Kipper

I've built my own file server but it is REALLY loud.

Here are the specs..

1 40GB IDE Maxtor Drive (OS)
1 250GB IDE Maxtor (Backup)
3 WD 7500AAKS (Storage)

I changed the CPU fan to make it not as loud but adding the 3 750GB drives really makes the computer roar.

I run 2 thermaltake fans for intake, 1 for output and 1 on my CPU cooler (those are really quiet, ~20dBA so that shouldn't matter)

So my question is...what's the cheapest way to make my computer not so loud?

Should I get something like sound acoustic foam? A new case? Anti-vibration stuff? Is there software to make my hard drives not spin or spin slower if the drives are idle?

Thanks for any suggestions!

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0rion

I would suggest a few things that might help with the sound a bit.

First off, If you have the computer sitting on something hard, like a hardwood floor or linoleum or something like that, put the computer on a pad, or on something cushioned. The vibration from the case will vibrate against a hard floor, and its pretty easy to protect against.

If you want to use some sound dampening material, I have used something like this on the sides of my case, and it works pretty well. I have also used some eggcrate foam to silence my water pump (I know you arent watercooling, but it keeps the sound down) The stuff is cheap, and can be found almost anywhere.

Anything on this page from petrastechshop would work well also, to keep fans quiet and vibration-free. The sound dampening mats I mentioned earlier are also available here.

Since you have a generic case, it probably isnt the best in terms of acoustics. Ive seen some really nice cases which people have said are super quiet. I cant remember off the top of my head, but Im sure some people have some ideas on that matter. A new case specifically to dampen noise would be a good bet.

cognoscenti

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