Computer Noise Solutions
Posted: June 10th, 2004, 1:21 am
Those most annoying thing about computers today is noise. It is even worse than Spyware, Adware, Viruses, or other software related issues. Why? Because it is always there. However, there can be relief by a simple 2 step process.
Step 1: Reduce heat.
Computer noise mostly comes from loud fans trying to keep the system cool. You can buy slower fans that produce less noise if your heat condition can handle it.
Ways to reduce heat:
-Use LCD monitors rather than CRT monitors if your budget allows you. Also, try to keep the size of the monitor small. The smaller the monitor, the less wattage used, and the less wattaged leaked. I would highly suggest the NEC/Mitsubishi DiamondPoint V50LCD. It is 15", yet the 1024x768 resolution looks good. It has an excellent brightness, contrast ratio, and response time. Best of all, it has been made from NEC so it has to be the best.
-Use an AMD K8 CPU if your budget allows you. These are much cooler than Intel's Prescott series, thus they require less cooling.
Step 2: Reduce noise.
I suggest the following solutions to reduce noise:
-Cooler Master's Ultra Vortex
-Zalman's Reserator 1
-Zalman's TNN 500A
These solutions range from 16dBA to 0dBA (Whispering is 20dBA). I would first go with the Ultra Vortex solution. It is most likely you will not hear 16dBA. But if this is too loud for you or you have a loud video card, then try to get the Reserator 1. This solution operates at about 0dBA. It is fanless so the only sound is the water flow and the pump. Some extremists might want to go further. However, the TNN 500A will limit the amount of power you want for your system. If you are planning to get an Athlon 64 FX-53 and a GeForce 6800 Ultra for instance, DO NOT GET THE TNN 500A. The reason is that the GeForce 6800 Ultra requires a minimum of a 350W power supply. Thr TNN 500A can only go up to 400W. You will not have enough energy to power all your other high end equipment. Also, the TNN 500A may not be able to cool all of your devises easily. Finally, the TNN 500A costs over $1000. I don't know anyone who wants to spend even $1000 when you also hand over your PC's power.
Thus, I highly suggest the Reserator 1. It will keep both your CPU and Video card quiet (two of the loudest parts of your computer).
Now that we have the CPU/Graphic Solution taken care of, let us look for a power supply solution. Remember that the power supply has a fan and this fan is too loud for us to feel comfortable. You can always get Zalman's fanless power supplies (300W and 400W); but if you have a high power system, try to get Antec's TRUE power supplies rated at 480W and 550W. Next let us look at the hard drives. These rotate up to 15,000RPMs and can get very loud. The best way to quiet them down is by either buying equipment to lessen the vibrations, or buy a better quality case, or both. I suggest the Lian Li PC-V1100 and PC-V2100 series. These offer separate chambers for the hard drives and they are matted to reduce the vibrations that exit the case. You can also get fan controllers and Vantec's Stealth fans for the front and rear 120mm fan spots.
If you follow these steps, you can find your PC to be a lot quiter and much more enjoyable.
Step 1: Reduce heat.
Computer noise mostly comes from loud fans trying to keep the system cool. You can buy slower fans that produce less noise if your heat condition can handle it.
Ways to reduce heat:
-Use LCD monitors rather than CRT monitors if your budget allows you. Also, try to keep the size of the monitor small. The smaller the monitor, the less wattage used, and the less wattaged leaked. I would highly suggest the NEC/Mitsubishi DiamondPoint V50LCD. It is 15", yet the 1024x768 resolution looks good. It has an excellent brightness, contrast ratio, and response time. Best of all, it has been made from NEC so it has to be the best.
-Use an AMD K8 CPU if your budget allows you. These are much cooler than Intel's Prescott series, thus they require less cooling.
Step 2: Reduce noise.
I suggest the following solutions to reduce noise:
-Cooler Master's Ultra Vortex
-Zalman's Reserator 1
-Zalman's TNN 500A
These solutions range from 16dBA to 0dBA (Whispering is 20dBA). I would first go with the Ultra Vortex solution. It is most likely you will not hear 16dBA. But if this is too loud for you or you have a loud video card, then try to get the Reserator 1. This solution operates at about 0dBA. It is fanless so the only sound is the water flow and the pump. Some extremists might want to go further. However, the TNN 500A will limit the amount of power you want for your system. If you are planning to get an Athlon 64 FX-53 and a GeForce 6800 Ultra for instance, DO NOT GET THE TNN 500A. The reason is that the GeForce 6800 Ultra requires a minimum of a 350W power supply. Thr TNN 500A can only go up to 400W. You will not have enough energy to power all your other high end equipment. Also, the TNN 500A may not be able to cool all of your devises easily. Finally, the TNN 500A costs over $1000. I don't know anyone who wants to spend even $1000 when you also hand over your PC's power.
Thus, I highly suggest the Reserator 1. It will keep both your CPU and Video card quiet (two of the loudest parts of your computer).
Now that we have the CPU/Graphic Solution taken care of, let us look for a power supply solution. Remember that the power supply has a fan and this fan is too loud for us to feel comfortable. You can always get Zalman's fanless power supplies (300W and 400W); but if you have a high power system, try to get Antec's TRUE power supplies rated at 480W and 550W. Next let us look at the hard drives. These rotate up to 15,000RPMs and can get very loud. The best way to quiet them down is by either buying equipment to lessen the vibrations, or buy a better quality case, or both. I suggest the Lian Li PC-V1100 and PC-V2100 series. These offer separate chambers for the hard drives and they are matted to reduce the vibrations that exit the case. You can also get fan controllers and Vantec's Stealth fans for the front and rear 120mm fan spots.
If you follow these steps, you can find your PC to be a lot quiter and much more enjoyable.