Noise Insulation
The computer case itself also helps to keep your computer quiet. Computer parts can make a surprising amount of noise (the processor’s heatsink fan and hard drives are the main culprits; discrete graphics cards can be very loud, too), and the case can be instrumental in making sure most of it doesn‟t reach your ears.
Unfortunately, while fairly good at blocking direct noise, cases can sometimes be susceptible to absorbing vibrations from other components, blocking the high pitched noises but generating its own low hum.
The first (and most common) noise reduction technique involves isolating the case from any vibrating parts using rubber or silicon. This can be something as simple as putting a thin layer of insulation between the component and the case or as elaborate as suspending it in its own bracket, using insulation at multiple points.
Some cases sometimes use noise reduction panels fixed to the chassis like the Cooler Master Sileo 500, pictured here. This foam- like material “absorbs” sound from inside the case, making things a lot quieter. These cases aren‟t without their downsides, though. For noise insulation to work properly, you need to have the case as sealed as possible, which can seriously affect thermal performance if there isn‟t sufficient airflow from the fans. It‟s very difficult to keep a computer extremely cool and quiet. It‟s usually one or the other without getting water cooling involved, which we won‟t be covering in this guide.
Some cases take particularly novel approaches to noise reduction. Some examples that come to mind are the Fractal Design Define R2, with its internals coated in bitumen for noise reduction, and the Antec P180 series, which has side panels made with three layers; a layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of aluminium, acting a bit like double glazed windows for sound. Again, www.silentpcreview.com has a lot of information on this subject – after all, that‟s why it was originally started!
