Noise? LaCie F800 RAID

[Matt Gorney]

We use the G-Tech Quad drives and they are super duper quiet, plus they have
built in Firewire 400, 800, eSata and USB 2.0 connections (thus the “quad” name).

They also look cool.

https://www.g-technology.com/

-Matt

[Walter Biscardi]

The F800 is quite loud when it’s first turned on but then quiets down pretty nicely. I have a review of the product in the Features section. You can also click on my head and find the review if you scroll down.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com

Director, “The Rough Cut”
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[Mat @ lacie]

Hello Geof,
Hope you are doing well.
The F800 has a variable speed fan that quicks in only when needed. Since the launch of the product a year ago we even improved the noise level.

The S1S is the same product with SATA connection (w/ hardware RAID controller that supports RAID 5).

F800 and S1S come with a 2 year-warranty.

Hope this helps.
Mat @ LaCie

[Dave Mac]

Geof,

Noise levels can be a rather arbitrary matter. Some may consider any fan noise unacceptable, while others may not mind.

I would second the recommendation to consider other vendors besides LaCie. G-Technology, WiebeTech, and others provide similar or better-performing products, sometimes with better warranties. Other good vendors include FWDepot, MacGurus, and OWC (macsales.com).

You didn’t specify whether you are considering only pre-packaged two-drive (or four-drive units), or not. There are “mini-tower” swappable systems that have larger cases and much more quiet fans. Locating drive systems under a desk can make a huge difference in noise levels.

Once you’ve decided on what type of system you really want, you should try to test drive different models, or at least get some info on ambient noise levels generated by the various products. Good luck with your selection process.