Directory of Quiet Resources

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Quiet computers are those that make little or no normal operating noise, incidentally or by design. Most desktop computers emit a constant whir, and sometimes roar of noise, from fans as they spin, disk drives (hard, CD/DVD) as they spin and read and store data, and from electrical transformers as they hum and whine. Sound is also emitted by speakers, but this is intentional, and usually considered desirable by users, if not by coworkers. Many users find computer noises distracting, even irritating, more so as they increasingly listen to music and videos on computers, and use IP telephony. Ergonomic (human factors) research in noise pollution, usually in the workplace, shows that noise harms user concentration and productivity, more so where many computers operate in confined spaces, more so where no effort is made to improve acoustics. The market for quieter computers is growing worldwide, more in Europe.

Subcategories

• Game Consoles
• Handhelds
• Notebooks and Laptops
• Set-Top Boxes
• Tablet PCs
• Watercooling
• Wearables

Resources in This Category

• Build a Silent PC

  http://www.buildsilentpc.com/
  Instructions on how to build quiet computers that still perform well, with all steps needed.

• Building a Dead Silent PC

  http://slashdot.org/hardware/02/10/20/2322226.shtml
  Short article, with links and many reader comments. Slashdot.

• Cool and Quiet or Anti-Extreme Overclocking Experience

  http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/volt-red.html
  How to quiet graphics card, lower heat output, and keep performance up. X-bit Labs.

• EndPCNoise.com

  http://www.endpcnoise.com/
  Sells Quiet and Fanless PCs and quiet computer parts since 1999. Located in Battle Ground, WA.

• How to Build a Dead Silent PC

  http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-118-1.htm
  Article of instructions. Predecessor to website: Build a Silent PC. hardCOREware.net.

• King Young Technology Co., Ltd.

  http://www.kingyoung.com.tw/
  Makes SUMICOM: SUper MIni COMputer; very small, low power, silent. Taipei City, Taiwan.

• LinSentio

  http://www.linsentio.com/
  Makes, configures, sells silent PCs, with Linux and other open source software. Eindhoven, Netherlands.

• Mappit A4F Fanless Computer

  http://www.mappit.de/a4fsite_englisch/
  Makes, sells fanless PC system based on VIA Mini-ITX motherboards, special design interior and aluminum case. Schneider Elektronik GmbH and Co. KG. [English and German]

• Noise Insulation Case

  http://personal.inet.fi/koti/juhladude/
  Detailed study of project to build a highly sound insulating wooden case for a tower PC, about 150 photos. English, Finnish.

• Pogo Linux, Inc.: Quiet PC Guarantee

  http://www.pogolinux.com/news/quiet_pc_guarantee.php
  Makes and sells Linux workstations that run below 32 dB, smoothly with no vibration, are stable and handle high loads with no overheats. Tukwila, Washington, USA.

• Puget Silent Professional Workstation

  http://www.pugetsystems.com/certified_sys.php?sys_id=51
  High performance, reliable, full size desktop computer, ships in 3-5 business days. Puget Custom Computers. Seattle, Washington, USA.

• Quiet PC

  http://www.quietpc.com/
  Sells worldwide, systems and parts: power supplies, cases, case fans, CPU coolers, video card coolers, sound proofing, hard drive enclosures, motherboard heatsinks, case feet, cables, adapters. Malton, UK.

• Searching for the Very Silent PC

  http://cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/11/10/silent.pc.reut/
  Small article explains market, and why it exists. CNN.com.

• Shhh! Constructing a Truly Quiet Gaming PC

  http://slashdot.org/features/01/10/29/1723228.shtml
  Short article, with links and many reader comments. Slashdot.

• Silent Computing

  http://www.lowendmac.com/backnforth/01/0710.html
  Short article on desire and means for silent computing. Low End Mac.

• Silent PC Review: SPCR

  http://www.silentpcreview.com/
  Reviews, news, information on quiet, low noise, and/or silent computers and components, silencing methods, DIY modifications, full systems, and their energy efficiency and thermal performance.

• Sizo Silent Systems

  http://www.sizo.biz/
  Makes, configures and sells fanless computer systems.

• The Silent PC

  http://silent.se/pc
  Investigates the acoustic aspect of information technology ergonomics and the market for acoustic comfort.

• Tranquil PC Ltd.

  http://www.tranquilpc.co.uk/
  Makes and sells quiet and small silent PCs. Manchester, UK.

• VeryPC Ltd.

  http://www.very-pc.co.uk/
  Provides green computer systems, other support and services: Apple and PC networking, network, bespoke equipment, contracting. Sheffield, United Kingdom.

• Wikipedia: Quiet PC

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiet_PC
  Encyclopedia article, with links to many topics.

• Zonbu

  http://www.zonbu.com/home/
  Makes low power, fanless, diskless, silent, open source, subscription-based desktop PC. subsidiary of PConRails LLC. Menlo Park, California, USA.

Related Categories

• Home > Business > Environment > Noise and Vibration Control
• Home > Computers > Hardware > Components > Fans and Cooling Devices
• Home > Computers > Hardware > Systems > Industrial
• Home > Computers > Hardware > Systems > Internet Appliances
• Home > Computers > Human-Computer Interaction
• Home > Computers > Mobile Computing
• Home > Society > Issues > Environment > Noise Pollution

 

Home > Computers > Hardware > Systems > Quiet

 

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