Installing PC in sound-proof cabinet.

[CotswoldCS]

I have become obsessed with making my PC quiet. I have several noise reducing products but since I want high performance I need several fans to keep my system cool. I am considering building a sound-proof box/ cabinet on wheels so that it will absorb most of the sound.

I want to build something like the Cocoon cabinet featured here but without spending a huge amount of money.

I am considering using a Pyramid temperature sensor/silencer (Link) in conjunction to a couple of large 92mm fans (one for exhaust, one for intake). My PC switches on from the mains switch and I don't very often need access to CD-RW or Floppy (although I intend to build a front door for access), so the majority of the time my PC can be completely enclosed. I will obviously need to install air vents for intake/exhaust, but this should be easy.

Anyone had any experience of doing this?

My current temps are 32c system, 42c CPU (general PC work) and 34c Sys 51c CPU (gaming). These temps are OK but I'm sure that the cabinet will make things (esp system temp) a little warmer. What is a safe operating temp for the case long-term??? Is 40c too hot??

What materials (excluding wood) should I use for sound insulation in my cabinet.

 

[beatle]

I wouldn't say that you'd need something insulated to be silent. If you take the usual precautions for a quiet PC: larger, quieter fans, good heatsink, passive mb and video cooling, and quiet fdb harddrives, you're not left with much noise to dampen. I've taken that approach with my server, which is in this cart. Like you, I don't need access to the optical drives in it very often, so the fact that it's enclosed doesn't bother me. Sometimes I have to check to make sure the computer is still on. The cart was around $100 when I got it a few years ago. It goes well with this desk as well.

 

[HiTek21]

They sell some sound absorbing material at Car Audio Shops, I've seen some sound absorbing mats that go inside the cars firewall to absorb engine vibrations. You could try buying some of this and line the inside of your cabinet. Looks like this

 

[H34D0N]

Try the Asaska sound Pax mate, I have used it with tremendous results

 

[CotswoldCS]

Thanks guys.

I'm still curious to know what temperature I can get away with inside my PC. Any idea what an acceptable system (board) temp would be?

 

[amcdonald]

If you are building an enclosure, I would give it an extra 6-8 inches on the front and back and put a twisting foam duct on every fan portal.
Check this out

 

[0roo0roo]

arg, i bought accoustic foam from an online hardare store long ago, might be gone now. i'm sure there are stores out there though surrounding the inside of a cabinet with decent accoustic foam would be nice.

i know pc cooling mod stores and car shops sell mats and stuff, but they seem to overcharge gotta find a supplier for people that do whole rooms. buying by the foot is cheaper

my desk has a cabinet about that shape, filling the inside with dampening might be interesting