Build the ultimate quiet PC

By Rory Reid and Craig Simms on 21 August 2007

Getting Started | Casing the joint | Swap power supply units | Processor and fans Graphics card | Chipset | Drives | Accessories | Maintenance | Job done

Step 1: Getting started

Having a high-speed PC is every techie's dream. Unfortunately, fast PCs generate significant heat and require ventilation by noisy cooling fans. This can turn your PC pride and joy into a whirring annoyance -- particularly when it's being used during quiet periods or at night.

Some PCs run as noisily as 50db -- that's nearly as loud as an electric toothbrush or a washing machine. As you can imagine, the whine of a dozen cooling fans can distract you during work and diminish your enjoyment when playing music or video on your PC. The last thing you want during a tear-jerking love scene is the click of a hard drive or the whir of a DVD drive.

In this feature we'll take you through the necessary steps required to turn your noisy computer into the ultimate quiet PC. It'll be so quiet, in fact, you'll wonder whether it's even switched on. Some steps are as easy as pie, others require a modicum of technical knowledge, but all of them will help eliminate unwanted noise forever.

Topics: build, desktop, diy, pc, quiet, clean, silent

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Comments (3)

  • Spirit commented on 03/09/2009 19:13

    120mm Scythe Slipstreams are better than the S-Flex ($21 pccasegear).
    The Corsair HX520/620 are also made by Seasonic, cheaper than the S12+, and also modular.

    The Thermalright HR01+ (also from pccasegear) is better with low airflow than the TRUE, and $20 cheaper as well.

    Zalman VF900, while definitely better than stock cooling isn't exactly quiet. One of the Accleros, or Thermalright would perhaps be a better choice, but be sure to check compatibility.

    Soft fan mounts $3.50/set of 4 from pccasegear are also an option.

    www.silentpcreview.com
    Good site.

  • Bazza commented on 25/05/2009 12:32

    Cleaning computers for dust more than a distant vacuum nozzle. A soft long haired brush helps dislodge dust that sticks to surfaces, particularly heatsinks and especially the CPU and Video card heatsinks. These clog up easily and cause lots of overheating which vacuum cleaners can not get to. The fan needs to be removed first, then brush then vacuum, clean the fan blades too, the leading edge gets buildup reducing their efficiency.

  • mario commented on 28/05/2008 00:24

    IT IS VERY INTERESTING

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