Tag: methodology

Noctua on measuring fan noise: Different angles, different results

Cooling, Fans, Interview | | Ľubomír Samák

Noise measurements are an extremely complex topic. Imagine you have ten different sound sources. The noise from each will radiate through the space in different ways, and measuring ‘which is the noisiest’ and coming up with a clear verdict on that is a really hard nut to crack. To give you a better idea, we’ve interviewed Noctua. Different measurement techniques yield potentially different and sometimes contradictory conclusions. Read more “Noctua on measuring fan noise: Different angles, different results” »

Returning to PC case tests (comment on methodology)

News, PC cases | | Ľubomír Samák

Probably as early as next month, in September, we will release an analysis of the first case that will go through our new testing methodology. We already have a rough outline of it and we would like to present to you what we are going to do and how and why we are going to do it. This is also to give you a chance to comment on things you might think are missing that we could easily incorporate into the standard concept. Read more “Returning to PC case tests (comment on methodology)” »

How we measured computer PSUs. The acoustic part

Analysis, PSUs | | Ľubomír Samák

The PSU tests, which will be published shortly, will also include a detailed noise analysis. Each model has a different fan, a different grille in front of it, and operates at a different speed under the same loads, all of which shapes the different noise character. In order to make everything clear and accurate, spectral analysis of the sound is essential. This tells us which frequencies are noisier and how each PSU actually “sounds”. Read more “How we measured computer PSUs. The acoustic part” »

How we measured computer PSUs. The electrical part

Analysis, PSUs | | Ľubomír Samák

The time has come to introduce the testing methodology for computer PSUs. We will divide this into two articles, where the first will cover procedures for obtaining key electrical quantities (i.e. surrounding efficiency, voltage regulation, voltage ripple, etc.). A separate sequel will then focus on the analysis of acoustic profiles. But now on to the purpose for which we travelled to the external testlab. Read more “How we measured computer PSUs. The electrical part” »

Analysis: What have we learned from motherboard tests

Analysis, Motherboards | | Ľubomír Samák

Over time, we have tested ten motherboards with Intel B660 and Z690 chipsets in great detail. From more than 5000 different measurements, we can thus confidently deny some speculations that are usually spread on the Internet from the ignorance of the authors of articles or comments (in discussions). But this is natural. The less substantial the reviews are, the more fertile ground they create for various confusions. Read more “Analysis: What have we learned from motherboard tests” »

HWC’s testlab #1: New average CPU score measuring method

Extra tests, News | | Ľubomír Samák

Since the last processor test (including) we have changed the way we evaluate the overall or average performance of all games. You suggested to us in the discussion half a year ago that it would be better for all games to have the same weight. However, the right time to incorporate this new calculation came only recently. So how do we actually do it and why is it better than before? Read more “HWC’s testlab #1: New average CPU score measuring method” »