Test Details
We used a Western Digital WD740 Raptor for testing, which as mentioned earlier is one of the hottest-running 3.5” hard drives produced. Although it’s an outdated model, it is well-suited for these tests: if the 3RSystem case and the GUP drive silencer manage to keep this drive cool, they will be able to handle almost any other drive.
Noise Measurements
We measured noise in three different setups:
- Acoustic measurement of an individual WD740 Raptor drive. We positioned the drive on four small pieces of Styrofoam board, to prevent vibrations from reaching the test board.
- We installed the WD740 drive into the middle bay of the hard drive cage of 3RSystem’s L-1100 T.REX case, and measured noise from the same distance and angle as we did with the individual drive, but outside of the closed L-1100 case. We used both system fans to keep the drive cool, but did not install a power supply for this test.
- We installed the WD740 drive into the Smart Drive Neo and placed it on the same test board that we used for the hard drive.
All noise measurements were made exactly 70 cm to the left of the hard drive setups, regardless of what else was in between, such as the case or the HDD silencer.
Temperature Measurements
We ran temperature tests on the drive laying on the test bench, inside the 3RSystem L-1100 T.REX case, and inside the GUP Smart Drive Neo. First, we executed IOmeter’s database test, which typically stresses a drive rather well. After a period of 45 minutes, we used Everest 4.6 to read the hard drive’s SMART sensor values to determine temperature.
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I found the "Smart Drive Neo HDD" on scan.co.uk for £86!!!! Argh!
So ripped off we are. If it was £40, I would of had it. I can live with the bit of noise for now. I'll wrap my PC in old pants.
Well I had a look in japan for a Smart Drive Neo HDD.
http://kakaku.com/item/05392910807/
5,850.00 JPY = 39.1732 GBP
We get 140yen to the pound right now. The average used to be 200yen to the £. So the weak pound will drive the price up; But I have to say this is a basic item that's way overpriced.
ummmm.....guys,theres a BIG problem. 3dB are twice the spl, not 10dB. 10dB will be more than 3 times the pressure.
If the Smart Drive Neo HDD only takes 3.5" HDDs, the case must be about 4.5". Where would you mount it?!
According to google you shudnt keep ur harddrives cool anyway, contrary to popular opinion harddrives kept at low temperatures in googles servers broke more than those at moderate temps, and the trend was only reversed at very very high temps. So little air exchange shouldn't be a huge concern.
So... how come we didn't see the results of the Neo IN the T.Rex? That would have been something to hear about (or not hear, hardy har)
I got a minor improvement just using silicone washers on the HDD mounting screws. 50 rings for £3 from Maplins...
The 150gb raptor is still quite noisy, but at least it's not so penetrating now.
The article is wrong. Log 10 means if you increase by 10db you increase the power by a factor of 10.. As someone else mentioned an increase of about 3db is a doubling of power! simple maths guys!
Yes. Get your science right, an increase of 3db means a doubling of spl.
I'm content with my HDDs enough to save the money. And I have 4.
When SSDs come though, noisy drives will be of the past. Unless you still use DVDs/ BR-DVD.
In every system I've built it's not the hard drive that's the problem..it's the PSU or CPU fan. It's like some manufacturers simply do not care.
I found the "Smart Drive Neo HDD" on scan.co.uk for £86!!!! Argh!So ripped off we are. If it was £40, I would of had it. I can live with the bit of noise for now. I'll wrap my PC in old pants.
LOL it's not only graphics cards, then