- Updated June 3, 2010
- Nov 30, 2006 by Mike
Chin
Since SPCR was launched in April 2002, the market for quiet computer components
has grown explosively. Back then, there was really no such thing as quiet computer
components, just a few companies offering a few odd things. Now there is an
identifiable quiet component sector, and almost every component
maker offers something promoted as quiet. It would be immodest
to suggest that SPCR was the catalyst for the growth of this sector. We did
help accelerate things quite a bit, but the trend had already begun.
The situation is quite different with complete systems, however. Now,
as in 2002, there are still very few companies that offer truly quiet or silent
systems. Among mainstream brands, we can only identify a few complete PCs as
being truly quiet. Not many big brands pay computer acoustics much more attention
than lip service. Now, as back then, the torch is carried by a small number
of system integrators who have dedicated time, attention and care to the challenge
of making and selling quiet PC.
Quiet Systems for Friends
Over the years, I have personally built many quiet or silent custom systems
for relatives, friends and acquaintances, SPCR visitors and forum members; the
total numbers 40~50. Increasingly, when these custom system build requests come
in, I am unable or unwilling to comply. There's only so much time in the day,
and my days are fuller than ever.
Some SPCR readers complain that as good as the site is for information about components and "how to", it doesn't really help those who are unwilling or unable to do it themselves. Yet, SPCR instills in most visitors a yearning for quiet computers. Some have turned to system integrators who promise quiet, and while many are happy with the end result, some still remain unsatisfied, feeling that their system is noise reduced but not truly quiet like the custom rigs built by SPCR staff and DIYers.
This laser-cut aluminum logo goes on every SPCR-certified system.
SPCR Certified Systems
This is the backdrop against which the project I am now writing about came
to fruition. The idea is simple:
- Apply the best, most proven quiet computing concepts and techniques to the
best quiet components available,
- Work with commercial system integrators to develop, test and build these
quiet systems, then
- Test and verify the systems' low noise, thermal and power consumption qualities
in SPCR's labs...
... for the benefit of those who wish to enjoy silent computing without building
a PC for themselves.
In several ways, these SPCR-certified systems are better than the ones I have
built personally. Commercial system integrators can offer...
- Warranty service
- Prompt service and delivery
- Much cheaper shipping (often free)
ENDPCNOISE
End PC Noise, an online specialist retailer in the US who started with quiet
components and then expanded to quiet systems, have not only survived the last
half dozen years of brutal competition in the PC business; they have thrived.
Many of you know that EPCN has supported SPCR for many years with sponsorship
and advertising. Now, they will offer SPCR-certified quiet systems for your
benefit.
The first fruits of the collaboration with EndPCNoise are two very capable,
extremely quiet systems. These systems will be tagged with the SPCR logo that
some of you have already seen on the SPCR P180 case.
To start with, EPCN is offering two SPCR systems: Model Eleven,
a very quiet media center PC, and Model One, a fast general purpose
mid-tower PC that's effectively silent. The systems are detailed in separate
articles in this section.
PUGET CUSTOM COMPUTERS
Some unique and very quiet computer systems by Puget Custom Computers of Auburn,
Washington have been reviewed by SPCR over the years. Puget's focus has always
been on computers custom designed to customer needs. Now, in June 2010, the
company is offering systems co-designed and certified by SPCR to be extremely
quiet. The details of Puget's first offering can be seen in this article: Puget
Serenity i7.
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FAQ about SPCR-designed Computers
Why should I buy an SPCR-certified computer rather than one that's
advertised as being quiet or silent by some other vendor or brand?
There's no claim made for SPCR-certified systems being the only quiet
computers available. However, standards for noise levels in computers
are not enforced or monitored, and advertising is rife with misinformation
and incomplete information about computer noise. With a SPCR-certified
computer system, you are assured of the high standards for acoustics employed
on this web site. The descriptions and analysis here about the certified
systems are honest and rigorous. Mike Chin, who helps to crreate the reference
designs, has assembled more than 40 unique quiet PC systems over the past
10 years. He's also the primary design consultant of several highly successful
quiet PC cases for Antec, such as the P180 series and the Fusion.
Since SPCR has vested interests in the sale of these systems, how
can these "reviews" be netural or fair?
SPCR has succeeded by telling the truth about the acoustics of computer
products. There's nothing to be gained by changing this approach now,
and everything to be lost. You can always judge for yourself; the vendors
offer various customer satisfaction policies.
Does SPCR offer any guarantee about the acoustics of these systems?
Can I contact Mike Chin if I have problems with one of these systems?
SPCR certifies the acoustic properties of reference sample system. The
assembly, quality control, distribution, sale and support of these systems
is entirely in the hands of the vendors. When you buy one of these systems,
you are entering into an agreement with the vendor, not with SPCR or Mike
Chin.
What if the system I get does not have the same components as described here?
The extremely short life cycle of many computer components means that
this is almost inevitable sometimes. Unless specifically requested by
the buyer, substitutions will be done only when it effects no change in
the acoustics of the system as described here.
What if I order more powerful component options for the system?
The acoustics are assured for the particular configuration of the systems
described here. If optional components (such as a more powerful CPU or
graphics card) impact the acoustics, it is mentioned. The vendors are
very careful to ensure that the optional components do not exceed the
thermal/power envelope of the certified model.
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Discuss this initiative in the SPCR Forums.
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