Gigabyte BRIX i7-4500 Barebones Mini-PC Review (w/ G.Skill Ripjaws 1600MHz 16GB)

We measure from a distance of around 2 foot from the Gigabyte BRIX with our digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation. The BRIX was sat on a desk when acoustic measurements were taken.

When mounted to the back of a monitor, the noise output will differ from our recordings despite being positioned at a similar distance away from the sound level meter.

Please refer to our KitGuru noise guide for a comparison between the noise levels of this system and everyday scenarios.

KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refrigerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum

While Gigabyte's BRIX certainly wasn't inaudible in all scenarios, low-load conditions allowed the system's fan to operate at low speeds which were non-intrusive. Once the load and corresponding heat output were increased, the BRIX did become more audible, but it was still well below a level which we would consider uncomfortable.

One point worth noting is that we tested the BRIX from 2 feet away, representing a typical desktop usage scenario. If the system is used in more of HTPC role (at a greater distance away from its user), perceivable noise levels will be almost non-existent.

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