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We measure from a distance of around 1 meter from the chassis and 4 foot from the ground with our Extech digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation.
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
The system is audible, even when idle. The fans generate a fair bit of noise with an annoying ‘hum' noticeable from even a modest distance. When loaded, the fans spin up dramatically, emitting over 36 dBa of noise. The CPU cooler fan isn't too bad, but the graphics card within such a confined space is clearly heard.
When synthetically stressed the noise levels are very annoying. Part of the problem is that the KFA2 GTX680 LTD ED OC V2 needs more airflow, placed behind a sealed side panel with no vents or fan flow isn't ideal.
I wouldn't be happy with the noise levels from this system long term and would need to experiment with different fan combinations and perhaps even cut a hole in the side panel to improve the airflow.
I love this case and nice system from OCUK too. id opt for a cheaper GFX though.
Nah. not for me. the case is really easy to break, my mate broke his by liftning it!
great idea and looks fab, im interested, but would aim a little lower up the pecking order on GPU side of it.
Warren, what do you mean he broke it by lifting it? did something snap?
@ Zardon – he built a system into the prodigy with a large CPU cooler, lifted it with the front handle a few days later and the handle snapped cleanly in the middle.
He was gutted. id love to know if this happens on a regular basis with ‘heavy’ system builds inside this case.
Detailed review, thanks.
I like the build myself. I can deal with noise, I normally game with headphones on anyway. idle/general noise results look good.
Id rather b uild a system myself, its a lot of the fun!”
DEFINITELY NEEDS CABLE MANAGEMENT!