How to build a PC noise reduction enclosure?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cheeky Monkey
  • Start date Start date
C

Cheeky Monkey

New member
Rather than go through the expense right now of swapping for noiseless (fanless) parts (e.g. CPU, video card), I'd like to build an enclosure for my PC tower, only to be placed over it when recording audio, and only for short periods to prevent heat build-up. Before doing this, I have a few questions...

1. Is this something I should not do because heat WILL build-up and can cause problems, even for very short periods?

2. If it's ok to do this, any ideas of how to best go about it (materials, especially sound insulation?; how much space to allow between the PC box and the inside of the enclosure so it's not too tight fitting and allows for some air flow?; would you leave some opening for heat release and if so, how big?).

3. Are there any existing enclosures that can be purchased for such use? I don't mean something designed for this purpose because I doubt it exists. But perhaps something intended for another use but would work fine for this application.

I don't need to get fancy, just functional. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
 
It might be cheaper and easier to get some extension cords for the mouse, keyboard and monitor and stick the PC in a closet.
 
apl said:
It might be cheaper and easier to get some extension cords for the mouse, keyboard and monitor and stick the PC in a closet.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the idea, and I'm not going to rule it out, but that will also mean using significantly longer unbalanced rca out cables from my Audiophile 2496 soundcard to my mixer, which I really don't want to do (for reasons of adding more noise to the signal chain). An enclosure will be my first option. Thanks again for trying to help.
 
Oh, sorry, I hadn't thought of that. I did a quick Google and saw a few things, but nothing stood out. I work in the noise control field so maybe I oughtta build/market something!
 
Well u can buy fanless powersupplies, watercooling and several parts that reduces the noise. Spinning DVD drives and CD-drives is also a noise prob. in case they aren't empty. But I guess you know. Quiet harddrives is a must.
 
Emusic said:
Well u can buy fanless powersupplies, watercooling and several parts that reduces the noise. Spinning DVD drives and CD-drives is also a noise prob. in case they aren't empty. But I guess you know. Quiet harddrives is a must.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply. I'm aware that I can buy noiseless (fanless) components, but like I said, for now, I don't want to change all the noise-making parts. I just think building a small enclosure can be done easily and cheaply.
 
Search the studio building forum

There IS/ARE cpu iso boxes, can't remember the name now, but they're expensive ( I think around $350 or so ).
 
apl said:
I work in the noise control field so maybe I oughtta build/market something!
Click to expand...

Can you do anything about my 2 year old twin grandsons? Ok, sorry... ;)
 
7string said:
Can you do anything about my 2 year old twin grandsons? Ok, sorry... ;)
Click to expand...

Oh, wow, I can't wait to play with my grandkids!

Easiest thing to do is send 'em home!
 
http://www.overclockers.com/tips873/index.asp

i have another link too....but it's bookmarked on my home computer. i'm looking into building a soundproof case as well.

you definitely would want to build a fan inside of it. Just a couple 80mm fans from the computer store wired to the powersupply in your computer should work fine. and of course ventilation. fiberglass insulation would work too to help sound proofing. the wood i've seen people use is Medium Density Fiberboard.
 
punkin, I appreciate the link, but way out of my league price-wise. Thanks anyway.

bennychico11, the links you provided are more what I'm after. Thanks, I'll be referring to it.
 
There are a lot of acoustic padding options for the inside of the case that can reduce the noise drastically. I really wouldn't recommend building an enclosure for it because you're still going to have at least two high powered fans to push stale air out and bring fresh air in. Plus you'll still have sound escaping through your power supply and other wiring holes (unless you plan on sealing those, which would make wire management a lot harder).
If you're really that worried about an enclosure and keeping it cool, look into doing a refrigerator mod (that's my next project. From my research, looks like it'll cost under $400).
If I can find the acoustic treatment link I'll post it.
 
I know you don't wanna hear it, but adding some silent/quiet components really does help! I bought a 50$ quiet Nexus power supply, a 40% quiet Nexus CPU cooler, a 25$ passive cooling ribs system (from Zalman) for my graphics card and a shockmount-like system for the HD at 20$. That and a little home-made door in my desk that keeps out a little more noise works great. At 140$, that's hard to beat. Some decent sound absorbtion material alone could get you at that price and beyond.
 
Dead quiet switching power supply..."Coolmax" CF-480B
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top