We started with power supplies, and because we have the experience and the proper equipment, we decided to help users find the most suitable products for them in other categories. The chassis (AKA cases or enclosures) category was the first one we enrolled in after PSUs. Along with power supplies, enclosures belong among the essential parts since you keep them for many years, and most of us use them through several system upgrades. This is why it is of immense importance, besides high ergonomics, to have the best possible soundproofing performance, which can also affect its thermal performance and vice versa.
In our
Chassis Noise Level database, you will find all of our chassis evaluations. We conduct all of our measurements at 23-26 degrees Celsius ambient using lab-grade equipment and a hemi-anechoic chamber, with a floor that is lower than 6 dB(A) noise. We focus on the soundproofing performance of each chassis, which, in layman's terms, is to what degree the chassis lowers the noise that the system generates.
Besides the soundproofing
performance, we also include the noise output of the chassis' stock fan(s) at three different speeds (100%, 75%, and 50%).
For our thermal performance tests, which are not depicted in our database since we only use them for beta testing purposes, besides measuring the noise at some fixed fan speeds, we also do the opposite. We set the fan speed at some specific levels to achieve the desired noise output. This way, it is easier to compare (and much more accurate) the thermal performance of all chassis under the same conditions. We don't currently include thermal performance results in our database, but this doesn't mean interested users or reviewers cannot use our findings to make comparisons and draw safe conclusions. You see, comparing the thermal performance of the same system in two different chassis with not the same fan speeds is something that won't tell you much. But if you make both chassis operate in the same conditions, under which they deliver the same noise output, it is much easier to find the best performer when handling heat loads.
We tax each chassis into three DELTA (Δ) categories based on its soundproofing performance and provide the corresponding soundproofing certifications. This makes things easier for anyone interested in a silent system. He only has to choose a LAMBDA-A++ power supply and match it with a chassis featuring the same DELTA rating.
| Levels | Soundproofing Requirements |
|---|
| A+ | ≥8 dB(A) |
|---|
| A | ≥5 dB(A) to <8 dB(A) |
|---|
| Standard | ≥2 dB(A) to <5 dB(A) |
|---|
Soundproofing performance example with various test tones:
