Reduce fan noise. Noise characteristics of coolers and methods for measuring noise levels
Parts. This could be an active cooling system with fans, or a hard drive or hard drive. It's usually very quiet, but if the sound annoys you, you can upgrade to an SSD. This will significantly increase the speed of the sub-disk system.
If everything is fine with your hard drive, this means that the source of the noise is the cooling system fans.
Ways to reduce noise from PC coolers
Noise can be eliminated in a number of ways:
Reduce CPU load;
Replace the cooling system;
Forcefully reduce the rotation speed;
Replace small coolers with larger ones;
Lubricate the fans;
Check fan settings;
Clean the radiator from dust and dirt.
How to remove noise
The more the CPU is loaded, the more heat it generates and the harder its fans work. And if the program on the computer also freezes, then the load increases further. To fix the problem, just close the frozen program.
If you replace the cooling system with a liquid one, you can improve heat dissipation. Moreover, during their operation, you will only hear the sound of the pump running and flowing water.
There are special programs to reduce the rotation speed of coolers. One of the most popular is SpeedFan. It is good because it can control the fan speed automatically.
The larger the fan impeller, the better the cooling effect it provides. At the same time, the number of its rotations is less, and, accordingly, the noise of the computer is reduced. Bearings in fans are also different. Among the two types - rolling and sliding, it is better to choose the first option, since it is more stable in producing sound effects.
Sometimes just lubricating the fan is enough to make it run quieter. Sewing machine oil is suitable for these purposes. If you want to lubricate the CPU cooler, pry off the sticker that is stuck on the bearing. Add some oil there and glue it in place.
The fan setting is very easy to check. You need to go into the computer's BIOS and check if the Smart Fun Control options are enabled in the PC Health Status section. Depending on the type of motherboard, the name of the function may vary. It must be enabled, that is, have the Enable status.
If a lot of dust has accumulated on the radiator, this disrupts the operation of the system and the fans have to work with double force. To clean them, there are special cans of compressed air, which can be purchased at a specialized store.
By knowing ways to reduce computer noise, you can easily deal with this problem. But if your device makes a sound like a squeak or whistle, then your PC needs replacement components. Monitor the condition of your computer or laptop and troubleshoot problems in a timely manner.
During operation, computers and laptops make a characteristic noise. Often this concerns the functioning of the cooler. But, there are times when additional noise arises during operation. This is when you need to be wary, as this may indicate a malfunction.
Main causes of noise
The fan in a computer or laptop can make noise for various reasons:
- Pollution. During operation, dust accumulates in the cooling unit. Often it settles on the blades. As a result, this leads to contact of the elements with the body. If cleaning is not carried out for a long time, this can lead to damage to the blades in the future. Also, a large accumulation of dust often leads to the fan stopping, which leads to overheating of the main elements of the mechanism.
- No oil. The cooling mechanism contains a lubricant that ensures normal rotation of the blades. Over time it dries out. If its quantity is insufficient, noise occurs. Therefore, it must be added periodically to eliminate the chance of such a problem occurring.
- Fan speed. Often the computer automatically sets the speed of the cooling unit. But sometimes masters set their own parameters. If the cooler speed is high, it will cause noise.
- Large number of fans. Modern powerful computers have several coolers. As a result, the noise from them increases several times.
To eliminate an unpleasant sound, you must first determine the cause of its occurrence.
How to determine which cooler is noisy
Before starting cleaning work, it is necessary to determine exactly which mechanism is making the noise. Most often, the fan, which is located in a visible place, becomes dirty.
It is located in the laptop from below, and in the computer – on side wall. Of course, in the case of a desktop computer, determining the source of the sound will be somewhat more difficult. This is due to the fact that it usually houses several cooling units. Therefore, the diagnosis must be approached very carefully.
Eliminate fan noise on a computer
Once the cause has been established, you can begin to solve the problem. Cleaning the mechanism from contamination is carried out in the following sequence:
- Turn off equipment and disconnect the system unit from the power cord.
- Remove the cover. This will allow free access to the components of the computer.
- Clean the fan and other parts of the system unit from contamination.
- Assemble the block and run it, which will allow you to check the result of the cleaning work.
When carrying out work it is worth considering some features, which relate to the installation location of the cooling unit. The action plan will depend on this:
When carrying out such manipulations, you need to be very careful, since an uncharacteristic sound can come from several fans simultaneously. In such situations, the work becomes somewhat more complicated. 
