By: Aaron Lai
May 16, 2025
With the season over for the Calgary Flames, I think it can be easy to be immediately disappointed with the year that just passed. For one, missing the playoffs for a third year in a row is not a good stat to have. However, I like to think of it as a season that defied expectations. Going into this year, many pundits predicted the Calgary team would finish at the bottom of the standings. This is no surprise, given we had gutted the team in the years prior, and now the starting goaltender was a promising but unproven goalie at the NHL level. Furthermore, this hockey team lacked a true elite goal scorer and instead relied on a defensive game and scoring by committee. Over the 2024-25 season, the Flames played competitive hockey all the way till the end. Their season was highlighted by the breakout season of rookie Dustin Wolf in net who kept the team in more games than they should have been. It is true that the team did not have any post-season games, but they were also better than expected. In contrast, if no one has grand expectations for the Calgary Flames, the same cannot be said for be quiet! and their newest entry Silent Loop 3. We have seen many be quiet! AIO coolers now, and they have all performed well while keeping quiet. With the Silent Loop 3 420mm today, I can easily say my expectations are equally lofty, but it all comes down to its ease of use and capabilities. Will this offering also surpass these predictions? Read on to find out!
Today's review unit of the be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm arrived at our APH Networks location here in Calgary, Alberta. Traveling with UPS and their Standard ground service, this box originated from a Newegg distribution center in Ontario, California. Much like other boxes we have received from Newegg, this brown corrugated box is marked with the online retailer's logo and design. This large container came in average condition with one notable cut on a panel.
The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm has a subdued box design, which lines up with the branding and other products from be quiet! On the front, the product is displayed scaled down. It is also illuminated to show the RGB LED lighting on the water pump and block combination. Underneath, there is the product name along with the specific size inside. We received the largest 420mm model, but be quiet! also offers this in 240mm and 360mm versions. On the top right corner is the manufacturer's logo. Around the back, we have a few more specifications and features, but words and details are kept to a minimum.
If you are interested in the product information, I have obtained it from the manufacturer's website for your perusal:
General data
Model: Silent Loop 3 420mm
Color option: Black
Dimensions radiator, incl. fan (H x W x D), (mm): 475 x 140 x 52
Dimensions cooling block (H x W x D), (mm): 93.5 x 80 x 56
Total weight (kg): 2.01
Socket compatibility Intel: 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155
Socket compatibility AMD: AM5 / AM4 / TR5 / TR4
Noise level (dB(A)) @ 25 % / 50% /100% rpm: 19.4 / 29.3 / 34.3
Number of fans: 3
Lighting connector: 3 Pin 5V Addressable
Tube length (mm): 400
Refill port: ✓
Pump specifications
Pump speed (rpm): 3500
Pump adjustable (rpm): 1700 - 3500
Pump connector: 4-pin PWM
Radiator specifications
Dimensions (H x W x D), (mm): 457 x 140 x 27
Radiator material / finish: aluminum / black spray painted
Base material / finish: copper / nickel plating
Fan specifications
Fan model: Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM
Fan dimensions (mm): 140 x 140 x 25
Speed @ 100% PWM (rpm): 1900
Airflow at 100% PWM / 12V (CFM / m3/h): 78.4 / 133.2
Air Pressure at 100% PWM / 12V (mm H2O): 2.36
Bearing technology: FDB
Motor technology: 6-pole fan motor
Rated Voltage (V): 12
Input current (A): 0.30
Safety current (A): 0.40
Input power (W): 3.6
Connector: 4-pin PWM
Cable length (mm): 500
Lifespan (h / 25°C): 300,000
Accessories
Thermal grease: Included
Mounting set: Intel, AMD
Adapter cables: Y-cable
Bottle of coolant (ml): ✓/ 100
User manual languages: CN, DE, EN, ES, FR, JP, PL, RU, TW, UA
Service
Warranty (Years): 3
International hotline / free of charge: ✓/ DE, FR
As with most all-in-one coolers, everything is held in a single cardboard carton inside the retail container. Most of the components are wrapped in plastic bags to prevent damage to the components. The radiator is also sheltered with a white cardboard sleeve, which should be better at preventing the radiator from getting dinged up while it is in the box. The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm supports most modern sockets, including Intel's LGA 1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, and LGA115x, as well as AMD's AM4, AM5, TR4, and TR5. All the necessary mounting equipment is included for these sockets and contained in a separate cardboard box with individual bags inside. A bottle of coolant is also provided for topping up the radiator, which is something be quiet! has included with most of their AIO coolers. Three 140mm be quiet! Silent Wings 4 PWM fans are contained in their own bag. Otherwise, there is some documentation included to help users with the installation process.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware; Installation
3. Test Results
4. Conclusion
