Noisey Super Silencer 350

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:55 am

I recently replaced the SL350 PSU in my SLK3700AMB with a Seasonic Super Silencer 350. Prior to installing it I tested on my desk. At first I wasn't sure it was even on. I had to put my ear up to it to hear anything.

Since then I have made many modifications to my system resulting in the PSU being the loudest component; deduced by stopping all fans (including CPU) and suspending the HDD. I've perused this site to see how others have mounted their PSU's, but there seems to be no special method. The PSU fan is starting cold at 1214 RPM and increasing to an average of 1250 RPM (if MBM5 can be trusted).

Any suggestions.

Tyrdium · Post by **Tyrdium** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:01 am

It'd void the warranty, but you could always open it up and change the fan for a quieter one.

Tibors · Post by **Tibors** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:32 pm

Have you seen this one:
Lilla's - Building a PSU intake duct-vent.
This feeds room temp air to your PSU in stead of hot case air. Normally resulting in lower RPMs for the PSU fan.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 5:12 pm

Is it Revision 3? (check the label for an "R3" or "Rev 3" something like that.)

Could you list your other components incl. case and case exhaust?

Is the PSU exhaust warm?

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:00 pm

Thanks for the replies. Tyrdium, I'm not concerned about the warranty. But, the fan sure was quiet before I installed the PSU, although I don't know how fast it was spinning. Changing it could be an option. Tibors, thanks for the thread. I'll read it right after I post my system spec's as requested by Trip.

Soltek SL-865-GR|P4 2.6C 1.25V|STOCK HEATSINK NO FAN|4x256 |WD740GD SUSPENDED|Samsung 213T|Dell 1703FP|W2KSP4|Antec SLK3700AMB NO MODS.|Seasonic SUPER SILENCER 350 REV.3 1250 RPM 28°C EXHAUST|PANAFLO FBK-12G12LH 5v EXHAUST|ANTEC 120MM STOCK 5V INTAKE|ZALMAN FB123 AND 92MM FAN 1000 RPM COOLING N/B AND CPU|CASE 22°C|CPU 36°C

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:52 pm

Since then I have made many modifications to my system resulting in the PSU being the loudest component; deduced by stopping all fans (including CPU) and suspending the HDD.

Just to be sure, you did start the computer with the PSU fan stopped (using popsickle stick, something like that) and then removed the stick and noticed a significant increase in noise?

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:05 pm

Trip wrote:Just to be sure, you did start the computer with the PSU fan stopped (using popsickle stick, something like that) and then removed the stick and noticed a significant increase in noise?

Correct. The noise increase might be better described as a moderate increase. I'm not pursuing a silent system, but I would like to keep tweaking this one (and keep earning a living with it) and not be limited by the PSU. An 80mm fan @1250 RPM should not be loud, unless it is unbalanced and transfering vibration to the case.

On another note; Tibors, I followed your link and you are way out of my league, at least for now.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:14 pm

The PSU duct is to cool the PSU so that it doesn't need to ramp up.

It sounds like you should RMA or modify the PSU.

Panaflo M1A seems to be the favourite fan to swap in, and I recommend using Verax fan isolators, I can't tell a difference from screws w/ silicone washers but Verax fan isolators fit easily enough and ought to help in theory.

"ANTEC 120MM STOCK 5V INTAKE" I'd replace with Nexus 12cm.

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:39 pm

Trip wrote:The PSU duct is to cool the PSU so that it doesn't need to ramp up.

I'm trying to find out how slowly this fan should theoretically spin at the coolest temperature. I can't get it to turn less than 1250 RPM even with cold air blowing into it. As you said, it may be defective.

Trip wrote:"ANTEC 120MM STOCK 5V INTAKE" I'd replace with Nexus 12cm.

I put this back in because the 120mm Vantec Stealth I installed at 5V is a dog. The Nexus is on the way.

Thanks.

HammerSandwich · Post by **HammerSandwich** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 12:17 am

About 1200rpm is right for a Super Silencer. At that speed, its fan can definitely be the noisiest piece in a very quiet computer. (And you'll need a rather quiet room to be annoyed by it.) I'd be astonished if threevok's PSU were actually defective.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:34 am

There's an article in the article section on swapping in a fan. It's easy to do. EDIT: it was under fans, not PSU.

The reason I think the PSU fan is bad is b/c it was quieter when you first got it.

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 3:39 pm

HammerSandwich wrote:About 1200rpm is right for a Super Silencer. At that speed, its fan can definitely be the noisiest piece in a very quiet computer. (And you'll need a rather quiet room to be annoyed by it.) I'd be astonished if threevok's PSU were actually defective.

After checking out the Super Silencer reviews and making some assumptions as to the 12V RPM of the fan, it would appear 1250 RPM is near the bottom end. It looks like a fan swap is in order. Thanks Trip. I wonder if an L1A might work for me as the PSU is never ramping up anyway. I work in my basement and the ambient temperature is never more than the mid 60's year round.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 4:21 pm

L1A should be OK.

If you're going to do that, you might as well put in a Nexus 80 mm and plug it in the mobo @ 11V. Just plug in a 3-pin fan extension wire and run it out the back of the PSU.

Super Red 34 CFM @ 12V
M1A 32 CFM @12V
L1A pushes 24.0 CFM @ 12V
Nexus 20.2 CFM @ 12V

17CFM or so ought to be plenty. Just check the PSU exhaust to be sure it isn't too hot if you're concerned.

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:52 am

I just received an L1A (China) for the PSU fan swap. I tested it outside of the case and it makes a scuffing sound at all RPM's.

Is there any chance Panaflos get quieter after a while or should I just order a Nexus?

ferdb · Post by **ferdb** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 9:28 am

just order the Nexus. the panaflo bearing noise is hit or miss

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 12:22 am

The recommended fan list says the 80mm Nexus doesn't start reliably under 7V. That's a lot of percolating before the fan kicks on. Has anyone done this mod with the Nexus?

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 12:57 am

You'd plug it into a fanmate plugged into the mobo.

I'll have put one in by next week. Heh, all of my free time has been spent in these forums.

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 1:06 am

Trip wrote:You'd plug it into a fanmate plugged into the mobo.

I'll have put one in by next week. Heh, all of my free time has been spent in these forums.

Me too. I have the Nexus on order AND if I don't quit goofing around this forum I'll have to sell all my extra fans on EBAY to pay the mortgage this month.

This is the last thing I'm doing. I swear.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 1:12 am

, I've bought so many little trinkets.

Do you want some Verax fan isolators? I could spare four for the price of shipping/handling.

threevok · Post by **threevok** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 1:21 am

What about my oath? Thanks for the Verax offer, but I'm feeling plenty isolated already trying to finish this CAD job at 2:30 in the morning! Where did the time go. Oh, now I remember.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 1:27 am

haha, yeah, I'm going to call it a night with the forums.