Average Noise
The PSU’s average noise output is low at both voltage inputs.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 115V
The semi-passive mode lasts long since the load on the minor rails doesn’t affect it. At up to 800W at 12V, the PSU’s noise remains below 20 dBA. It exceeds 25 dBA at around 885W and is over 30 dBA at 960W and above.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 230V
The 230V fan noise profile is identical to the 115V one.
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I read that ball bearing fans become significantly louder over their lifespan, so they’re deceptive in terms of noise. Is that true? Also, I read that if they’re dropped they can be ruined, so they’re more delicate than FDB fans. It seems like a no-brainer to exclusively use FDB fans in high-end PSUs. Ball bearing fans appear to be able to produce more static pressure than other fan types but since FDB fans apparently can be used in low-noise PSUs, it seems that that advantage isn’t enough to outweight the drawbacks.
With not high quality DBB fans yes this can be the case.