DDC1 pump silencing

Mnemonik · 8 Apr 2011 at 06:37

Hi all,

I'm just in the middle of building my new PC, well rather an old PC with new hardware and modding my old Lian-Li PC-1000. Since moving to a SSD, I now only have 3 moving parts - my DDC1 T (10W) pump w/ EK acetal top and two 7v Nexus fans. Needless to say, the DDC1 is now my loudest component and is driving me mad - and currently it's suspended by the tubing outside of the case and so not touching anything or causing vibrations.

My current loop is pump -> Thermochill PA120.2 -> EK Supreme HF -> EK 460 full cover -> Reservoir so it's not exactly big.

Has anyone had any success in completely silencing these things? I'm thinking of building an enclosure for it.

Or maybe I should be looking at another pump?

My old Eheim 1048 I had 6 years ago was completely silent - is there anything as or more powerful that's quieter that I should consider?

mjones1 · 8 Apr 2011 at 07:39

Once your loop is fully bleed (no more bubbles) is should be fairly quiet.

Mnemonik · 8 Apr 2011 at 07:42

I've had this pump for 4 years, i think it has been bled in it's time. It is fairly quiet. I want complete silence (i.e. can't hear it from 1 foot away).

mattup · 8 Apr 2011 at 08:46

There is no pump that is silent from one foot away.

Matt

shadowscotland · 8 Apr 2011 at 09:49

With the two Nexus fans adding a little white noise.

A D5 with a X-top at setting 1 and 2 (maybe 3) is inaudible a foot away
as is the c-mag,
or the EK-DCP 2.2 (DD or Phobya)
and some of the Eheim

From my own testing I found that the DDC was louder with the xspc top that at stock.
The performance boost is worth it - and inside a case it's not an issue.
But not ideal for external use.

Bolting on a heavy mass will help (make sure your tube has clamps)
as will blocking line of sight (if possable)
A card and foam 'box' would also help - but the ddc needs a little air cooling.
so either leave a gap (facing away from you) or use an old heat pipe for a bit of getto cooling

Sayso · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:01

The EK/phobya/Dangerden are pretty much silent.

Mnemonik · 9 Apr 2011 at 15:56

Thanks for the tips. I might try The D5/Xtop combo. I guess on the lower settings I'd probably see similar flow rates as my DDC?

teknokid · 9 Apr 2011 at 18:52

Have you tried one of those de-coupling kits?

Mnemonik · 10 Apr 2011 at 00:33

As I said, it's literally hanging by the tubing right now so it's as decoupled as it can get

You can see the pump hanging in the bottom of the image, its about 2 foot from my head right now. I have my new build setup like that temporarily until I finish the work on my Lian-Li. The noise that's annoying me is the low whine, not a vibration or anything like that.

teknokid · 10 Apr 2011 at 08:25

Mnemonik said:
As I said, it's literally hanging by the tubing right now so it's as decoupled as it can get

You can see the pump hanging in the bottom of the image, its about 2 foot from my head right now. I have my new build setup like that temporarily until I finish the work on my Lian-Li. The noise that's annoying me is the low whine, not a vibration or anything like that.

If you hold the pump really tight in your hand does it go away?

i reckon it might need something to hold onto...

Besides, in a case you probably won't hear it

cravin penut · 10 Apr 2011 at 08:47

You can get anti vibration pads for them which work quite well!

Mnemonik · 11 Apr 2011 at 11:29

It changes tone when I hold it tight, slightly muffled but still reasonably loud.

Maybe I'll wait until I get my case bits back from the powder coaters and reassess. The Lian-Li has plenty of holes in it so I don't think it's going to be great for blocking the noise.