Just finished my power supply modifications, results inside.

[Szech]

Computer noise is everywhere. Especially for us, who may be around computers at work and at home. Well, I've had enough. I can't stand the noise anymore. I traced the noisiest component of my computer to the power supply.

I read a lot about quieting the computer off of www.7volts.com (http://www.7volts.com) . My power supply in particular has its fan guard made out of holes cut in the casing. This is very restrictive of airflow. I unplugged my power supply, and waited a few days for the residual charge to die before disassembling it. I took out Dr. Dremel and amputated the guard from the casing. I used chicken wire instead (I was too impatient to get a grill guard), and as it turns out, it matches up with the screws exactly (12 squares long and 12 squares wide). I also rubber mounted the fan, to reduce the noise caused by vibrations.

I was a bit antsy when I plugged it back in, curious as to how much quieter the thing would be. To my satisfaction, it was a lot quieter. It makes about the same noise as the 80 I have running at 7 volts next to the processor. Not quite dead silent, but good enough for now until I get my Enermax.

I took some pictures, and I'll post them in a bit. I was just anxious to share this with all of you http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.

[daverme]

Good info! Thanx.

[araaraara]

Instead of making your computer quieter, why don't you make a sound proof helmet?

[Szech]

Took a while, but here are the pics:

Before:
<IMG SRC="http://fordpinto.homestead.com/files/PS/PS1.jpg" border=0>

After:
<IMG SRC="http://fordpinto.homestead.com/files/PS/PS2.jpg" border=0>

That chicken wire works pretty well as a finger guard. Cheap, not too restrictive of air, and easily fit to size. I'm using it as the finger guard for my drum fan too.

~~Edit: whoops! stupid photo

[This message has been edited by Szech (edited 04-04-2001).]

[Keegan]

Sweeeeet. If I weren't so bent on keeping things as close to original condition as possible, then I'd do something like that. As it is, I'll probably have to do it on the grille for the fan in the front of my computer. Even a Sunon fan suffers lackluster performance.

[Szech]

Yeah, I know what you mean. But the warranty on this sucker is long since gone, and I figure I've got nothing to lose tampering with a cheap power supply.

BTW araaraara, the helmet messes my hair up http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.

[JayMan]

I think i need to get myself a dremel.... altho i dunno if we can get em out here in australia.....

JayMan

[club_med]

hehe thats really cool, im hoping to 'customise' my computer too, just need the time !.

cm.

[tonym]

Nice work Szech!

I ran across some other interesting information from Molex Thermo Acoustic products recently. They have a bunch of products that promise high performance AND quiet operation. The 360 degree radial fan and the drive quieter are among two products with a lot of promise!

Take a look at &lt;A&gt;HREF="http://www.molex.com/cmc_upload/0/000/0-9/541/intro2.html"&lt;/A&gt; and see for yourself!

Have fun...

[For the frames to that page, go to:
&lt;A&gt;HREF="http://www.molex.com/cgi-bin/bv/molex/nav/mxleft_nav.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2016698487.0986411 111@@@@&BV_EngineID=ealkidgdkmkbekfchecfclj.0&channel=Products&familyOID= -9541&chanName=family&frellink=Introduction"&lt;/A&gt; ]


Tony

[This message has been edited by tonym (edited 04-04-2001).]

[This message has been edited by tonym (edited 04-04-2001).]

[This message has been edited by tonym (edited 04-04-2001).]

[jad1097]

That thing is pretty cool Tony.

[araaraara]

Szech, cut your hair short and use a lot of gel. Should solve your messed up hair. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif You could also try some earplugs and a set of industrial ear protectors/earmuffs.

[Szech]

Hey TonyM, 0.65 c/w isn't a very high performing heatsink. It isn't bad, but I wouldn't expect much overclocking out of that. I remember reading the same thing off of 7volts.

I'll get back to you on that earmuff idea araaraara...