Slim PS3 Much Quieter than Original with BD

"virtually silent" some claim

According to early tests, the PS3 Slim generates significantly less noise than the original console when it's operating; not only with games, but also when playing Blu-ray movies. Engadget measured the sound pressure levels of a Slim console and an original one, running the same disc, and got levels of 60 dB for the Slim and 70 dB for the original. Having 10 dBs less is usually perceived to be "half as loud".

As a disclaimer, note that no specifics were given about the test conditions, measuring equipment, or what specific version Engadget's "original" console was. But these initial figures show promise.

Update: gaming site Destructoid has confirmed that the new PS3 is much quieter. In fact, that was the thing about the new PS3 that impressed their reviewers the most: "This thing is quiet. Scary quiet. 'WTF, is it even on?' quiet. Nick thinks the optical drive makes just a bit more noise than the original when inserting or ejecting a disc, but it didn't seem any louder to me. Either way, once your game or movie is in there, the thing is virtually silent."

Thanks to bluray.com

PS3 slim is out on Tuesday 1st September at a retail value of £249.99.