Fan Filters - Dust 'n Noise?

[TopChip7]

Hi

Does anyone know if adding fan filters will reduce system noise echoing from inside the case?

Also, has anyone used anti-vibration gaskets on their fans? If so, have they helped reduce case vibration and noise?

And just to be cheeky, with a 3rd question....:p

Are all fan guards a standard fit - ie Will a 120mm fan guard fit ALL 120mm fans?

Many thanks

[James Bond 007]

Im thinking that mabe one or more of the fan mounting screws are loose or the fan is rubbing on something like the wireing.Most computer noise comes from the hard drive,but I'll asume you know wear the sound is comeing from.Maybe your fan is on it's way to fan heaven.Sound can travel through metal or plastic sort of like electricity,a gasket or ruber cushions acts as a barrior and can help reduce sound significantley.

[PrntRhd]

There are several issues.
Case filters clean the air so dust buildup will keep the PC cooler and the fans do not have to spin as fast to keep the temperature down. Fans with dust on them can become unbalanced and generate additional noise.

Quiet PC components and noise insulation in a quiet case make the most impact on overall noise.

Here is a site specializing in quiet PCs, not advertising their product but the methods they use can be done by general users:
http://www.endpcnoise.com/

[TopChip7]

I cant actually pinpoint where the noise is coming from. Is not a loud noise but it is audible. All of the fans are speed adjustable and set on minimum. The noise is like a constant hum and if I touch the side of the casing there is a constant vibration which I am not so concerned about, but would like to stop it.

I do get a lot of dust in the case but I regularly clean all the heatsink fans. By placing a DVD case over the front intake fans, the sound is no longer audible, however I am relatively sure it is not the front fans noise I am hearing, yet they may still be what is causing the case vibration. This is why I was thinking of fitting dust filters and anti-vibs, but more-so for the noise rather than the dust. With a 200mm Fan on the top of the case I am highly unlikely to be able to find a dust filter cap that size.

The only other thing I can think of is, I have installed a new PSU which came with an anti-vibration gasket - I couldnt actually fit it on the PSU properly as it started to split so I have left it off. The PSU has a 140mm fan which I cannot hear but could possibly be whats causing the vibration - However, it is sat on anti-vibration pads left in the case from the previous PSU.

Also, I have moved the 2 hard drives to the top of the case. Do hard drives make a constant noise or only when being accessed?

Cheers

[TopChip7]

OK... have had case side off, turned off the tv etc and tried to isolate the noise to get an idea of whats causing it and I cant which leads me to think that the noise is actually the tone being made by the case vibration - as I think I said earlier, its not loud, possibly around 23db. Its constant and doesnt change pitch regardless of what speed the fans are all running at - however, its well inaudible when the fans are turned to medium or high which makes be think it is the PSU causing it.

I know my system is loud when I play games etc - it needs to be then.
However, I would like it to run absolutely silent when not under load.

Do you think it would be ok to put a piece of foam underlay or similar underneath the PSU or would this be a fire risk?

[PrntRhd]

A simple mechanics trick is to place a wooden dowel on each area and to your ear to determine where the noise is coming from. I would not put any foam on a PSU as it will not allow heat to be removed properly.

[Whyzman]

I do get a lot of dust in the caseI realize this is a separate issue, but I thought I'd pass on my solution to this problem. I use an AC filter such as is used for a window AC unit. The filter is thin and flexible and was approximately 24" X 18". I cut a piece to fit in front of my intake fan. It does a wonderful job, and can either be washed, or simply replaced. The filter is very inexpensive. If you're in the States, you'd be able to find them at Home Depot, Lowes, or actually I would suspect any hardware stores.

Do you have any chipset fans on this PC? The worst culprit for noise and vibration I've come upon have not been the 12V 80-120mm fans, but the little buggers...vibrating and whining! :eek:

[Rick]

Placing the system on foam is not the best idea

Place it on hard wood board and a rubber pad does work
Another area that can vibrate is the case itself
And or the little clips that were intended to keep the sides from moving/vibrating
If the sides have been removed a number of times and those clips are gone or bent.
They tend to shake up a storm with the high pitched tinkle

[Whyzman]

Using the words cool and quiet in the same sentence when referring to a PC is quite similar to mixing oil and water. You may have a situation with an individual component being "out of character," but the link PrntRhd supplied might be a good place to start if overall noise is an issue.

I believe malcore built a PC using one of the insulated cases and was pleased with the results. Hopefully, if he happens by, he'll comment on the results which may be interesting/helpful one way or the other...

[TopChip7]

I have took the PSU out today to tidy up the cabling. Having replaced it, trapping the cables behind the PSU, it has reduced the noise dramatically - almost silent now so I assume it was the PSU causing the vibration and major nausiating tone. I will buy an acoustic mat or silicon pad to ensure it doesnt come back.

Its heck of a lot better now but I think to get it absolutely silent I will need to replace the front fans and the cpu h/s.

Thanks guys