Ok. I'm working with a Gigabyte SinXP1394 w/t Intel 3.06 P4. 2 GB ram, 2
WD HS, 3 opticals, ATI9800 Pro., 3 case fans active (one is back, two in
front pulling air over HDs and Video card. I'm using stock HS/Fan in
CPU. The PS is an Enermax 460 W. Case is a CM ATSC, which only allows
for 80mm fans, two in front, one at back, and one at top of case (which,
as i found, has died long ago).
I don't need this system to be whisper quiet since its only get used for
specific task and I might through a wireless card in and move it to
another room. I might.
Currently it is way, way too friggin loud and it sits over my shoulder
and just messes up my entire computing mojo.
After going through systematically moving all noise sources, this is
what I've found.
(1) The two WD HD are the MAJOR sources of noise! Damnit.
(2) The fan on the northbridge is really loud. From 1st inspection, it
seems I'd have to yank the mobo to remove hs under the fan the replace
the HS...don't think I want to do this.....so maybe I'll look for
another fan??? Any ideas on that?
(3) The stock intel hs/fan is definitely noisy...but until I deal with
(1) and (2) I don't think I'll gain much. A *Nexus P4 PHT-3600*
<http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/PHT-3600.html> is only $25 bucks
online.
The fans on the vidcard and the stupid Gigabyte VR don't seem to be
problems, but there are still additional fans. The Vidcard does get
quite not even under just normal use, which seems to imply that it is
important for air to come in from the front and be carried out the back.
If you run you systems 24/7, then it is a good idea to blow the dust out
of the HS fins on the CPU. Mine were covered in dust, so it's difficult
to see how air was being pushed through them by the fan on top. In
fact, since the case sits vertical, it seems that the fan must be
forcing dust into the fins...it can't be just falling onto them in that
position.
Why in the hell are the WDs so loud? Gosh, they are awful. They have a
high pitched whine that drives me nuts. Spin up is terrible. One is a
180 GB and I think the other is a 200 GB. Is there any software that
will put them in quiet mode?
The Enermax PS seems very quiet and I think has a ~90 mm fan on the
bottom pulling air in. So it should pull hot air up and push it out the
back. Also, it has external speed control.
I already have sound proofing material on the two side panels of this
case, but as there is a big hole in the front and those WD HD are just
sitting there, there is a direct ear to noise source path, moreso since
I have my systems sitting atop my desk.
