The Air Cooling Thread

Nefarious · 01-24-2005, 07:25 PM

Hello,

Recently, I've become very annoyed with PC noise. I have been around the cooling forums here on ABX, and alot more time at www.silentpcreview.com. I currently have a Lian Li V1000B, and as some of you are aware, this case has MANY holes in them & is made of alu., making my PC VERY hard to tame. I have learned a number of things over the past few weeks.

1. Start with the Heatsink. Most stock coolers have small fans on them and run at really high speeds. 90mm or 120mm fans are the best. Most famous HSF that are used are: i) Zalman 7000B-AlCu
ii) Thermalright XP-120 w/ Nexus fan
iii) Thermalright XP-90 w/ Nexus fan
All threee of these HSF are very quiet. If you are worried about temps and want a higher CFM fan, then a fan controller/rheobus is recommended.

2. Fixing the case. It's not always the fan in this case. You could have some efficent fans, but if the flow is restricted (such as punched vents). If the flow is restriced, the noise increases. If you are brave, drill the punched vents to unrestrict the flow. This will improve the flow, and the noise level. If you are chicken (such as myself) then just add slower moving fans in your case. People get the notion that you need HUGH amounts of airflow through your case. THis is not true. If you have good cable management, then approx. 30CFM is good enough.

3. Suspended Harddrives. Harddrives vibrate. This usually cases the case to vibrate as well. Suspending harddrives will reduce vibration. It's pretty self explanatory. I'll just link a picture, and you'll see. Shoelaces or rubber string that can be found at art supply stores are most widely used. Heres the link I'll post the link later...SPCR is down.

This is part 1. I have school work to do now, but jsut wanted to start this thread, I will continue this tomorrow. I'd love to hear more info from the rest of you as to how you quieted your PC.

Nefarious · 01-24-2005, 10:02 PM

no one has anything to say?

Tapir · 01-24-2005, 10:23 PM

I am sitting in front of one idea. Many cases as you mentioned are prone to make noise through vibration. In such a case, for a pc I use to test things on I have a thin piece of foam under the case. I reduced the sound greatly.

Edit: For my P4C800 dxe I applied Plastic steel to all joints on drive bays and the interface plate at the back. A thin strip of foam to the edges of the side panels helps cut back on sound also. I have an Omega M-327 case. A pretty sound case but still did this to reduce sound/vibration. The case itsekf sits on top of a narrow plastic soft drink crate to allow for air circulation all around the case. Still trying to find a very quiet exhaust fan as the one I have is a bit noisy.

dddibley · 01-25-2005, 04:24 AM

Just picked up a cheap case to retest the Chassis Air Guide.

http://cache-www.intel.com/cd/00/00/...2086_62086.pdf

It's been around for awhile and actually works pretty good. Same air flow principle as usual.. bottom front to top rear except it requires a 55+ CFM exhaust along with a CPU air duct with a horn that's 12-20mm away from the fan. Also a side vent for the AGP/PCI cards.

As for sound, one of my HDDs is driving me crazy. Hummm.. Hummm.. Hummm. I've trimmed it in styrofoam for now which helped immensely, but above all else (a 4500 RPM Thermaltake), it's still the only darn thing that I can hear.

:

Thanks for the suspended drive reminder Nefarious, and the side panel dampening looks good too Tapir. Think I'll give both of them a try.

ddd

Snafu · 01-25-2005, 06:22 AM

After I cleaned up the insides I reveresed the airflow so that it intakes from the rear and exhausts out the front. This dropped the cpu temp by 5C but the mobo temp went up 5C. The side and top are running at low speed.

I still have to open the grills at the rear fans for freer airflow.

In the plans is to make the rear/front/top fans all as exhausts and duct the side fan to the cpu and gpu.

Nefarious · 01-25-2005, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tapir

I am sitting in front of one idea. Many cases as you mentioned are prone to make noise through vibration. In such a case, for a pc I use to test things on I have a thin piece of foam under the case. I reduced the sound greatly.

