Search found 185 matches

by Alex
Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:13 pm
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Samsung YP-S3 digital media player
Replies: 21
Views: 23990

Why use lossless even when you can't hear the difference? Modern lossy encoders, including good old MP3 using LAME VBR settings like V2/V0, are very very good. So good that few people can tell the difference when listening carefully on good equipment. Evidence from blind testing on forums like Hydr...
by Alex
Fri Mar 06, 2009 1:27 pm
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: AMD's Maui HTPC Platform
Replies: 163
Views: 162847

The comment from Jay Taylor above is just one of all the reasons not to buy the MSI Maui. :evil: The AMD processors for it (Maui BIOS and mobo chipset compatible) are too old and inefficient now. :evil::evil: The new AMD Phenom II (was thinking of the X3) are probably not supported by the BIOS and m...
by Alex
Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:33 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Caviar RE3
Replies: 3
Views: 3105

Enterprise drives are not interesting for SPCR so there are no serious noise measurements made. According to WD ------------------------------ WD RE3 1 TB Acoustics Idle Mode 28 dBA (average) Seek Mode 0 33 dBA (average) Seek Mode 3 29 dBA (average) http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveI...
by Alex
Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:21 pm
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Recomend 22" monitor
Replies: 32
Views: 15684

I highly recommend the Benq E2400HD that I got. http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=1376 It is a marvellous and very good looking TN panel that is relatively cheep. Of course colour and brightness vary slightly with viewing angle on a TN panel. It is a perfect panel for internet surfing, writi...
by Alex
Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:02 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Is there a problem with head parks on WD Green HDDs?
Replies: 296
Views: 457738

My new 1TB WD EADS GP. Delivered Dec 18 2008. HD Tune: WDC WD10EADS-00L5B1 Health ID Current Worst ThresholdData Status (01) Raw Read Error Rate 200 200 51 0 Ok (03) Spin Up Time 176 165 21 6183 Ok (04) Start/Stop Count 100 100 0 64 Ok (05) Reallocated Sector Count 200 200 140 0 Ok (07) Seek Error R...
by Alex
Sat Nov 29, 2008 5:51 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Good external 3.5" enclosure.
Replies: 19
Views: 10982

Hmm that's right. My current computer consumes 10W at both Stand-by and Hibernate. Right now I usually switch off the power outlet, but often I forget to do that so it keeps consuming 10W through the day or night. I would assume that 10W at the master would still keep the entire power outlet active...
by Alex
Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:22 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Good external 3.5" enclosure.
Replies: 19
Views: 10982

@Alex: The Master-Slave thing is really a good idea. That would (probably) definitely solve the whole stand-by thing. Actually there is still one annoying problem left. The master is never turned off and i think my computer consumes quite a bit at idle (although everything connected to slave is def...
by Alex
Thu Nov 27, 2008 8:40 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Good external 3.5" enclosure.
Replies: 19
Views: 10982

I'm looking for this new 3.0 GB/s eSATA. Same company (RaidSonic) also has Firewire models but not quite like this one. Only available at a few countries in Europe yet. Have to wait.:( http://www.raidsonic.de/de/data/data_pdf/icybox/datasheet_ib-362stus2-b_e.pdf It is so cool. You can easily swap dr...
by Alex
Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:39 am
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Which WD Silent GP 1TB HDD to get EADS or AV?
Replies: 2
Views: 3299

Which WD Silent GP 1TB HDD to get EADS or AV?

Data from WD site. Desktop EADS 1 TB 32MB Cache (3 platter?) http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=559 Acoustics Idle Mode 25 dBA (average) Seek Mode 0 27 dBA (average) Seek Mode 3 25 dBA (average) Vibration Operating Linear 20-300 Hz, .75G (0 to peak) Random 10-300 Hz, [b]0.008[/b] gÂ...
by Alex
Sat May 24, 2008 5:36 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: New Build - Advice wanted
Replies: 8
Views: 4392

You might consider to use dBPoweramp for ripping instead of EAC.

I like dBPoweramps interface better and it seems to be about equally good at ripping (sometimes even better).

Here is an article comparing (testing) the two.
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/secure-ripper.htm
by Alex
Sun May 04, 2008 2:25 pm
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Xigmatek Battle-Axe: First Direct-Touch Heatpipe VGA Cooler
Replies: 22
Views: 16691

Edit: Typing errors are now fixed. :D

Thank you very much for this excellent article.
by Alex
Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:05 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: help with 7200 RPM 2.5" drive
Replies: 8
Views: 5140

I think all available 7200 rpm 2.5" are noisier than the least noisy 7200 rpm 3.5" ones. So the only reason to get a 7200 rpm 2.5" is if you are space constrained (like in a laptop). I might be wrong but that is the impression I got since this topic was discussed last time. Also rpm doesn't seem to ...
by Alex
Mon Mar 17, 2008 1:58 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Freeware for everything.....
Replies: 35
Views: 13988

by Alex
Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:41 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Antec Three Hundred
Replies: 14
Views: 26748

Really cool case. :D Maybe the left 3.5" drive bay wall should be moved to the left (modded against side panel) in the "3.5 Inch Drive Bays" (3rd picture) here: http://www.ozhardware.com.au/Case-Reviews/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Case-Review/2.html so there will be enough space for enclosed and/or s...
by Alex
Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:16 am
Forum: The Silent Front
Topic: Logitech MX 510 has a high pitch sound!
Replies: 40
Views: 45006

Here is a picture describing mouse prediction. http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/4471/predictionfn3.jpg Source is comment 27 here http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1463607#pid1463607 Oh yeah , Love-Nub , I replied you about the "Prediction Thing" , almost no one can do straight lines easily , so ...
by Alex
Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:22 pm
Forum: CPU Cooling
Topic: Real Temp - New temp program for Intel Core processors
Replies: 8
Views: 5944

Here is a "How to measure CPU Temps" Guide.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/221 ... ture-guide
Unfortunately there is quite much to read and do.

But the new link (and "how to") provided in the first post seems to be better.:D
by Alex
Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:30 pm
Forum: The Silent Front
Topic: Logitech MX 510 has a high pitch sound!
Replies: 40
Views: 45006

MX 518 is one of the best gaming mouse you can get according to ESReality MouseScore 2007 . IME 3.0 is also popular partly because it doesn't seem to have correction by prediction. It has a maximum 400 "dpi" setting but that is often enough for many players. I have a totally silent Steelseries IKARI...
by Alex
Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:45 am
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: WD6400AAKS released
Replies: 89
Views: 82830

nicko wrote:Does someone know when will this drive be available in Europe??
It seems to be available at many places in Sweden now.
http://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=264236
by Alex
Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:07 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: New Build Advice
Replies: 2
Views: 2294

I would rather get a E8xxx series CPU and an Enermax modu82+ PSU http://www.silentpcreview.com/article806-page5.html The mobo should be compatible with E8xxx series CPU (I haven't checked if yours are). Gigabyte and Asus are my favourite mobo brands. Pick one that is not too expensive but good "qual...
by Alex
Fri Mar 07, 2008 3:02 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Silverstone shows of mid-tower with 200mm intake and exhaust
Replies: 19
Views: 9969

If you remove all black HDD holder except the top and bottom one that you populate with 2 drives. Shouldn't that be OK?

But with all these exhausts (upper, back and PSU fans) you should probably get a Kama Bay or Silverstones equivalent as front intake too.
by Alex
Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:41 pm
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Antec Mini P180: A micro-ATX P182
Replies: 74
Views: 96786

Now I am patiently waiting for the Antec Three Hundred review.

It should be out soon shouldn't it?
by Alex
Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:13 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: New build questions. Now need hard drive.
Replies: 9
Views: 4389

I say keep an eye on these 2 threads about WD new 320 GB platter drives.

viewtopic.php?t=45954

viewtopic.php?t=46649
by Alex
Tue Mar 04, 2008 4:43 pm
Forum: CPU Cooling
Topic: Ninja Worries
Replies: 25
Views: 11606

Here are some dimensions. TRUE http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_images/cpu_cooler/ultra-120_extreme/installation/Ultra-120-ex-size.jpg 41.4 mm above CPU. 132 x 63.44 mm + Fan. On LGA 775 socket TRUE can be turned 90 deg. Mobo compatibility list: http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/p...
by Alex
Thu Feb 28, 2008 2:46 pm
Forum: CPU Cooling
Topic: Ninja Worries
Replies: 25
Views: 11606

I haven't locked down all the other components (things can change a bit in 4 months) but currently the other important components look like they'll be: PSU: Corsair 520HX HD: Samsung Spinpoint 500GB Video: 8800GT w/ Accelero S1 So far as I can tell, the build should be very quiet, but I'm not going...
by Alex
Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:33 pm
Forum: CPU Cooling
Topic: Ninja Worries
Replies: 25
Views: 11606

The Ninja seemed like a good choice because at US$38 it is the best performer in its price bracket. What would I gain by using the TRUE? Is the Ninja insufficient for a Q9450? Will the temperature difference have some tangible benefits? I'm not trying to be antagonistic. I'm really curious, and to ...
by Alex
Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:32 am
Forum: CPU Cooling
Topic: Ninja Worries
Replies: 25
Views: 11606

I would certainly get the TRUE for your setup.
CPU: Intel Q9450 (95W TDP)
Overclock: Moderate Only. FSB to 300-333MHz (=>95+W TDP)
I run my E6750 (65W TDP) with a TRUE.

If you want silence get the best cooling there is and put a slow fan on it (if possible).
by Alex
Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:15 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Ninja Copper: Scythe's 5th Year Celebration
Replies: 84
Views: 72683

Well these conclusions weren't any surprise for us forum readers. I have a TRUE for a reason. Also I have the "old" Scythe S-Flex fans and I still believe they are best or amongst the best. Thank you for recommending them to me forum members. I was warned early (april 2007) that 9 blades fans weren'...
by Alex
Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:25 pm
Forum: Site Feedback
Topic: Let's start SPCR wiki
Replies: 43
Views: 51840

I did discuss this topic (wiki) last December here. http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=45267 There are a lot of reasons there is no SPCR wiki in use (I know there is an "empty" one). I think the main reasons are. - SPCR wants to have total control of their "product" for several goo...
by Alex
Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:55 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: I want to be different, i dont want an Antec!
Replies: 32
Views: 13208

Well Antec is silent and "cheap" + good quality.
So why do you want to get something else?

If you can wait until the Antec 300 is launched you will get something new and you will be different for a while.

Check this SPCR article:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article796-page1.html
by Alex
Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:16 pm
Forum: Power Supplies
Topic: Time for me to go Seasonic?
Replies: 26
Views: 12015

RaptorZX3 wrote:by the way, if you don't know yet, Corsair PSUs are made by Seasonic.
Not the Corsair VX550 PSU, right?
Just do a google on "Corsair VX550 made by" and you will learn something I think.

VX450, HX520 and HX620 are from Seasonic though.