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We measure from a distance of around 2 foot from the Gigabyte BRIX with our digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation. The BRIX was sat on a desk when acoustic measurements were taken.
When mounted to the back of a monitor, the noise output will differ from our recordings despite being positioned at a similar distance away from the sound level meter.
Please refer to our KitGuru noise guide for a comparison between the noise levels of this system 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 takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum
While Gigabyte's BRIX certainly wasn't inaudible in all scenarios, low-load conditions allowed the system's fan to operate at low speeds which were non-intrusive. Once the load and corresponding heat output were increased, the BRIX did become more audible, but it was still well below a level which we would consider uncomfortable.
One point worth noting is that we tested the BRIX from 2 feet away, representing a typical desktop usage scenario. If the system is used in more of HTPC role (at a greater distance away from its user), perceivable noise levels will be almost non-existent.
That is a spectacular looking little system, love it.
Its like their version of the Mac Mini, but more powerful and better priced. very impressive. Only thing is its a shame they didn’t ship with slightly more powerful graphics, but nothing much they can do about that in the space I suppose.
Ideal for a media centre or office machine. bit expensive though by the time you factor in the SSD etc.
Like the Sapphire EDGE, but a more practical shape for behind a TV or something.
Worth a look in the new year, when I finally get my new TV. Dont want to use my desktop with the tv to watch my MKVS!
@Ben: The Mac mini is a generation old at least, and it’s cheaper. The i5 version @ 2.5ghz dual core is comparable to the Brix ( albeit likely faster. ) If you decide to compare Apple’s i7 instead of the i5, you’d be comparing a quad core chip at a significantly higher clockspeed. For about $80 more, the Mac Mini would outperform the Brix, whether it’s multi core or single core.
The Mac Mini is right on par with the expected specs of a micro build, except it’s just a bit better for the price … maybe. The Mini is reaching its end of life, where the components in the Mini are not entirely satisfactory ( see: the slow HDD included. )
Not sure what makes you think otherwise.
is this a latest upgrade…mc.mini gigabyte…..sooo cool…can i have this 1….^_^