Edit: For my P4C800 dxe I applied Plastic steel to all joints on drive bays and the interface plate at the back. A thin strip of foam to the edges of the side panels helps cut back on sound also. I have an Omega M-327 case. A pretty sound case but still did this to reduce sound/vibration. The case itsekf sits on top of a narrow plastic soft drink crate to allow for air circulation all around the case. Still trying to find a very quiet exhaust fan as the one I have is a bit noisy.

Tapir, check out one of these fans. They are the company that makes the Nexus silent fans. I've read really good thing about this fan. and it's much cheaper than the nexus as well. Linl: http://www.isellsurplus.com/product....=8656&C=6&S=-1

I ordered 3 of them. and I ordered some Nexus fans as well. If you can wait, I can tell you how much different they are. But from waht i've been reading. they are pretty much identical, except the Nexus fan spins 300RPM less.

Nefarious · 01-25-2005, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddibley

Thanks for the suspended drive reminder Nefarious, and the side panel dampening looks good too Tapir. Think I'll give both of them a try.

NO problem. Take some screenshots if you can when your done. I'd like to see how you did them.

Tapir · 01-25-2005, 12:22 PM

Dampening is essential many times. How many times has one found the screws for the hdd on the "inside" loose when you are sure you put them on tight!

Thanks Nefarius, will look it up.

*Bofinn* · 01-25-2005, 02:38 PM

I followed 3 of 7's advice and remove the grill from my cpu fan. 4 little screws removed made me a happy camper!

When will this new mb be made public?

and

I killed The Noise!!

Snafu · 01-25-2005, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nefarious

Tapir, check out one of these fans. They are the company that makes the Nexus silent fans. I've read really good thing about this fan. and it's much cheaper than the nexus as well. Linl: http://www.isellsurplus.com/product....=8656&C=6&S=-1

I ordered 3 of them. and I ordered some Nexus fans as well. If you can wait, I can tell you how much different they are. But from waht i've been reading. they are pretty much identical, except the Nexus fan spins 300RPM less.

Hi Nefarious - couldn't see the specs for these fans (CFM, dBa, rpm, bearings, watts/amps). Do you have the specs. Depending on their amerpage you might not want to hook them to the mobo.

yamawho · 01-25-2005, 03:02 PM

I have 5 Antec cases at the moment either SX835II or Plusview1000AMG models.

I have to say that they are heavy but they don't buzz or vibrate.

All are running Powerstream 420 psu and use 3 or 4 80mm Antec case fans.

Three of these are gaming rigs and I use XP120, XP90 and the new Zalman 7700CU HSF. These systems all have P4C800E deluxe BTW.

The Zalman is impressive with that 120mm fan plus it has a fan speed variator included. It's very quiet as well

The office rigs have the fans connected to the 5 volt so the noise is greatly reduced since they don't require alot of cooling.

Nefarious · 01-25-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snafu

Hi Nefarious - couldn't see the specs for these fans (CFM, dBa, rpm, bearings, watts/amps). Do you have the specs. Depending on their amerpage you might not want to hook them to the mobo.

According the Yate Loon website (http://www.yateloon.com/dcfan-2.htm#120x120x25) the fan that isellsurplus.com is selling (D12SL-12) is supposed to spin at 1350rpm.

I got a SUnbeam Rheobus on sunday

. It worked great with my stock ADDA fans in my Lian Li. Can't wait to see how it sounds with these or the nexus fans

swannema · 01-25-2005, 04:30 PM

Noise is one of my greatest concerns when it comes down to computing.
I have changed all noisy parts in my computer:
WD1200SE - now Samsung Spinpoints with Nidec motor
Enermax Regular- now Enermax Noisetaker
All fans are regulated by a Rheobus fro Sunbeam, this fan controller does not create anmy electrical noise.