How to eliminate cooler noise on a laptop
In the case of a laptop, the work is carried out similarly. Particular attention should be paid to disassembling equipment. For this you may need special screwdrivers. There is no need to rush when resolving this issue. All movements must be careful to prevent damage to the connecting elements.
After the laptop is disassembled, the internal elements are cleaned from dust. Particular attention is paid to the cooler. Also, do not forget that noise pollution can be caused by insufficient lubrication.
Almost all desktop computers have fans. Their task is to blow air through the radiators that are installed on the hottest chips, to blow air over the power supply elements, and also to ensure air movement inside the computer case. All these fans create noise and in some cases it is so loud that it becomes difficult to work on the computer.
If you are faced with such a problem, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with this material. Here you will learn how you can reduce the noise of the fans installed in your computer.
Before you begin the fight to reduce fan noise, you need to do some preparatory work with your computer. First you need one, which reduces cooling efficiency.
To clean your computer from dust, unplug it from the power supply and remove the side cover. The safest way to remove dust is with a can of compressed air. With its help, you can blow out all radiators and remove dust with minimal risk of damaging something. To carry out this procedure, it is better to go outside so as not to raise dust in the house.
Also, a paint or drawing brush is sometimes used to remove dust from a computer case. Using a brush allows you to clean your computer without raising dust, but this method is less safe. The brush creates static electricity, and this can damage the computer, so it is better to use a spray can.
After removing dust, check and. If it is higher than normal, then .
Reducing fan speed
After you have returned the computer to normal condition, you can start reducing the noise from the fans. Here one of the simplest and most effective ways is to reduce the speed. This is done in two ways: software (through or from the operating system) and hardware (using a resistor or reobass).
The software method can only be used for coolers that are connected to the motherboard via a 4-pin connector. However, the process of controlling such coolers may differ depending on the motherboard. Typically in the BIOS you need to specify the temperature at which the fans will increase their rotation speed. The minimum fan speed is also indicated; it is used until the specified temperature is reached. The screenshot below shows what these settings look like in the BIOS of an MSI motherboard.
If the fan is connected to the 3-pin connector of the motherboard or even directly to the power supply, then to reduce its speed you need to use a resistor. You can select such a resistor yourself and solder it into the power wire. Those who are not comfortable with a soldering iron can use ready-made adapters that only need to be connected between the fan and the motherboard.
You can also use the so-called rheobass to reduce fan speed. This is a device that connects to the 5.25-inch bay of the system unit and allows you to adjust the rotation speed of the fans connected through it.
Replacing fans with quieter ones
Fans that are used to cool computer components vary greatly in their noise levels. This is mainly due to the type of bearings used. Conventional inexpensive fans use plain bearings, while more expensive models use hydrodynamic bearings, which are noticeably quieter and retain their performance characteristics longer. Also, the noise level is greatly influenced by the size of the fan; the larger it is, the quieter the fan operates.
In general, replacing fans is a great way to reduce the noise level that comes from your computer, but it will cost you a little.
Reducing the number of fans
Sometimes, you can reduce the noise level by reducing the number of fans used in the system unit. It is clear that it will not be possible to abandon fans on the power supply, processor and video card. But the number of case fans can be reconsidered.
If you have a mid-level computer, without top-end hardware and overclocking, then one case fan will be enough for you, which will blow out hot air. And if you have an “office” level computer, then you can try to do without case fans altogether.
Replacing the computer case
Replacement is a method for true connoisseurs of silence. Nowadays there are many cases on sale that are designed to reduce noise levels as much as possible. In such cases, special sound-absorbing materials and rubber elements are used to reduce vibrations.
Moreover, such cases are immediately equipped with high-quality coolers, so you don’t have to buy them separately. But, you need to be prepared to pay $150 or more for a new case.
Let's try to figure out why the cooler is noisy in the computer, find out how to fix it and eliminate the fan noise with our own hands.
High noise levels from computer fans are a fairly common problem and often occur on older systems with poor or poorly designed ventilation. If your computer has not been cleaned of dust for a long time, I recommend starting with this. Then learn how to change the thermal paste on the processor and video card. But sometimes the problem lies in insufficient lubrication of the coolers. Then you will need to lubricate the fan, this is easy to do, but you may need to disassemble it.
How to lubricate a computer cooler to stop it making noise
You can use inexpensive LITOL, but I recommend sewing machine oil or use high-quality silicone fan grease.
