Testing – Differential Temperature and Noise
The differential temperature across both Silencer power supplies was calculated by subtracting the ambient room air temperature (T in) from the temperature of the warm exhaust air flowing out of the power supply (T out). Thermocouples were placed at the air inlet and exhaust outlet of each power supply. The ambient room air temperature was 24ºC (75ºF) +/- 0.5ºC during testing.
T in = temperature of air entering power supply
T out = temperature of air exhausting from power supply
ΔT = T out – T in
Both of the Silencer power supplies use a temperature-controlled fan that speeds up as the load (internal heat generation) increases.
Sound pressure level readings were taken 3′ in front of the PSU under test in an otherwise quiet room. Each power supply was placed on a foam rubber mouse pad during testing. The ambient noise level was ~30 dBA. To my ears, anything over 40 dBA becomes noticeable and must be considered a potential noise source.
|
Differential Temperature and Noise | ||
|
Power Supply |
ΔT ºC |
dBA |
|
Silencer 360 watt ATX |
4.8 |
43.8 |
|
Silencer 410 watt ATX |
5.0 |
42.1 |
The two Silencer power supplies were virtually silent while operating under a light load (<100 watts) but became slightly noisy when operated under a moderately heavy load requiring the single 80 mm fan to speed up to maintain adequate cooling.
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