As 120 mm fans I use Global fans, they move a good amount of air but are close to silent.They are hard to find and most of the time out of stock.
http://www.mnpctech.com/Globe.html

The Nexus fans just don't move enough air.
I tried one of their 92mm fans, it is silent but in my case the air it moves is not enough, So I am using a Panaflo L series @ 5v.

Snafu · 01-25-2005, 04:45 PM

Thanks Nef. With the Rheobus why not go for a higher volume fan? Noisier its true but at least you can turn it down with the Rheobus if need be. Might be a little overkill I guess.

BTW where did you pick it up?

Tapir · 01-25-2005, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nefarious

Tapir, check out one of these fans. They are the company that makes the Nexus silent fans. I've read really good thing about this fan. and it's much cheaper than the nexus as well. Linl: http://www.isellsurplus.com/product....=8656&C=6&S=-1

I ordered 3 of them. and I ordered some Nexus fans as well. If you can wait, I can tell you how much different they are. But from waht i've been reading. they are pretty much identical, except the Nexus fan spins 300RPM less.

Ok Nefarious I already have two of those in this system and Three in my A&N8X. They are silent, I have an exhaust fan called air conditioner that makes the only sound. This
http://www.hardwarezoom.com/viewcont...p?ReviewID=210

I does pull out a lot of hot air but not so silent.

