2nd PSU poll: please VOTE AGAIN!
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee, Devonavar
-
- Moderator
- Posts: 7681
- Joined: Mon Dec 09, 2002 7:11 pm
- Location: Maynard, MA, Eaarth
- Contact:
2nd PSU poll: please VOTE AGAIN!
Let's try this again!
As of midday (Pacific) on April 18, the original poll became corrupted. Attempts to fix the problem ended up with the vote option being disabled with no way to reset without hacking into the SQL database. Rather than waste the time, I've started a new thread that hopefully stays working.
You'll see I've moved the posts here (and modified this one for technical reasons... )
Sorry about that; please come back and recast your votes. And tell whether your PSU is quiet enough.
It remains an interesting survey.
MikeC
---------------------------------------
Hello Mike:
Well, I'm feeling left out -- the Fortron P300XFPN (with the 120mm Yate Loon fan) isn't on the list! By all accounts, it may be the 2nd or 3rd quietest PS out there; with only the SilenX 14dBA and 18dBA (possibly) models being quieter.
My Fortron is quieter than the NMB 18dBA (rated) fan, when each is actually being used in my system. And yes, it is certainly quiet enough for me! The best part is that it costs half as much (or even less) than any of the PS's on the list...
Edit: Thanks for adding it to the poll, Mike -- that was fast!
As of midday (Pacific) on April 18, the original poll became corrupted. Attempts to fix the problem ended up with the vote option being disabled with no way to reset without hacking into the SQL database. Rather than waste the time, I've started a new thread that hopefully stays working.
You'll see I've moved the posts here (and modified this one for technical reasons... )
Sorry about that; please come back and recast your votes. And tell whether your PSU is quiet enough.
It remains an interesting survey.
MikeC
---------------------------------------
Hello Mike:
Well, I'm feeling left out -- the Fortron P300XFPN (with the 120mm Yate Loon fan) isn't on the list! By all accounts, it may be the 2nd or 3rd quietest PS out there; with only the SilenX 14dBA and 18dBA (possibly) models being quieter.
My Fortron is quieter than the NMB 18dBA (rated) fan, when each is actually being used in my system. And yes, it is certainly quiet enough for me! The best part is that it costs half as much (or even less) than any of the PS's on the list...
Edit: Thanks for adding it to the poll, Mike -- that was fast!
Last edited by NeilBlanchard on Sat Apr 12, 2003 10:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
- *Lifetime Patron*
- Posts: 1465
- Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 12:27 pm
- Location: Reading.England.EU
Heavily modified Jou Jye 350 (http://www.joujye-computer.com/Product/atxswitch.htm
Fan and 'noise-killer' circuit board removed. Papst 8412NGL fitted to outside of rear end (the end the DC power cables exit) on rubber grommets, fan fixed at 7V. The only thing I can hear from this psu (if I put my ear close at the back) is a buzz from one of the damn chokes/coils, despite embedding it in epoxy and (when that didn't work) wrapping it in some thermal tape.
(The fan is optional - my case airflow is 'positive pressure' from a 120mm front lower intake that is sufficient to cool the psu without a fan as long as the case sides are closed. However this last condition doesn't always hold true!)
Fan and 'noise-killer' circuit board removed. Papst 8412NGL fitted to outside of rear end (the end the DC power cables exit) on rubber grommets, fan fixed at 7V. The only thing I can hear from this psu (if I put my ear close at the back) is a buzz from one of the damn chokes/coils, despite embedding it in epoxy and (when that didn't work) wrapping it in some thermal tape.
(The fan is optional - my case airflow is 'positive pressure' from a 120mm front lower intake that is sufficient to cool the psu without a fan as long as the case sides are closed. However this last condition doesn't always hold true!)
-
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2002 4:49 am
- Contact:
-
- Patron of SPCR
- Posts: 543
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2002 1:01 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Contact:
Modded Antec SmartPower 400 watter as documented here:
http://forums.silentpcreview.com/viewtopic.php?t=2842
Summary:
- Externally powered, DIY thermally controlled Panaflo L1A. Usually runs around 5 volts.
