Fan noise
To test background noise, we turned off every computer in the lab and then used a decibel meter to measure the amount of noise. We installed a graphics card with a passive cooling solution to minimize external noise.
Measurement of the heatsink fan's noise level was done with an open case at a distance of 1 meter from the fan. Do note that having a video card with an active cooling solution and extra case fans will increase the noise level, but also note that putting it in a closed case situation will reduce the noise level.
| Heatsink /Fan | Measured Volume | Claimed Volume |
| Stock AMD | 48.5 | - |
| Volcano 9 (low) | 41.7 | - |
| Volcano 9 (med) | 49.2 | - |
| Volcano 9 (high) | 60.1 | - |
| Silent Boost | 40.1 | 21 |
The fan is indeed very quiet compared to many other heatsink fans. However, the provided rating of 21 dB is not very accurate, as the fan is audible over a whisper power supply fan. However, out of the heatsinks listed, the Silent Boost is the quietest of the bunch. Remember that decibels go up in a logarithmic scale, so a difference in 10 decibels results in a doubling of fan noise.
Conclusion
The Thermaltake Silent Boost is currently available for $23 on Pricegrabber. Compared to a higher end heatsink, the Silent Boost provides great performance without having to compromise with excessive noise levels and a relatively low price. For those of you getting annoyed by your loud performance cooler or want an extra push over the default stock cooler, the SilentBoost is just about perfect. Although the claims of 21 db did not hold up in our tests it was easily the quietest cooler of the bunch. The SilentBoost is an ideal cooler for just about everyone except the most hardcore of guys who want even lower temperatures. The Silentboost is highly recommended.
10/10
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