5 simple steps to a quiter pc
No one wants their computer to be loud, but in order to keep
components running at safe temperatures, cooling fans can wind
up making the system sound like a blow dryer. A computer sitting
in the living room for use with a home theater system has to be
quiet so that it does not interfere with the enjoyment of music
or movies.
Cooling fans:
The bulk of all the noise in a computer system is going to come
from the cooling fans mounted on the case and from any heat
generating components. Two steps to reduce noise include
increasing the fan size and choosing a fan with fluid or sleeve
bearings.
Cases:
The design of a case is a key factor in the system's cooling
performance and noise generation. A case with ample ventilation
is required to keep the components cool, and a few things can be
done to achieve this without adding to the noise level. Of most
interest is the availability of multiple fans mounting location
in a case, as well as the open area provided for fans to move
air.
Fan controllers:
Fan controllers are available in numerous configurations, but
they all serve the same function to allow a fan to run at
something rather than full speed. Just reducing a fan's speed up
to 5-10% can have a remarkable impact over noise, but zero
effect on cooling performance.
Some fan controllers operate automatically, using a thermal
sensor to vary the speed of the fan in direct proportion to the
temperature sensed. This type is convenient, as it require no
user interaction but eliminates any possibility of custom
control.
Power supplies:
The typical computer power supply features two 80mmfans to keep
it cool, which will obviously also generate some noise. Fan less
power supplies are now available that generate zero noise. These
fan less power supplies don't follow the guidelines of typical
design and there are other ways to quiet a power supply without
removing the fans all together.
The MGE Vigor 450W power supply incorporates two ideas. It
features a larger 120mm fan to move air with less speed and a
fan speed control knob to allow the user to reduce the speed
even more, if they desire.
Noise/ Vibration Isolators:
Products are available to reduce the vibration caused by system
component, as well as to insulate the case to keep the noise
from escaping. Examples of some of these isolation products can
be applied to many areas of a computer system. And may
drastically reduce the overall noise, no matters what components
are installed, for the bottom of the computer case, rubber feet
are available to replace the hard plastic ones generally found.
Silicon gaskets can be installed between a power supply or case
fan and the case to reduce the transmission of vibrations and
the amplification of noise.
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