Reference number: CH000696

How can I make my computer quieter?

Question:

How can I make my computer quieter?

Answer:

Below are recommendations and steps you can do to help make your computer quieter as well as a listing of the main causes of computer noise.

Computer fans (Case fans and CPU fans)

The majority of the noise most computers have come from the computer fans. As computers continue to get faster they continue to get hotter, which requires more fans and faster fans to help keep everything cool. A fan generates noise by spinning as well as generates noise as it moves the air.

One solution to getting the computer quieter is replacing the cheap case fans and CPU fans your computer comes pre-installed with and installing quieter fans. The amount of noise a fan emits is measured in dBA; for example, a fan with 21.8 dBA is going to be much louder than a 19.0 or 12.0 dBA.

Tips: If the computer has the available space, installing a bigger fan will move more air with slower speeds making the noise level lower. There are also fans available that adjust their speed according to the heat, which means if the computer is not hot it will lower the speed of the fan making the computer quieter.

Power supply

A computer's power supply also includes a fan and is usually another major cause of noise in your computer. If your power supply has a power switch on it, you can easily determine how much noise your power supply generates by disconnecting it from the motherboard and turning it on.

Otherwise, you may want to consider purchasing a new power supply with a low dBA, there are even fan-less desktop power supplies available that have a dBA of 0.

Hard disk drive

Some computer hard disk drives can be real loud, usually it's easy to identify a noisy hard disk drive by listening to the noise level as information is accessed off the hard disk drive. For example, if the computer is noisy as it boots up this is a good indication of a noisy hard disk drive. 

Some hard disk drives can also be consistently noisy, causing a steady noise while the computer is on. You can quickly identify the hard disk drives noise volume by temporarily disconnecting the hard disk drive and turning on the computer.

If you wish to lower the noise volume of a hard disk drive but do not wish to replace the hard disk drive, enclosing the hard disk drive in an enclosed case or removable case can make it quieter. However, keep in mind that many of the hard disk drive cases also have fans of their own which can increase the noise of the computer. Alternatively, you could purchase a new hard disk drive and replace it with the old one. 

Video cards

With the increased power of video cards, many of the new video cards are coming with their own fans that can also increase the overall noise of a computer. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution in making your video card quieter. However, for users who want to get their computer as quiet as possible, there are several online documents that have steps that replacing a video cards fan.

Other recommendations

In addition to the above recommendations, you can also make the computer quieter by following any or all of the below recommendations.

Move the computer - The location of a computer can make a difference. For example, if you have the computer on the top of your desk, try moving it below the desk.

Loose screws - Loose screws especially on fans can cause increased noise while the computer is running. Make sure all screws inside the computer are tight by going inside the computer and checking each of the screws.

Padded feet - If the computer is on a hard surface, such as a desk or hard floor, the vibration of the computer can cause additional noise. Adding padded feet to the bottom of a computer may slightly reduce the noise volume. Another tip would be to place a piece of carpet under the computer.

Gaskets - Silicone case fan gaskets are another relatively cheap solution for making your computer quieter. The gaskets install in-between your case and the fan and help reduce the vibration, making the computer quieter. Antec and other companies sell these.

Enclosed case or room - If the computer is a server or a computer that does not require much access, you can place it into another room (aka a glass house), often this is what corporations do with their servers.

If this is a home computer or a computer you need access to, placing the computer into an enclosed case can also reduce the noise volume. However, when doing this you need to consider heat related issues. The computer should have at least two-inches in the front, back, and both sides as well as a location to bring air in from the outside.

Insulation - For users who wish to make their computer even quieter you can install acoustic insulation, which will make it quieter but at the same time could increase the heat of the computer. 

Water cooled - For users who plan on overclocking and need their computer as cool as possible but want it quiet at the same time may want to consider keeping their computer cool by using a water cooled solution.

Additional information:

• If your computer is making an abnormal noise, please see document CH000302 for troubleshooting this issue.
• Some of the below documents suggestions require you open the computer. While in the computer, make sure you're aware of ESD.