[sdiy] new computer

[Peachey, Dave]

All,

With three computers at home in my flat/studio/bedroom, I have spent a lot
of time and effort attempting to balance the need for quiet(er) running
versus speed and efficiency.  I have experimented with a number of CPU
coolers but usually found that there is a trade-off between cool running and
low noise which means that (due to a lack of air conditioning) I err towards
cool, but noisier, running.  I have also experimented with various case
damping materials but, again, there is a trade-off against the need for
higher-speed/noisier fans in an effort to reduce heat (through convection)
caused by the reduction in heat radiated from the metal computer cases.

Rude's comment re CPU fan noise is well made and, coupled with hard disk
noise (especially when using multiple 10k rpm SCSI disks), is becoming the
limiting factor in my ability to have a (comparatively) quiet ambience.  If
I had more (read "another available") room, I would go down the route
mentioned by Fernando - namely putting the boxes themselves in a separate
room or other enclosed space.  Unfortunately I don't have that luxury so I
avoid recording computer noise through working entirely in the digital
domain using either soft-synths or DI'ing hardware into the computer-based
sound system and using headphones for critical listening.

Although I leave the computers on all the time, the noise isn't too much of
an issue at other times as I'm out most weekday evenings playing various
flavours of Indonesian gamelan (followed by samplings of the available
alcoholic beverages at local hostelries) which means that I don't, actually,
have that much time for computer-based music.  Oh, and I've slept with
earplugs for many more years than I've owned computers  :-)

Dave

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Rude 66 [SMTP:r.lekx at chello.nl]
> Sent:	Wednesday, April 07, 2004 10:37 AM
> To:	Don Tillman; synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject:	Re: [sdiy] new computer
> 
> *** WARNING : This message originates from the Internet ***
> 
> i find what makes the most noise in my pc is the fan for the power supply.
> i've changed my cpu cooler to a quiter one, but it didn't make a very big
> difference. but 'silent' psu's are so expensive.. and 'ive looked for the
> fans seperate, but i haven't found them...
> 
> then again, i used to work with ataris. the 1040's are great, no fans
> whatsoever. but we used to work in a studio with a mega st and a seperate
> HD, both with very loud fans. those things made so much noise it would
> drive
> you nuts after an hour's work..
> 
> r./


The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registered in Scotland No. 90312. Registered Office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and represents The Royal Bank of Scotland Marketing Group. The Bank sells life policies, collective investment schemes and pension products and advises only on the Marketing Group's range of these products and on a With-Profit Bond produced by Norwich Union Life (RBS) Limited.

This e-mail message is confidential and for use by the addressee only. If the message is received by anyone other than the addressee, please return the message to the sender by replying to it and then delete the message from your computer. Internet e-mails are not necessarily secure. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc does not accept responsibility for changes made to this message after it was sent.

Whilst all reasonable care has been taken to avoid the transmission of viruses, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that the onward transmission, opening or use of this message and any attachments will not adversely affect its systems or data. No responsibility is accepted by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc in this regard and the recipient should carry out such virus and other checks as it considers appropriate.