Building a Silent Air Cooled System
CPU Cooling by jmke @ 2005-03-11
Tired of those whining fans, want some peace and quiet when starting your PC? Read on to find out how you silence your system without turning it into a small oven.
Review
Intro & Specs
Introduction
The purpose of this article is not to sell products or promote 3rd party retail solutions. We are simply showing products which are available in stores now which help you on your way to a silent system. If you are not afraid to mess around inside your PC then you will find plenty do-it-yourself methods on reducing noise. We will add them to each section to complete this article. They can be found at end of each section in YELLOW text
One of the most thriving segments of the hardware industry which has blossomed is without doubt silent computing. Almost any respectable manufacturer which deals with PC cooling has a product geared to those who can not stand noise.
While Dell, HP, Siemens and others have the advantage of incorporating their in-house designed cooling system with their desktop solutions, those who decide to buy a 3rd party PC (or assembly it themselves) must deal with components which are build for maximum compatibility. This often translates in louder then necessary systems due to the case, vga and CPU fans running at high speeds to keep things cool inside.
Today we take a closer look at how we can reduce the annoying noise from all those whirring fans and spinning hard drives. We start of with a relative small mid-tower case (with the included PSU) which features a pair of case fans, a stock CPU cooling and has everything screwed in tight.
The Noisemaker:
Case: Antec Lanboy
Case fans: 2x80mm (front: 2200rpm / back: 1800rpm)
PSU: Antec TruePower 350W
CPU: A64 3200+
CPU Cooling: Stock A64 heatsink
Motherboard/Memory: DFI NF3 Lanparty / Mushkin PC3200 LVL2 V2
Videocard: Chaintech FX5900XT
Hard drive: Maxtor DiamondMax 120GB PATA
Fancontroller: Coolermaster Aerogate II
For measuring noise the assembled system is placed in a room which measures a maximum sound level of 30dBA. The dBA is placed 60cm away from the front of the case.
Powering up the system gives us our first dBA reading: 39.1dBA
The system can be heard very well throughout the room, standing outside you can still faintly hear the spinning fans, with the door closed! So it's safe to say that this system is very noisy. Opening up the case it becomes apparent that most noise comes from the VGA cooler (the Chaintech cooler IS very noisy when compared to the stock FX5900XT cooling) and also the twin 80mm fan Antec PSU is causing some air turbulence.
We could simply power off all the fans inside the system and hope for the best, but PC components are quite susceptible to heat so we will be monitoring temperatures of different critical parts:
With the system running at 39.1dBA we measure the following temperatures from the different components (in °C). Room temp during all tests was kept at 22°C
System was loaded with K7 CPU Burn and 3DMark2001SE in loop until a stable temperature was measured for all components
CPU: 57
System: 34
PWM: 46
HDD: 29
RAM: 38
VGA: 57.5
Top: 33
Bottom: 31
Let's see how we can improve things ->
It's all about the: case fans
Case fans at half speed:
Let's start of with the easiest of manipulations: reducing the speed of the two case fans should silence the system a bit, without losing too much cooling power.
Each fan's rotation speed was cut in half using the Aerogate II fan controller:
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 37.1dBA (-2)
CPU: 56 (-1)
System: 38 (+4)
PWM: 47 (+1)
HDD: 36 (+7)
RAM: 39 (+1)
VGA: 59.5 (+2)
Top: 34.5 (+1.5)
Bottom: 35 (+4)
Reducing the airflow inside you can see some changes; the hard drive benefits most from the front fan, without it the temperature rises 7°C , the other components only become a few degrees warmer. CPU actually becomes 1°C cooler, this is within the margin of error though, and it's quite possible that the two case fans were disrupting the airflow towards the CPU's fan.
Case fans at zero speed:
Now let's see how the system does without any case fans running:
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 36.8dBA (-2.3)
CPU: 57 (0)
System: 41 (+7)
PWM: 47 (+1)
HDD: 38 (+9)
RAM: 40.1 (+2.1)
VGA: 61.5 (+4)
Top: 36.5 (+3.5)
Bottom: 38 (+7)
The noise doesn't decrease a lot when compared to the system running with the case fans running at half speed. The temperatures however increase quite a bit, closing in on +10°C for the HDD.
