One of the issues that anyone with a computer can attest to is the constant droning of the multitude of cooling fans that our machines need to keep functioning. The more powerful your machine, the more cooling fans you need. Given that they make individual cooling fans for video cards and processors in addition to the power fan in the back and, in some cases, an additional fan located in the side of the tower, you’re dealing with a lot of ambient noise. That’s before you get into the clicking and whirring of drives!
My computer has four fans in various locations and two DVD/CD drives. It’s a constant source of background noise. I even turn my computer on at nights to act as a white noise machine if I can’t sleep. Some computers are as loud as a washing machine or electric toothbrush!
Obviously, the noise doesn’t bother me. My computer, thanks to its large case and massive side cooling grate, very rarely kicks on during normal usage. When I’m playing a game, I wouldn’t notice the noise anyway. However, if you want to build your own extra-quiet computer, CNet UK has a great ten-step guide, complete with pictures. It’s pretty much fool-proof.
If you’re just looking to reduce the noise on your current machine, CNet’s steps will help with that, too. If you need more tips, MAKE has a bunch of great links on how to first quiet things down and then maintain the precious silence.
Leave a Reply