Mixed Reactions to In-House S21 Slim | Performance and Noise Concerns Persist
A recent assessment of the S21 Slim by developers has sparked divided opinions in the community, especially regarding noise levels versus performance. While many praise the sound efficiency, others have voiced their criticism of the fans' noise.
Current Testing Gains
Latest developments show that the S21 Slim now achieves 42 terahashes per second (42T) using 680 watts on a 110-volt system. The model operates with Noctua NF-12 3000 RPM fans, which some users say closely resemble standard desktop noise levels—"not exactly groundbreaking," noted one participant. Others have mentioned louder fan noise, even at lower settings. One user remarked, "the fans were much louder" prompting concerns about the setup's effectiveness.
Community Voices: The Debate Continues
Feedback from various forums highlights clear divisions:
Performance Versus Noise: While some celebrate the device's efficiency—"42Ths on 680W that’s not bad compared to latest nerd solo miners"—others remain skeptical about the noise level.
Build Quality Concerns: Criticism has also surfaced regarding the fragility of S21 series boards; several commenters urged developers to reinforce the hardware.
Aesthetic Choices for the Noctua Edition: There’s enthusiasm for customizing appearances, specifically calls to paint a potential Noctua edition "brown."
"Definitely paint it brown!" urged one user, reflecting the desire for a unique look within the series.
Future Variants: Exciting Innovations Ahead
Developers are eyeing improvements, like a turbo version operating with stock 7000 RPM fans. However, they remain cautious about potential noise issues. Additionally, there are plans to modify the APW12 power supply for dual hash board miners at 110 volts, likely leading to increased noise and energy consumption.
The ability for users to adjust PSU voltage on-the-fly could enhance overclocking potential significantly, making future models even more attractive.
Key Insights:
⚡ Stable Output: 42T efficiency at 680W is consistent across tests.
🔊 Noise Worries: Many voice concerns about fan noise levels.
🎨 Design Debate: The community is split on adding personal touches like color options for variants.
Monitoring Community Reactions
As the community continues to engage with these developments, it prompts key questions about how future iterations will address noise complaints. Will enhanced sound management technologies satisfy users' demands, or will the noise level remain a critical issue? Given current trends, we can expect developers to prioritize quieter designs as they roll out newer models in late 2026.