Conclusion: a fan controller should be near the top of your purchase list
Cost of the modification: $15-$70 depending on your needs.
Adding a fan controller can help reduce the noise generated the system's case fans effectively without affecting temperature a lot. Even a little bit of airflow proves to be much better then none at all. You can go all out and buy a fan controller with all the bells and whistles (memory card readers, LCD display, and allow control through software in Windows) or stick with a more modest model which features a series of knobs which control the fan's speed.
Do it Yourself solutions :
Adding 3rd party equipment
3rd party video card cooling
(Arctic Cooling NV Silencer 3 Review)
The cooler on the Chaintech FX5900XT is making quite a bit of noise, so using a third party cooling solution might help. After installing an Arctic Cooling NV Silencer 3 we again take noise and temperature measurements (case fans running at full speed):
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 38.6dBA (-0.5)
CPU: 56 (-1)
System: 37 (+3)
PWM: 46 (0)
HDD: 30 (+1)
RAM: 38 (0)
VGA: 56.25 (-1.25)
Top: 33.5 (+0.5)
Bottom: 35 (+4)
Swapping out the noisy Chaintech cooler removes the high pitched sound coming from the small fan; however the dBA meter hardly picks up this change as the case fans still account for the largest part of the noise production.
3rd party CPU & HDD cooling
(Thermalright XP-90 Review)
The standard AMD A64 cooler is moderately noisy at lower fan speeds, but once the CPU starts heating up then you can hear the 70mm fan very clearly. We decided to swap it with a Thermalright XP-90 and 92mm (very silent) Papst fan.
The HDD was placed in an ACRyan HDD silencer and placed in a spare 5.25" bay of the Antec Lanboy.
With the case fans at 12v running we obtain these results:
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 37.9dBA (-1.2)
CPU: 52 (-5)
System: 34 (0)
PWM: 42 (-4)
HDD: 35 (+6)
RAM: 38 (0)
VGA: 54.63 (-2.87)
Top: 33.5 (+0.5)
Bottom: 33.5 (+2.5)
The XP-90 offers quite an improvement, dropping the CPU temp by 5°C, the PWM also benefits from the larger fan. The HDD sits comfy in its new environment, disk access can be heard less, we do see an increasing of 6°C compared to stock configuration, but the maximum tempreature is still well within acceptable boundaries.
The noise reading drops ever so slightly more, yet again caused by the case fans running at full speed... so it's about time we disabled them:
3rd party cooling installed without case fans running
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 33.9dBA (-5.2)
CPU: 55 (-2)
System: 42 (+8)
PWM: 47 (+1)
HDD: 38 (+9)
RAM: 42.5 (+4.5)
VGA: 60 (+2.5)
Top: 38.5 (+5.5)
Bottom: 39.5 (+8.5)
As we saw before, without case cooling all components increase in temperature, except for the CPU temp which still remains lower thanks to the efficient XP-90. The bottom of the case and Southbridge takes the largest bump in temperatures.
Looking at the dBA meter we see an impressive -5.2 drop, which makes the system running relatively silent, the loudest noise is now coming from the PSU's fans.
Conclusion: Third party cooling helps reducing noise without affecting temperatures
Cost of the modification: $25-60 for every upgrade.
Not everyone will have a noisy VGA cooler in his PC, making that 3rd party cooling solution only necessary for those running higher end VGA cards. The HDD silencer is most useful if you have only a limited amount of hard drives, if you have 3 or more in your system you should look at alternative solutions for silencing them; as otherwise it might become very costly.
A CPU cooling upgrade will have the largest impact for most people for reducing noise levels; utilizing a silent fan with a high performance heatsinks.
Do it Yourself solutions :
$5 VGA cooler
Home Made Cooling duct or Chill Vent II
(Arctic Cooling NV Silencer 3 Review)
The cooler on the Chaintech FX5900XT is making quite a bit of noise, so using a third party cooling solution might help. After installing an Arctic Cooling NV Silencer 3 we again take noise and temperature measurements (case fans running at full speed):
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 38.6dBA (-0.5)
CPU: 56 (-1)
System: 37 (+3)
PWM: 46 (0)
HDD: 30 (+1)
RAM: 38 (0)
VGA: 56.25 (-1.25)
Top: 33.5 (+0.5)
Bottom: 35 (+4)
Swapping out the noisy Chaintech cooler removes the high pitched sound coming from the small fan; however the dBA meter hardly picks up this change as the case fans still account for the largest part of the noise production.
