Noise Levels for Dell Desktops
 

Hi All,

I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600 or 8400.
Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of these models,
compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers like Sony, Gateway, or
HP? Is there a website with noise ratings for computers?

Thanx,
Key Bored

"Key Bored" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600 or
8400. Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of these
models, compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers like Sony,
Gateway, or HP? Is there a website with noise ratings for computers?

Thanx,
Key Bored

My 4600 was whisper quiet when I first bought but within a month it was a
leaf blower. Apparently it was common at the time but don't know if they've
fixed it or not.

"Ricky W. Hunt" wrote:

"Key Bored" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600 or
8400. Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of these
models, compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers like Sony,
Gateway, or HP? Is there a website with noise ratings for computers?

Thanx,
Key Bored

My 4600 was whisper quiet when I first bought but within a month it was a
leaf blower. Apparently it was common at the time but don't know if they've
fixed it or not.

My Dimension 8300 is super noisy, particularly when it's a little warm
out. I can hear in the next room! I have to turn it off at time when I am
not using it because it is so loud at times.

It has the 3.0MHz and ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB and the combination is
loud!
************************************************** ****
Charliec

"Key Bored" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600 or
8400. Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of these
models, compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers like Sony,
Gateway, or HP? Is there a website with noise ratings for computers?

My 8200 is very quiet. Most noise comes from cheap fans or loose/vibrating
fan shroud (covering around the fan). Dell replaced the original noise fan
which has been quiet ever since. Another source of noise is the fan for a
high end graphic card which generates a lot of heat and needs extra strong
cooling. You can buy replacement fans which are quieter than the originals.
If you select a mid level graphic card you'll probably end up with a quiet
Dell, either 4600 or 8400.

On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 11:38:59 GMT, Tom McCune
wrote:

Thank you. I've noticed this from the beginning and don't think it has
become louder, but I may take a look again. I would really prefer to
have
a desktop for my main computer at home, but this laptop is really so much
easier on my ears. I guess I should also add that this ear ringing may
well be something I'm just much more sensitive to than most people.


When my computer is super noisy(on a hot, humid day in summer), I use cheap
foam earplugs. A very simple, cheap, convenient solution - I also use the
earplugs for sleeping.

Buck
--
Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/

Tom McCune wrote:
"Key Bored" wrote in
:

Hi All,

I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600
or 8400. Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of
these models, compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers
like Sony, Gateway, or HP? Is there a website with noise ratings
for
computers?

This is an interesting thread. My current desktop is an 8100. It
and my prior two Dell desktops were too noisy for me. In fact, I've
now gone to nearly exclusive use of my laptop, largely because the
desktops cause my ears to ring. It is strange though that my home
desktops cause me such problems because my work Dell desktops do not
- I think it may be because the work ventilation system serves as a
white noise that filters this out (my hypothesis!).

Hi Tom,
I also have a Dimension 8100. In the course of time it became very
noisy indeed.
Recently I had a handyman replace both of the coolers you can see on
the backside (one of them belongs to the electric power unit)
Now it's as quiet again as if it was new.
Maybe it's a solution to consider ?
wederik

"Key Bored" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600 or
8400. Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of these
models, compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers like Sony,
Gateway, or HP? Is there a website with noise ratings for computers?

Thanx,
Key Bored




Just received a 4600 2 days ago and its fan/disk noise is nil (nearly
inaudible),
CD rev'ing up is audible (as I would want it to be)..

"Key Bored" wrote in message ...
Hi All,

I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600 or 8400.
Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of these models,
compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers like Sony, Gateway, or
HP? Is there a website with noise ratings for computers?

Some info can be found in the documents located he

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topi...us&l=en&s=corp

However, I find the information frustratingly vague. The configuration of the
test machines isn't fully documented, nor is the amount of load. But that is
something to look at.

There are numerous forums on the net where PC quieting is dicussed. For
example, www.anandtech.com, www.tomshardware.com, and
www.silentpcreview.com have forums. I don't know whether any third
parties have evaluated Dells, Gateways, etc for noise. However, if you
dig around you'll probably find numerous personal comments regarding
how quiet or noisy they are.

You best bet would be to find someone that owns the exact machine you
are considering, and go have a listen. Noise is a subjective thing, and what
one person might consider quiet you might consider highly annoying. If you
aren't satisfied with the noise levels of Dells, Gateways, etc you could build
your own quieter machine, or purchase one from a reputable builder.

I am using a 4300. Its case fan was quite noisy, and I tolerated it
for two years. Then I discovered that Dell has been replacing the
noisy case fan with a quiet one for quite some time. I ordered a new
case fan from Dell, and the PC is quiet ever since.

Jay Chan

"User N" wrote in message
...

You best bet would be to find someone that owns the exact machine you
are considering, and go have a listen. Noise is a subjective thing, and
what
one person might consider quiet you might consider highly annoying. If
you
aren't satisfied with the noise levels of Dells, Gateways, etc you could
build
your own quieter machine, or purchase one from a reputable builder.

Good suggestion to have computer custom built at a local shop if you're not
skilled in computer assembly. Burn out one CPU and labor savings are lost.
By emphasizing on quietness you can select higher quality fans and insulated
case with minimum addl. cost. Alternatively, be sure Dell replaces noisy
fans etc. I have a 4600 and an 8200 both of which, IMO, run quietly.