All Quiet On the PC Noise Front

High-End PCs Sans Noise Pollution

These silent beauties have a lot to offer under the hood.

Where do you turn when you absolutely must have a quiet yet powerful PC ? This is where system vendors Hush and HFX come in. They offer attractive designer PCs as a remedy for typical PC noise levels. However, peace and quiet come at a hefty price.

HFX PC C30 Media Center PC : The Strong And Silent Type

Not only are the HFX PC’s dimensions formidable, so also is its total weight. In fact, you might first think that this computer must be nailed down to the table top. Including all its hardware, this Media Center PC weighs in at over 48 pounds (22 kg). It’s a pretty heavy load, so you should be careful if you have to lift it up high for some reason or another. The cooling fins on the sides are quite sharp, and could inflict injury if not handled with proper care. Because of its large dimensions, the unit requires a large amount of space for those who might want to ensconce it in their living rooms, particularly because of its unusual and extreme depth. It’s also best not to use the unit as a monitor stand because this HTPC emits too much heat - especially if the monitor were to block any of the vents on the upper surface of the case.

The front panel includes only two buttons : one for the on/off switch, the other to open the DVD burner. Front panel connectors are likewise nowhere to be found. Ports appear only on the rear side of this computer, but in large numbers. The HFX offers nearly every conceivable type of connection that a Home Theater PC might need. This panoply of ports even includes a SCART connector (Syndicat des Constructeurs d’Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs ; a French-originated standard 21-pin connector that connects audio and video equipment to television sets) for easy connection to a VCR or DVD player. Using an adapter, you can also link up to separate composite video, S-Video or audio inputs. A closer look at the rear of the unit also reveals a 3.5" floppy drive as well. Because the power cable is also situated in this corner of the case, it almost looks like the disk drive is built into the power supply. Upon opening the case, however, you see this is not the case.

Side view of the HFX

Rear view with the floppy drive

Giant cooling fins act as heat exchangers

A giant collection of various ports and connectors

The floppy drive is accessed at the back of the unit.