AMD64 retail fan unit is too noisy...

[Trente]

Hi,

My PC is making too much noise...🙁 I got a total of 5 operating fans:

1x inside my Antec SL350S PSU
1x inside my Antec SLK3700-BQE Case
1x on my videocard
1x on my motherboard
1x on my CPU

I discovered that my CPU fan is creating most, if not all of the noise. My CPU temp is ~21C even while running some apps (Winchester coolness), no overclocking is taking place and so I figured I could lower the RPM rate as it should be able to stand higher temps than now...

I enabled smartfan control on my motherboard but that did nothing to improve acoustics. Any other alternatives besides replacing the fan unit?

Is it possible to use a program that could lower/rise CPU fan speed according to load?
I attmepted to use SpeedFan, but it gets stuck during the search for monitoring chips available on the motherboard. :disgust:

Thanks for any input!

 

[Amaroque]

Have you tried to enable cool and quiet?

 

[biostud]

Buy a zalman cooler for your CPU and videocard.

 

[Algere]

Originally posted by: biostud
Buy a zalman cooler for your CPU and videocard.

Originally posted by: Trente
Any other alternatives besides replacing the fan unit?

Cheap Zalman or the like fan controller AFAIK.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: Algere

Originally posted by: biostud
Buy a zalman cooler for your CPU and videocard.

Originally posted by: Trente
Any other alternatives besides replacing the fan unit?

Cheap Zalman or the like fan controller AFAIK.

Yep, the Zalman Fanmate is $5-6 each plus shipping.

But you're going to be happiest if you replace a few parts.

Start with a new CPU cooler. I highly recommend the Zalman 7000 AlCu, as it is very quiet if it's turned down to 1400-1500 RPM (using the included Fanmate) and still very effective, and it's not too expensive. (Don't forget the Arctic Silver 5, which is good stuff because it never seems to dry out or lose effectiveness.)

For the chipset (motherboard) fan, you can use a Fanmate to tone it down from 6000 RPM to 3000 RPM, but for the same amount of money as the Fanmate (or maybe $1-2 more) you can get a nice sized passive chipset cooler. (All motherboards should ship with passive chipset coolers, IMO.)

For the video, I like the Arctic Cooling VGA silencer because for as huge a difference it makes in both noise and temps, it's very modestly priced. It also exhausts the GPU heat out the back of the case, which is good because it helps temperature controlled PSU fans stay at lower RPM, and makes air cooling of the CPU more effective because of lower case temps.)

For the case fan, put a Fanmate on it, turn it down a ways, and watch your temps; adjust accordingly.

You don't need to do everything at once, but you'll want to do it all eventually. If you haven't done so already, check out http://www.silentpcreview.com for some other good recommendations and ideas.

 

[BBock7271]

i have retail fan and i cant hear it at all. Its probably your case thats the problem!! Though the easier fix is a lower RPM fan, but im sure you have a crappy case. My sonata could quite a nuclear explosion

 

[Algere]

Originally posted by: BBock7271
i have retail fan and i cant hear it at all. Its probably your case thats the problem!! Though the easier fix is a lower RPM fan, but im sure you have a crappy case. My sonata could quite a nuclear explosion

I don't think all AMD HSFs are the same or at least utilized the same way. Mine ran loud @ +/- 6000 RPMs while I've heard others never exceeding 3000-4000 RPMs with theirs & IMO a fan controller would be easier than replacing the fan on the AMD HSF while allowing flexibility should you need the extra RPMs on a hot day, but that's just me.

 

[Trente]

Originally posted by: BBock7271
My sonata could quite a nuclear explosion

a crappy case? mind you, the SLK3700-BQE has very much in common with your sonata; some even say that it is better all-around... 😉