- Panaflo externally mounted with foam isolators
- Underside vents closed off, front vents louvred, intake ducted to front of case.
- Rear grill removed.
EDIT: oops forgot to mention that it's quiet enough, but not efficient enough (PFC-wise)
http://forums.silentpcreview.com/viewtopic.php?t=2842
Summary:
- Externally powered, DIY thermally controlled Panaflo L1A. Usually runs around 5 volts.
- Panaflo externally mounted with foam isolators
- Underside vents closed off, front vents louvred, intake ducted to front of case.
- Rear grill removed.
EDIT: oops forgot to mention that it's quiet enough, but not efficient enough (PFC-wise)
Last edited by powergyoza on Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Patron of SPCR
- Posts: 429
- Joined: Sun Aug 11, 2002 3:26 pm
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Contact:
Enermax 430W 92mm fan removed 80mm fan swapped with SPCR reference fan and thermister moved from original location hotglued to hot coil so fan doesn't speed up. Inaudible at 2 meters at 3am in a quiet neighborhood. Inaudible is quiet enough for me:). Voltages could be a bit more stable IMHO, but decent wattage for the buck (~$80 for 430Watts). Some PSU's on the list will cost that for a 300W. The fan swap cost all of $3 (just the fan, duh!).
-Ken
-Ken
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2003 8:35 am
Which power supply ?
Over the last few years, I've bought 6 power supplies that claimed to be silent.
The first three I bought (several years ago) were Enhance Electronics power supplies, and I think they're almost identical to the Q-Technologies power supplies. They were pretty silent, but for todays standards, they're not. All three of them died a year ago .
The next one I've got was a Q-Technologies power supply. I used it in a dual processor machine, and it's fan always quickly goes to the maximum, which doesn't make it silent anymore.
The next one was a modded 350W Enermax powersupply from noisecontrol.de. This is basically a Enermax with the quietest Papst fan. This one is REALLY quiet.
The last one was a 450W modded Enermax powersupply, also from noisecontrol.de. This one's slightly noisier than the 350W model, but still OK.
I'm now looking for a new powersupply for an HTPC, and currently am considering the following power supplies:
-Fanless SilentMaxx powersupply (expensive, but 0 dB)
http://silentmaxx.net/silent_products/p ... upply.html
-Nexus NX-3000
-the same modded 350W Enermax I already have.
Is there anybody having experience with the SilentMaxx fanless powersupply? I guess since it's fanless it is really 0 dB, but is it really a 350W power supply.
Over the last few years, I've bought 6 power supplies that claimed to be silent.
The first three I bought (several years ago) were Enhance Electronics power supplies, and I think they're almost identical to the Q-Technologies power supplies. They were pretty silent, but for todays standards, they're not. All three of them died a year ago .
The next one I've got was a Q-Technologies power supply. I used it in a dual processor machine, and it's fan always quickly goes to the maximum, which doesn't make it silent anymore.
The next one was a modded 350W Enermax powersupply from noisecontrol.de. This is basically a Enermax with the quietest Papst fan. This one is REALLY quiet.
The last one was a 450W modded Enermax powersupply, also from noisecontrol.de. This one's slightly noisier than the 350W model, but still OK.
I'm now looking for a new powersupply for an HTPC, and currently am considering the following power supplies:
-Fanless SilentMaxx powersupply (expensive, but 0 dB)
http://silentmaxx.net/silent_products/p ... upply.html
-Nexus NX-3000
-the same modded 350W Enermax I already have.
Is there anybody having experience with the SilentMaxx fanless powersupply? I guess since it's fanless it is really 0 dB, but is it really a 350W power supply.
-
- Friend of SPCR
- Posts: 809
- Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2002 5:07 pm
- Location: London, UK
Modded a Chieftec PSU with a 7v Panaflo 80mm L1A fan. Decoupled the fan and mounted outside of the PSU/Case. Found it little noisy when fan was inside the PSU. It has made quite a difference with the fan mounted outside, almost the same noise as if the fan was in free air at 7v. No stamped grills; This would probably make more noise if mounted outside.
