ASRock M8 Mini-ITX Z87 Barebones System Review

We measure from a distance of around 2 foot from the chassis with our digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation.

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

At idle and when viewing HD content, the ASRock M8 system's four 70mm chassis fans are quiet enough to be deemed unobtrusive.

When a gaming or demanding load is applied, the fans quickly spin up to highly audible levels. Topping out at over 50 dBa when gaming, the ASRock M8 isn't ideal for users wanting a quiet system.

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