Oh dear lord, WHY IS IT SO NOISY: Help me quiet my PC down

Hardware Hub Build a PC
1

Hello, I've been watching the youtube channel for a while and have decided to post a thread requesting help. The build a PC sections seems most appropriate due to what I want to achieve.

I'm not looking to buy any new core hardware: GPU, CPU, RAM etc.

My problem is my attempt at making my computer less noisy didn't exactly work, mainly because I don't really know what I'm doing. I want to make my computer as quiet as reasonable possible.

My current specs are:

Core i5 2500 non k with a coolermaster 212 evo heat sink

2 x 4GB of DDR3 Medium profile G Skill Ripjaws Ram

Sapphire HD 7970 with boost

Asrock P67 Pro 3 (ATX form factor)

Case: NZXT H2

Hard drive/ssd:

SSD in the top compartment of the H2.

2 3.5" Green HDDs near the top of the HDD rack.

1 2.5" WD Blue HDD near the bottom of the HDD rack.

2 fans in front, 1 fan at the back exaust, one fan in the antec Tru Power 650, one fan on the heat sink. Let's just say, they're fairly cheap fans.

 

I want to achieve the quietest possible system within spending up to $500, but really I want to keep the cost as low as possible ($100 or less if possible). I'm willing to mod my case, even though I've never done that before. I'm willing to get high quality fans or another heat sink for my CPU. I'm even willing to buy a new case, motherboard or Motherboard/CPU etc if it'll be the best solution.

Alright, what do I need to do/buy?

2

You could either get some high end Noctua fans, or switch out your case for something with a lot of noise dampening material and good included fans such as the CM Silencio 550/650.

3

It's probably the case fans, I've heard the 212 is quiet. Get some Akasa paxmate, use big fans with low rpm, get a silent PSU (Nexus, Enermax, Corsair are great). Motherboard and CPU??? They don't make noise, even if it's frequency whine, it's not very audible. You can make most cases silent by just antiphonating them and adjusting the fans and getting some airflow in to minimize fan RPM.

4

New CPU cooler (Noctua whatever, Xigmatek Dark Knight II, etc.), nice case fans, like Noctuas, Scythes, and such, and possibly a new PSU, depending on if the fan on it is loud.

5

Also get some noise dampening foam and simply attach it to your side panels, simple mod yet very effective.

6

Thanks for the suggestions so far, My case already has noise dampening foam (it's a H2 quiet case). Do you think it worth pulling that off and putting some different stuff on? I have a Lamptron noise dampening kit available, but I'd rather not waste it.

I'll spend some time listening to what's making the most noise. The real advice I'd like is specific models of fans to get to replace my current ones with.

7

Id say its the case fans and 7970...

 

I had a 5970 once. That thing was earth shatteringly noisy.

8

Noctua fans all round ...case and slap one or two on that coolermaster 212 the only thing you will hear is the hardrives spin up.

The Sapphire card is fairly silent if you have good airflow in your case.

Hell of a lot cheaper than shelling out $500

9

voltage reducers for the fans or a fan controller.. yuk.

10

Get noctua case fans and a noctua heatsink. You'll be back to square one though because of your 7970.

11

Have a look at this for your 7970:

http://www.arctic.ac/en/p/cooling/vga/502/accelero-xtreme-7970.html?c=2182

12

Silly question but have you tried adjusting your fan settings in your BIOS?

My CPU cooler was pretty loud until i did so