iMac vs. Mac-Mini for Noise

[d21mike]

I have the prior Mac-Mini version and it is very nice. There is actually no noise that I can here from it's location (just below my desk on a shelf). I now have a need to get a new computer for another location. On that machine I plan to run Parallels with Windows 7 (some work programs that will run on Mac). I was thinking of getting the current Mac-Mini (upgraded) or the iMac. However, I have never really liked the all in one computers but because it is more powerful then the Mac-Mini I was considering it. I really want to know if the iMac is as quite as the Mac-Mini. While reading the forums I notice a number of complaints about noise and decided to start a comparison thread.

 

[Scuby]

Unless i'm in a near-silent room, or sat with my ear on the back of the case, i can't tell if my iMac (21") is on.

Not sure on comparison with the new Mini, but my old Mini was equally quiet. To me, they're both below the threshhold where noise just isn't an issue.

Incidentally, i was originally considering a Mini, but the pricing (in the UK at least) just doesn't make sense - if you added a keyboard, mouse and 4GB RAM the Mini was only ~£100 ($150) less than the iMac, and obviously the iMac is better specced and includes the display. Crazy!

David

 

[d21mike]

I went to a Mac Mall store (US), not an Apple Store so I could maybe hear for myself today. I really could not here much with the new iMac. I ask the sales person if they had a quite area where I could check out the noise level. She said the two over in the corner are the quietest. I went over and was surprised how loud they were. However, they were a prior years model. I ask another clerk with more experience if this was normal because the new ones did not seem that loud (but they were in a busy area). He said that those (noisy ones) were running all the time. I said all my computers stay on all the time. He ask why it was important that they be really quite, did I use them in a music studio. I said no, I just like to have a quite computer (like the mac mini). He said maybe he was just use to it. I said, is this normal and he said yes. I just read the Apple web site about the new iMac's and it has a section on how quite they are. At this point I am pretty confused. Thanks for your help.

 

[Gomez315]

Where's the mall located?

I just realized I did a lazy man post. I'll google it lol.

 

[farmermac]

One of my requirements for buying a new computer was to reduce clutter in my computer room and get something quiet. I ended up with a 24" iMac last summer. It is very quiet ESP compared to most custom computers with 7200 rpm hd's and lots of fans. I can hear the hd but it's faint and it is 7200 rpm

 

[d21mike]

Where's the mall located?

I just realized I did a lazy man post. I'll google it lol.

They could be all over but mine is in Torrance California. Nice store.