Reducing case noise

Luke_Bowman · 25 Dec 2013 at 21:49

Recently, I bought a htpc and use it for downloading and watching films etc etc so it's pretty much on 24/7 and some nights it's left on when I sleep.

The noise from the pc can be quite annoying on very calm nights and if I'm near the box as it's in my bedroom.

How (apart from reducing fan voltage and HDD bungee mod) can I reduce the noise?

Is noise-dampening foam worth the price? Any other options I haven't thought of? Or have I reached the limit of case silence?

Raikiri · 25 Dec 2013 at 22:10

What case/cooler/fans and what kit is in there?

smilertoo · 26 Dec 2013 at 03:25

Noise dampening works but it raises case temps; bigger slower fans reduce noise.

Steampunk · 26 Dec 2013 at 09:01

A case doesn't make noise. Something in your case is making noise. Identify what that thing is, and fix the source of the problem. Noise damping material just tries to fix the symptoms.

Luke_Bowman · 26 Dec 2013 at 09:26

Currently using a small aftermarket cpu cooler http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-049-AR

Also got 5 Corsair af120's running at 7V and a 2tb mechanical drive which I can't swap out for an ssd due to financial reasons

Baboonanza · 26 Dec 2013 at 10:08

In my HTPC I had to replace psu fan as it was easily the noisiest thing in the case

Grimley · 26 Dec 2013 at 10:53

Luke_Bowman said:
Currently using a small aftermarket cpu cooler http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-049-AR

Also got 5 Corsair af120's running at 7V and a 2tb mechanical drive which I can't swap out for an ssd due to financial reasons

It's probably that & the PSU fan. I'd definately bungee mod the HD. I'd suggest trying to cable tie a 92mm case fan to the the CPU cooler as an alternative if your upgrade funds are tight. (though Artic fans are supposed to be quiet, I've got four of them in my gaming rig & they are good for the price)