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Recently we have changed our method of measuring noise levels. Ambient noise in the room is around 20-25dBa. 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 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
Normally the system doesn't generate much noise, but if you push it hard, the fans do speed up significantly to keep the components from getting dangerously hot. Under full load the system produced over 42 dBa of noise, which is clearly noticeable.
Damn, thats a mega detailed review Zardon. that system looks great. very mac mini like though? no ?
Lordy, I used to think ASROCK were a mickey mouse motherboard maker, but their recent range of products is fucking good.
690 seems good, but by the time you get a monitor, OS and keyboard/mouse etc. its well over a grand.
Hey, its like a Mac Mini, but a powerful one worth buying. awesome job ASRock. never thought id say ‘mac mini’ and ‘worth buying’ in the same sentence.
Shame they didnt include a 128GB SSD, even if it cost 100 quid more. those drives really kill systems like this.
How did you get inside, the button at the back? thats cool, but does it all just lift out? are is it bolted in.
Brilliant, love it. someone said earlier it looks like a mac mini and damn its almost a copyright infringement ! This is a good job, gets a bit hot though doesnt it ?
We can get no ASrock components here, which sucks 🙁 they need better distribution.
by far the best review of this product on the net. awesome product too.
I think the black version looks nicer than the silver. thats too apple aluminum for me im afraid.
Review is a little indepth for me, but I picked out the bits I wanted, and im well impressed.
ASRock are making a name for themselves recently. Still got a long way to go before id buy one of their motherboards, but they seem to have this media market sector wrapped up.
If you can, please test the GeForce 425M with HQV HD v 2.0.
Thanks
Sata+power cables are provided for a second HDD, to be mounted under 1st HDD it seems.
Could you confirm it’s possible and temperature stay safe (2nd HDD will probably be very close to GPU heatpipe after assembly).
No review have clarified/tested this point so far… and for a HTPC, 2.5″ HDD capacity remains a problem, especially for one dedicated to HD contents…
So, if a 2nd HDD is impossible that’s a deal breaker for me…