Hi there!
I'm building a new PC for home use - Internet, media playing, light photo editing etc. I am not a gamer and the Intel graphics 2500 that's in the i5 I'm getting should be enough for my needs, so I'm not even getting a discrete display card. The PC will have 1 SSD, 1-2 SATA and probably 2 fans (depending on the chosen PSU), all in a Fractal Define Mini case.
Now, because it will stand on my desk and really close to my ear (about 1m when sitting or 2.5-3m when on the sofa) noise level are the most important consideration for me. I narrowed down the list of possible PSUs to 3 options, all of them are supposed to excel in terms of noise levels, all have many upsides and some downsides, and all are quite an overkill for my needs (shame they don't make any really good low-wattage PSUs...). Here they are:
Seasonic G-360 - most suitable power, relatively cheap, great reviews BUT not modular, no semi-fanless mode so not the most quiet and has cabling for 4 SATA devices only.
Seasonic FL-400 - probably the best unit I can buy. Modular and supposed to be dead silent BUT tho most expensive and installation is trickier with the need to set the airflow inside the case right with a fanless. Also, some reports of whining, at least with older revisions of this model.
Corsair RM-450 - Relatively new and I couldn't find any review for this wattage yet. Supposedly dead silent under less than 40% load (which I doubt if I will ever reach), fully modular, but since I'll be working so much under its 50% load it might turn out the least efficient. Price however is nicely between the other 2 units I listed.
EDIT: I guess another addition to the list is Super Flower Golden Green 400w. Don't know much about it but this brand is highly appraised in the forums. Anyone has some insights on how it performs acoustically?
I am totally 😕 - been debating with myself for a few days but I just can't make up my mind. What would you choose if you were in my shoes?
Thanks!
I'm building a new PC for home use - Internet, media playing, light photo editing etc. I am not a gamer and the Intel graphics 2500 that's in the i5 I'm getting should be enough for my needs, so I'm not even getting a discrete display card. The PC will have 1 SSD, 1-2 SATA and probably 2 fans (depending on the chosen PSU), all in a Fractal Define Mini case.
Now, because it will stand on my desk and really close to my ear (about 1m when sitting or 2.5-3m when on the sofa) noise level are the most important consideration for me. I narrowed down the list of possible PSUs to 3 options, all of them are supposed to excel in terms of noise levels, all have many upsides and some downsides, and all are quite an overkill for my needs (shame they don't make any really good low-wattage PSUs...). Here they are:
Seasonic G-360 - most suitable power, relatively cheap, great reviews BUT not modular, no semi-fanless mode so not the most quiet and has cabling for 4 SATA devices only.
Seasonic FL-400 - probably the best unit I can buy. Modular and supposed to be dead silent BUT tho most expensive and installation is trickier with the need to set the airflow inside the case right with a fanless. Also, some reports of whining, at least with older revisions of this model.
Corsair RM-450 - Relatively new and I couldn't find any review for this wattage yet. Supposedly dead silent under less than 40% load (which I doubt if I will ever reach), fully modular, but since I'll be working so much under its 50% load it might turn out the least efficient. Price however is nicely between the other 2 units I listed.
EDIT: I guess another addition to the list is Super Flower Golden Green 400w. Don't know much about it but this brand is highly appraised in the forums. Anyone has some insights on how it performs acoustically?
I am totally 😕 - been debating with myself for a few days but I just can't make up my mind. What would you choose if you were in my shoes?
Thanks!
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