QUIET Power Supply

[1landshark]

I ma upgrading my rig due to a bad mobo and want a really quiet PS. I am probably putting in a Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor and keeping my old graphics card. I am trying to make everything as quiet as possible as I run this in the bedroom and my current system had an annoying whine that disturbed both my wife and I.
TIA

 

[MarcVenice]

Current graphics card? Here's a list of quiet powersupply's. If your graphics card is a low power graphics card, no pci-e connectors, then something like 330w will do. If it's a more powerfull videocard, like a 8800gt or hd4850 etc, then i'd say grab a corsair 450vx, 520hx etc. The enermax is the quietest one, but it's also really expensive compared to the other ones.

 

[nevbie]

Typically power supplies are as quiet as their fan is. The answer really depends on your definition of quiet. Currently I am in the process of building a quiet computer, and I picked Corsair 550VX to it because of it's good reviews. After fixing everything else in my system (basically only using scythe S-flex 1200rpm fans @ 800rpm for airflow creation) the power supply fan is the biggest source of noise. And I'm going to do a small fan related modification for it.

I've seen threads where people complain about 550VX or 450VX being a bit noisy, and these are supposed to be relatively quiet among power supplies. I don't know how much there are differences between samples of the same model though. Perhaps if you list your PC noise sources, someone who uses the same parts can give feedback. If your video card Y is noisier than power supply X, you probably won't regret picking power supply X if you can live with the noise of video card Y.

 

[jinho11104]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
Current graphics card? Here's a list of quiet powersupply's. If your graphics card is a low power graphics card, no pci-e connectors, then something like 330w will do. If it's a more powerfull videocard, like a 8800gt or hd4850 etc, then i'd say grab a corsair 450vx, 520hx etc. The enermax is the quietest one, but it's also really expensive compared to the other ones.

try the zalman PSU.. its silent cooling someone is selling them here cheap you should check it out

 

[opeeum69]

MarcVenice, if I'm running a hd4870, do you think my antec earthwatt 500 would do? thanks

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: nevbie
I've seen threads where people complain about 550VX or 450VX being a bit noisy, and these are supposed to be relatively quiet among power supplies.

Quietness is perception and expectation. If you expect to not hear a single thing, then the "whoosh" of the air or quiet ticking of the fan motor will drive you nuts. If you just wanted to leave behind your "fan boy" nickname from back when you overclocked that AXIA Athlon 1.0GHz to 1.5GHz using a 60mm Delta fan, then you'd hear the ringing in your ears (tinnitus) more than the PSU.

Another thing is that a 450VX or 550VX being run at let's say 400W might be noisier than, say, a 750TX being run at 400W.

Originally posted by: opeeum69
MarcVenice, if I'm running a hd4870, do you think my antec earthwatt 500 would do? thanks

Yes. And stop calling me MarcVenice.

IIRC the 4870 uses two 6 pin PCIe, which is the exact number the EA500 has. Coincidentally the EA500 can output the power it claims to. Ergo...

 

[MarcVenice]

You on drugs Zap ?

Since he was talking to me I'm just going to repeat what Zap said "The 4870 uses two 6 pin PCIe, which is the exact number the EA500 has. Coincidentally the EA500 can output the power it claims to. Ergo..."

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
You on drugs Zap ?

Just a bastardization of a movie quote.

From the movie Airplane
Ted Striker: Surely there must be something you can do.
Rumack: I'm doing everything I can... and stop calling me Shirley.