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Thread ID: 66398 2006-02-21 10:16:00 a cool but quiter computer shomenno (7767) Press F1
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432588 2006-02-21 10:16:00 I have two case fans in my computer that are real noise makers. One is 80mm and the other 120mm in size.

I would like to make the computer quiter, so I have two options that I am considering as far as these fans go. One is two buy two more fans that have a lower db sound rating and the other is to install a fans controler so I can slow the fans to about half their speed (this is the cheaper alternative).

Which of these options is best?
shomenno (7767)
432589 2006-02-21 10:22:00 If theyr'e connected to a standard 4 pin molex connector you might be able to lower the noise by changing the pins to the 5 volt rail. Though the tradeoff is also a lower reduced air flow. bob_doe_nz (92)
432590 2006-02-21 18:04:00 If you do want quieter fans SilenX are the quietest.

modyourpc.com
pctek (84)
432591 2006-02-21 21:10:00 whats your case temps like?

slower/quieter fans is simply going to make your case temps go up.
have a read of this long thread (pressf1.pcworld.co.nz).

best optoin is varible speed controller so when it heats up it automaticly speeds up.
tweak'e (69)
432592 2006-02-21 21:48:00 "Gel" mounting your fans may help.

I evaluated a few fan controllers recently.

I liked Overclockers NZ System Guardian 4 fan controller, because it showed three temperatures at once.

I prefer Cooler Masters Aerogate III fan controller. While the display's not so great, it comes with four temperature probes, and settable alarms. It controls three fans.

I use water cooling to keep the noise down. I love the new Thermaltake "Taichi" case, with built in water cooling. Sexy and easy to build / use.

The Zalman "Reservator" is also impressive. It's fanless, "passive", water cooling and can eliminate several fans.

http://www.thermaltake.com/
http://www.zalman.co.kr
kingdragonfly (309)
432593 2006-03-01 04:22:00 Hey! Just wanting to thank you for your advice, I purchased to Silenx case fans both about 14db each and they are just the ticket! The computer is whisper quiet now... what fantastic fans (no pun iintended).

Shomenno
shomenno (7767)
432594 2006-03-01 06:55:00 Silenx aren't quieter by magic, they are just modified to push less air. PaulD (232)
432595 2006-03-01 07:13:00 Silenx aren't quieter by magic, they are just modified to push less air.True, they do push less air than some noisy fans. But then from reviews I have read, they are quieter on a dBa to output scale over any other fan

I have a SilenX sitting atop my CPU cooler, does a good job in conjunction with the heatsink (Thermalright XP90) and whisper quiet :)
Myth (110)
432596 2006-03-01 09:15:00 Well in defense of these fans it seems to be more of a case than just slower rotation speed. In additionaly, the tips of the fan blades have had their angle of attack changed so less noise is created abd their tips are soft. The motor has also had some changes made so that it is more efficient and creates less noise. Finally, the fan unit comes with rubber mounts which stop vibration running from the fan to the case.

From my perspective all I can state is I can no longer hear any real noise from the fans anymore and the computer is whisper quiet. I purchased the 14db fans as they still had a high flow rate of air over the 11db which had a lower one - this was a better sweet spot as I could not see 3db meaning much of a difference.

I would personally purchase these fans again and now regret not doing it sooner!
shomenno (7767)
432597 2006-03-01 10:03:00 But.....what is the difference in temps. no point making your pc quiet if its going to cook itself. tweak'e (69)
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