Computer is so loud, and I make music! What can I do?

[KnightPalatine]

I have an Antec Sonata case. It comes with a special version of Antec's 380W PSU. The case has a single, 120mm exhaust fan, and an option to add a 120mm intake fan. I got it on sale for $95.

I hardly notice my box is running. I currently have an Athlon 64 3000+ with Thermaltake Silent Boost HSF; one Seagate Cheetah 15,000rpm SCSI hard drive (18.4GB, for OS and applications); and one Western Digital 10,000rpm ATA 100 hard drive (120GB, for data and storage). Both drives are very quiet.

Right now, I only have the 120mm exhaust fan. I ordered a Papst 119mm fan from Silentmaxx; UPS will deliver that today. The Papst will be the intake fan. On the Sonata case, the intake fan is mounted on the back of the HDD cage. With two or more drives, I want a bit more airflow across the drives. I'll report back on noise level, but I've read that the increase with this particular combination is negligible.

 

[0roo0roo]

http://www.voodoopc.com/systems/f50.aspx

 

[wallsfd949]

Originally posted by: CptObvious
IMO it'd be best to just put the computer in a separate room from where you're recording. To minimize the noise I record vocals in my closet with the door closed.

Isolation and longer keyboard/video/mouse cables are really your best option. Most of our recording is done in an isolated 'closet' 2 rooms away from the PC. We end up using long cables.

 

[KnightPalatine]

I added the Pabst fan today. I still can barely hear the box running.

I have a halogen floor lamp with a rheostat rather than a multi-position switch. It puts out a high-pitched noise when the light's dimmed. The lamp is noisier than my Sonata.