be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm CPU AIO Liquid Cooler | 3 Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM High-Speed Fans | Quiet Performance | 6-Pole Motor | Discreet ARGB Lighting | Refillable | Black | BW026
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AI Verdict
This 420mm AIO with a 3-chamber pump and three 140mm Silent Wings 4 fans is for serious builders prioritizing quiet operation and high-end CPU cooling.
This 420mm AIO is a strong fit for users with high-power CPUs and cases that can house its large radiator. Its 3-chamber pump and Silent Wings 4 fans are engineered for quiet operation and high cooling performance, making it ideal for those who value both thermal efficiency and low noise output. The refillable design also extends its practical lifespan.
If you need even more extreme cooling performance or a longer warranty with leakage protection, look for AIOs with thicker radiators or those from brands known for extended warranties and damage coverage.
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Pros
- The 3-chamber pump design and 6-pole motor significantly reduce turbulence and noise during operation.
- Three Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM high-speed fans deliver up to 78.4 CFM airflow and 2.36 mmH2O static pressure with a maximum noise output of 29.3 dBA at 100% RPM.
- It offers wide CPU plate coverage, including support for AMD Threadripper TR4 and TR5 sockets.
- The easy-to-access refill port and included coolant bottle allow for long-term maintenance and extended lifespan.
- Capable of cooling CPUs with a TDP exceeding 260W, making it suitable for high-performance processors.
Cons
- The 3-year manufacturer's warranty is shorter compared to some competitors offering 6+ years.
- Some users report a pump buzz or whine when operating at 60% pump speed or higher.
- Radiator mounting screws are small, and some users suggest washers, which are not included.
- Fans are not pre-fitted, requiring manual installation during assembly.
Dimension Scores
This 420mm AIO with its engineered cooling block and three 140mm Silent Wings 4 fans can cool CPUs exceeding 260W TDP, outperforming most 360mm AIOs.
The Silent Wings 4 fans produce 29.3 dBA at 100% RPM, making them quieter than many competitors, though the pump can exhibit a buzz at higher speeds.
It features an aluminum radiator, copper/nickel-plated cold plate, and a robust 3-chamber pump with a 6-pole motor, indicating a focus on durability and performance.
While a splitter cable is included, the fans are not interlocking, meaning you'll have individual fan cables to manage.
Best For
- High-end gaming PCs with large cases that can accommodate a 420mm radiator.
- Workstations running AMD Threadripper or Intel HEDT platforms requiring maximum cooling capacity.
- Users who prioritize a quiet system even under heavy CPU loads.
- PC builders who want the option to maintain and refill their AIO for extended use.
Not Recommended For
- Compact PC builds or cases that do not support a 420mm radiator.
- Budget-conscious builders looking for the lowest cost-per-performance cooler.
- Users who expect a completely inaudible pump at all operating speeds.
Watch Out For
- The 3-year warranty is on the shorter side; some competing AIOs offer 6 years or more, and this one doesn't include a leakage warranty.
- You might hear a pump buzz or whine if you run the pump at 60% speed or higher, which could be necessary for optimal performance on some CPUs.
- Installation involves attaching the three 140mm fans to the radiator yourself, which adds a step compared to AIOs with pre-mounted fans.
- The radiator mounting screws are reportedly small, and some users found they needed washers for a more secure fit, which aren't in the box.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DWZX4SSK |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper |
| Item Weight | 6.84 pounds |
| Noise Level | 34.3 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | BW026 |
| Compatible Devices | AMD: AM5 / AM4 / TR5 / TR4, Desktop, Intel: 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 |
| Product Dimensions | 17.99"L x 5.51"W x 1.06"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 3500 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04260052192559 |
What Buyers Say
What's really interesting is how many people are picking this 420mm AIO specifically for its quiet operation, even when pushing high-power CPUs. While it generally performs well, some users have noted a distinct pump noise at higher RPMs, which can be a dealbreaker for those hyper-focused on silence. The refillable design is a big plus for longevity, but the 3-year warranty is a bit of a head-scratcher when competitors offer more. Installation is mostly straightforward, but don't be surprised if you need to scrounge for some washers for the radiator screws.
