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Puget Systems’ Serenity Silent PC Reviewed

Eric Garay
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Having built many a PC, I can honestly say it’s pretty simple building a machine using stock or aftermarket components and parts. However, when noise is an issue, you have to start doing more in depth homework as there are plenty of noisy components these days. But there are very few components that can help cut down or eliminate noise all together. This is where companies that specialize in innovation related to silence can help. Today we get to see the results of Puget Systems’ quest to build the quietest enthusiast based PC on the planet: The Serenity.

The Serenity PC

The objective of Serenity is to create the best performing computer without the noise. That means using some of the latest silent, or near silent components possible to eliminate said noise. First, engineers started with a worthy computer case that can block noise while looking refined and elegant. That’s where the Antec P183 enclosure comes in. Next, Puget assembled tried and true components that they themselves have put through rigorous testing. This certification process makes it possible for them to put their guarantee behind their creation that it will not fail its task of silence.

One of their favorite components is any performance level video card that is passively cooled, or can run near silent. In the case of the Serenity it’s a pair of passive ATI HD5750 1GB video cards. As more silent configurations of performance level graphics cards like ones based off of the nVidia GTX 460 become available and pass validation, they may be added to future configurations.

What Features Create Serenity?

Here’s a video run through of what makes Puget Systems’ Serenity PC so special…

Some of Serenity’s features and specs can be customized but certain package improvements are included in the configuration for it to be part of the Serenity series. Some of those examples include:

  • AcoustiPack: this is basically composite sheet materials used to help dampen or block noise. The Antec P183 enclosure already features some of this technology making it even more quiet.
  • Fan Upgrade Kit: Engineers swap out the P183 Tri-Cool case fans with a lower rpm, more silent case fan. Any fans Puget uses has to pass strict validation testing for it to become a successful replacement fan. No matter what fan is used, it’s going to be some where around 14dB or lower at all times.
  • Antec P183 Quiet Modification Package: To ensure the case isn’t the cause of component noise or vibration, Puget fine tunes the case themselves for optimal performance.

In the end, the goal of this configuration is to avoid any noise if at all possible. A magic 14dB number popped up during discussion. However, based on the enclosure used and noise prevention methods, we found something even more interesting during testing.

System Specifications

Here’s the break down of our particular test build. Keep in mind, the system is configured based on low noise and low heat performance, yet sports a slight overclock from the factory.

I’ll be comparing the Serenity to my own test system assembled as closely as possible with available parts. The system stock to offer a truer comparison between what us end users assemble versus what Puget Systems assembles.

Before any system goes out, Puget thoroughly validates every possible feature, function, and overclock. For example, a full CPU Burn-In test was performed while monitoring CPU core and GPU temps which it has to pass. If something doesn’t pass muster, the component or system is replaced.





Validating Puget’s Testing

One of the cool features about any Puget Systems build is that they post benchmark results of each system online while it goes through stability testing. They are also included in your product notebook. I’ll be comparing my results without the system overclocked to give you a more realistic view of what your dollar purchases compared to something you can build on your own.

CrystalDiskMark – Hard Drive and SSD Performance

CDM tests the systems storage performance.  Thanks to the use of a PLX chip on the ASUS P7P55D-E Pro motherboard, the system produced slightly higher (about 5%) sequential read and write transfer rates when it comes to the Western Digital 2TB Caviar Green hard drive. Unfortunately, I don’t have an exact duplicate Intel X25M SSD to compare, but I’m sure it was hauling a$$.

CineBench – CPU Performance

This benchmark measures and compares the system’s CPU performance utilizing features like Intel Turbo Tech and Turbo Mode. Remember, the Serenity system is overclocked while my system was not.scored lower with the Single CPU 1.17 and Multiple CPU 5.41. However, I’m running a GTX 285 which resulted in 35.11 FPS in the Open GL tests. The important thing is the Serenity is indeed faster.

Full System Performance – Euler3D, Lame 3.89.2, WinRAR, and WM Encoder

In encoding and encoding, zipping and unzipping, the Serenity configuration was about 15% faster and more efficient than my stock Core i7-875K processor. Since our Serenity ships with 8GB 1333MHz DDR3 there was no lack of memory when crunching larger files.

3D Comparison – Dirt 2 and X3: Terran Conflict

The dual ATI HD 5750 1GB cards out perform my single GTX 285 1GB pretty easily. My results were about 18% less throughout with the GTX 285 and the stock CPU clock. Let’s check out some more game titles and some more direct comparisons with my built system.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 and Crysis Warhead

The humble pair of HD5750 video cards really aren’t intended to handle really high resolutions in BFBC2 or RE5. But, they do just fine up to 1920 x 1080 especially in Crossfire mode. They still out pace my stock system and single graphics card by a decent margin.

Unigine Heaven Demo 2.0

With the Crossfire combo and overclocked CPU, the Serenity crunches out a decent Direct11 score. If I had thrown in a GTX 470, it probably would have been different. But, then two ATI HD 5750 1GB video cards are cheaper than one GTX 470 and are completely silent due to the passive cooling. A FERMI would BURN if it was passive and loaded.





Testing Its Serenity

After years of using enthusiast based systems, it’s the case and VGA fans that have conditioned me to expect some kind of noise during operations. But, the Serenity had me leaning over to make sure the system was powered up on more than one occassion. That’s how quiet the Serenity configuration really is. Unfortunately, my particular SPL or sound meter stops detecting noise below 20dB. Having enlisted the help of a colleague in arms, we discovered the Serenity to actually produce between 11 and 12dB at its very worse measured within 6 inches of all the fans.

Even with a rather warm 22C ambient room temperatures, the CPU temperatures didn’t top 74C and the video cards did not top 80C during unrealistic Furmark and OCCT testing. In fact, typical gaming temps averaged 60C thanks to the low powered ATI HD 5750 GPUs with a 120mm case fan strategically placed in the ideal location for optimal air flow.

Final Thoughts

The one thing I can’t stress enough about the Serenity system is the pleasant, silent experience at all times. Even under load, it’s very hard to hear the system. You would have to purposely go looking for noise within the case just to know it’s operating. Engineers say it’s a lab validated system, but not quite tuned for studio environments. However, I beg to differ. The Puget Systems Serenity system is an inaudible work of art with innovation attributed to their process for selecting a unique combination of components for the task.

Ultimately, the Serenity is tuned for users who must have a quiet system that still offers the most up to date features, expansion, and performance. While it can’t be purchased quite as easily as a slap-n-pack PC, the premium you pay carries a guarantee that it will work to near silent specs without fail. However, if by some random roll of the dice your system does not perform, Puget Systems will actively do what it takes to rectify any issues in a very timely manner. And, that kind of peace of mind is worth every penny to quite a few consumers, even myself.

Pros:

  • Silent operation perfect for professionals
  • Top grade components
  • Impeccable validation and testing
  • Combination hard drive and SSD storage
  • Great care is taken to ensure quality

Cons:

  • Premium price for piece of mind
  • Doesn’t include pro audio card

Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10.0

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