Before the Alpha I had the Gigabyte Brix Pro: http://www.amazon.com/BRIX-Pro-GB-BXI7-4770R-Desktop-Computer/dp/B00HX3OJSG

It had Intel Iris Pro graphics (weaker than an 860M by a lot) and when it gamed the fan went off like a biplane propeller.

The alpha was only slightly larger in footprint, much more capable and it was significantly quieter - I can't hear it unless I put myself within a foot or so of the alpha and even then it's quiet. The Brix you heard from 200 feet away.