When Idle, air is very cool, probably same as ambient. Under heavy load air is warm, not hot. Been running this setup for about 3 months without a glitch.
Waiting for a 14dBA SilenX PSU review, before purchasing one of these silence kings. Anyone know how it compares to a Panaflo L1A @5v or 7v in free air?
This will give me a rough indication of knowing how quiet this PSU is. Thanx all.
When Idle, air is very cool, probably same as ambient. Under heavy load air is warm, not hot. Been running this setup for about 3 months without a glitch.
Waiting for a 14dBA SilenX PSU review, before purchasing one of these silence kings. Anyone know how it compares to a Panaflo L1A @5v or 7v in free air?
This will give me a rough indication of knowing how quiet this PSU is. Thanx all.
-
- Posts: 170
- Joined: Tue Dec 03, 2002 11:29 pm
-
- *Lifetime Patron*
- Posts: 1465
- Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 12:27 pm
- Location: Reading.England.EU
That counts as 'Modded' - go vote!larrymoencurly wrote:I object to the fact that no garbage' PSUs were included, like mine.
300W MaxPower, modded with addition of fan controller (simple linear type), diode pack for the +5V (circuit board made for it), and EMI filter (AM radio reception restored).
I guess like all 'statistics' it is possible to put a spin on the results to reinforce your own prejudices. The results (so far) have a strong showing for 'Modded'. To me it seems there are 2 kinds of us 'silence freaks' - those who need a warranty (because they are reselling or whatever) and who are looking for the Holy Grail from Verax, Silenx, Fortron 120mm etc. The others are happy to ditch their warranty and mod like crazy to shave each dB off.
I am in the second group, and suspect for us the 'best' PSU is in fact a cheapo, 'garbage' one that has at least enough quality for stable rails at up to say 300W, for Athlon CPUs has 200W stable on 3.3V & 5V rails combined, is electrically silent (no buzzing/humming) and is a suitable platform for our particular prejudiced mods?
I certainly feel my NEXT psu is far more likely to be a £20 special rather than a £50 Antec or Verax.
-
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Mon Feb 10, 2003 4:04 pm
- Location: MN
-
- Patron of SPCR
- Posts: 350
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 11:14 am
I use the 120mm Fortron too. Quieter than my modded power supply, and more importantly, its well... still alive . The only problem I see with it is the vent slots on the backside too- can't be too good for air flow. But I've no doubt removing that would raise the price, so I'll stick with my good friend "Duct Tape" and the Fortron
-
- Moderator
- Posts: 7681
- Joined: Mon Dec 09, 2002 7:11 pm
- Location: Maynard, MA, Eaarth
- Contact:
Hello:
Now you've confused me -- what "vent slots on the backside" are you refering to?Zhentar wrote:The only problem I see with it is the vent slots on the backside too- can't be too good for air flow. But I've no doubt removing that would raise the price, so I'll stick with my good friend "Duct Tape" and the Fortron
-
- Site Admin
- Posts: 12285
- Joined: Sun Aug 11, 2002 3:26 pm
- Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Contact:
Methinks tt's Zhentar who is confused. There are virtually no holes on the inside panel of the PSU (the side that usually has slot venting) and there shouldn't be any. If there were, the heated air sucked up by the fan would blow out that side, back into the case, which is bad.NeilBlanchard wrote:Hello:
Now you've confused me -- what "vent slots on the backside" are you refering to?Zhentar wrote:The only problem I see with it is the vent slots on the backside too- can't be too good for air flow. But I've no doubt removing that would raise the price, so I'll stick with my good friend "Duct Tape" and the Fortron
this is really hard to say, but I think I can manage it... I... was.... wrong. I guess I got the backsides of my spare PSU and the fortron mixed up, though I have no idea how. I still have 1 complaint with the fortron though, the fan grill is almost touching my HSF, but thats just cuz I've got a small mid-tower case.
There still is a good deal of small holes though.
There still is a good deal of small holes though.