silentpcreview.com - Reference / Recommended

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.

SPCR's Unique Heatsink Testing Methodology

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:35:51 +0000

After our two main test beds for heatsink testing developed intermittant defects, we've rebuilt our test bed for the fourth (or is it the fifth) time so we can continue to bring you quality heatsink reviews. At the same time, we've brought our article on testing heatsinks up to date — a long overdue update that brings it out of the era of Athlons and P-IIIs into the present day where Socket 775 now rules the roost. We've also tossed in some gems about VRMs and testing CPU power, as well as a quick re-test of some old favorites to kick things off.

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. Now separate from PSU Fundamentals. Latest update: Mar 16, 2008.

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.

Audio Recording Methods Revised

Tue, 4 Jul 2006 09:27:37 +0000

We listen to our visitors and forum members. We really do. We can't always give you what you want (we get enough requests to triple our workload), but sometimes it takes an outside view to show us how we can improve. And improve we have. We're unveiling a new methodology for making audio recordings and new equipment to make them with. The end result will be recordings that do a better job of capturing what we hear during our reviews so that you can hear them better, too.

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.

Recommended Heatsinks

Wed, 17 Jul 2002 07:47:19 +0000

Recommended Heatsinks lists SPCR-reviewed top cooling devices for CPUs, VGA and other hot computer parts, ordered by cooling performance and low noise. June 24, 2008 is the date of the most recent update.

Archive: SPCR's PSU Test Platform V.3

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 06:32:26 +0000

PSU reviews have become bread-and-butter articles at SPCR. There are very few serious PSU reviews on the web; in this context, ours have stood out. However, in the last 18 months, PC power supplies have undergone tremendous changes. As a result, weaknesses in our testing setup have become evident: * The accuracy of our AC/DC conversion efficiency results; and * The adequacy of the test system to provide high enough load on the 12V line. This article documents the many changes we've made to address these issues in an improved, updated power suppy testing system. It's our PSU Test Platform, Version 3.0. ;D