At what dBA rating is a fan considered whisper-quiet?

[jrichrds]

What dBA rating of a H/S fan do I need so that I can't hear it from outside of the case?
Is 27dBA good enough? Or do I have to get something in the 21dBA range?

(PS Anyone happen to know the dBA noise rating of the GlobalWin CPM25603-16? Can't seem to find the specs for that H/S anymore, other than that the fan is "loud")

 

[mechBgon]

I think the answer will depend somewhat on your ambient noise level. In an absolutely silent room, even 21dB can be heard pretty easily. In a normal office environment, you would probably have a hard time telling if a 21dB system was on or off by listening.

The only mention of the CPU 25603-16 that I can find on GW's site is this: link

Judging by their claim that it's the best cooler for the, uh, 233MHz AMD K6, I hope you're not going to use it on anything too recent.

 

[klah]

Here are the ratings for that fan: Google Cache [20.6cfm, 31db(A)]

I just ordered two of the quietest 80mm fans I could find. This one PC Power and Cooling (27cfm @20db(A), $8) and this one Papst (19.4cfm @ 12db(A) $19). When they arrive I am going to compare them and purchase 4 more of the one I deem acceptable. I will let you know the difference between 20db and 12db.

 

[randomboy]

I've got the 12db Papst fans, and while they are quiet, you wont exactly be "blown away" by their CFM rating I swapped one onto my HS as opposed to the stock fan on a TT volcano 7, and I think my idle temps went up like 7-9C simply with the switch of the fan

I'd also say fan placement would also determine a bit about its apparent loudness....

Jeff