Introduction

Our last test a Besser-Leise PC is already some months back. The former SLI system AMD-based however could not inspire us and showed discrepancies for pre-configured silent system of a specialist in the component selection as well as in the decisive volume characteristic. BESSER-Leise Schwartz-PC, to be shown with the current protagonists and figurehead in terms of noise, minimal is, that it can however also significantly better the Oldenburg company.

Based on fast socket-775-technology including quad-core facilities, want the PC-Bauer have created a favourable and almost silent computing field for games, multimedia and everyday tasks and naming it after their Chief Designer Gerrit Schwartz. We look closer at the Besser-Leise computer and light above all the ergonomic issues usual. Makes it better this calculator?

PC compilation

BESSER-Leise-PC comes ready to use in safe packaging. All internal cables were moved to clean and put together with the help of cable binders. The below proposed compilation proposal is and can be adapted by arrangement with the Oldenburg company in detail to the own wishes and ideas – this is for the hardware, as well as for the corresponding range of the software or the operating system.

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Components are briefly presented

As housing for chat PC, Besser-Leise men with the Zalman GS 1000 chose an interesting full-tower chassis. The 22 x 52 x 58.5 cm (W x H x D) a 14.4 kg basis for a quiet PC configuration provides large enclosure with a steel core. Thus, it is reserved and varied designed with the top plastic part in piano-black finish and the brushed aluminum side panel. Unfortunately show very dust and fat finger prone to just the shiny plastic surfaces and require some care.

Fundamentally, the enclosure of space provides for four external 5,25 “drives as well as 6 internal 3,5″-devices. The latter are housed in cages and can be accessed even from outside with a folding mechanism. For the lower cage is a hot-swap function available which SATA hard drives without direct cabling can be conveniently on and expanded. Unfortunately these functions in the Besser-Leise implementation not be used, since the only disk of the system in a 5.25 “Bay was packed.” Otherwise, the Zalman GS 1000 offers plenty of space for extensions, a very high perceived quality, good opportunities for the laying of the cable and sufficient ventilation options.

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A look inside shows the Besser-Leise-system builders have crafted properly installed all components and front connectors, and Furthermore, very much like to work with cable ties. Each free strand was carefully set so that on the one hand while regulatory and air flow störendem clutter is prevented, but also any change on the cabling or exploitation is very expensive.

The motherboard is better silent on the ASUS P5Q Pro with Intel-P45-(Eaglelake)-Chipsatz, which we have already presented in a short test. The passively cooled mid-range Board socket-775-based provides a very solid and stable foundation for a balanced, powerful system. Among other things two PCI, as well as three PCIe equipped with two PCIe – 16 x-,-1 x ports, onboard ALC1200 8-channel sound, GB-LAN, 12 x USB 2.0, 2 x FireWire, 6 x SATA-II RAID, 2 x SATA-II, as well as extensive BIOS-settings and Übertaktungsoptionen it offers many options for the extension and fine adjustment.

The central processing unit is the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 is. The current 45-nm CPU offers very high computing power at a reasonable cost with their four native cores and 2.83 GHz (8.5 x 333 MHz), shows how our current CPU comparison. Although not among the Stromsparwundern the Yorkfield CPU, can be well cool at an operating voltage of about 1.2 volts but still easily.

Memory used Besser-Leise no special modules, but relies on two 2-GByte bar from Samsung. The DDR2 memory are specified PC6400 and work with cl6xxe latencies at 400 MHz or CL5 at 333 MHz.

Essential component for a game system is the graphics card. In the Schwartz, an Accelerator takes the current NVIDIA Central cash course which newly hangs-up the former high end card GeForce 9800 GTX + with a GeForce GTS 250 from ASUS. The 55 nm-G92b-GPU uses 738 MHz core clock, with 256-bit connected 512 MB GDDR3 memory is operated with 1100 MHz. A detailed review of the GeForce GTS 250 is available in our review.

For sufficient disk space is 5.25 “Bay used Samsung HD103UJ Godfather.” He was very quiet and cool known magnetic memory has 1000 GB storage capacity and 32 MByte cache, spins at 7200 RPM and is connected with SATA-II. To cope with multimedia tasks, a Blu-ray combo drive is with the LG GGC-H20L used, which is able to read Blu-ray discs with up to six-time speed and burn, all standard DVD and CD formats in appealing speed. Even the no longer produced HD DVDs can be read with up to triple speed. In addition, with the Samsung SH-S223Q is still a reliable burning and reader in the PC, which also goes up on the Blu-ray support with all popular media. Since both drives are LightScribe capable, the benefits of the Samsung writer is reduced to on-the-fly copy tasks.

