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 a quiet computer component sector, 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 quiet or silent systems. Among mainstream brands, we can only identify Apple (with their Intel iMacs) as offering quiet systems. No other big brand system provider even gives the idea of computer acoustics much more than lip service. Now, as back then, the torch is carried by a very small number of system integrators who have dedicated time, attention and care to the challenge of making and selling quiet systems.
Quiet Systems for Friends
Over the years, I have personally built many quiet 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-designed system.
Designed by SPCR, Built and Sold by...
This is the backdrop against which the project I am now writing about came to fruition. The idea is simple:
- Take the best, most proven quiet computing concepts and techniques,
- Apply them to the best quiet components available, and
- Partner with commercial system integrators who will build the systems to my design, down to the last detail...
... for the benefit of those who wish to enjoy silent computing without building a PC for themselves.
Step 1 and 2 were both simple for me. Step 3 also turned out to be fairly straightforward.
In the US: ENDPCNOISE
End PC Noise, an online specialist retailer who started with quiet components and then expanded to quiet systems, were ready and willing to partner with me to serve the US market. They've 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 systems built to your needs in accordance with my low-noise design.
In at least two ways, their systems will actually be better than the ones I have built personally. They can offer...
- Warranty service
- Prompt service and delivery
- Much cheaper shipping (often free)
The first fruits of the collaboration between EndPCNoise and myself 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.
We have a simple agreement: EPCN ensures that each SPCR-branded system is built in accordance with my acoustic / thermal design guidelines. They will ensure that my concepts are realized in practical, repeatable and reliable ways. SPCR gets a small design service fee for each system they sell. Margins in the PC business being what they are, our coffers will not overflow with revenue from this partnership, but by buying these SPCR-branded systems, you will be supporting one of the most conscientious, dedicated PC hardware web sites around. You'll also be assured of getting an extremely quiet computer.
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 here: SPCR-designed PCs by EndPCNoise.
In Canada: ANITEC
Dec 1, 2007 — I am pleased to announce that Vancouver computer retailer, Anitec, has become a partner to build and offer SPCR designed quiet PC systems for Canadian consumers. Anitec Computer Technology, which began as a modest, discount tech-shop about a decade ago, has matured into a serious presence with the largest computer-only retail store around Vancouver. Anitec has been selling systems for quite some time, and they began offering quiet systems for the past year.
The agreement with Anitec is the same as the one with EPCN: Each SPCR-branded system is built in accordance with my acoustic / thermal design guidelines. SPCR gets a small design service fee for each SPCR-branded system they sell.
To start, Anitec is offering one SPCR-designed system: SPCR Stealth 100, a very quiet, modestly-priced, general purpose mini-tower PC. The system is detailed here: SPCR PCs by Anitec.
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FAQ about SPCR-designed Computers
Why should I buy an SPCR-designed 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-designed 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 computer system designed by SPCR, you are assured of the high standards for acoustics employed on this web site. The descriptions and analysis here about the offered systems are honest and rigorous. Mike Chin, who creates 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 and Mike Chin have vested interests in the sales of these systems, how can these "reviews" be netural or fair?
Because 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 or Mike Chin offer any guarantee about the acoustics of these systems? Can I contact him if I have problems with one of these systems?
No. SPCR and Mike Chin are responsible for the design of the systems. The assembly, 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. Rest assured that 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. Generally, the vendors are very careful to ensure that the optional components do not exceed the thermal/power envelope defined for the model (by Mike Chin).
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Discuss this initiative in the SPCR Forums.
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