Why the noise?

toffeemad · 27 May 2006 at 08:29

I have just replaced both 120mm fans on my T'take Shark case for Cooler Master Silent Fans. I have also replaced mr CPU fan with the Artic Cooling Freezer 64 fan. The only fan I have left alone is the GPU fan on my Sapphire X800 XL card. Although the noise has reduced the fan noise is still well above the level I expected. I was wondering:-

a) Is it the Graphics card fan that is causing this? I dont play games anymore and am considering removing the card.

b) Only the rear fan on my case is plugged into the motherboard controller ( the front plugs direct to my power supply) is it worth removing the rear fan as my CPU has plenty of cooling. Will I get away with just using the front case fan? I dont even know if the Coolermaster fans are speed controlled or just hum away at 1200 rpm?

Hopefully someone can help as I'm a complete novice at this type of thing

Thanks

toffeemad · 27 May 2006 at 11:39

Thanks for you're suggestions everyone. I immediately downloaded Speed Fan and cut the noise by half! I still need to figure out which fans I have slowed down and what acceptable temperature's are as my System Tray displays a 36?! I am now convinced it is the Graphics Card that is the noisy one and plans are in force to remove it! Thanks again!!

toffeemad · 28 May 2006 at 11:28

I've opened the case up and sure enough the ref GFX fan is buzzing away like a tormented wasp! Is it easy ( for a relative novice ) to change the GPU cooler for a quieter one? If so, what would be the best option for an X 800 XL? I've also opted for a Nexus fan controller as I dont want to re-configure SpeedFan each time I start my computer.

Thanks

toffeemad · 31 May 2006 at 21:39

Loads of helpful answers, thankyou!!! Downloaded the ATI tray thingy and slowed the Fan right down. Silence.....I turned up the fan speed again and will now work out what speed I can get away with? The most I do graphically is watch DVD's but I dont have the knowledge (yet) to know what temperatures are safe. What with Speedfan and the ATI tray I can now hear myself think above the computer!

toffeemad · 1 Jun 2006 at 20:40

Now the rear fan and GFX cooler have been turned down the faint buzzing from the front fan (plugged direct to molex) is annoying me. A fan controller is on its way though so help is at hand. Besides proving how helpful this forum is you're suggestions have also shown an alternative side to modding. Once you start making things better you (or is it just me?) cant stop until everything is just perfect. Either that or I'm just a fussy bugger!

Thanks
Steve

toffeemad · 1 Jun 2006 at 20:57

I picked up a Vantec Nexus Controller as it seemed to have good reviews everywhere I looked. Its black with blue backlighting. The other guys on this forum that actually have them installed can no doubt advise you through experience. The Akasa AK FC-03 on the Overclockers site looks great.

toffeemad · 2 Jun 2006 at 20:51

I think If I had a 36GB Raptor I would quite happily put up with more noise for all that speed! I like the look of those new noise canceling headphones!

toffeemad · 9 Jun 2006 at 15:33

Just an update for any novices lile me trying to silence their PC fans. My Vantec fan controller arrived today and I set about installing it in a free 5.25 bay and connecting it to my front and rear Coolermaster 120mm Silent Fans. 20 minutes later I booted up, turned both fan speeds down and....No Difference!? Next step, open case and plug molex into controller. Oops! Tried again, still no difference. Spotted 2 small fans on MSI mobo and put finger on to stop them. Ouch!! Bullseye, the little blighters have been screaming away all the while!! Plugged them into Speed 3 and 4 of controller and at last, (near) quiet. They say learning is all about making mistakes and a bit of patience. I think I'll treat myselft to a cuppa.