Dell Dimension XPS

[imported_DruidGetafix]

I have a really noisy Dell Dimension XPS. The noise levels become unbearable during the summer months. I'm not an overclocker and pretty much a newbie when it comes to cases and cooling.

Any recommendations on what I can do to get it to be quieter? Should I change the case? Should I change the fans on the existing system?

Any hints to this newbie will be of great help.

Thanks!
Druid

 

[Elcs]

Im by no means an expert on Dell's but I think changing the case would be the most difficult task.

I think taking off the side panel would void warranty but Im not sure.

My first idea would be dust removal. If it hasnt been cleaned in a while, dust is a major problem. Cleaning my Heatsink last time netted me a 7c drop in temps and since you say its noisier in summer, im guessing the fans are temperature controlled somehow.

After dust removal, see what its like then get back to us.

Dell use propietry parts for quite a few things. Ive seen someone post a link to help Dell owners see what they can change on the inside, that would help us to advise you further.

 

[Markbnj]

I have an Dimension 8400 in the kitchen. Loudest machine in the house. It was always loud, and then the PSU fan motor died and I bought a PSU from PC Power and Cooling. After that it was _really_ loud. It's the only machine we have that is set to hibernate.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Originally posted by: Elcs

I think taking off the side panel would void warranty but Im not sure.

Dell allows people to upgrade their system without voiding the warranty, so taking off the side panel will not void it.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Cheesetogo

Originally posted by: Elcs

I think taking off the side panel would void warranty but Im not sure.

Dell allows people to upgrade their system without voiding the warranty, so taking off the side panel will not void it.

Never bought a Dell so I wouldnt know. I didnt want the OP to lose any warranties based on a guess as to whether removing the side panel voided warranty or not.

Sounds like you can remove your side panel to check the dust situation inside. Canned air is the weapon of choice for most enthusiasts to clean the insides out.

 

[timecop67]

I'd change out the fans with Nexus fans if you can get to easily. And if your skilled at removing and soldering you can replace the fan in your power supply also. Just find one with the same CFM.

From the business reports about Dell....customer satisfaction has been droping. From the ones I worked on they were not too pretty inside either.

 

[jamesbond007]

I have a XPS Generation 4 and I'm very happy with it. Yes, during the summer months the temps get really warm in our apartment (3rd floor, probably 85-90F in here since we don't bother trying to air condition this room with all our computers in here).

Anyways, the XPS is always audible from a good distance. It's a powerhouse rig, you could say. You always know when I'm firing up a game because the GeForce 6800 fan starts whinning up when I load up CS or any 3D game.

Replacing the heatsink fan might be a little tricky. I believe Dell uses proprietary fan connectors on the motherboard. There's two fans on the back, one for intake, one for exhaust. Together, these two fans tunnel air over a massive heatsink that sits atop the CPU.

http://myweb.cableone.net/twiggy9560/dellxps/ <<-- shots of my computer

The Dell is by far quieter than almost every rig I had built in the past, so it was a nice switch.