[AccessD] OT: Noisy computer

I just thought I'd share a tip.

I build my own computers from parts.  About two years ago now I bought these
rather nice cases, bought motherboards with AMD 1333 mhz thunderbird procs
and used Thermaltake volcanoes in them plus 3 case fans (plus two in the
power supply).  Needless to say it was NOISY!!!

So noisy I couldn't hear a phone conversation.

I finally decided I'd had enough.  I found a HSF called the Thermaltake
Silent Boost.  NICE!  All copper, 80mm low noise fan.  Almost silent.  That
got rid of the jet engine sound from the 60mm 4500 rpm fans on the old HSF,
but the case fans were still pretty loud.  I was just about to order low
noise variable speed fans when I ran across this article:
http://www.cpemma.co.uk/7volt.html

I decided since it was free and immediate (I'm a right now kinda guy) I'd go
ahead and try it.  Essentially you build a cable (don't panic, it's easy)
that feeds 7 volts to the fan instead of the normal 12, which reduces the
fan speed (and air volume) which reduces the noise (and air volume).

As long as the remaining air volume is sufficient to keep the case cool all
is fine.  I have 3 case fans anyway, 1 intake and 2 exhaust.  It turns out
that the temperature on the proc went up from ~104 f to 107 f idle.  Not too
bad actually.  And the difference in noise between the new HSF and lower
voltage to the case fans is immense.  Not dead silent by any means but quiet
now instead of sounding like the cleaning lady with a vacuum in my ear.

Saved myself ~$40-$50 on new case fans.  Check it out, it worked for me.
http://www.cpemma.co.uk/7volt.html

John W. Colby
www.colbyconsulting.com