BitFenix Merc Alpha Chassis Review

1. Introduction2. BitFenix Merc Alpha External3. BitFenix Merc Alpha Internal4. System Installation5. Testing Methodology & Performance Results6. Acoustic Performance7. Closing Thoughts8. View All Pages

We take the issue of noise very seriously at KitGuru, and while I don’t have access to the industry’s best equipment I have done everything possible to ensure this test is as accurate as possible.

Today to test this chassis we have set our Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2 one meter away from the case.  The room rates as 23dB (A) before powering on the system.

We then turned our system over to the onboard graphics card, and temporarily turned the Antec 920 fans off. This leaves us with only the 1 included case fan and some noise from the 12cm PSU 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

BitFenix are using a quality fan, which translates to very low noise levels as recorded with our equipment.

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