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View Full Version : Anyone recommend a low noise level SFF PC?

sammyv
22-07-2005, 11:19
Looking for a low noise level small form factor PC, AMD 64 or P4 based, not bothered, will be running a Gefore 6800GT or simlar, for games and general use, but noise level must not be to high. Cheers, Sam
AWaite
22-07-2005, 11:59
I'm interested too. Are any as quiet as a Mac mini?
bumfrog
22-07-2005, 12:29
the thing is, for running a gaming system it's going to cost a big to get the noise down as the the cpu and gfx card all pump out a fair bit of heat.

so be warned, it's possible but it's not going to be cheap when looking at a system like that.
sammyv
22-07-2005, 12:41
i was looking at the Shuttle XPC SN25P but some reviews say its low noise and then some say its very loud!! one review on ebuyer said its almost silent with simlar spec i would be putting in!! Just don'nt know wot to do as have had enough of larger cases as do not need all the space for extra cards ect.
AWaite
22-07-2005, 12:55
I'm really more concerned with the noise level when it's not doing much (e.g. just downloading BitTorrent stuff overnight). I'd assume the fans for the CPU and graphics card could be set to slow down if the load is low.
D'Ohnut
22-07-2005, 13:03
Another thing to watch out for in SFF PCs is does it have an AGP port - and is it a low profile one? Ive got a compaq SFF that Ive acquired :) and its almost silent, basically sounds like a laptop when its running, with just the occasion chatter of the hard drive (seagate) now and then. Comes with low profile AGP slot, which basically means the card needs to be physically slimmer and the bracket is half the size, and there isnt a lot of choice on these cards.

edit: Noise is relative as well. What some people consider to be 'silent' others may consider noisy, and vice versa. Depends largely on whats in the same room - ie is the radio or TV on all the time that would mean you really wouldnt hear it. In a bedroom it is a completely different story.

D
sammyv
22-07-2005, 13:06
thanks for the advise, but i would be looing for a PCI-Express card, not sure on wot AWaite is after though....
AWaite
22-07-2005, 13:09
As I understand it, AGP is on the way out and PCI-E is the replacement, so that's what I'd be looking for. (or does PCI-E have the same low-profile issues?)

The Mac mini is 22db according to http://www.computerworld.com/printthis/2005/0,4814,98956,00.html.

Any noise specs for SFFs?
sammyv
22-07-2005, 13:14
do be honest you won'nt match the apple for noise, i work with Macs and amount of power to noise they have can'nt cmpare with standard PC IMO unless water cooled.

I just want somthing i can leave on 24/7 and use internet, word and MP3s quitly, then use for watching DVDs and gaming, but sound will be on, so as long as it doe'nt sound hoover i don'nt mind fan noise then.
sammyv
22-07-2005, 13:23
just found this:

OcUK Value Aspire X-Qpack Cube Case

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/OcUK_Value.html

combined with this:MSI RS480M2-IL ATI XPRESS 200 Micro ATX (Socket 939) PCI-Express Motherboard (MB-058-MS)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/MSI_Socket_939.html

and video review here seems like stock cooling is quite, but before HDD, CPU & GPU:

http://www.3dgameman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35805

review
http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2464

just preffer the shuttle look!!
Kwazemowdoe
22-07-2005, 20:25
I've been looking at shuttles and mini-ITX machines the last day or two as I want something to replace my special xobx and download rig.

Shuttles are nice looking but pricey.

As I don't need good gfx performance (apart from that it needs to play divx), I am starting to think that it would be cheaper to just buy a basic centrino laptop rather than a SFF PC !! I know it's less upgradeable, but the prices of some of the laptops now means it's something to consider..... and the centrino laptops run almost silent (mine does anyway)