01-24-2005, 07:25 PM	#1
Nefarious Skule Sucks! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, North America Posts: 2,149	The Silent Air Cooling Thread Hello, Recently, I've become very annoyed with PC noise. I have been around the cooling forums here on ABX, and alot more time at www.silentpcreview.com. I currently have a Lian Li V1000B, and as some of you are aware, this case has MANY holes in them & is made of alu., making my PC VERY hard to tame. I have learned a number of things over the past few weeks. 1. Start with the Heatsink. Most stock coolers have small fans on them and run at really high speeds. 90mm or 120mm fans are the best. Most famous HSF that are used are: i) Zalman 7000B-AlCu ii) Thermalright XP-120 w/ Nexus fan iii) Thermalright XP-90 w/ Nexus fan All threee of these HSF are very quiet. If you are worried about temps and want a higher CFM fan, then a fan controller/rheobus is recommended. 2. Fixing the case. It's not always the fan in this case. You could have some efficent fans, but if the flow is restricted (such as punched vents). If the flow is restriced, the noise increases. If you are brave, drill the punched vents to unrestrict the flow. This will improve the flow, and the noise level. If you are chicken (such as myself) then just add slower moving fans in your case. People get the notion that you need HUGH amounts of airflow through your case. THis is not true. If you have good cable management, then approx. 30CFM is good enough. 3. Suspended Harddrives. Harddrives vibrate. This usually cases the case to vibrate as well. Suspending harddrives will reduce vibration. It's pretty self explanatory. I'll just link a picture, and you'll see. Shoelaces or rubber string that can be found at art supply stores are most widely used. Heres the link I'll post the link later...SPCR is down. This is part 1. I have school work to do now, but jsut wanted to start this thread, I will continue this tomorrow. I'd love to hear more info from the rest of you as to how you quieted your PC. __________________ 3.0C (SL6WK) @3675MHz @1.525v\| P4C800E Deluxe rev.1.02 (BIOS v1014) \| Thermalright XP-120; 120mm SilenX 14db Fan \| 2x 512MB OCZ PC3700EB @ 3-3-2-6-8T-64T-64µsec @ FSB245 @ 2.85v \| ATi Radeon 9600XT @1.50v, Cat. 4.6 \| Audigy 2 ZS \| 2x WD360 (RAID0); WD1200JB; Seagate 120GB S-ATA \| LG 48x24x48/16X DVD-ROM Combo \| Enermax EG475AX-VE \| Lian Li PC-V1000B \| Win XP Pro SP2; Kernel 2.6.7 Last edited by Nefarious : 01-25-2005 at 12:07 PM.
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01-24-2005, 10:02 PM	#2
Nefarious Skule Sucks! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, North America Posts: 2,149	no one has anything to say? __________________ 3.0C (SL6WK) @3675MHz @1.525v\| P4C800E Deluxe rev.1.02 (BIOS v1014) \| Thermalright XP-120; 120mm SilenX 14db Fan \| 2x 512MB OCZ PC3700EB @ 3-3-2-6-8T-64T-64µsec @ FSB245 @ 2.85v \| ATi Radeon 9600XT @1.50v, Cat. 4.6 \| Audigy 2 ZS \| 2x WD360 (RAID0); WD1200JB; Seagate 120GB S-ATA \| LG 48x24x48/16X DVD-ROM Combo \| Enermax EG475AX-VE \| Lian Li PC-V1000B \| Win XP Pro SP2; Kernel 2.6.7
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01-24-2005, 10:23 PM	#3
Tapir Wisdom Will Always Linger Join Date: May 2004 Location: Belize, The Jewel Posts: 2,964	I am sitting in front of one idea. Many cases as you mentioned are prone to make noise through vibration. In such a case, for a pc I use to test things on I have a thin piece of foam under the case. I reduced the sound greatly. Edit: For my P4C800 dxe I applied Plastic steel to all joints on drive bays and the interface plate at the back. A thin strip of foam to the edges of the side panels helps cut back on sound also. I have an Omega M-327 case. A pretty sound case but still did this to reduce sound/vibration. The case itsekf sits on top of a narrow plastic soft drink crate to allow for air circulation all around the case. Still trying to find a very quiet exhaust fan as the one I have is a bit noisy. __________________ ***************************************************************************************** Knowledge: Either you have it or know where to get it! *************************************************************************************** You need to have the right question to get the right answer. *************************************************************************************** The greatest right any nation can afford its people is the right to be left alone. *************************************************************************************** BIOSTAR - P4M80-M4, P4-2.8E HT, MSI NX6200AX-TD256 DDR, 2X512 PC3200 MICRON DDR 400, HITACHI 80G & SAMSUNG 40G, LITEON 20XDVDR, MOTOROLA SB5100 CABLE MODEM, 56K V92 AGERE FAX MODEM, X TECH OPTICAL MOUSE, AIR COOLED - 5 FANS, UBUNTU HARDY HERON (8.04) ***************************************************************************************** Last edited by Tapir : 01-24-2005 at 10:52 PM.
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01-25-2005, 04:24 AM	#4
dddibley Time well wasted Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: British Columbia Posts: 2,276	Just picked up a cheap case to retest the Chassis Air Guide. http://cache-www.intel.com/cd/00/00/...2086_62086.pdf It's been around for awhile and actually works pretty good. Same air flow principle as usual.. bottom front to top rear except it requires a 55+ CFM exhaust along with a CPU air duct with a horn that's 12-20mm away from the fan. Also a side vent for the AGP/PCI cards. As for sound, one of my HDDs is driving me crazy. Hummm.. Hummm.. Hummm. I've trimmed it in styrofoam for now which helped immensely, but above all else (a 4500 RPM Thermaltake), it's still the only darn thing that I can hear. : Thanks for the suspended drive reminder Nefarious, and the side panel dampening looks good too Tapir. Think I'll give both of them a try. ddd
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01-25-2005, 06:22 AM	#5
Snafu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The Boonies in Ontario Posts: 614	After I cleaned up the insides I reveresed the airflow so that it intakes from the rear and exhausts out the front. This dropped the cpu temp by 5C but the mobo temp went up 5C. The side and top are running at low speed. I still have to open the grills at the rear fans for freer airflow. In the plans is to make the rear/front/top fans all as exhausts and duct the side fan to the cpu and gpu. __________________ P4 3.4C SL793 \| Asus P4C800E-Dlx \| 2x512MB OCZ Platinum PC3700EB \| 2x36GB WD Raptors in Raid + 200GB WD Caviar \| Sapphire X800XT PE \| Samsung 955DF 19" CRT \| Creative Audigy \| Logitech Z5300 THX speakers \| Thermatake V1000A case \| Enermax Noisetaker 470w \| the usual periferrals...
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01-25-2005, 12:22 PM	#8
Tapir Wisdom Will Always Linger Join Date: May 2004 Location: Belize, The Jewel Posts: 2,964	Dampening is essential many times. How many times has one found the screws for the hdd on the "inside" loose when you are sure you put them on tight! Thanks Nefarius, will look it up. __________________ ***************************************************************************************** Knowledge: Either you have it or know where to get it! *************************************************************************************** You need to have the right question to get the right answer. *************************************************************************************** The greatest right any nation can afford its people is the right to be left alone. *************************************************************************************** BIOSTAR - P4M80-M4, P4-2.8E HT, MSI NX6200AX-TD256 DDR, 2X512 PC3200 MICRON DDR 400, HITACHI 80G & SAMSUNG 40G, LITEON 20XDVDR, MOTOROLA SB5100 CABLE MODEM, 56K V92 AGERE FAX MODEM, X TECH OPTICAL MOUSE, AIR COOLED - 5 FANS, UBUNTU HARDY HERON (8.04) *****************************************************************************************
(Offline)