3rd party CPU & HDD cooling
(Thermalright XP-90 Review)
The standard AMD A64 cooler is moderately noisy at lower fan speeds, but once the CPU starts heating up then you can hear the 70mm fan very clearly. We decided to swap it with a Thermalright XP-90 and 92mm (very silent) Papst fan.
The HDD was placed in an ACRyan HDD silencer and placed in a spare 5.25" bay of the Antec Lanboy.
With the case fans at 12v running we obtain these results:
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 37.9dBA (-1.2)
CPU: 52 (-5)
System: 34 (0)
PWM: 42 (-4)
HDD: 35 (+6)
RAM: 38 (0)
VGA: 54.63 (-2.87)
Top: 33.5 (+0.5)
Bottom: 33.5 (+2.5)
The XP-90 offers quite an improvement, dropping the CPU temp by 5°C, the PWM also benefits from the larger fan. The HDD sits comfy in its new environment, disk access can be heard less, we do see an increasing of 6°C compared to stock configuration, but the maximum tempreature is still well within acceptable boundaries.
The noise reading drops ever so slightly more, yet again caused by the case fans running at full speed... so it's about time we disabled them:
3rd party cooling installed without case fans running
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 33.9dBA (-5.2)
CPU: 55 (-2)
System: 42 (+8)
PWM: 47 (+1)
HDD: 38 (+9)
RAM: 42.5 (+4.5)
VGA: 60 (+2.5)
Top: 38.5 (+5.5)
Bottom: 39.5 (+8.5)
As we saw before, without case cooling all components increase in temperature, except for the CPU temp which still remains lower thanks to the efficient XP-90. The bottom of the case and Southbridge takes the largest bump in temperatures.
Looking at the dBA meter we see an impressive -5.2 drop, which makes the system running relatively silent, the loudest noise is now coming from the PSU's fans.
Conclusion: Third party cooling helps reducing noise without affecting temperatures
Cost of the modification: $25-60 for every upgrade.
Not everyone will have a noisy VGA cooler in his PC, making that 3rd party cooling solution only necessary for those running higher end VGA cards. The HDD silencer is most useful if you have only a limited amount of hard drives, if you have 3 or more in your system you should look at alternative solutions for silencing them; as otherwise it might become very costly.
A CPU cooling upgrade will have the largest impact for most people for reducing noise levels; utilizing a silent fan with a high performance heatsinks.
Do it Yourself solutions :
We need more Power Scotty!
Swap PSU #1: Sharkoon SilentStorm 450W
(Review)
The Sharkoon SilentStorm replaces the stock Antec 350W power supply, a slight drop in noise generation is noticed when powering on the system;
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 32.2dBA (-5.9)
CPU: 57 (0)
System: 44 (+10)
PWM: 49 (+3)
HDD: 40 (+11)
RAM: 45.5 (+7.5)
VGA: 63.25 (+5.75)
Top: 42 (+9)
Bottom: 42.5 (+11.5)
The system becomes slightly warmer with the Sharkoon SilentStorm, the noise level meter shows a -0.7 dBA reduction in noise, but the higher pitched noise of the Antec 350W fans is now absent. The SilentStorm moves less air causing an increase in overall case temperature.
Swap PSU #1: Silverstone EFN-300W Passive
(Review)
Silverstone has a very interesting product in their line-up, a completely passive power supply; let's see if this unit can further reduce of our system:
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 31.2dBA (-7.9)
CPU: 64.5 (+7.5)
System: 51.5 (+17.5)
PWM: 60.5 (+14.5)
HDD: 51.5 (+22.5)
RAM: 53.5 (+15.5)
VGA: 71.25 (+13.75)
Top: 52.5 (+19.5)
Bottom: 53 (+22)
Remembering that the lowest dBA measurement in the test room was 30dBA, it's quite an accomplishment to come very close to total silence!
Looking at the maximum temperatures reached during stress testing is not very encouraging however, at a room temp of 22°C the hard drive is running very high (50+°C) and the overall case temperature is also extremely high (50+°C). The system still remains running stable, but for how long?
