Fan Speed and Acoustics

Even though we are writing 17dB(A) at loads of 10% and 20% the fan is simply not audible and the 17dB(A) is the limit of our test equipment. If you lean close to the fan, even putting your ear next to it, you will only hear a low ticking noise. To compare the fan speed vs. acoustic noise with other units, we can see the Nidec fan is doing an excellent job. At higher speeds of 1500RPM there is only a small amount acoustic noise - up to 21dB(A). We have heard other fans that are clearly audible at this point even with lower rotational speeds.

Owner of Antec's Signature power supplies will appreciate a very quiet environment up to a power draw of 600W. The fan starts spinning faster and quickly reaches ~3000RPM and a noise level of 30dB(A) onwards, which is of course clearly audible and as annoying as all other power supplies at this level. With an ambient temperature of 50°C the fan can spin at up to 4600RPM and produce 40dB(A), reminding us of the old PC Power & Cooling power supplies.