Litol: When using it, you need to understand that you will have to completely disassemble the fan. Remove the lock washer, remove the plain bearings, and disconnect the impeller. Then clean everything of old grease and dust, and only then lubricate the fan running parts.
Quality lubricant: but silicone grease for coolers is a special synthetic base. It does not contain harmful substances and is suitable for any fan with a plain bearing. Sewing machine oil has approximately the same properties.
Solid oil: has the same effect on moving fan parts as LITOL. I have used it several times and I will say that using Litol24 or LitolLUXE for lubricating coolers will be the best option after silicone-based lubricant.
How are computer fans lubricated?
To lubricate and eliminate rattling or noise, just peel off the label, remove the cap and drop a little silicone grease from a syringe into the hole, that’s it, the job is done. If grease or lithol is used, you will have to disassemble the fan and clean the inside of adhering dirt and old grease.
Although it happens that the fan is still noisy, even after a fresh dose of lubricant. Read below to find out how to fix this, there is also a training video on the topic of disassembling a non-removable cooler. It’s good that when using high-quality silicone oil, the lubrication procedure has to be repeated, no more than once a year.
What should not be used to lubricate the fan?
Do not lubricate the fan with oil containing animal or vegetable fats. Otherwise, there is a risk of computer failure due to short circuit or overheating.
The cooler in the computer can also be lubricated with another synthetic lubricant, but before using it, make sure that it can withstand temperatures above 90 degrees and is not electrically conductive.
LITOL is the head of everything!
If the temporary specific smell does not irritate you too much, then we make a choice in favor of Litol LUXE. Its main advantage is that it is cheap and is sold in any hardware store. You can also look for it at a car parts store and borrow a little from a friend who has a bike.
What do fan bearings look like?
The sliding bearing looks like a silicone circle, orange or black, sometimes all-metal ones are found.
An all-metal plain bearing should not be confused with rolling bearings, which may be similar in appearance. After all, the latter are not lubricated, but replaced with new ones.
When the rolling bearing is in place, I repeat, there is no need to lubricate it, it is useless, it will still rattle. It is necessary to clean the blades and internal parts from dust. And wipe the bearing itself with a cotton swab, or one soaked in alcohol, then assemble the “spinner.”
Still rattling? Then replace the bearing with a serviceable one, purchase it from the link above. Or we buy a new fan if invisible notches have formed on the support rod, we can determine it by the rustling noise when the assembled impeller rotates.
How to disassemble and lubricate the cooler on a video card, processor and power supply
Let's get started, first open the cover of the system unit and remove the poorly functioning “spinner” from the computer. Then peel off the sticker and here we come to the most crucial moment - removing the locking washer.
We pry it off with a screwdriver or tweezers on a fan that has a special hole. What if there is no hole for lubricant supply, such as in the image below. You will have to pull out the impeller, this is done simply, the main thing is not to break off the blades. With your thumbs on the center of the “valve”, start squeezing the impeller until it disconnects (helps on a video card).
We did it well, let's move on to the next stage. We pull out the impeller, the bearings, of which there are usually two, and set them aside so as not to lose any parts. Now we see what kind of bearings we have, rolling or sliding.
When the cooler in a computer is noisy due to the sliding bearing, then we can correct this situation by using a properly selected lubricant, or by cleaning off dust and the previous layer of grease using acetone or alcohol, then reassembling everything in the reverse order as it was. Well, when it is the increased noise that is bothering you, then I recommend checking the temperature of the main elements in the system with the program.
Video on fan lubrication
We didn’t understand something, it doesn’t matter, watch a video on the topic of disassembling and lubricating the “valves” of a computer at home.
If the power supply cooler is noisy
If there is noise coming from the power supply, you need to disassemble and clean it, the main thing is to disconnect it from the network. Then pull out all the MOLEX, SATA, PCI-E and other wires from the grooves. Now place it with the grille facing up, unscrew the four screws on the sides of the front side of the block. All that remains is to remove the cover and finally, use a can of compressed air or a brush.
This way we will eliminate the main reason why the power supply cooler is noisy; if there is rattling, you will also need to add lubricant to the fan. Next, you need to reassemble it as it was, secure the 120 mm “valve” power wire in place and check it. It didn’t help, so we’re looking for the reason, friends.