Using the fan controller we re-active the rear case fan and let it run at half speed (7v):
Silent and Cool?
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 31.7dBA (-7.4)
CPU: 59 (+2)
System: 47 (+13)
PWM: 54 (+8)
HDD: 50 (+21)
RAM: 47.5 (+9.5)
VGA: 65.25 (+7.75)
Top: 49 (+16)
Bottom: 47 (+16)
With the help of the rear case fan the temperatures inside become more tolerable, almost every components display a benefit from the added airflow; Sound-wise the system is still bearably audible and deserves the "silent rig" tag.
Conclusion: Swapping your PSU for a more silent unit: only when you've exhausted all other options
Cost of the modification: $80-160 depending on the features and power rating
If your system already features a powerful and expensive power supply then swapping it out for a more silent version might not be the wisest decision. If you're adventurous you could make some air ducts inside your case to guide cool air to the PSU and use a fan controller to reduce the speed of the PSU's fans.
But when you want the best of the best, be prepared to pay for it too; passive power supplies are still scarce and their high price-tag doesn't make them accessible to everyone.
(Review)
The Sharkoon SilentStorm replaces the stock Antec 350W power supply, a slight drop in noise generation is noticed when powering on the system;
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 32.2dBA (-5.9)
CPU: 57 (0)
System: 44 (+10)
PWM: 49 (+3)
HDD: 40 (+11)
RAM: 45.5 (+7.5)
VGA: 63.25 (+5.75)
Top: 42 (+9)
Bottom: 42.5 (+11.5)
The system becomes slightly warmer with the Sharkoon SilentStorm, the noise level meter shows a -0.7 dBA reduction in noise, but the higher pitched noise of the Antec 350W fans is now absent. The SilentStorm moves less air causing an increase in overall case temperature.
Swap PSU #1: Silverstone EFN-300W Passive
(Review)
Silverstone has a very interesting product in their line-up, a completely passive power supply; let's see if this unit can further reduce of our system:
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 31.2dBA (-7.9)
CPU: 64.5 (+7.5)
System: 51.5 (+17.5)
PWM: 60.5 (+14.5)
HDD: 51.5 (+22.5)
RAM: 53.5 (+15.5)
VGA: 71.25 (+13.75)
Top: 52.5 (+19.5)
Bottom: 53 (+22)
Remembering that the lowest dBA measurement in the test room was 30dBA, it's quite an accomplishment to come very close to total silence!
Looking at the maximum temperatures reached during stress testing is not very encouraging however, at a room temp of 22°C the hard drive is running very high (50+°C) and the overall case temperature is also extremely high (50+°C). The system still remains running stable, but for how long?
Using the fan controller we re-active the rear case fan and let it run at half speed (7v):
Silent and Cool?
(number between () is compared to default configuration)
Noise measurement: 31.7dBA (-7.4)
CPU: 59 (+2)
System: 47 (+13)
PWM: 54 (+8)
HDD: 50 (+21)
RAM: 47.5 (+9.5)
VGA: 65.25 (+7.75)
Top: 49 (+16)
Bottom: 47 (+16)
With the help of the rear case fan the temperatures inside become more tolerable, almost every components display a benefit from the added airflow; Sound-wise the system is still bearably audible and deserves the "silent rig" tag.
Conclusion: Swapping your PSU for a more silent unit: only when you've exhausted all other options
Cost of the modification: $80-160 depending on the features and power rating
If your system already features a powerful and expensive power supply then swapping it out for a more silent version might not be the wisest decision. If you're adventurous you could make some air ducts inside your case to guide cool air to the PSU and use a fan controller to reduce the speed of the PSU's fans.
But when you want the best of the best, be prepared to pay for it too; passive power supplies are still scarce and their high price-tag doesn't make them accessible to everyone.
Loud to Silent: The Graph
Loud to Silent: The Graph
We hope you found the information useful, if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to email us or leave a message in the forums.
Other interesting Silent PC related sites/articles:
*** Build PC from scratch choosing the correct "silent" components
***** SilentPCReview: excellent community and review website focused on silent computing.
We hope you found the information useful, if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to email us or leave a message in the forums.
Other interesting Silent PC related sites/articles: