I'm considering using this PSU to replace the Antec EarthWatts 380 that I have in a Sonata case. The instructions call for it to be installed with the vented side up; however, the clearance to the top of the chassis is only about 1/4 inch. Is this a problem? My alternative is the Sea Sonic X-650--ac...

Prime95 with 8 threads - 60c

(In addition to the 800 rpm fan on the 212, there is an 800 rpm case fan located very close to the other side of the 212. The case is an Antec Sonata, the older generation)

Thank you for your input. I'll consider S-Flex in my next build. I'll stick with the 800 rpm fans for now.

Next step--a quieter PSU.

Thanks for the advice. I like the higher reliability. It is puzzling that the 1200 rpm s-flex has about the same rated airflow as the 800 rpm slipstream though. Although I note that spcr has different (but corrupted?) results. So my concern is that should I use a 1200 rpm s-flex, I would see little ...

I just completed a build consisting of a GA P55A-UD3 system and non-overclocked i7-860 with a Hyper 212+ cooler. I replaced the PWM fan with an 800 RPM Slipstream. Results: The stock fan: idle CPU temps 22-32 and under 100% load, 52 degrees. Slipstream 800 rpm: idle CPU 22-29 and 100% load, 55 degre...

I have made great progress in quieting my system by using a Slipstream 800 rpm case fan, a Xigmatek 1283 heatsink (also with a Slipstream fan) on an E7200 and a WD Caviar SE16 drive all in a Sonata III case with included power supply. Can I expect any improvement in noise by cutting out the case fan...

Thank you for the suggestions and debate! :) As I indicated in the original post, it is my understanding that the GA EP45-DS3L (I upgraded from the EP43) will not do voltage control on the fan header so I will need either a PWM fan or a fixed rpm fan. I'll consider the 800 rpm Slipstream and the Arc...

If my motherboard supported voltage control of the cpu fan, I would use a Sythe Speedfan 1200 rpm model.

I was planning on replacing the fan on the Xigmatek s1283 with a Slipstream 1200 rpm fan based on reviews at spcr; however, I just learned that my new MB (GA EP43-DS3L) only supports pwm fan control for the CPU cooler. Any recommendations for a 120 mm pwm fan that would beat the stock fan on the s12...