Hello everyone, my dear friends and guests of my blog. Today I want to tell you how to reduce fan noise in your computer in simple ways. The loud noise a computer makes when it boots up causes a lot of inconvenience to a large number of its users. Exposure to constant irritating sounds can negatively affect the human nervous system.
In addition, extraneous noise from the system unit indicates internal problems. The fan installed on the power supply, central processor, or graphics adapter is more likely to produce extraneous noise. It is also called a cooler, and its main and only task is to remove excess thermal energy from the corresponding component of the computer system.
A slight uniform noise is normal during operation, so do not pay attention to it. But with a sharp metallic noise, you need to look for the source of the problem.
But before you ooh and ahh that your part is faulty, open the computer case and look inside. It’s possible that one of the wires just randomly touches the processor or video card cooler, so you can hear an unpleasant crackling sound.
Ways to reduce fan noise
Coolers of modern computers with a high degree of performance operate at very high speeds to effectively remove excess heat. This is the main cause of noise from the system unit of a home computer. Reducing the noise emitted can be easily achieved by reducing the speed of the coolers. It is necessary to take into account that processor and graphics card coolers directly cool the sponsored parts. But the power supply fan, in addition to the unit itself, also cools the entire computer case.
Changing the cooler speed is available in several ways.
Sometimes this can be done through the BIOS settings menu; this option is available when using more or less modern system or graphics boards, but if this option is not available, it will be necessary to fine-tune the board itself.
Changing noise in BIOS
In different BIOS versions, the fan volume setting is determined by a setting whose name contains the word “CPU Fan” (translated as CPU fan). And depending on the system version, you will need to set certain values.
ASUS
In the BIOS from ASUS, for example, you need to select the menu “Power” - “Hardware monitor”, and then set the CPU Q-Fan Control and Chassis Q-Fan Control values to Enabled. Only after this a new line will appear CPU Fan Profile, where you can set the mode from the quietest (Silent mode) to the most productive (Perfomance mode). Well, the Optimal mode, as you already understood, is something between loud and quiet.
Award
In this version, you need to select the “PC Health Status” item, and then set the “Smart Fan Control” item to Enabled. Usually it is always on, but if you reset the BIOS settings, it is automatically disabled. Therefore, many people are perplexed when there is a sharp increase in operating speed, and therefore noise.
But remember! You can reduce noise only as long as it does not harm the insides of your computer. Check it out. If, due to noise reduction, it has become higher than normal, then return everything as it was and look for the cause elsewhere.
Change using the program
In addition to BIOS, a third-party program can come to our aid. In this regard, I recommend that you use the program Speed Fan. It is small, convenient, functional and free. You can download it from here.
Initially, the program is in English, but you can easily change it to Russian. But in fact, this is not necessary, since we need to find only one small column where the items “Pwm” are present. This is the fan rotation speed. If the value is at 100 , then accordingly they will work at full capacity. Well, if you reduce the value to 50 , then you will see for yourself that it has become quieter.
During operation, the noise produced by the fan will only increase. This is due to dust and foreign particles getting inside the structure. In addition to the fan blades, dust settles on the cooled components themselves, worsening the thermal energy efficiency. Fans with automatic speed control will automatically increase the cooler frequency as the temperature rises. After the temperature drops to acceptable standards, their speed will decrease.
Ways to physically eliminate fan noise
Elimination of noise from computer coolers can be achieved by periodically cleaning the entire internal surface of the system unit, printed circuit boards and components. Large amounts of accumulated dust can be removed using a regular hair dryer. After blowing with a hairdryer, you need to wipe all the boards from any remaining dust with a soft brush. By the way, to remove fatty deposits, it is recommended to dip the brush in technical or medical alcohol.
The next step in the fight against noise will be to lubricate the fans. The oil used in sewing machines is good for this purpose. If there is no result and the noise persists, it is necessary to conclude that the bearings that ensure rotation of the fan are worn out. In this case, it is recommended to replace them with new ones.
Of course, sometimes these methods may turn out to be useless, then you have to “play Kulibin”, namely, reduce the voltage in the cooler itself or poke around in the wires. But personally, I would not recommend that you try such experiments on your own. It’s better to turn to knowledgeable people who really understand this.
Well, that's all for me. I hope my tips helped you. Therefore, if you have not yet subscribed to update my blog, I highly recommend that you do so. I'm waiting for you again. Good luck to you. Bye bye!
Best regards, Dmitry Kostin.