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
When idle this system doesn't emit a lot of noise, barely registering on our meter. Even under extended load the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch is relatively quiet. Again, the choice of Ultra Low Voltage processor helps ensure that the cooling system never has to work that hard.
Great laptops, bit expensive for me, but for a business user they rock. weird they haven’t released a new haswell range yet, maybe later in the year?
My boss has one of the older models, its been through the wars and still holding strong. well built.