Reference|Recommended

It's a hemi-anechoic chamber, to be precise. A silent, echo-free room for measuring computer gear that's been an impossible dream for nearly seven years: We made it happen, and it works... to the tune of 11 dBA! Settle down for a long and winding story...

The PC system used as our test platform for VGA cards and coolers was recently overhauled. The improved hardware and test procedures have made for a quieter, cooler system that should give us more consistent test results with a bit more ease.

In spite of our best efforts, some SPCR readers found fault with a few of the airflow measurements in our recent fan roundups. We revisited the airflow metrology. After much experimentation and some test methods that were rejected, we settled on a new way of assessing fan airflow under some load (impedance) that seems more consistent and reliable.

The Recommended Fans article has finally been brought fully up to date with the results of the last six months of fan roundup reviews and research. It is a concise practical summary about the technologies, techniques and art of using quiet fans in computers, along a short list of the best candidates.

Our short list of recommended power supplies for quiet or silent computers, updated at least once a quarter. The update of Sept 8/09 is a complete overhaul. Gone are the finely graded numeric values, replaced by just two main categories: Editor's Choice and SPCR Recommended. Latest update Jan 12/10.

A distilled summary of fundamental design elements and key factors that affect the acoustic performance of DC axial fans in the role of PC cooling. This information is presented apart from our fan test methodology or actual fan review articles to keep information overload at bay. NOTE: A Postscript Q&A features Dorothy Bradbury, UK fan maven extraordinaire.

This article describes the goals, techniques, and procedures we've established to test and rate fans for acoustics. No other fan testing methodology covers noise as extensively or as realistically. SPCR's fan roundups are coming, finally!

A little over a year after our last major update, we've made changes extensive enough to consider this the fourth iteration of SPCR's power supply testing system. PSU reviews have been popular bread-and-butter articles at SPCR for years, partly because of our close attention to detail, fundamentally sound test procedures, good test gear and thorough acoustic analysis. It is also because there were few serious PSU reviews done by other hardware web sites. Now, we've added crossloading, low AC input voltage, and ripple testing to complete our mix of PSU tests.

Admittedly, it's a bit odd that Silent PC Review has taken over four years to publish an article that deals explicitly with what a "silent" computer is. This seemingly innocuous question is far from simple. Trying to answer it gets at the heart of PC acoustics issues, and the challenges for those trying to create or document a "silent" computer.

The HDD testing system underwent a major series of upgrades that reflects the growing sophistication of SPCR readers -- and our own increasing awareness of hard drive acoustics issues. The acoustic testing tools of careful listening and SPL measurements remain; they are enhanced with a new vibration testing methodology, as well as measurements of power draw in an effort to predict thermals.

A reference article comprehensively discussing many aspects of power supplies and how they affect system noise, cooling, efficiency and stability. Also lists recommended quiet power supplies. This is a years-old article that has been updated numerous times. It remains the most popular article at SPCR, with nearly 900,000 reads as of April 2007. Last updated April 4, 2007.

Our reference modus operandi about silent & cool cases, with models recommended on the basis of reviews. Nov 16, 2007: Update adds & retires many items.

Our reference article about HDD noise, along with a select roster of recommended quiet 3.5" and 2.5" drives. First published 18 Sept 2002. Latest update made 13 June 2008.

The section is a quiet computing guide to selecting components best suited for your needs. The "recommended/reference" articles are updated periodically as new information comes to light and new products surpass old ones. Please read this Introduction, which covers a lot of ground about the how and why behind our recommendations. Enjoy.

Recommended Heatsinks lists SPCR-reviewed top cooling devices for CPUs, VGA and other hot computer parts, ordered by cooling performance and low noise. June 1, 2009 is the date of the most recent update.