How loud is a decibal actually?

[rhinox99]

I'm thinking about changing my case fan from a sunon that is rated at 33 dba to a 27.5 dba version of the sunon. Will I actually be able to hear a difference between the two? Is it worth the investment? Could anyone suggest a really *quiet* 92mm power supply fan other than the sunon? Link me please if you can

 

[Becks2k]

3dBA is twice as much energy so 2 27dBA fans are 30dBA and 4 27dBA fans would be 33dBA so you'd probably be able to tell the difference between a 27 and 33.

 

[rhinox99]

Thanks for your help becks!

 

[Stytis]

How loud is a dBA, if you could, compare it to something people commonly hear. I know how it works, but what makes the same amount of noise as a 33dBA fan?

 

[Techru]

Well, the measuring techniques for noise levels are pretty standard, but there are ranges. In s sound chamber, a fan is operated, without any other devices or objects to change the noise readings (which is the ideal situation, but not what happens when you place fans in computers!) The noise levels are measured from 1.0m (here's where the differences come in, because you can actually measure from 1 - 1.5m) So, those manufacturers that want to have "Quieter" fans will measure from the greater distance. So, therre can be some differences.

The generally accepted norm, a whisper, is rated at 23 dBA. Of course, everyone has a different version of what a whisper should be. Normal conversation is about 70 dBA. Again, something that may be hard to actually determine, because of people's ideas of what "normal" is to be considered. Not everyone will be able to relate, but those who have Microsoft or Logitech mice will be able to. When you click (single click) on either the left or right button, the "Click" sound would be rated at 28 dBA.

 

A jet taking off would be 140 they say.

 

[Djahngo]

The other question is if it is the fan noise alone you hear or the case resonating the sound. I wonder if the way a fan mounts would have an effect

 

[Marauder-]

You should get some Panaflos. The 80mm version of the L1A is rated at 21dbs. I'm sure the 92mm isn't too far off.