How to judge noise level when configuring a computer on dell.com or hp.com

"I just bought a Dell Studio XPS, core i7 (2 weeks ago, maybe) and I was surprised by how quiet it was. It does roar to life when you first turn it on, but it quickly subsides to below average levels. The fan does ramp up a little in response to increased processing levels, but the only thing I've really pushed it with was Google Earth.

In general, if you want assurances for noise level, you'll have to DIY, and for that I recommend Silent PC Review. You could mod an OEM system by buying your own PSU, upgrading your heatsink, or pasting on antivibrational dampening foam (like Acoustipack), but you're better off building from scratch."

"Dell does a decent job when it comes to noise with most of thier pc's. Obviously, the server grade stuff is going to be noisy, but almost all their consumer products I have experienced have been rather quiet. The slim desktops might be a little different story with the reduced size and airflow, but I haven't ran into too many noisy newer dell's. The high performance gaming ones I am sure will rev up a bit if you get them loaded down, but for normal use, most of their stuff should be decent. This is just my experience though.

That would be a great question to ask one of the higher level support technitions through dell and see if you can get official numbers or information. I suggest you call them and ask."