Tweak3D.net - Make a PC Quieter

Posted: January 20, 2000
Written by: Dan "Tweak Monkey" Kennedy

Introduction

So, you've finally tweaked your PC to what appears to be its limits. Games, applications, and the Internet seem smoother and faster than ever. Quake 3 runs at over 100 FPS, and your MP3s even sound noticeably clearer. Not only that, but your case is cooler inside than you ever thought was possible. Now, if only you could get to sleep!

Just about every PC is noisy enough to get on someone's nerves over time. If not during the day, it definitely gets annoying when everything is shut off for a good night's sleep, and the PC really seems to get noisy. But it's okay... we'll shut that PC up yet!

The Formula

It doesn't help to remove all those expensive fans you've installed, does it? Of course not... because for one, you'd need to reconnect them all in the morning, and two, they wouldn't be cooling your precious system anymore. You could just shut the PC off for the night... but those midnight e-mail checks would be a real pain... and you'd have to wait for that *painful* 30 second boot-up. So, what alternatives do you have? Quite a few, actually. This guide will supply you with many tips and tricks to finally shut that PC up. In fact, you can probably even use some of these tips for another application. But first, let's get into the basics of PC noise...

What's Making All That Racket!?

A few items in your PC will definitely be louder than the rest. CPUs, video cards, and peripherals (hopefully) won't let out a single peep in their whole "life". However, not all PC items can operate correctly without making some sound. These items are mechanical as well as electrical. The first item is usually the most obvious, especially during prolonged PC use. Yes, it's the hard drive. It grinds away for long periods of time (especially if you're low on RAM), and never seems to cease. That patented coffee grinder meets motorcycle sound is almost soothing at first, but it eats away at you in no time. Oh, and don't forget its high-RPM evil cousin, the CD-ROM. The other really obvious items are the cooling fans. Other than those, your PC is silent. With that said, let's get on with the guide...

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