be quiet! Silent Loop 280mm AIO CPU Cooler Review

Installation

Fitting the two fans is as simple as you might expect, just grab a screwdriver and use the eight included screws to fit them in your desired configuration. We’ve opted for push configuration, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t mount them as pull.

The Intel/AMD brackets simply push together around the groove on the edge of the pump, locking together in the middle without the use of tools.

The universal backplate is easy too, just pop it on the back of the motherboard and you’re good to go.

This was the tricky part, having to fit a screw, spring, washer and bolt to each corner of the pump, which we highly suggest you do before putting any of the cooler into your system. Once that’s done, however, it’s just a case of screwing it down to your motherboard and into the backplate. Overall, this did take a while to complete and wasn’t as easy as some other coolers on the market, but it’s hardly a Mensa test either.

The low-profile design of the pump, as well as those top mounting tubes means that there are no conflicts with the motherboard VRM coolers or memory slots, which is always a positive thing.