heatsink/fan noise (Sk-6+ & TMD fan)

[RefriedBeaner]

I'm currently using a Thermalsink SK-6+ with a y.s. Tech TMD fan and the noise is becoming a problem. Since the computer is in the living room, everyone is starting to complain. I'm not sure if it's the fan or the heatsink that is the main cause of the problem. Has anyone else had a noise problem with this combination?

BTW, I'm pretty sure this is the main source of the noise. Also, I forgot to mention that my system needs to be pretty cool as I'm running a 1700xp at 2.1ghz.

I would appreciate some help. :beer::beer::beer::beer::beer:

 

[boyRacer]

I have an SK7 with the TMD fan... and the noise isn't quiet but it certainly isn't loud either for everyone to complain... more than 5 feet away and you can't even tell it's on. Must be some other fans in your computer then or you guys must have really sensitive ears.

 

[ChurchOfSubgenius]

I think you pushed that SK-6 as far as it's going to go, if you want less noise I would go for a larger HS and an 80-90mm fan.

 

[RefriedBeaner]

Does the larger heatsink really create less noise? Heat isn't really my problem at all if that's what you're thinking. After 7 hours of Prime 95, I'm only at 41 degrees celcius.

 

[TonyH]

It's not that the larger heatsink creates less noise but rather that you can use a larger fan on it and run it at lower RPM's. The larger fan running slower will not make as much noise as the small one turning faster but you may have as much and possibly more airflow across the heatsink.

So you'll gain in cooling and reduce the noise at the same time.

 

[Jibby]

a) A larger and more recent heatsink may be better at removing heat. ie just by replacing the hs, your cpu will run cooler.
b) You can fit a larger fan on a larger hs more easily. As the fan is larger, it can produce the same airflow as a smaller fan by spinning slower than the smaller fan. Slower RPM = (usually) less noise.

So, as TonyH said, you may get better cooling from a larger fan even when it's spinning slower (so less noise). You will also get better cooling with a larger heatsink.

In a month's time after uni exams, I'm going to be getting an Thermalright SLK-900U. It's a pretty heavy HS, but it has through-the-motherboard mounting. Just be careful that it doesn't fit all motherboards though... well, don't know about P4 mobbos, but I know it doesn't fit all socket A ones. Remember to check the thermalright site for compatibility.

THe SLK-900U will allow you to mount a 92mm fan... should be quite a step up from 60mm on the SK6. There's also the SLK-800, which allows you to mount an 80mm fan. I'm afraid I don't know what to recommend as a fan for overclocking... I won't be overclocking, so I'm going with a panaflo L1A.

As boyRacer said though, check that it isn't your PSU (probably not) or your video card fans that are the main contributors to noise. Good luck!