How much of a difference is 16dB?

[GoingUp]

I cant stand how loud my computer is anymore. I have 3 120mm fans that blow 105CFM but they are around 44dB.

I want to replace them with 3 fans that are only 28dB. Will I notice much of a difference?

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks....

 

[silverpig]

Every increase in 10 dB = 2x the sound energy.

So 28 dB will be less than half as loud as 44.

 

[Mr N8]

Every 10db is 2x as loud.

 

[agnitrate]

Extreme difference, go for it. It will be SIGNIFICANTLY less loud.

-silver

 

[nord1899]

Is each of the 120mm fans rated at 44db or is that the combined rating for all 3? Same for the 28db fans.

Remember the sound levels will combine to increase them, though not exactly linearly.

That said, you should hear a difference between the fans.

 

[LS20]

um, i thought it was a 3db increase that makes the sound twice as loud

 

[GoingUp]

each of the fans is at 44db.... i just ordered the new ones.... hopefully it will be a lot quieter!

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: LS20
um, i thought it was a 3db increase that makes the sound twice as loud

Same here... at least that's what they taught us in satellite/wideband communications... maybe it's only when referring to signal strength and not as a measure of volume?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: silverpig
Every increase in 10 dB = 2x the sound energy.

So 28 dB will be less than half as loud as 44.

wtf? bels is a logarithmic scale, its every 3 bels is 2x the energy.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: silverpig
Every increase in 10 dB = 2x the sound energy.

So 28 dB will be less than half as loud as 44.

wtf? bels is a logarithmic scale, its every 3 bels is 2x the energy.

Text

 

[silverpig]

Oops...

+ 10 Bels = 10x the sound energy

+ 10 deciBels = 3x the sound energy as log2 ~0.3

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: silverpig
Oops...

+ 10 Bels = 10x the sound energy

+ 10 deciBels = 3x the sound energy as log2 ~0.3

no, 10 bels is apparently twice as loud, 3 bels is 2x the energy

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: silverpig
Every increase in 10 dB = 2x the sound energy.

NO! In sound pressure and other power measurements, 3 db is a doubling of power. The forumula is 10 log (multiplier).

In linear measurements, such as voltage, 6 dB is a doubling of amplitude. The forumula is 20 log (multiplier).

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

I'd be more worried about the pitch. I have a 40 db 60mm delta and a 40db 80mm Sunon casefan. The delta makes a "nice" high-pitched whine. The Sunon just has loud air turbulence, which really sounds kind of cool actually.

 

[Howard]

Every 10db is an apparent doubling in volume.

 

[StageLeft]

AFAIK every 10 db is 2X the energy. Can't believe nobody else knows this!!

EDIT: I mean appears twice as loud!!!

 

[C'DaleRider]

3db is typically the minimum increase in sound volume human ears will notice. A 2db increase in sound volume will go unnoticed by almost everyone.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: agnitrate
Extreme difference, go for it. It will be SIGNIFICANTLY less loud.

-silver

yes, if you keep your components, fans, psu , hd , etc < ~32-35 dB , you think it is a quiet box