My Power Supply is too LOUD

[jettburn]

I've had my computer a year now. Time to upgrade. DVD, CDRW and another 40 gigs.
But, The Power supply is louder than I can stand any longer.
Can someone recommend a quiet power supply. Currently I have a 250 watt PS. Should I go to 300 watts. I have a Cybermax Athlon 650, Biostar 751MKA, maxtor 20 gig HD, 128 MB ram with 16X dvd, 12/10/32 plextor on the way and a 7200 rpm WD hard drive on the way.

Please Help. thnx.

Jettburn

[vintron]

You could do two things (just what came up in my mind at the moment http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

One:- (this may be a bit crazy) Cut open the top of the Powersupply case and the corresponding part of the pc case, so that the ps board is exposed to fresh air. Now cover the top of the ps or the computer case with a wire mesh, like a chicken wire, which will ensure virtually 0 noise, good aire circulation, and protection from shocks and stuff)

Two:- Get a power supply made by Enermax. I have heard that they are VERY good, make Very low noise and stuff. Check through through www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com) for good prices.

[vintron]

here's one good price

(make sure u do enough reserach)
http://www.computer123.com/specx.asp?did=123&act=viewitem&name=sku&val=ACE251PVB&SKU=ACE251PVB&compact=1

[dawgtuff]

If you plan on really upgrading to a "Dream Machine",buy a full size ATX case with a good 300 watt PS.You may never use all the wattage,but there wo'nt be a question of not enough!

[Szech]

Vintron... crazy?!? NAH!

This was my power supply before:

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

This is my power supply now:

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

It runs quieter, because it doesn't have as much metal blocking the airflow out, and if you look closely, you can see the rubber mounted screws. This is to prevent vibrations from transmitting noise to the case. Because I have good case ventilation, I could theoretically take the fan off, and replace it with a smaller, quieter, temperature controlled one. But I'm giving this system to my mother in about a month anyway, so I figured it's not worth the hassle right now. Enermax whisper series power supplies are **** silent. If you're looking to buy a quieter power supply, they are definitely the way to go. If you don't want to fork out the $$$ right now (they are expensive, you know), I'd suggest you:
1) Move the power supply fan farther into the case, which will probably require some cutting (I would have done this, but there's no room).
2) Cut out the standard ventilation holes, and put a fan grill, or chicken wire there instead.
3) Rubber mount the fan.
4) If you want to, you can put sound dampening material on the power supply, where there are no vents.

The total cost for this would be less than $5 (if you have the right tools). Make sure to unplug your power supply, and let it sit for a while before opening it though. Don't want to get shocked http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.

[This message has been edited by Szech (edited 04-23-2001).]

[CMonster]

Here is a tip for servicing the P/S fan which can eliminate some types of noise. !Do this at your own risk!

Remove the P/S cover and then the fan, in the center of the fan on one side or the other you will find a sticker/tape possibly with a rubber plug/cover under it- remove this sticker and cover (if any), add one drop of oil, reinstall the cover and put a new sticker or duct tape back over it.

[jettburn]

Thanks for the help.
I'm basically just a plug and play guy for now. I just ordered an Enermax power supply for my machine.

I did consider taking a can opener to the top of my computer and power supply to install tyhe chicken wire, but the last time I used one I almost cut off a leg and 3 fingers.I don't want THAT to happen again.

thnx
Jettburn.

[AuraEdge]

The enermax, even though it has 2 fans, is far quieter than any powersupply Ive ever used. (I have the 430w).
Problem, it doesnt push quite as much air as my last powersupply (My old 300w powersupply, armed with just 1 80mm fan, kept case temperatures about 1-2C lower than the enermax w/ 80mm and 120mm).

It IS quiet though, no doubting that.