01-25-2005, 02:38 PM	#9
Bofinn I'm gettin' dizzy! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 11,035	I followed 3 of 7's advice and remove the grill from my cpu fan. 4 little screws removed made me a happy camper! When will this new mb be made public? and I killed The Noise!! __________________ ---------- JimBo ----------- When in doubt, smack it!
(Offline)

01-25-2005, 03:02 PM	#11
yamawho Linux user Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Montreal Posts: 4,043	I have 5 Antec cases at the moment either SX835II or Plusview1000AMG models. I have to say that they are heavy but they don't buzz or vibrate. All are running Powerstream 420 psu and use 3 or 4 80mm Antec case fans. Three of these are gaming rigs and I use XP120, XP90 and the new Zalman 7700CU HSF. These systems all have P4C800E deluxe BTW. The Zalman is impressive with that 120mm fan plus it has a fan speed variator included. It's very quiet as well The office rigs have the fans connected to the 5 volt so the noise is greatly reduced since they don't require alot of cooling. __________________
(Offline)

01-25-2005, 04:30 PM	#13
swannema ???????????????? Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 9,627	Noise is one of my greatest concerns when it comes down to computing. I have changed all noisy parts in my computer: WD1200SE - now Samsung Spinpoints with Nidec motor Enermax Regular- now Enermax Noisetaker All fans are regulated by a Rheobus fro Sunbeam, this fan controller does not create anmy electrical noise. As 120 mm fans I use Global fans, they move a good amount of air but are close to silent.They are hard to find and most of the time out of stock. http://www.mnpctech.com/Globe.html The Nexus fans just don't move enough air. I tried one of their 92mm fans, it is silent but in my case the air it moves is not enough, So I am using a Panaflo L series @ 5v.
(Offline)

01-25-2005, 04:45 PM	#14
Snafu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The Boonies in Ontario Posts: 614	Thanks Nef. With the Rheobus why not go for a higher volume fan? Noisier its true but at least you can turn it down with the Rheobus if need be. Might be a little overkill I guess. BTW where did you pick it up? __________________ P4 3.4C SL793 \| Asus P4C800E-Dlx \| 2x512MB OCZ Platinum PC3700EB \| 2x36GB WD Raptors in Raid + 200GB WD Caviar \| Sapphire X800XT PE \| Samsung 955DF 19" CRT \| Creative Audigy \| Logitech Z5300 THX speakers \| Thermatake V1000A case \| Enermax Noisetaker 470w \| the usual periferrals...
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