARGB lighting is present on the cooling block, offering customizable aesthetics without RGB fans.
- The AIO is compatible with a wide range of modern sockets, including AMD AM5/AM4 and Intel 1851/1700.
Cons
- Fans become audibly loud at full speed, reaching 2400-2440 RPM under heavy load.
- Cooling performance, while described as 'extremely high' by the brand, is considered 'pretty middling' by some reviewers compared to competitors.
- The lack of motherboard ARGB control can leave the cooling block lighting dark.
- The 3-year manufacturer's warranty is shorter than some competitors' 5 or 6-year offerings.
Dimension Scores
The 1800mm² fin area on the cooling block and 3-chamber pump design provide strong thermal dissipation for high-end CPUs, though not class-leading for extreme overclocking.
The 6-pole motor pump is 'dead silent' at idle, and fans are quiet at regular speeds, though they become audible at their maximum 2400-2440 RPM.
Features like the dampened pump, screwless cooling block design, and flexible sleeved tubes indicate a focus on robust construction and German engineering.
The flexible sleeved tubes aid in routing, and the fans are daisy-chainable, which simplifies fan wiring.
Best For
- PC builds where low noise during idle and light loads is a top priority.
- Systems with high-end CPUs (Intel Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9) that are not consistently under extreme overclocked loads.
- Users who appreciate subtle, controllable ARGB lighting on the pump head only.
Not Recommended For
- Enthusiasts pushing extreme overclocks on power-hungry CPUs, where maximum thermal dissipation is paramount.
- Budget-focused builds, as its $140 price point places it in the entry-plus category.
Watch Out For
- The 120mm Silent Wings 4 fans produce noticeable noise when operating at their maximum 2400-2440 RPM.
- If your motherboard lacks ARGB headers, the pump's lighting will remain off.
- Some users reported that the 360mm version reached 95C in AIDA64 FPU Julia tests, indicating it might struggle with sustained, intense synthetic loads.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DWZQ7LKT |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper |
| Department | All Ages, Unisex |
| Item Weight | 4.86 pounds |
| Noise Level | 36.9 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | BW024 |
| Compatible Devices | AMD: AM5/AM4, Desktop, Intel: 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 |
| Product Dimensions | 10.9"L x 4.72"W x 1.06"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 3500 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04260052192535 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is how consistently users praise the pump's quietness, often describing it as 'dead silent' even at max speed, which is a significant win for a liquid cooler. However, this acoustic advantage comes with a trade-off, as the fans can get loud when pushed to their 2400-2440 RPM limit, and the overall cooling performance is often characterized as sufficient rather than exceptional for its price point. Installation is noted as being easier than some competitors due to thoughtful design elements like screws with stops.
“Man, this thing is QUIET at idle, like I can't even hear the pump! But when my CPU really ramps up, those fans start screaming a bit, not gonna lie. Still, my 9800X3D stays cool enough for gaming, so I'm happy.”
Common Praise
- The pump operates 'dead silent' at idle and even at full speed.
- Installation is straightforward, with screws that prevent overtightening.
- The overall system is very quiet during light use and gaming at moderate fan speeds.
- The discreet ARGB lighting on the pump head looks clean and elegant.
Common Complaints
- Fans become noticeably loud when operating at their highest RPMs (2400-2440).
- Cooling performance is considered 'pretty middling' by some, not always justifying the price for raw thermal output.
- Lack of motherboard ARGB control means the pump lighting might not work for all users.
- Some users reported higher temperatures in intense synthetic benchmarks like AIDA64 FPU Julia (up to 95C).
Ownership Tips
- The pump's quiet operation is a consistent benefit, even after weeks of use.
- Adjusting fan curves is crucial to balance noise and cooling, especially if you want to avoid the fans' loudest speeds.
- The refillable design is a practical feature for long-term maintenance, though not immediately needed.
- The included thermal paste is functional, but some users found a 1-2C improvement with aftermarket paste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this AIO come with RGB fans?
No, the Silent Loop 3 240mm includes two Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM high-speed fans that are RGB-free. The discreet ARGB lighting is only on the cooling block.
Is the pump really quiet?
Yes, user feedback indicates the 3-chamber pump with its 6-pole motor is 'dead silent' at idle and can be run at maximum speed without noticeable humming.
What CPU sockets are compatible with this cooler?
It supports a wide range of Intel sockets including 1851, 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, and AMD sockets AM5 and AM4.
Can I refill the coolant?
Yes, the Silent Loop 3 features an easy-to-access refill port and comes with an included coolant bottle, designed to extend its lifespan.
How does its cooling performance compare to other AIOs?
While be quiet! states 'extremely high cooling performance,' some reviews suggest it offers 'pretty middling' performance compared to top-tier AIOs, especially under extreme loads. It's designed to handle high-end CPUs but might not be the absolute best for heavy overclocking.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO liquid cooler, you're balancing how well it cools your CPU with how much noise it makes. For a 240mm model like this, it's about finding that sweet spot for your specific CPU and how you use your PC. Don't just look at the biggest cooling numbers; consider if you're willing to trade a few degrees for a much quieter experience, especially during everyday tasks.
240mm fan size
This refers to the radiator size, which dictates how many 120mm fans it can hold (two in this case). A larger radiator (like 360mm or 420mm) generally offers more cooling surface area, which can mean lower temperatures or quieter operation at the same cooling level.
6-pole motor
This describes the pump's motor. More poles typically mean smoother operation and less vibration, directly translating to a quieter pump. Think of it like a car engine with more cylinders – often smoother and less noisy.
Refillable
Most AIOs are sealed units, but a refillable design means you can top up the coolant over time. This can significantly extend the lifespan of your cooler, as coolant naturally evaporates over years, and it's a feature usually found in more enthusiast-grade custom loops.
Alternatives
If this AIO doesn't quite hit the mark, look for 360mm or 420mm radiators for more cooling capacity, or AIOs with higher static pressure fans if you need maximum heat dissipation at the expense of some noise.
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