Disabling the case fan

[resnick]

Hey guys,

I just bought a core 2 duo 2.3gz and the system is a little loud. As such, I am considering disabling the case fans (both intake and outtake) that came with the system. The CPU's cooling is whatever is default for the system, I do not know the details.

My questions: how do I disable the case fans?
Is it safe to do this?
Is the case fan whats making the noise for my system? I am also running a Radeon 2600 which has its own fan, but it doesn't seem like that is too loud.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Dark_Webster]

That will heat up the case more, therefore all fans will start to spin faster.

 

[mandelore]

you could replace them with low profile silent fans with a very low db rating

 

[resnick]

is my system really gonna be that hot though? i thought the core 2 duo was relatively cool. And if my case fans are loud/cheap, then they other fans might not create much more noise when they get louder. I am not looking to overclock or even do any kinda of gaming or anything...i just want quiet.

Anyways, I want to try it out to see if there is a difference. How do I turn them off? (through software)

 

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

depends are they connected to teh mob or teh power supply?

 

[resnick]

dont know, I can open up my case but its a little work. Is there some way I can verify without opening it up? Am I looking at bios setting ...windows setting (xp) or what? If its direct power supply do I have to physically disable them?

 

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

If its direct power supply do I have to physically disable them?

yes

 

[Athlon2K15]

im assuming this pc is a dell with a btx type setup?if so u cant turn off the front fan because it is used to cool the massive heatsink that covers the cpu

 

[resnick]

the computer is from 'canada computers', its got a fan/fan hood (on the case cover) for the cpu, but an additional 2 fans on the case, on the front and back. I really dont think my system needs these fans....

 

[pbmaster]

I'm pretty sure the manufacturer put those fans in there for a reason. I wouldn't disable any of em..if you really want quiet get some aftermarket fans that have a low sound rating, like others have suggested.

 

[keakar]

just be aware that replacing the fans can and will void your warranty so put them in a box with a note showing where and how it was installed. if your computer ever needs warranty repair or service you will have to put it back exactly the way you bought it to avoid issues.

i would not recommend fooling with it while its under warranty since just opening the case could void all warranty sometimes. if you do open it up watch for stickers which are tamper seals, if you break it you have no warranty. hot blow dryer will sometimes soften up the glue to allow you to peel them back.

 

[lemonadesoda]

What do the Fan Hole cut outs look like. On budget cases, these are just punched holes, not a big hole with a wire grill. If the former, then cut/drill out a proper hole. That will reduce the air resistance by at least 50% and make for quieter fans and more efficient cooling.

Exit fans are more important that intake. If you disable a case fan, only disable the intake fan. Make sure there is a GOOD intake HOLE(S) to let the air draw in to the case, and in the right place. ie. NOT near the exit fan, not on the same side of the case of the exit fan.

 

[keakar]

What do the Fan Hole cut outs look like. On budget cases, these are just punched holes, not a big hole with a wire grill. If the former, then cut/drill out a proper hole. That will reduce the air resistance by at least 50% and make for quieter fans and more efficient cooling.

Exit fans are more important that intake. If you disable a case fan, only disable the intake fan. Make sure there is a GOOD intake HOLE(S) to let the air draw in to the case, and in the right place. ie. NOT near the exit fan, not on the same side of the case of the exit fan.

very good advice but its brand new and like i mentioned above, doing anything to it will void the warranty. cutting on the case is not something he can undo if he needs warranty repair.

 

[3991vhtes]

Just leave the fans on, or, like other ppl have said, get quieter ones.