I understand that fan density is the major player in the noise-making caused by radiators (rather by the fans strapped to them): the higher the fan density, the stronger the fan needed to push air through and the better cooling is achieved. The lower the fan density, the less a fan has to work to pu...

Remember that adage about square peg in a round hole? Reverse it and you see the issue with most fan mounts: you're putting a round shape on a square one, resulting in dead or wasted space. Most custom/scratch case work will include round fan holes. Why? Because a square fan hole will not be fully c...

Good reading, thanks for the links. It sounds like my limitation at measuring things will relate to my access (or lack thereof) to an anechoic chamber. Wonder if my alma mater has one available...

Necroposting this one because it interests me a lot... Was the driving factor behind the 955 chip the cost? Looking at the Sandy Bridge i5s, I wonder how much cooler they'll run at equivalent performance levels, thus allowing reduced fan speeds and lower noise. On that note, I notice that the cases ...

Hm. I really wish I had the right low-sound environment and tools to measure sound, so I could do exactly this. Taking several components, running them while operational with and without a case, in a few different cases with and without noise-absorbing foam, would provide a wealth of information abo...

In exchanging emails with Fractal Designs tech support manager, I inadvertently fleshed out my next intended build (silent gaming comp) in a lot more detail than I'd intended to. However, I'm unsure of how to estimate the overall sound level of a system, even knowing (with some degree of confidence)...

What is your experience on frontal stock fan efficiency to fresh the graphic card? Keep in mind the case has mounting for a side and bottom fan as well, both of which will feed air to the graphic's card better than a front fan trying to push air through the HDD cage. A couple NB PL-1s or Scythe Kam...

Hey guys. Long time lurker, first time poster. :) I understand the Arc Midi isn't designed to be a quiet case, but after looking at it and the Define R3 I see a few things that might be done that can make it quieter. The first upgrade is foam lining on the case walls and anywhere else that doesn't i...