silentpcreview.com - Reference|Recommended

SPCR's 2010 CPU Heatsink Test Platform

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:20:15 +0000

Our CPU heatsink test platform has been updated with a hotter, more power hungry CPU. Eight of the top heatsinks we tested previously get put through the wringer once again. Some continue to excel while others drop to the wayside.

An Anechoic Chamber for SPCR

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:18:48 +0000

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...

Updated VGA Card/Cooler Test Platform

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 07:46:51 +0000

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.

A New Way of Testing Fan Airflow

Tue, 1 May 2007 11:08:53 +0000

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.

Recommended Fans

Mon, 5 Mar 2007 02:45:37 +0000

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.

Recommended Power Supplies

Fri, 1 Dec 2006 17:36:14 +0000

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.

Anatomy of the Silent Fan

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 18:15:21 +0000

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.

SPCR's Fan Testing Methodology

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 07:43:50 +0000

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!

SPCR Power Supply Test Rig, v.4 (and v.4.1)

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:28:28 +0000

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.

What is a "Silent" Computer?

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:47:34 +0000

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.

SPCR's Hard Drive Testing Methodology

Thu, 12 May 2005 06:04:22 +0000

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.

Power Supply Fundamentals

Wed, 6 Apr 2005 09:18:37 +0000

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.

Cases: Basics & Recommendations

Wed, 12 Mar 2003 11:49:36 +0000

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

Recommended Hard Drives

Wed, 18 Sep 2002 19:10:28 +0000

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.

Introduction to Recommended Silent / Quiet Components

Thu, 18 Jul 2002 02:41:31 +0000

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.