How does one get a quiet system?

[MisterMaya]

Hi, I'm trying to figure out what the best ways are to cool a case while keeping it very, very quiet. Fan noise really bugs me - it'd be nice to be able to leave my PC on at night if I need to, without having lots of fan noise. I think water cooling might be a bit expensive for me, unless it's the only way to get things quiet in there. Looking for case layout suggestions, fan type/brand suggestions, as well as tricks and stuff.

I don't overclock (value my system stability far too much) so cooling isn't as much of an issue as it is for lots of people here.

thanks

-- Monkeys? What does this .sig have to do with monkeys? --

 

[Arrow]

Start off by looking towards an Enermax power supply.

Rob
Please visit <b><A HREF="http://www.ncix.com/canada/about.php?affiliateid=319048" target="_new">http://www.ncix.com/canada/about.php?affiliateid=319048</A></b>

 

[upec]

I agree. Enermax PSUs are very quiet.

 

[Jake75]

I have an Enermax PSU, 2 fans for out/intake and one Thermaltake 7 (average 3800rpm).

Compared to my old P2 it´s like hearing a volcano erupt (slightly exaggerated)
And from what I´ve read my computer would classify as a silent one...well, I guess it is a matter of "taste" also.

However, at nights when you turn it off (yes, it happens) you suddenly realize what silence really is!

<font color=red>Japanese Telecom</font color=red>

 

[sturm]

this idea coming from car audio. Dynamat! line the inside of ur case with it. it will help muffle the noise coming from inside the case. as far as the noise from the fans. try to get the same amount of air going in as whats coming out.

 

[MisterMaya]

thanks for the ideas, guys.
Anyone have fan brand or type suggestions? I'm limited to just what Radio Shack carries, in terms of things I can check out before I purchase. As far as ordering fans online, it'd be pretty much a blind (deaf?) purchase.

-- Monkeys? What does this .sig have to do with monkeys? --

 

[camieabz]

Check out <A HREF="http://www.quietpc.com/index.html" target="_new">this</A> site for a decent range of products.

<b><font color=blue>~ What do you mean "It isn't working!"...Now where's my sonic screwdriver? ~ </font color=blue></b>

 

[Crashman]

I use a heavy plastic case.

<font color=blue>At least half of all problems are caused by an insufficient power supply!</font color=blue>

 

[upec]

I use Panaflo fans. It is very quiet.

 

[cakecake]

Advice

Use dynamat--it helps reduce sound for me a lot
Beware of collective fan noise--a single 25db fan isn't too bad, but throw in 3 or 4 and it gets as loud as 40db
If using fans beware of case vibration--dynamat can only go so far, you may have to use rubber rings around your screws or (gasp) tape to stop things from rattling

Good Luck

Oh and one last thing, use fanmates, mine work like a charm (I'm like a walking advertisement for them)