BESSER-Leise sees as current supplier with the Silverstone SST-ST45NF a 450 Watt before strong passive power supply and installed it at the bottom of the housing in little separate position. The 86 x 150 x 160 mm wide and about 2.8 kg heavy Silverstone power supply works as a full aluminium construction fully lüfter-and silently and does this with only small passive coolers, as well as an open honeycomb design. This is made possible by the high efficiency of more than 80 percent, as well as by an electronic system designed really to much higher performance values. The SST ST45NF complies with the ATX 2.3 standard and provides sufficient connectivity: 1 x 20/24 pin, 1 x 4 + 4 pin ATX/EPS, 6 x 4-pin HDD, 6 x SATA, 2 x floppy, 1 x 6-pin PCIe and 1 x 6 + 2 pin PCIe and for a midrange system enough amperage on the single lines (+ 3.3V: 22A, + 5V: 15A, + 12V: 35A).)

Component cooling

The cooling of the built-up core hardware components become the fundamental challenge in a PC trimmed on silent running. Finally, the interaction of all cooling elements must be strong enough, to derive the heat generated, but may not lose on the other hand from the acoustic point of view. For a PC that comes by sending or forwarding in the local study also increased security at the cooling hardware requirements. Verschraubmontagen are therefore duty to help the customer when unpacking is not a rude awakening.

By Schwartz-PC is the ventilation motto “double cools better”. So is perched on the CPU with the cooler master Gemin II of one of the largest available CPU cooler in conventional Downblow design, which is actively ventilated by two 120 mm Scythe slip stream fans. The latter are the “SL” series, work as standard only with something over 500 rpm and aerate so that in addition to the Gemin II, based on a six-heatpipe design and a huge heatsink, also near-socket components (chip set, voltage converter, RAM) of the motherboard. Probably only for this reason the option on the product of cooler master will be appeal, for its pure CPU cooling performance could convince limited us in our time unit test in reference to its eerie size.

In the case fans, the choice was consequently also on the very quiet, slowly rotating SL-slip-stream models made by Scythe (500 R/min, 42 m³/h, bearing, 3-pin connector). Two of carrying heated air from the chassis at the top of the case, while a third party (mounted on the rear panel) out. A simple view of this configuration can be an idea that no clear directional air flow in the Zalman is produced in conjunction with the CPU cooler. Supporting, targeted and positive effects on the vents can be achieved little due to the different flow directions, and in view of the low fan spacing of sometimes only a few millimetres. Here, the CPU-cooler-decision would be better on a current 120 mm Tower because fallen on the cooler master mammoth.

BESSER-Leise has a very good choice made in the meantime for graphics card cooling. Here, the Oldenburg exchange the stock cooler, the GTS 250 against the scythe Musashi and thus ruining one of the current best and especially quietest retrofit cooler for Accelerator, which could take our computer base recommendation in individual tests. The Musashi is relatively flat and has about a 100-x-12-mm double Ventilierung. As standard are both VGA fans to minimum speed (about 700 rpm), a double potentiometers on the far wall of the housing the user on demand may increase the fan speeds up to 1900 rpm. Such intervention should be never necessary due to the efficiency of the cooling and the temperatures shown in the test under normal conditions.

Measurements

Temperature

First, we give an overview of the temperature conditions in the Interior of the Besser-Leise system based on surface temperatures measured with an infrared thermometer to fünfstündiger 3DMark06-Loop-Prime95-Kombination. The maximum values of the corresponding zones have been documented by us in the following graphic. The room temperature was 25 ° C during the tests consistently.

As expected, the hot spots in the area of the graphics card and chip set focus. Here still uncritical PCB and cooler surface temperatures are above 60 ° c read. Comparatively cool it goes on in the meantime in the CPU region. While the active ventilated CPU cooler only little about the case temperature is warmed, only 50 ° C are achieved even close to the base. A value that exceeds even of memory. Very cool presents the passive Silverstone power supply. The open design of honeycomb and the passive heat sink downward ensure safe temperature values. In addition, there is more heat concentrations only at the front of the hard disk and the optical drives.

Parallel to this representation of course the internal measurement diodes of various components, which were read out and recorded during the above mode ‘ with the extensive diagnostics and benchmark tool Everest we are interested in.

The internally measured temperature results to differ from the surface representation, that the CPU heating is crucial. Over 80 ° C core temperature are still acceptable for a silent configuration, but only small reserves for possible experiments. Apart of above all remains graphics chip with very good Scythe Musashi even at lowest level in pleasantly moderate climes.

Volume sensation

The volume characteristic should be part of the parade disciplines of Besser-Leise Schwartz PC. Here the fan Setup tailored to minimum speeds comes the configuration also benefit as the selected selection of installed fans. Wisely, the Oldenburg PC Bauer to have taken that the used Scythe-fans have no appreciable grinding or bearing Echis noise. Consequently the user presents a very pleasing sound at about 550 RPM all five 120 mm slip stream SL- or well 700 rpm the two 100 mm-Musashi fan. Subjectively, you can hear little noise to itself for open housing side panel and can speak from an almost silent impression.

To this, the installed sound insulation mats contribute only a small part, they can only conditionally pursuing case hardly existing emission of but their absorbing main. For this purpose, provide in particular a vibration-damping effect due to the proposed mass sorgtfältig on the sides of the entire housing base and rightly clipped in the front, top and rear housing area and bonded multi-layer mats heavy bitumen-based and thus complement the noise preventive equipment of Besser-Leise PCs.

