NZXT Whisper
Once we insert a passive PSU and connect the fans, at 75cm distance we measure 38 DBa of sound pressure. We weren't impressed here either. Quite honestly I was hoping for something a little better, as that is not exactly silent.
When we tested with the chassis closed, the sound pressure actually rose a little, due to the inside airflow.
The inside insulation and noise preventing measures do good job but there is no way of denying that the system fans are too loud for a chassis claiming to be silent. A fan controller is definitely going to be a requirement if you are looking for pure silence.
Last photo of the NZXT Whisper, before we head on over to the conclusion.
