BitFenix Shinobi XL Chassis Review

1. Introduction2. BitFenix Shinobi XL External3. BitFenix Shinobi XL Internal4. System Installation5. Testing Methodology & Results6. Acoustical Performance7. Closing Thoughts8. View All Pages

Today to test this chassis we have set our Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2 one meter away from the case. The room rates as 22dBa before powering on the system.

We then removed the discrete graphics card, and temporarily turned the two Akasa Venom Voodoo fans off. This leaves us with only the included case fans and very little noise from the power supply fan.

As this can be a little confusing for people, here are various dBa ratings in with real world situations to help describe the various levels.

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

We weren't quite as impressed with the acoustical performance, and feel the 120mm fan would be the first thing we'd replace if we were going to be using this case everyday.

The 2*230mm fans are whisper quiet, but inherently produce a lot of ‘air noise' within the case.

That said, due to the impressive thermal performance, you could easily fit a fan controller and make this a very silent system.

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