Not even the Samsung HD103UJ disk is able to interfere with the work zurückhaltenden very eerie calm access with their innately and running noise. This familiar Besser-Leise traditionally on the operation of the Zalman ZM-2HC2, a headage suspension for 3.5 “drives, which despite their open construction amazingly reliable for reducing noise in magnetic memory contributes and it hardly affects the temperatures.” In combination with the acoustic insulation of the Zalman case, thus the compilation proves Sonic excellence in everyday operation.

Only the Blu-ray combo drive and the Samsung DVD writer tarnish the silence, if you give them a task. This proves above all the LG combo drive to acceptable noise characteristic and underlines its suitability for extensive movie nights in a quiet environment.

Volume measurement

In addition to these subjective sensations, of course, also the metrological underlay the sound impressions must not be missed. To do this we use the Voltcraft-320-sound level meter, which emits the adjoining sound pressure in a range of 30 to 130 decibels after the famous A-rating curves as usual. As the measurements under laboratory conditions in a normal working area (whose basic volume which blew in subjectively felt silence 30.4 DB(a)), the results obtained can be used only as approximate clue. Centre of tolerance of 30.4 dB(A) are fundamental as to refer to perceptible. Depending on the personal feelings one can speak loud dB(A) to 35 of (very) quiet, up to 40 DB(A) of medium sound and beyond from uncomfortable to extreme.

The measurements be taken in a work typical distance of half a meter from the PC in a M above sea level. The gauge is mounted on a tripod.

The measurement of sound pressure considerations underlying the acoustic performance of the PC. Here, worthy his name Besser-Leise and actually manages to make the user an almost silent in operation everyday companions. Only the optical drives manifest – something which by their very nature unless they are needed.

Power consumption

To overcome the issue to the economic and environmental impact of Besser-Leise construction, a measurement for the power consumption of the overall computer should not be missed. To do this we turn a Voltcraft energy check 3000 between power distribution and the cold device’s power cord of the PC and read out the values in the specified situations. While the load measurements limited primarily to the usage of the core components of CPU and graphics card, while the optical drives safely tap not their maximum performance in this mode.

About 100 Watts consumption in idle mode are a decent value for a system of lies. Also just under 250 Watt maximum consumption in demanding applications go from the economic point of view in order and consistent with the experience of the individual unit tests.

System performance

After we ourselves held the important ergonomics vertices of Schwartz PC read, our last look at the performance data of computing knechtes should fall. Thus, we limit ourselves to a small set of benchmarks as the performance of the complete computer according to the installed components turns out. If you are also interested comparative tests of individual components, will find in our extensive test articles in each category. In particular the GeForce GTS 250 is doing on our current processors comparison where the Q9550 reference provides the short test of ASUS P5Q with Intel P45 chipset, as well as the extended test.

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The benchmark selection reveals no surprises. The system operates in accordance with the installed hardware in all areas very quickly. The coordination and implementation of the components is without neck consistent, so that common 3D games as well as extended computing footprint through render or multimedia tasks easily and quickly be done. Of course, the Schwartz-PC can break any speed records, he has however always very good all-round capabilities.

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Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit was used for the benchmarks. Windows XP with SP3 was used only for HDTach. The NVIDIA ForceWare 190.62 was as a video driver uses.

Conclusion

BESSER-Leise Schwartz-PC without a doubt among the quietest complete systems, which could be reviewed in the editorial. From this perspective, the Oldenburg specialist has done really remarkable work and presents a PC of lies almost silently working in all areas of everyday life. The user receives a quite fast computing field, which is well grown current games as well as the multimedia music including Blu-ray support as well as processor-intensive tasks off of successful acoustic performance. However the hardware-based among the socket 775-infrastructure, specifically no longer the current guard, which is but quite legitimate in the light of the price alignment and performance shown.

Technically, you can install hardly any criticism on the Besser-Leise Opus. All components have been installed safe and clean, meticulously set all wiring harnesses with cable ties and moved. The insulation material was properly fitted and properly installed the cooling hardware. However, we are only partly satisfied with the selection of the cooler. We really liked the selected slip stream vents for housing and CPU, which aptly associate with their low production speed and good bearings of cooling and Silentfähigkeiten. He makes acts very good also the scythe Musashi on the GTS 250, but place economically and powerful at the same time. Meanwhile you can use quite better constructions, which promote the flow of air in the housing and can have on top of that even better raw performance, when the CPU cooler.

The bottom line delivers Besser-Leise with the Schwartz PC from an ergonomic point of view but from a good idea. There are improvement and change options in the individual ideas and preferences to a complete system, course to the almost any degree.

Supplement
During the test phase has Besser-Leise decided to replace components of the Schwartz system. So, the passive Silverstone power supply reasons must yield the 450-Watt model Scythe Kamariki. The power supply of the Japanese is also 80 plus certified and should do nothing to the superior acoustics of the PC design according to statements by Besser-Leise due to the super quiet 100 mm ventilation. Also placing SE, which includes steel side walls and through the more even higher weight vibration prevention is designed to provide the package now on the Zalman GS 1000. The total price of the so-modified system amounts to 1300 euros.