Ah, stupid Thermaltake Smart Case fan in "quiet" mode is loudest fan I've ever had!!

AndrewR

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,157
0
0
I bought a Thermaltake Tsunami Dream case, and I really like the case. However, the noise is killing me, and I'm getting annoyed. I replaced my 60mm HSF with a Zalman copper number with an 80mm fan, which is fairly quiet. I have an Enermax Noisetaker PSU, which is quiet. I installed a Panaflo 120x38mm fan in the back with a fan speed controller feeding it 7V, and it seems to be moving a lot of air quietly.

I have to use a 25mm fan in the front so the Panaflo won't work there. Right now, the Smart Case fan is up there, but it's whining like a cat in heat even with the fan speed controller set to low. I can't locate the amount of current it's receiving, but I imagine it's 7V. I am going to try connecting the Thermaltake to my fan controller so I know it's getting 7V, but I'm not too hopeful.

Any ideas on reducing the noise of this jet engine? I've spent too much money, and I'm pissed. If someone says buy a Dell, I didn't spend THAT much. ;)
 

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
The Nexus 120x25 fans I got from siliconacoustics.com link are whisper-soft at regular 12v.

Manufacturer's Performance Ratings: Speed @ 12 v 1000 RPM
Noise 22.8 dB(A)
Flow 36.87 CFM

$17.95 + shipping
 

AndrewR

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,157
0
0
Update: I burned out the Thermaltake, apparently, by using my fan speed controller. It just stopped spinning, but the LEDs still work. I also accidentally pulled off a connector because it was a piss-poor design (3-pin connector separated from the wires when trying to disconnect, didn't pull on the wires but put partial pressure on the insulated cover for them).

Anyway, hooked up the 120x25 Thermaltake fans that came with the case, and it's working now at 7V and is fairly quiet.

The problem with ordering stuff is that the vendor must have a US Postal Service shipping option for me to use since I'm overseas military. Silicon Acoustics does not -- I've looked at them before. :( I ordered my other stuff from svc.com, which does ship via Priority Mail.