In Linux I have not set up software control, so far as he turns probably a maximum, but is still quiet. In normal operation, the CPU is then to about 25 ° C. In addition, I take the computer sometimes for hours at full load (without overclocking, but all cores 100% utilization), the cooler keeps the CPU at around 45 ° C (at about 23 ° C room temperature, in the summer certainly a little more). I am not a very brave overclockers, but it seems to me, that means that a lot is still available on room for overclocking. Additional info: The computer sits in a larger mid-tower with only one case fan back. For this comes more cool air during normal operation.
Now the only drawback: It may be the case (due to the amount of fan encounters just so on the closed housing wall on), but "carrying" the vibration through the low speed but quite far. It sounds like a silent car is idling, you can feel the case and hear a faint hum. This may for some people disturb more than the usual noise of higher frequency fan.
Unfortunately I have no comparison with other fans. Perfect it is certainly not because the smoothness could be better. For my needs I am satisfied so far.
