Noise from PSU

PSUs: The source of DC power for all components in the PC & often a big noise source.

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JohanRG
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Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 4:09 am

Noise from PSU

Post by JohanRG » Mon Feb 18, 2013 4:19 am

Hey

I have found out that my current PSU is one of the most noisy parts of my computer:
OCZ 500W StealthXStream2
Intel I5 2500K With Stock fan, only runs at slow RPMs
AMD HD6670 Graphics Fanless
2 * WD BlackCaviar 2 TB

Do you think one of these would be more noiseless, and which one is the best for my setup?
Sea Sonic S12II-430
Sea Sonic S12II-620Bronze

Or do i need something better like:
Sea Sonic G Series 550

Best Regards
Johan

CA_Steve
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Location: St. Louis, MO

Re: Noise from PSU

Post by CA_Steve » Mon Feb 18, 2013 7:11 am

Your system power (when stressed) is roughly: 95W for CPU, 66W GPU, and ~50W for mobo + HDDs + etc -> < 215W. Under gaming load or high CPU utilization it's probably 180W or less.

Not sure that the old S12 II's would be quieter. The G 550 should be.

JohanRG
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 4:09 am

Re: Noise from PSU

Post by JohanRG » Mon Feb 18, 2013 7:36 am

CA_Steve wrote:Your system power (when stressed) is roughly: 95W for CPU, 66W GPU, and ~50W for mobo + HDDs + etc -> < 215W. Under gaming load or high CPU utilization it's probably 180W or less.

Not sure that the old S12 II's would be quieter. The G 550 should be.
Wow, but then the S12 II's must be very noise, and then why is it still under SPCR list of noiseless PSU's?

edh
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Location: UK

Re: Noise from PSU

Post by edh » Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:44 am

JohanRG wrote:Wow, but then the S12 II's must be very noise, and then why is it still under SPCR list of noiseless PSU's?
Not very noisy, just not as quiet as a later, more efficient generation of hardware. That list hasn't been updated for a while so it is a little out of date.

I would think the G360 would be sufficient.

CA_Steve
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Re: Noise from PSU

Post by CA_Steve » Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:56 am

Well, I wouldn't make that assumption. From what I can tell from the few reviews out there, the StealthXStream2 is a relatively quiet PSU. As you are barely loading it, it's fan rpm must be pretty low. So, you are pretty sensitive to fan noise, or you are hearing some electronic noise, or this particular unit is noisy.

The S12 II is a nice, quiet 80+ Bronze PSU...and it might be quieter than your existing PSU. Just aren't any A-B comparisons for me to give a definative yes/no.

The newer, Gold rated Seasonics are more efficient -> have less waste heat -> can have slower fan profiles. It'll be quieter than the S12 II.

I'd opt for the 550 over the 360. Fan profile on the 360 kicks up >150W.

JohanRG
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 4:09 am

Re: Noise from PSU

Post by JohanRG » Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:50 pm

What about these?
Be Quiet! EFFICIENT POWER F1 500W(http://www.bequiet.com/en/powersupply/240)
Be quiet! Pure Power L7-530W
Vs.
Sea Sonic G Series 550

Best Regards
Johan :)

CA_Steve
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Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:36 am
Location: St. Louis, MO

Re: Noise from PSU

Post by CA_Steve » Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:23 pm

Be Quiet! makes quiet PSUs. The L7 is an older/less efficient model.

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