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."