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Acoustic Performance Test Procedures:
- We placed our Digital Sound Level Meter one metre away from the case.
- The case fans are set to maximum speed.
- The CPU cooler's fans are deactivated.
- The Corsair Obsidian 350D‘s default fan configuration is: 1x 140mm front intake fan and 1x 120mm rear exhaust fan.
Please refer to our KitGuru noise guide for a comparison between the noise levels of this case and everyday scenarios.
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 take-off/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum
Even at 100% speed, the 120 and 140 mm Corsair fans operate at a level of noise that is perfectly bearable. Had Corsair equipped the 350D with a basic fan controller, a silent system would be very easy to achieve.
A fan controller is a good idea, but few companies add them in, which is sad. I know my last thermaltake case was very loud. Corsair fans are generally slightly higher quality although I know a lot of people are complaining lately.
This is a great case.
The window really makes this case IMO, would be criminal not to have one with it if you bought it. THe price is ok too. nice one.
Great review luke, tons of detail on the fitting and inside, really wanted to make me look at building a second system now.
Great series of cases, I own an Obsiadian already and its going to last me many years – great build quality on their products which always distinguishes them from the masses.
I agree, bundle a corsair bundled fan controller in future, if the budget allows it. would be hugely beneficial as we could turn down the fans when working on the machine or general use, then enhance the speeds when gaming.