Key components of a silent computer. Novelties of silent cases, power supplies and processor coolers in 2009

Today is another article from a series of mini-reviews. This time we will talk about ergonomics and such an important component as minimizing the noise emitted by a computer.

As you know, in addition to hard drives, noise sources inside the case are all kinds of fans. So far, the assembly of a powerful system unit, completely devoid of moving parts, has rarely succeeded outside the walls of test laboratories. More precisely, it is possible to assemble, but to ensure long-term stable operation is not so simple. And if so, then at least try to pick out the components that emit minimal noise.

It is gratifying that manufacturers finally began to pay close attention to noise levels, so the choice of the right components is gradually becoming easier. For myself, I have long and successfully solved this problem, but progress does not stand still, and building a silent system today, you can choose better solutions. Therefore, I will talk about how I managed to find something interesting in this area over the past 3-4 months.

Let's start with the cases (inside 1.5 MB of images).

At the end of March, Antec pleased us with updated models of the legendary Performance One series cases: the P183 and P193. Claimed improvements in the cooling system and noise reduction.



Fans of silence at silenpcreview.com have already tested the P183 and were very pleased with it. In the article, by the way, the differences from the previous model P182 are given. For those who are now looking after a quiet case, I highly recommend paying close attention to the P183.

All the same silenpcreview.com talks about the experience of assembling a system unit with a single moving part - a large and very slow case fan. They even coined the term - SMMPC (Single Moving Part PC).



The assembly process is described in detail and excitingly. Yes, they use a small SSD as a system drive, and a capacious hard drive for information is the NAS QNAP 109 Pro, to which all computers in the office are connected. In my opinion a competent decision.

At the F-Center, I discovered an overview of the Mini Antec P180 and NSK6580B cases released at the beginning of the year .





At one time I regretted that I bought a big P182, but now I see that I was not mistaken. The smaller Mini P180 only supports micro-ATX-sized boards. Otherwise, apparently, this is an excellent case, which inherited all the advantages of the older model and in some way, possibly surpassed it. The second model, NSK6580B, also proved to be on the good side and may well be suitable for assembling a budget low-noise system.

Zalman introduced an engineering sample of the new MS1000 chassis.



Besides the fact that it should be traditionally quiet, it has another interesting feature - the design provides the ability to hot-swap drives. Let's look at the reviews when it goes into mass production.

The new Corsair Obsidian 800D case looks quite impressive .



Judging by the configuration (and the price of $ 299), it should be convenient and functional. But since I haven’t seen articles about him yet, I simply note for the future.

An interesting review of Hiper aluminum cases was published in May at the F-Center.





Good functionality and excellent cooling quality, especially hard drives. It seems that Lian-Li has a worthy competitor.

Now a few words about specialized cases.

Seemed interestingHTPC-case Lian-Li PC-C39.



Aluminum traditionally looks beautiful. Alarming, however, is the presence of two small fans, which are likely to not be silent. But without tests, this is just an assumption. The price of $ 120 does not seem high for Lian-Li.

Just yesterday, silenpcreview.com published a review of yet another HTPC model - the Moneual MonCaso 301.



They admire its performance and noise level. True, to ensure silence, it is necessary to choose the right filling, but it is argued that the system as a result is not heard at all. The price of the building “there” is $ 190.

And the last case for today is for Mini-ITX format boards. This is a Spire PowerCube.



You cannot call it compact (345x135x220), but on the other hand, it allows you to install a full-sized power supply unit, an optical drive and a hard drive. Again, when choosing the right filling, you can make an almost silent media center or just a compact home computer.

Further on our list are power supplies.

The Enhance ENP-3650 unit with a semi-passive cooling circuit seemed interesting .



The fan (loud) turns on when the radiator temperature rises to 78 degrees. However, judging by the test results, after an hour of operation with a consumption of 115 W, the radiator warmed up to 47 degrees. This consumes, of course, not the most powerful system, but at a price of $ 115, the power supply can be considered as a good solution for an average HTPC or home server. The main thing is to choose the right components, and then the fan will not turn on. Scythe, traditionally specialized in cooling systems, unexpectedly showed

its power supply .



The name sounds funny in Russian - Kamariki 4. It is equipped with a small by today's standards 100-mm fan with a declared noise level of 20.7 - 25.6 dBA depending on the model (vary in power). But these are just statements so far, we have to wait for the test results.

An overview of the Antec Neo 430 power supply has recently appeared on the iXBT.



With a load of up to 190 watts, the noise level does not exceed 24 dBA, which is a good indicator. However, the fan is 80 mm. I have not very good experience with the Antec Sonata III case, which, according to the statements, also works very quietly, but in practice it is noticeably audible even with light loads. It also has an 80mm fan. Therefore, I would not buy this model for an uncompromisingly silent system.

Butthis Antec EarthWatts block is likely to be silent.



It is worth it, however, more expensive than the previous model.

Just for fun, add to the review a new SilverStone PSU with a capacity of 1.5 kilowatts.



After this article, I can hardly imagine why such a device can be useful. Is it possible to connect five system units?

Not so long ago released a new Zalman power supply.



This is a Z-Machine 660 XT model. Yes, it is expensive, but it justifies the price. Judging by the review, it has an extremely low noise level even at high power.

And finally, my favorite Enermax has released a power supply of the now green ECO80 + series.



I hardly doubt the quality of the issued voltages. And judging by the size of the fan 120 mm and the minimum rotation speed of 450 rpm, the noise level should be no worse than my Modu82 +. I am glad that the 350-watt model costs only $ 50, which will allow responsible administrators to install it in office PCs.

And the last topic for today is processor coolers.

Zalman has released the all-new CNPS10X Extreme with variable speed control.



Noise level at minimum speed of 20 dBA. A review has already appeared on silenpcreview.com . He received a very good score on the noise level, but was not so good on the quality of cooling at minimum speed. And the price is impressive: to give $ 80 for a processor cooler is somehow too much.

Highlyspectacular looking cooler XILENCE XilentBlade XL.



The declared noise level is not higher than 18 dBA. I don’t know how true this is, but if they don’t lie, I would love to set myself this one, even just because of the appearance.

A promising cooler has been released by Scythe.



The ultra-low profile model with a large fan should suit perfectly for compact cases. The minimum rotation speed of 650 rpm, which virtually eliminates any sound. I think that many will opt for it when assembling a miniature system unit for, say, a medical center.

Scythe also offers individual very thin 120 mm fans that can operate at 800 rpm.



They can be useful if you need to quietly cool a component in an inaccessible place.

And finally, at the F-Center there is simply an excellent overview of 25 models of fans - a comparison in terms of noise and efficiency. It will help to save a lot of time for those who are going to change the loud regular fans to the most quiet. The testing methodology is very interesting and, I would say, unique. I strongly recommend at least looking at the findings.

This time, a great review turned out, but I hope someone will find it useful.