I've got a computer that I hate. It's loud, it hums, it makes every noise imaginable. It's probably the WORST PC to try to keep cool, much less quiet. So, I'm looking for advice. The system specs are:
P4 3ghz
1 gig RAM
4 (yes, 4) fanless video Capture cards
Radeon 8500LE (has a fan, may switch to 5200FX fanless)
3 ATA Hard Drives
2 SATA Hard Drives
As you can imagine, this thing is a space heater. I'm thinking I'm going to just build a 3/4" MDF enclosure, and use some sound dampening inside it. I'm looking for suggestions on structure. I.E. things like fan ducting, hard drive placement, PSU placement, etc. I've heard that simply building a "tunnel" with the fan at the end can get the fans away from the outside edges of the case quieting them down as well. I have a lot of quiet panaflow 80mm fans at my disposal for now.
I don't expect to get this heat monger silent. I would just like it to not sound like a boxfan to keep cool.
Thanks,
Ben
File server, AKA numerous HDs
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee
what kind of case have you got at the moment?
with that many HDDs a P180 may be the way to go, as it has enough softmounts for 6 HDDs.
What kind of CPU cooling have you got? As ever I'm going to recommend the scythe, but you may not be able to run it fanless.
You could also try a Thermalright Ultra-120
You'll probably be ok with a seasonic 430W in the lower chamber.
HTH,
Dan
with that many HDDs a P180 may be the way to go, as it has enough softmounts for 6 HDDs.
What kind of CPU cooling have you got? As ever I'm going to recommend the scythe, but you may not be able to run it fanless.
You could also try a Thermalright Ultra-120
You'll probably be ok with a seasonic 430W in the lower chamber.
HTH,
Dan
) without risking to overheat them! Should eleminate your biggest source of noise...-
Tibors
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If you are building your own MDF enclosure and it is big enough, then putting your drives into alleycat's Homebrew drive enclosures will save you a lot of noise.
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Longwalker
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 2:35 pm
An old Antec currently. It resonates like you wouldn't beleive. All your options above seem great, but another reason i'm considering a DIY case is cost. I don't care if it's a painted black box under the desk, as long as it's functional.what kind of case have you got at the moment?
with that many HDDs a P180 may be the way to go, as it has enough softmounts for 6 HDDs.
What kind of CPU cooling have you got? As ever I'm going to recommend the scythe, but you may not be able to run it fanless.
You could also try a Thermalright Ultra-120
You'll probably be ok with a seasonic 430W in the lower chamber.
If you have enough money to spend, I'd suggest watercooling the hdd's. That way you could put them in a box that is totally sound-proof (or at least sound-proof enough Razz ) without risking to overheat them! Should eleminate your biggest source of noise...
Again, unfortunatly, price is the issue here. Plus, the drives are seperated on purpose for mirroring reasons. 1 is a system drive, two are for Photography work (mirrored) and the other two are for other forms of media.What about replacing those 5 HDDs with two or three of Seagate's huge (500-750gb) drives? Fewer sources of noise = easier to damp.
Now this idea I like. Are there any more details on this around, like, what exactly is a "coolpack"? I'm picturing something from the local drug store, or is it something for a cooler? Also, does the metal enclosure serve any cooling purpose, or would properly placed MDF "shelves" work?If you are building your own MDF enclosure and it is big enough, then putting your drives into alleycat's Homebrew drive enclosures will save you a lot of noise.
*edit: Nevermind, got my answers on page 3 of the post. Previously missed them.*
Thanks!
Ben