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Quieting Your G5?

Posted by Cliff on from the turn-those-fans-down-they-hurt-mine-ears dept.

metajunkie wants to take a bite out of this issue: "I recently set up an at-home recording studio with a DP G5 and a ProTools mBox. Problem is, I can't record (like, say, a voice over) anywhere near the computer because when the cooling fans kick in, it comes in way too loud over the mic. I can't move the computer into another room, and while I'm tempted to throw a blanket over the thing, I don't think that'll help. Does anyone know a place that sells a silencer box for the G5 or some good DIY way to cut out the noise?"

2 of 190 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Buy a Powerstack. by tcd004 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Redundant? What?

  2. Some advice. by djdanlib · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I have some solid advice.

    First, consider replacing your fans with larger fans if possible, or adding fans in those 'optional case fan' locations so many cases have. I'm not sure if G5 cases have these, but you should check. Get your local computer guy to check if you don't know what to look for.

    If your fans don't have to work as hard, they won't make as much noise. Remember, two 40dB fans will be MUCH quieter than one 50 or 60dB fan, since decibels are an exponential measurement: those two 40dB fans should add up to ~41dB.

    You could make a DIY extra fan port with a drill, but be careful not to interfere with the direction of airflow in your case too much. That'll definitely void your warranty.

    Second, go to your local Staples and see if they carry the Antec noise reduction kit. It should be in the middle of short aisle 1 near the modems and memory, right above or near the Antec power supplies. That's if your Staples is anything like the one I work at. It has rubber mounts for the fans, drives, and power supply. A rubber-mounted case fan is much quieter than one that's just screwed tightly into the metal, since the rubber absorbs the vibrations that the sides of your case would amplify. The product might have been a promotional item for Christmastime but we seem to keep getting them.

    Finally: Check out Frozen CPU or read up on cooling at Anandtech, TweakTown, or any of the overclocking forums.

    Remember, don't attempt any replacements without matching the voltages and sizes. If you don't know your fan's size, bring it with you when you go shopping. Anyone care to post on how to measure a fan? I seem to remember their size being the length of one side, and they are square.