My computer is loud. Really loud. And after so long of it being that loud, I'm thinking that it might have an effect on my hearing soon, as I work from home and I'm on it a lot.

So basically, what steps can I take to make my computer quieter? I'm not bothered about making it silent, I just want it to be relatively quiet.

Should I just replace all the fans with new fans that are labelled as quiet? I'm guessing that the fans may well be the main culprit.

Also, any hardware that you suggest, would you mind giving a recommendation of a particular product for it?

Thanks a lot to anyone who can help.

I wouldn't suggest immediately replacing any fans unless you know that they are bad.

First make sure that you are operating your computer with all covers in place. Next try repositioning your computer to see if that helps.

If you find that noise levels are still unacceptable, you should try to narrow down the possible culprits. See this for example:

http://fredrik.hubbe.net/silence/how.html

If fan noise is a problem, you can try adjusting fan speed with a program like SpeedFan:

http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

A noisy fan might just require some oil:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/0,1000000091,2135514,00.htm

Ah, that link helped a lot. I worked out that the majority of the noise is coming from the fans.

The fans I currently have are 2 of these:

YS-TECH FD128025HD 80mm Fan - 4 Pin
The high output YS-TECH FD8125 80mm fan produces a massive 47CFM airflow. This makes it ideal for case cooling applications and is fitted with a 4-pin Molex (PSU) passthrough connector.

I was thinking of replacing them with these:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-002-SH

But I noticed that the airflow is only 11.3 CFM.

If I do replace my old fans with these new ones, will my computer be susceptible to overheating? Or am I getting the wrong idea on what CFM is? Also, is the new fan I suggested actually good?

I appreciate your help k027.

Are there any fans, or methods, you could recommend to keep the computer cool but also quiet?

Some fans are rated at high CFM but Aerodynamically designed to reduce noise. Unless someone has already done the research and pipes up, you may have to research this yourself. You will want to check noise specs in dBm lelvels -- the lower the dBm figure, the lower the noise.

Some more suggestions here:

http://www.quietpcusa.com/articles/how_to_silence_a_computer.html

Some of the more promising include using larger diameter fans running at lower rpm (same airflow but lower noise levels) and noise insulation.

There are also specially designed low-noise computer cases:

http://www.acoustiproducts.com/en/acousticase.asp

The important thing to remember when comparing like pieces of equipment is that comparisons be made at equivalent performance levels, i.e. sound levels compared at the same air flow.

Here's a vendor that specializes in quiet PC devices:

http://www.acousticpc.com/index_quiet_computer_fans.html

Before slowing down any speeds, make sure you are currently meeting all your cooling needs. Not just for the CPU, but graphics card (if not on-board), chipset, drives, etc. Depending on your motherboard, your fans may have been told to run full speed by the hot motherboard. Reducing CFM, either by slowing down your fans, or by replacing with the wrong fans could be a catastrophic mistake.

Is your case interior and vents clean of heat trapping dust and dirt?

I would route the cables to minimize disrupting the desired front-to-back flow. Consider replacing any flat ribbon cables with round cables.

While inside the case, inspect for fan options. See if there are 4 more mounting holes surrounding your current fans, indicating it will support a larger fan. Inspect for places to install any additional fans. And make sure you have additional power supply connectors.

If your case cannot support additional, or bigger fans,you might just consider a new case.

A good mid-tower or larger case will support at least two 120mm fans. It is sturdy and designed with reduced noise levels in mind, which means it does not sit there and reverberate all the fan and drive motor noise. My wife loves her Antec Sonata. Since a good case is "designed" to cool and physically protect, not just some place to house your components, it will carry you through years of upgrades - so consider it an investment.

Actually, most use "A" weighting as that represents the human perception better, so you would see typically see Noise Levels in dBA or just dB.

However, Ike is right about the key point - the best fans move massive amounts of air while producing the least amount of noise. This is no easy feat!!!

Not only must the blades chop through and push all that air without making a should, but quiet motors require precision bearings and machining to run quietly 24/7 for several years.

I like Zalman, Papst, Panasonic Panaflo, and Antec fans. But again, if your current case can not support more or larger fans, get a new case. If you were willing to wrestle with case fans, you can swap out a case.

One word of warning. Never toss an old case in the dumpster on trash pick up day without making 100% sure you removed the snap-in rear I/O shield.

_________________
Bill, AFE7Ret
Freedom is NOT Free!

Nice, some great replies. I'm gonna look into them and sort something out.

Thanks everyone.