Really loud computer!!

[AlanSimmons]

Hey gang, I need a little acoustical inspiration. I'm running a Gateway PC in my studio that is SO freakin' loud...Ugh! I've got my mic in a box similar to the Harlan Hogan porta booth, but I still get so much computer noise that I have to apply a pretty hefty noise gate setting (noise floor is around -54dB). Putting it in another room isn't an option, so I'm considering a DIY soundproof booth for my PC. I don't have the $$ for an IsoBox, so I thought I'd start with my VO peeps and see if anybody's tried this with any success (or knows someone who has). Thanks in advance, all!

~Alan

[JoeActor]

Hmmm... do you know the source of the noise?

Fan? HD? CD?

Fry's has some quiet fans for little $$$...

Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio (http://www.JoeActor.com)

[ScottLarson]

Boy, I'd check two or three things ,,
first the fan,
then the connections to both power supply and your gear
then if you still can't find it
release it as a boat anchor and buy a DELL

Just my .02
Scott

[Jacoby]

Alan,
computer noise is generated by several components, basicly the ones Joe mention in his post. By far the best, and oftenly the cheapest, way to reduce computer noise, is to eliminate those problem by simply replacing them with quiter components.

You don't mention your system's specs, but if by chance your system is new-ish, your CPU could be a Core2 Duo - those do not generate alot of heat, and can be cooled efficiently by a very slow-running CPU-fan, and some people have even had nice results with fanless heatsinks. That's one noisy component eliminated.

Your graphics card may have a small, high-rpm fan also - either replace that, or shop for a fanless card. That's two.

Next, your power supply can be a source for noise, but most of the time, the PSU-fans are the ones who generate noise. It has at least one, and maybe two fans. Those can be a little tricky to replace, but if those are noisy, you may be better off shopping for a new and quiter PSU. That's three.

Your case probably have at least one fan also. That can be easily replaced by a quiter one, too - four.

Finally, the HardDrive itself can produce some noise when working, but shouldn't be a huge problem, but it can of course be replaced.

New fans for the entire system, and maybe a new PSU is way better for your system, than putting it in a case - by more or less enclosing your computer in a case, you make it harder for the system to "breathe", which will make the fans even more ineffective and most likely cause your system to heat up. That's bad...

[AlanSimmons]

As always, excellent advice. Thanks guys. I'm going to replace all the fans and the power supply. After a weekend crawling around on the floor listening for noise with a ShihTzu licking my face, I discovered two things: 1. ALL the fans on this PC are loud, and 2. My ShihTzu has terrible breath. Thanks again!

~Alan

[Jacoby]

Picture... get OUT of my head!!! :D
Glad we could help, Alan - good luck!
Best regards to the Shit Zu, or whatever they're called... :cool: