B
Bob
First, there are a number of Panaflo models--the quietest are pretty good
but they don't move much air either.
I clearly referenced one specific model:
http://www.directron.com/80l1a.html
"Panasonic Part No. FBA08A12L1A or PABA08A12L1J used interchangeably,
depending on the market availability."
Second, any grille or other source of
backpressure will increase the noise, so will any restriction in the
incoming flow path. Next, they are not as quiet as the numbers might lead
you to believe--they are clearly audible in the machines in which I have
installed them and aren't noticeably quieter than the stock fans of the
same flow capacity.
I do not pay any attention to those numbers for the reasons you give -
there are too many variables that change the operating conditions.
All I can tell you is that the fans I have in my machine are very
quiet. I can barely hear them and they are about 4 feet away. They are
certainly quiet enough that I never notice them. IOW, they are well
below the accomodation(*) threshold.
My computer case runs the same temp as ambient plus 1C. I have
precision electronic thermometers in my room and I have Everest on my
computer. The case temp is within 1C of the room temp measured next to
the computer. The CPU runs around 37C when not loaded and no more than
40C when loaded. That's with the retail box heat sink/fan. That case
is plenty cool for my SOHO machine. In fact, all those fans are
probably not needed but I would rather have enough than overheat.
---
(*) Accomodation is the psychological phenomenon whereby a person
loses awareness of something in his environment, like the shirt he is
wearing or some kind of background sound. For example, when you first
put on a shirt, you notice it - it is in your conscious awareness. But
after a short while you "become used to wearing it" and it no longer
manifests itself to your awareness.
--
Map of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
http://home.houston.rr.com/rkba/vrwc.html
"Whatever crushes individuality is despotism."
--John Stuart Mill, "On Liberty"