SPCR

Hi guys,

I need some help. Recently I bought a HTPC and I'm trying to silence it.
First of all some specs:

Processor: Intel Core i3 530
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3
Memory: Kingston ValueRam 4GB DDR3-1333 CL9 kit
Storage: OCZ Vertex 2 Extended 60GB
Optical drive: Samsung SN-S083C
Case: Gigabyte T3140
CPU-cooler: Thermaltake SlimX3
TV: Samsung UE40B7020
Keyboard: Enermax Aurora Micro Wireless Black
Speakerset: Panasonic SC-BT230
Casefans: Noiseblocker BlackSilentFan XR1 60mm
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Allright. So basically there are 3 different 'sound sources' if you will. The CPU-cooler fan, the case fan, and the PSU(fan).
I already replaced the stock Intel socket 1156 cooler with the Thermaltake SlimX3. There wasn't a lot of choice here. It isn't the most silent fan but it'll do.
I also replaced the stock 60mm Gigabyte casefan with the Noiseblocker BlackSilentFan XR1 60mm.

So this helped a bit, but there still is a irratating noise coming from my HTPC. And it's the PSU causing it. It has a noisy 40mm fan
I have no idea how to fix this. I wanted to open the PSU to look inside to see how the fan is connected, but I can't get my PSU out of the case. It's blocked by all these edges inside the case.
So basically I have an option to get a new PSU, like this one: http://www.informatique.nl/110938/seaso ... 250su.html
I believe that's the kind of PSU I have in my case.
Or replace the fan of my PSU but that might be bad cause silent fans will decrease airflow.

I hope you guys have some other ideas. What should I do to silence my PSU?

Oh and here's some pics so you have an idea what my HTPC looks like:






meh, look at that 40mm fan...


at least he's silent...

Some Pico PSU (see also JonnyGuru's review) and a Nexus 80mm case fan on the TT?
Just my 0.2c

Hmm yea I also came across the PicoPSU in my search. At first I wasn't sure if it was compatible with my system but it looks like it will work.
So besides the PicoPSU I would also need a Power Adapter right?
Hmm might actually be very interesting. The Power Adapter will maybe fit inside the case where the PSU normally sits.
It does cost quite some money though. I found one on ebay which cost € 75,- for picoPSU-160-XT + ext. 150W adapter + extension cable.

I'm not sure if I should do it. My HTPC already cost so much money :p

But thx for the tip, I'll defenitely think about it.

If you want to use a PicoPSU then you will either :

Need to put the power brick outside the case (it gets warm and needs convective cooling)
OR
Put the power brick inside the case and make sure there is a path for cool air ventilation.

Since it seems there is a solid wall of metal between the PSU compartment and the main compartment, you might want to drill some holes between the two.

IMO you should do the first and locate the power brick next to the wall switch.

I have this PicoPSU (bought from Germany with the better power brick) powering an Intel i3 540/Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3 combo.
I used a Scythe Samurai ZZ on the CPU and replaced the Scythe fan with a Noctua.
Seems to be overkill as the combo only seems to be drawing 80W or so.
I've put this in a LianLi ATX upside down case, but then I'm not trying to build an HTPC.

Yea good point u got there victorhortalives. Thanks for the advice.

This is an alternative to picoPSU: http://www.silentpcreview.com/Winmate_DD-24AX Better in some ways; higher power, better 12V regulation. It was intended for use in medical IT gear; usually such gear is always more stringently spec'd. Electrodacus sells em for cheap on ebay. http://shop.ebay.ca/merchant/electrodacus