[RESOLVED] Computer fan noise level

[Paul M]

It just seems a little to loud, even the family one which is 7 years old doesn't make this much noise!

I don't understand why its in a desk with an encased environment and i thought that could be the problem but removing it from there just made it worse! It has been like this from the start but i was just lazy to take it back and see what could be done, plus i thought "oh maybe because its brand new it needs to be used a little" or something like that.

I am not to sure what to do or what can be done to fix this problem. I have a fan on the front and the back. Any ideas. And trust me this is overly loud!

<Edit>
I'll post some pictures of the case and the inside shortly if its of any help

[RobDog888]

As long as nothing is touching the fan blades its making whatever level of noise that is normal for it. If it is a high CFM fan then the noise will be more as the amount of airflow will be increasaed.

The higher cost for the fan usually equals the higher cfms, lower db noise levels and better bearings etc.

[Paul M]

So is it better to get a cheaper priced fan? That won't make much noise, or is a fan a very important part of a computer system?

[RobDog888]

Well it is only as important as keeping air flow which helps cool the system. We are talking about an exhaust or intake fan and not the CPU fan?

[Greyskull]

What fan are we talkin about here? As it could range from the cpu fan as RobDog is saying or cud be ur graphics card fan, or ur psu fan...well i cnt really have a definite answer till i know which fan is this...

[edit]However, i can say that the noise could come from any of the fans i mentioned, as well as ur hd....

[Paul M]

Not the CPU Fan, but i think it is just overworking itself, i have it on quite a bit during the day. And its at night when everything else is quiet that it annoys me. I think i am just being paranoid because right now in the morning it seems alright.

As for cooling systems i have seen some cheap ones around for no more than $100 do they contribute to the noise level alot of just a little? And could they be an alternative to a fan?

[RobDog888]

I have 3 120mm fans in my system and its a bit loud but they only cost less then $10 each. I wouldnt see spending $100 on a high end cooling system unless I was overclocking my system big time and needed some super cooling.

You could try replacing the fan with a queiter fan with better berings. Most places will state the db level of noise the fan will make so you can compare.

[Paul M]

Yea thanks Rob, i might consider getting new bearings etc...

But i am thinking about building a new system since i am starting a software development course in a couple of weeks

[RobDog888]

Im not saying to just buy better berings but a better quality fan with a watch on the db noise level and cfms. You'd be surprized at what spending a couple of extra dollars can provide in a quality fan.

[Lord Orwell]

if it's your front or back fan, you might examine your case and see if a larger fan will fit. All the noise from a fan blade is from the tip and the slower the tip speed the quieter the fan. so if you buy and install a larger fan that spins slower (thus same air flow) it will be quieter. This is why some people buy the giant heatsinks for their processors. You can put a 100mm fan on it that only turns at 1500 rpm. Tech tv did an article on killing system noise. but basically you can also line your case with acoustic matting. And if it's an aluminum case it is louder.