Computer Noise

[D0MZE]

Hey guys,
I have a problem with my CPU FAN generating a lot of noise.

Before explain in details what have been done, let me give you the stats of my box which was built in November of 2005:
Intel Pentium 4 HT - 3.6GHZ 2MB Cache (Intel 660)
Asus P5ND2-SLI DELUXE
1GIG(2X512MB) CORSAIR TWIN2X-5400C4 DDR2 667MHZ (going to add 1 more within the next week)
ASUS NVIDIA GEFORCE 7800GT
Plextor PX-716AL
Western Digital WD1200JS 120GB 8MB Cache SATA
Western Digital WD4000KD 400GB 16MB Cache SATA
Enermax 550Watts(600Watts? not sure) PowerSupply
Silverstone TJ01 Case

All of this running windows xp professional SP2 with all the windows update done.

Now I changed my CPU Fan to the HYPER 6+ from coolermaster in order to perhaps cool my CPU better
I've also modified the case:
I've cut the back grill of the case and replaced it with a grill instead and cut the 2 small enclosures in the front to allow a better airflow.

I still, however, get my CPU to go to temperatures between 45 and 52 degrees and CPU FAN RPM in the range of the ~3000 RPM.

I am wondering if changing the case would actually fix the problem? Would it reduce the speed of the fan, the CPU temperature, etc?
[Note: My Motherboard temperature is around 38 to 40degrees]

If I would change the case, I would go to buy a Silverstone TJ09. What do you guys think?

Thank You!

 

[natethegreat]

That Hyper 6 cooler has a 80mm fan on it rated for up to 3000 rpm's. That and the fact that p4's put out a lot of heat makes me think you just need a larger cooler that uses a 120mm low speed fan. You could try a Scythe ninja or Infinity, or a thermalright SI-120 or Ultra 120. These will all use low speed fans to effectively cool hot cpu's (and they're a lot cheaper than a new case).

 

[Operandi]

You have some very power hungry hardware there so to certain extent you always going to have warmer temps unless you resort to extreme (loud) cooling.

Depending on where that 38-40C temp is being taken thats either fairly normal or rather hot. If the sensor is near a hot component like the northbridge that could be fine, if however thats 38-40 ambient case temp thats a bit high and could be a big part of your problem. If you have the means to measure the exhaust temp do that, otherwise you can guesstimate by feeling the air coming out of the exhaust, it should be cool or slightly warm but not hot.

That Silverstone case doesn't look very good either (I'm surprised they even put their name on it) so a better case with more air flow would be definite improvement. Check out the Lian Li PC-7B.

 

[D0MZE]

I actually don't mind the warm temps. That is fine with me. However, what is pissing me off is that the CPU fan makes a lot of noise! at 3000RPM to 3200RPM thats pretty high..
So like nate suggested, perhaps have a bigger CPU Fan (120MM) or like operandi suggested get a new case with better airflow.
If I opt for the CPU Fan solution, am I going to even have place for a 120MM CPU Fan? I think my Case is too small for that....

 

[Operandi]

I just looked at the specs of that case a bit more; 2x 60mm intakes and single 80mm exhaust, thats simply horrible.

CPU temp is always in linear factor over the air that surrounds it. The reason your CPU fan is running at such a high RPM is because you ambient case temp is so high.

Bottom line is your case air flow sucks, if you get a better case and are able to drop the case temp 5-10 degrees your CPU temp will follow in nearly linear fashion. A better CPU HS/F will help as the Hyper 6 is not geared towards low noise but the first priority should be a good case.

 

[D0MZE]

Yea, thats what I thought too. This case sucks. I should have known better before buying it.
So Operandi, you suggest a new case? Now you suggested the Lian Li PC-7B. I've always liked the Lian Li's cause of their good airflows (i.e PC70)
Im not very good when it comes to cases.
What are the key points one should look when buying a case?

Note to Nate, Hyper 6+ is 100MM fan, not 80MM
What fan do you recommend?

 

[Operandi]

Personally I like AL cases I recommend Lian Li a lot.

In terms of cooling the two things to look for are the fans and non-restrictive intakes an especially exhausts. Ideally the fans should be 2x 120mm, 4x80mm or some configuration that is roughly equivalent. Keep in mind bigger fans 120mm 92mm fans can spin at lower speeds and still move a decent amount of air, hence lower noise. 80mm fans can work but you need more of them and need extra work to strike a balance between CFM and dBA if you are dealing with power hungry hardware.

The openings of the intakes and exhausts should be as free flowing as possible, both for performance as well as noise. Your Silverstone is a perfect example of how an exhaust shouldn't look, I've seen lots of cheap $30 crap cases but that Silverstone easily beats them all. The Lian Li PC-7B on the other hand is example of what it should look like, the only improvment you could make would be wire frame grill or no grill at all.

 

[pkme2]

I use Yate Loon 120mm fans for additional side & top exhausts.

I just got some 250mm case fans for side intakes on my new C2D builds.

I recommend the LL PC-7B also. With the two 120mm fans replaced with YLs, add two more. I get a very quiet case.

If I do a C2D, I recommend the Tuniq Tower. My AMDs all have the generic AMD HSFs, no need for anything else.

A very quiet cool case is the end result.

 

[natethegreat]

Originally posted by: D0MZE
Yea, thats what I thought too. This case sucks. I should have known better before buying it.
So Operandi, you suggest a new case? Now you suggested the Lian Li PC-7B. I've always liked the Lian Li's cause of their good airflows (i.e PC70)
Im not very good when it comes to cases.
What are the key points one should look when buying a case?

Note to Nate, Hyper 6+ is 100MM fan, not 80MM
What fan do you recommend?

Must have forgot to put the "+" in when I did a search

I agree with Operandi, purchasing a new case with better airflow will probably help keep the rpm's of your cpu cooler down... As far as bang/buck you really can't beat the Rosewill R6A34-BK Not as sexy as the Lian-Li cases but it has anti-vibe mounting for hdd's which imho every case should have. You will need an extra 120mm fan to match the Lian-li's cooling so that closes the price gap. Do some lurking on the forums and read all the "recomend me _______" threads that interest you, I'm sure you will be able to find a case that fits your needs.

Cases I would consider if I was building today:

Rosewill R6A34-BK
Coolermaster Centurian 534
COOLER MASTER RC-330
Lian-Li PC-7B plus II
Antec SLK 3000-B
Antec Solo
Antec P180
Enermax Chakra

edit:Dare I link you to SilentPCReview.com?

 

[D0MZE]

Nice!
Thanks guys! i really appreciate.
Will definitely get myself going with your recommendations!