1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. Aerocool X-Predator External4. Aerocool X-Predator Internal5. Aerocool X-Predator System Installation6. Testing Methodology and Performance7. Acoustical Performance8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

Today, to test this chassis we have set our Sound Level Meter one meter away from the case.

We then temporarily turned the two Akasa Venom Voodoo fans off, which leaves us with only the included case fan and very little noise from the power supply fan.

As this can be a little confusing for people, here are various dBa ratings in with real world situations to help describe the various levels.

KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refrigerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum

This acoustic test was performed with the top of the chassis open so we can see the noise generated when the case is in its maximum performance mode. We did repeat this test with both fan controllers turned to their lowest setting to give a minimum and maximum sound level output.

Considering the Aerocool X-Predator only features 2 x 230mm fans which at full speed only rotate at 750 RPM – we were surprised that the sound level output was this high. While it is not extremely loud, it is noticeable and a little louder than we'd like for every day operation.

Even when we turned the fans down to their slowest setting, we could still hear the chassis from the other side of the room. While its out-of-the-box performance isn't bad, we would expect better.

For comparison, the BitFenix Spectre 230mm fans produce 115 CFM airflow while emitting only 20 dB noise while the Aerocool 230mm fans used in the X-Predator chassis deliver only 49 CFM for 27 dB. The fans are clearly not the highest grade, which is disappointing.

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