Is an Intel 1600 watt power supply uncomfortably loud?

[Quidnunc]

Hello,

I am planning a build, but the configured chassis comes with an Intel 1600 watt power supply. Since the board is custom, this is the only power supply and chassis available.

I have been told by a custom computer builder that this particular power supply will be very loud. Note, I will not be utilizing all 1600 watts, and initially, about 700 watts, but I will be leaving this particular workstation to my alma mater when I die and they might utilize the entire 1600 watts.

Intel support told me that the PWM Offset can be set to 0 in the bios and that will significantly reduce the noise from the power supply.

Remember, this is the ONLY chassis system available for this particular board. Sadly, the particular Intel workstation chassis only comes with a 1600 Watt power supply.

I have looked at Super Micro, and their systems also come with 1200 watt or greater power supplies. Also, the accompanying Super Micro boards have a password vulnerability.

Anyhow, the builder kind of made it seem that the PSU will be uncomfortably loud in my living room. The Intel person said it would not likely be loud with that adjustment and the fact that I would not be operating at full load.

 

[g-unit1111]

I'm curious as to what you would need a 1600W PSU for. If you're saying you only need 700W, why not go for a 850W PSU like an EVGA G2?

I'd take what the Intel support guy said with a large grain of salt. For one thing PSUs are the one component that is truly universal. And they are getting better with each generation. The current crop of 1KW+ PSUs that are 80+ Platinum and Titanium rated are extremely efficient (more so than comparable 750W Bronze units) and very silent. I'd take an EVGA 1200W P2 or a Corsair AXi 1500W over a built in PSU any day of the week.

 

[Quidnunc]

I'm curious as to what you would need a 1600W PSU for. If you're saying you only need 700W, why not go for a 850W PSU like an EVGA G2?

I'd take what the Intel support guy said with a large grain of salt. For one thing PSUs are the one component that is truly universal. And they are getting better with each generation. The current crop of 1KW+ PSUs that are 80+ Platinum and Titanium rated are extremely efficient (more so than comparable 750W Bronze units) and very silent. I'd take an EVGA 1200W P2 or a Corsair AXi 1500W over a built in PSU any day of the week.

First, thanks for the reply.

As I mentioned in the original question, the board I will be using is very custom and only one chassis will fit the board. That chassis only comes with a 1600 watt power supply, so I have no choice. The 1600 watt power supply is a platinum level efficiency power supply. You mention such are extremely efficient ad silent, which was my original interest.

Actually, I have found the Intel Server Support personnel very knowledgeable and helpful.

Near 65% of all my design, including OS and keyboard, has been validated by Intel (THOL). If validation is done appropriately by Intel, such methods are quite valuable since Six Sigma is often a part of the validation process. Also, I am sure Intel uses their own equipment for in-house, have data on failure, can adjust manufacturing because of that data, and have produced a quality product.

Based on the above and the original question, will the 1600 watt power supply be silent? You said platinum are silent.

Thanks.

 

[drfrank]

It is absolutely uncomfortably loud! And a big problem I'm having is that once the fan turns on, it doesn't ever get quieter, even if the temperature goes back down. I'm looking into building a custom soundproof(ish) enclosure for mine because I can hear that thing everywhere in my house.

 

[g-unit1111]

Please don't bump old threads.