Quiet PC

[TheRift]

And maybe get a non-aluminium case. I notice they actually a little louder than the more solid steel. Vibrate easier perhaps?

I seriously need to look for new fans that don't put out a scratchy noise. This new all-aluminium chassis of mine is putting out a higher pitched noise than the older steel item, yet it using the old fans.

 

[Re83L]

Geez.. Lots to think about here..

Anyway: Is it possible to have a pc that doubles as a MC PC and a normal browsing/office pc?

That Antec Sonata looks like the case I'll get..

The PC is about 5m away from the tv.. Is it possible to get long enough cables?

 

[flarkit]

Beware... down yonder silent path lies many a spent budget...

Check out http://www.silentpcreview.com/ and you might become a silent addict too.

 

[ponder]

That Antec Sonata looks like the case I'll get..

The PC is about 5m away from the tv.. Is it possible to get long enough cables?

I've got a Sonata.

You should be able to run cables that far.

 

[TheRift]

Beware... down yonder silent path lies many a spent budget...

Check out http://www.silentpcreview.com/ and you might become a silent addict too.

I just finally switched on the EPU-6 power saving stuff on my ASUS board last night. What a difference.

In fact, so different that I can bloody RDP to the damn machine this morning!!!

 

[PostmanPot]

Use Thermalright TR-FDB-1000 fans - 120mm, 1000rpm, 15.8dB, 38.9CFM.

 

[TheRift]

Fan sound and volume ratings are always suspect these days. The flow ratings are always at max voltage, while the sound is always at lowest voltage and ne'er the two shall meet.

 

[PostmanPot]

If one's on a budget, Vantec Stealth fans are also good.

 

[Vetseun]

Does anyone know of a shop/site that stocks the Atom based micro-itx jobbies like the Acer AspireRevo or the Asrock 330?

They look awesome but I haven't been able to find a local supplier...

 

[killadoob]

Silent fans 12cm cost like 150 bucks, not to bad.

 

[TheRift]

Search for Zotac.

 

[TheRift]

http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=53

I have no idea what happened to that group buy of the zotac boards.

 

[PostmanPot]

For those interested in quiet PCs, the Asus EEE Box is quite nice.

 

[bar1]

Does anyone know of a shop/site that stocks the Atom based micro-itx jobbies like the Acer AspireRevo or the Asrock 330?

They look awesome but I haven't been able to find a local supplier...

I am also looking for an Asrock 330, let me know if you find a local supplier

 

[SanchoP]

Get the Antec SOLO instead of the Sonata. It's basically just a smaller P180. I have it and I only have one Antec fan on lowest setting at the back. Nothing on the front. Then Zalman coolers on CPU and graphics (ATI X850XT) on lowest speed and an Antec NeoPower PSU. It's audible, but only if you listen from quite close. The SOLO also has hard drive suspension elastic things which are awesome. The Antec Fusion that someone mentioned is virtually the same case, except it's on its side, which might be nicer for the living room.

If you really want it to be quiet you should get a Thermalright Ultra 120 and then get a Noctua fan from Amazon to slap on it. Then get another Noctua for an exhaust and you're set.

Regarding the PSU, get one with an 80mm exhaust fan, not one with a 120mm downwards facing fan.

 

[TheRift]

I was after Noctua fans, but tests showed it to not be as quiet as people thing. The Scythe Gentle Typhoon still beat it in noise levels. Cheaper too.

There is a local Noctua supplier, but looks like a one man show.