The development of PC�s over the last decade has resulted in speed
increases beyond all expectations. However, this has also brought about
significant increases in heat output, requiring larger fans and more
efficient cooling systems in order to prevent overheating.
Unfortunately, this is all too apparent on new machines, which can
often be clearly heard several rooms away!

There are many options for reducing the sound output of your machine,
from replacing noisy fans to switching to a water-cooled system. The
extent to which you go is up to you, and will largely depend on how
much of a problem the noise of your machine is. However, it should be
remembered that more extreme methods, such as water-cooling, can be
tricky to install and very expensive.

The first step to making your PC quieter is to identify where the major
problems lie. System and CPU fans produce excess noise, particularly as
they get older and more worn. Hard drives also produce a fair amount of
noise, particularly during heavy use. You can often make things much
more bearable by simply replacing case fans with slightly more
expensive silent fans. These retail for around $15 and up, though are
significantly quieter than their budget counterparts.

A new CPU or GPU fan can also yield good results, though these are
slightly tricky to replace and require a little extra knowledge. There
are also fan-less options, typically consisting of oversized copper
heatsinks. Although completely silent, these are typically fairly
expensive and may not be suitable for higher speed CPUs.

Another source of noise is the fan located in the PSU. You should never
attempt to replace this for safety reasons, though there is no reason
you cannot purchase a silent PSU and replace your current model. A
silent model will set you back upwards of $150, though if you are
serious about a silent PC, may be an essential purchase.

Other radical options may include damping your drives and cladding the
case with soundproof material. The former is a relatively inexpensive
option, and you can typically purchase absorbent pads to mount your
drives on for a few dollars. Soundproof material is a little more
expensive, and also may prevent heat escaping, so it is important to
monitor temperatures within your case carefully should you go down this
route.

A much more extreme option is the aforementioned water-cooling. These
systems deliver cold water directly to the surface of your CPU and GPU,
and act as a very effective way of cooling your PC. However, you will
be looking at around $170 or more for a good quality system, plus you
will need a moderate amount of PC knowledge to fit it yourself. You
will also need to find somewhere to house the radiator and water tank,
which can prove difficult if you have limited space in your case. There
is also a small risk of water leaking into your system, and whilst the
majority of kits have secure piping, failing to check your connections
thoroughly could lead to sever damage to your machine.

For most, simply replacing the fans will be enough to significantly
reduce the noise output of the average PC. However, the more demanding
music producer may require a completely silent environment, hence the
more radical approaches available.

The development of PC�s over the last decade has resulted in speed
increases beyond all expectations. However, this has also brought about
significant increases in heat output, requiring larger fans and more
efficient cooling systems in order to prevent overheating.
Unfortunately, this is all too apparent on new machines, which can
often be clearly heard several rooms away!

There are many options for reducing the sound output of your machine,
from replacing noisy fans to switching to a water-cooled system. The
extent to which you go is up to you, and will largely depend on how
much of a problem the noise of your machine is. However, it should be
remembered that more extreme methods, such as water-cooling, can be
tricky to install and very expensive.

The first step to making your PC quieter is to identify where the major
problems lie. System and CPU fans produce excess noise, particularly as
they get older and more worn. Hard drives also produce a fair amount of
noise, particularly during heavy use. You can often make things much
more bearable by simply replacing case fans with slightly more
expensive silent fans. These retail for around $15 and up, though are
significantly quieter than their budget counterparts.

A new CPU or GPU fan can also yield good results, though these are
slightly tricky to replace and require a little extra knowledge. There
are also fan-less options, typically consisting of oversized copper
heatsinks. Although completely silent, these are typically fairly
expensive and may not be suitable for higher speed CPUs.

Another source of noise is the fan located in the PSU. You should never
attempt to replace this for safety reasons, though there is no reason
you cannot purchase a silent PSU and replace your current model. A
silent model will set you back upwards of $150, though if you are
serious about a silent PC, may be an essential purchase.

Other radical options may include damping your drives and cladding the
case with soundproof material. The former is a relatively inexpensive
option, and you can typically purchase absorbent pads to mount your
drives on for a few dollars. Soundproof material is a little more
expensive, and also may prevent heat escaping, so it is important to
monitor temperatures within your case carefully should you go down this
route.

A much more extreme option is the aforementioned water-cooling. These
systems deliver cold water directly to the surface of your CPU and GPU,
and act as a very effective way of cooling your PC. However, you will
be looking at around $170 or more for a good quality system, plus you
will need a moderate amount of PC knowledge to fit it yourself. You
will also need to find somewhere to house the radiator and water tank,
which can prove difficult if you have limited space in your case. There
is also a small risk of water leaking into your system, and whilst the
majority of kits have secure piping, failing to check your connections
thoroughly could lead to sever damage to your machine.

For most, simply replacing the fans will be enough to significantly
reduce the noise output of the average PC. However, the more demanding
music producer may require a completely silent environment, hence the
more radical approaches available.