Why AcoustiRACK Low-Noise Rackmount Cabinets & Server Enclosures

WHY AcoustiRACK™? Introducing A Quiet Solution to Noisy Rackmount Equipment

An Increasingly Noisy Work Environment

For many of us the computer has become an integral part of today's workplace, and one that we have grown to increasingly depend upon.

The modern computer has evolved into something far removed from its predecessors; it is smaller, faster, more powerful and unfortunately noisier!

This technological increase in efficiency has many benefits but recent studies highlight one negative drawback – the persistent noise levels can significantly lower human productivity. These studies prove that in a typical fast-paced office environment, background noise can increase work-related stress and reduce concentration.

Many workers find themselves sharing an office with noisy rackmounted equipment. The constant loud high frequency noise emitting from the server fans alone can seriously impede concentration and the ability to get work done. Add this to the other typical office noises, such as ringing telephones and conversations and you have a highly stressful work environment enough to drive anyone to distraction.

According to the new European Directive for Noise Reduction in the Workplace, if for a part of the working day employees have to raise their voices to carry out a normal conversation when about 2m apart, then there could be a significant noise problem.

This new directive, introduced for all EU member states from February 2006 sets a new limit on acceptable levels of office noise. This new limit is significantly lower than the previous national legislation for the majority of these member states. You can see the UK comparison below:

	Previous UK Legislation	New European Legislation
Lower Action Level	85dB(A)	80dB(A)
Upper Action Level	90dB(A)	85dB(A)
Limit Value	None	87dB(A)

This reduction from 85dB(A) to 80dB(A) looks like a small difference in numbers, but actually represents a significant reduction in noise energy.

Below are some examples of typical noise levels:

The new European directive aims to encourage employers to use equipment designed to reduce noise emissions and to ensure that their workplaces comply with the new directive.

High Noise Levels from Modern Rackmounted Equipment

Noise levels taken at close proximity to some high-end rackmounted equipment could easily exceed 80dB(A) and therefore require action by law. Even when noise levels do not exceed this, the characteristics of the noise, such as it's monotony, frequency (pitch) and rhythmic pattern can be significant factors in causing problems with concentration and work output.

In an ideal environment you would replace any noisy equipment with inherently quiet alternatives. However, in some cases this is not possible or practical. In these cases the European Directive suggests that soundproofed enclosures should be used to isolate the noise source.

The AcoustiRACK™ Noise Reduction Solution

The AcoustiRACK™ range of soundproofed enclosures has been designed to dramatically reduce intrusive noise from 19" rackmount servers and equipment. Below is a real account of what happened when an AcoustiRACK™ was installed in a noisy office environment:

What the AcoustiRACK™ Achieves

Tests show that the AcoustiRACK™ significantly reduces server noise by up to 90%.
The AcoustiRACK™ allows for rackmounted equipment to be chosen for performance rather than for quietness.
The AcoustiRACK™ also aids cooling, with its unique "self-venting" design with optional assisted venting roof for high-end equipment. It is suitable for a wide range of rackmount equipment including blade server chassis (600 x 1000mm deep) and has a full range of 19-inch rack accessory equipment available.

For example, in recent tests we registered sound pressure levels 3m from an Intel Blade Server at nearly 70dB(A), which is the equivalent to typical noise levels at 1m from a vacuum cleaner. In addition to the noise level, the server's high whine and constant drone create a highly stressful environment where it is difficult to think clearly.

By housing the server in an AcoustiRACK™ 42U the sound pressure level registered nearly 60dB(A), a significant drop meaning it is possible to hold a normal conversation with someone 1m away. Not only was the noise dramatically reduced, but the high frequency whine was eliminated, reducing the high-stress environment even further.

Premier Intel Partner

Broadberry Data Systems are an Intel Premier Provider.

Intel Premier Providers are recognized by Intel as preferred providers of Intel based solutions. Premier providers or chanel partners are validated by Intel through training, industry certifications and demonstrated customer implementations.

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AcoustiRACK PDFs

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AcoustiRACK™ Cabinets

Proven to Significantly Reduce Server & Rackmount
Unique Self-Venting Cabinet Design (Patent Pending
Suitable for a wide range of 19" Rackmount Equipment including Blade Server Chassis
High Quality Build and Specification
Quick & Easy Full Access for Maintenence

Listen to the Difference

Download and listen to an audio mp3 presentation giving 'before' and 'after' recordings of the 24U AcoustiRACK soundproof cabinet.

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