“Okay, so I got this 420mm for my new build, and yeah, it keeps my 9950X chilly, but man, that pump can get a little whiny if I crank it up past 60%. The fans though? Super quiet, like, barely there. Wish the warranty was longer, but the refill thing is cool.”
Common Praise
- The fans are exceptionally quiet, even when running at higher speeds.
- It keeps high-end CPUs, like a 9800X3D, at acceptable temperatures under full load.
- The overall aesthetic is clean and discreet, especially with the subtle ARGB lighting.
- The refill port and included coolant bottle are appreciated for extending the cooler's life.
- Installation is generally easy compared to some other AIOs.
Common Complaints
- The pump can produce a noticeable buzz or whine when set to 60% speed or higher.
- The 3-year warranty is considered short, and the lack of leakage coverage is a concern for some.
- Radiator mounting screws are small and might require additional washers for a secure fit.
- Performance, while strong, can be a few degrees Celsius behind top-tier competitors like the Arctic Liquid Freezer III in some benchmarks.
Ownership Tips
- You'll likely spend some time tweaking pump and fan curves to find the optimal balance between noise and cooling for your specific CPU.
- The large 420mm radiator means you absolutely need a case with ample clearance; measure twice, buy once.
- The discreet ARGB on the CPU block is subtle, so if you're looking for a light show, this isn't it.
- Having the refill option is a nice peace of mind for long-term use, even if you don't use it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It's compatible with a wide range of Intel sockets including 1851, 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, and 1155, and AMD sockets AM5, AM4, TR5, and TR4.
Does this AIO have RGB lighting?
Yes, it features discreet ARGB lighting on the CPU block. The fans themselves do not have RGB lighting.
Can I refill the coolant in this AIO?
Absolutely, it has an easy-to-access refill port and comes with a bottle of coolant, allowing for maintenance and a longer operational life.
How noisy are the fans at maximum speed?
The three Silent Wings 4 140mm fans produce a maximum of 29.3 dBA at 100% RPM, which is considered quiet for their performance level.
What is the warranty period for this cooler?
The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO liquid cooler like this, you're essentially buying a self-contained water cooling loop for your CPU. The big thing here is the radiator size – 420mm is massive, so your PC case needs to be able to fit it. This size means more surface area for heat dissipation, which translates to lower CPU temperatures, especially for high-core-count processors. You're also paying for the 'be quiet!' name, which means the fans and pump are designed to run as quietly as possible, even if that means a slight trade-off in raw, no-holds-barred cooling performance compared to some louder options.
420mm Radiator
Think of the radiator like the engine's cooling fins in a car. A 420mm radiator is significantly larger than common 240mm or 360mm options, providing a much bigger surface area to transfer heat from the liquid to the air. This is crucial for keeping powerful CPUs cool under heavy loads, like during gaming or video editing.
3-Chamber Pump Design
This isn't just about moving liquid; it's about moving it smoothly and quietly. A 3-chamber pump helps separate the liquid flow, reducing internal turbulence and vibrations. Less turbulence means less noise, which is a big deal for a 'be quiet!' product, and it also contributes to the pump's longevity.
Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM Fans
These are the workhorses pushing air through the radiator. 'PWM' means their speed can be precisely controlled by your motherboard based on CPU temperature, allowing for dynamic adjustments between silence and performance. The 'Silent Wings 4' designation means they're specifically engineered for quiet operation, using optimized blade designs and fluid dynamic bearings to minimize noise while still moving a lot of air.
Refillable Design
Most AIOs are sealed units, meaning when the coolant eventually evaporates or degrades, the unit's performance drops, and it's often considered disposable. A refillable design, with an included coolant bottle, allows you to top up or replace the coolant, significantly extending the lifespan of your cooler and making it a more sustainable investment.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your needs, consider AIOs with a 360mm radiator for smaller cases, or look for models with a 6-year warranty and leakage protection if long-term peace of mind is your top priority.
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