Effect of sound vibrations on computer hardware?

[Dankk]

I have a nifty little 4-piece shelf stereo system sitting in my bedroom, I've had it since 8th grade and I still use it. Two main speakers sit on top of my dresser, while the main unit and the subwoofer sit on the floor.

However, since I got into computer building about two years ago, I've been much more nervous about cranking my stereo up to high levels. I have a pair of computer speakers that I use sometimes, but they are small and do not produce low frequencies. It's the low vibrations I'm worried about. My stereo system sitting on the other side of the room can go considerably low, and the subwoofer vibrates the entire room without much effort. I'm curious as to exactly what adverse effects this has on computer components... hard drive? System fans? Obviously this isn't HELPING my computer. Anyone have some useful info regarding music with heavy bass in close proximity to computers? Thanks.

 

[fffblackmage]

I have a 2.1 home theater type system myself, and, just out of convenience, my subwoofer sits exactly right next to my computer. I haven't encountered any issues for the past couple of years. Maybe it's because I don't max out the volume on my subwoofer, but it's not like it's set very quiet either (otherwise, what's the point of having it?).

 

[mfenn]

I supposed that the vibration could theoretically affect the lifetime of your computer's mechanical parts, but the effect is likely to be minor.

 

[gsaldivar]

Any type of vibration is bad for hard drives. The effects are easy to overlook, but they are definitely there...

http://blogs.sun.com/brendan/entry/unusual_disk_latency

Be sure to watch the video demo in that link.

!!!

 

[lxskllr]

I used to keep my laptop bungie corded to the dash in my work truck. Aside from the questionable suspension, it was frequently driven offroad, sometimes over large bumps. I never had any trouble with it.

 

[fffblackmage]

Any type of vibration is bad for hard drives. The effects are easy to overlook, but they are definitely there...

http://blogs.sun.com/brendan/entry/unusual_disk_latency

Be sure to watch the video demo in that link.

!!!

ROFL! That's pretty awesome.

 

[piasabird]

Well you could get a case that has the rubberized parts that the Drive mounting screws go through. This can really help to absorb a lot of vibration. I think you can get more damage from Magnetic fields if you have large magnent speakers next to a computer.

Whatever, you do dont place a phone on top of the speakers. You are more likely to damage a phone than a computer.

 

[oynaz]

I use my computer when playing rock, and use 2 absurdly big and powerful 2x18" equipped monstrosities. No problems these 5 past years. <i wouldn't worry if I were you.

 

[gsaldivar]

I use my computer when playing rock, and use 2 absurdly big and powerful 2x18" equipped monstrosities. No problems these 5 past years. <i wouldn't worry if I were you.

When conversing with clients I find anecdotes like the one above rather amusing, because they are often followed by complaints of other 'mysterious' problems. While unsure of the cause, the client is always convinced that the problems are unrelated...

The "yelling" experiment is easy to replicate and it's pretty clear that there is definitely an impact on performance:

 

[lord_emperor]

Musical enjoyment > hard drive lasting a little longer... as long as you backup.

 

[Marcuf]

Case fans could also be culprits and fans in general are less than $20... so unless you wanted to use that as an excuse, it's not a good reason to buy a computer.