Is 43 dBA loud?

[Blurry]

I'm planning to buy a large, 120 MM fan @ 43 dBA. Since I never really paid attention to fan noises (all my fans are very quiet) I was wondering if 43 is considered loud.

 

[Shooters]

43 dBA is pretty loud; by comparison the 120mm Panaflo is only 30 dBA. But, since it's a 120mm at least it won't be a high pitched whine like high speed 60mm fans.

 

[Pariah]

Not really. 40dB is comparable to a quiet room or the noise a fridge makes a couple of meters away.

 

[RDMustang1]

Most heatsink reviews say anything under 36dB is bearable, anything over is annoying. I personally try to stay at 30 or under...

 

[Fish54]

It depends upon where they take the measurement from, and I dont think there is a standard on this... my fan is rated at 43dba, but its a 60mm fan, and its f***ing loud. But I installed a homemade baybus, so I can switch between 7 and 12 volts, which makes it slightly more bearable for sleeping and stuff. As Shooters said, however it may be a more pleasant 43dba than a 60mm.

 

[roamerr]

43db is loud...

 

[Mallow]

If your are worried about noise and cost isn't a huge issue then I recommend these Enermax fans. They are very good quality and have a bulit-in rheostat so you can adjust the speed they run at. I turn them way down when sleeping and such but turn them up full blast when I'm in one of my gaming sessions and the sound of Counter-Strike in the background would surely cover up their noise. Or, you can get a baybus, or a similar switch to adjust the speed of the fan by changing the voltage if you already bought other fans. It's always cool to customize everything 😛

 

[Entity]

Look at the SVC 120mm Stealth fan. It's 28dba at 53cfm.

Rob

 

[progex]

IMO, ~43 dBA is loud...

Click here for an estimated example of a Sunon running at ~42 dBA.

 

[Blurry]

Thanks for all the feedback. I never realized 43 DBA would be loud since I heard people saying Delta's were bearable.