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Recently we have changed our method of measuring noise levels. For most reviews we have built a system inside a Lian Li chassis with no case fans and have used a fanless cooler on our CPU. We are using a heatpipe based passive power supply and an Intel SSD to keep noise levels to a minimum. The motherboard is passively cooled and we use a Sapphire HD5670 Ultimate Edition graphics card which is also passively cooled. Ambient noise in the room is kept as low as possible. We measure from a distance of around 1 meter from the chassis and 4 foot from the ground to mirror a real world situation.
Why do this? Well this means we can eliminate secondary noise pollution in the test room and concentrate on only the components we are testing. It also brings us slightly closer to industry standards, such as DIN 45635.
We are using a new Extech 407750 sound meter today from a distance of 1 meter. Measuring below 25 dBA is a rather difficult proposition, even in a studio environment.
KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refridgerator
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
The Xigmatek fans are performance oriented models and as such favour air movement over silent performance. They are clearly heard, but not annoying. Inside a chassis when gaming the noise would be acceptable.
Well I think I got my next cooler. looks awesome.
Pat on the back for Xigmatek. About time someone changed the mounting system for mainstream coolers as they are woefull INADEQUATE ! they deserve a lot of attention for this.
Thanks for focusing on the installation method, other reviews ive read ignored it, and to me it seems the biggest selling point (as it really works!).
I have been trying to buy this for weeks now, any ideas when it will be available in UK ?
That mounting procedure looks long winded, but its very clever. I guess its impotrant how much pressure is applied to the CPU for maximum cooling, right?
Finally a company who dont have their head up their ass. I have been unimpressed with thermaltakes coolers. Frio isn;t bad, but at anything above minimum its a whirlwind of noise.
This cooler looks to be very well though out and instead of aiming for sheer mass (like noctua NH D14), they have concentrated on getting the cpu block as good as possible, and as close as possible. This is a stunning product and they will get my money. great review.
ingenious mounting method, looks very substantial. ill pick one of these up after christmas for my new mobo.
ill order one of these when I can find it.
I have one of their older coolers andi t was great, ill upgrade nearer christmas to this.
Excellent, I also like the fact it isnt too big and doesnt end up blocking half the motherboard.