<p>Industrial deafness is just a computer fan away. That box on your desk is a constant irritation costing you time. The clicking and clacking of cheap disks is just as annoying as the person sitting next to you on the bus blowing their nose. A noisy computer might not give you influenza but it will erode your health. Here are ways to make your computer quiet.</p>
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<p>How do you avoid becoming deaf from fast computers? <a href="/speed">Speed</a> is an article about getting the most speed out of your computer but fast computers are noisy. The faster the computer component, the more heat generated and that means faster noisier fans. The fans generate a constant frequency when the computers warm up and stabilise. Most of the fans are the same size and whine at that same frequency, wearing out the related sensors in your ears. You get RSI, repetitive strain injury, of the ears. Initially it is a temporary deafness then the temporary becomes longer.</p>
<p>Here are articles about quiet technology, especially quiet computers.</p>
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus CPU Cooler is quieter than the original Intel/AMD CPU fan and is easy to install when building a new computer. Installation can be painful in an existing computer.
The big fan at the back of your computer case can be a big source of noise. The optional little fans at the front of your computer case also contribute noise. Look for quieter fans. Here are things to check and some fans I am about to test on my machines.
A common question is what is a quiet computer? here is a quick look at some examples of built to order computers, their relative noise, and where I will head next when building future computers.
The Fractal Design Array R2 Mini-ITX computer case could be used as a power workstation computer case and is best suited to NAS, Network Attached Storage. Update 2012: After using the R2 for various projects, I dumped the case in the bin. The reasons are added in the relevant sections.
The Astone ISO Gear 481E 3.5" external disk enclosure connects through eSATA and USB 2.0. There are no noisy cooling fans and the price is reasonable. Update June 2011. See Astone ISO gear 481U3 external enclosure for 3.5" disk with a USB 3.0 connection for the USB 3 version.
Water cooling is the next big thing for your computer room and will compete with proprietary liquid cooling systems for the next few years. Demand an open system with plug compatible connecting pipes and the use of cheap generic anti corrosion and antifreeze. A good system will also be quiet.
Does your computer whine at you? Your computer's fans contribute the most noise. Here is a quiet alternative.
