Noisy Dell

[djkwik]

I recently purchased a new Dell Inspiron 530slim.  Man is that thing LOUD.  It sounds like an old window air conditioner its so noisy.  I used to have a computer desk that had a built-in cabinet to put the tower.  I no longer have that desk so I am wondering if there are any pre-made enclosures for a PC that will reduce the sound but still allow enough airflow to keep the thing from overheating?  I thought of just making a box with and putting some foam inside of it and putting some air vents in the back, but not sure if the computer would get enough airflow.  Anybody have any suggestions??? http://images.thetechguide.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':huh:\' />

[quick69gto]

If you talking about transferring the internal hardware to a new aftermarket case, I think it's not possible.
Dell's slim PCs are highly proprietary. The hardware is not standard ATX or standard micro ATX.
You are basically stuck with it.
If you do build an insulated box for it, make sure the box has very good airflow through it.

[djkwik]

[quote name=\'quick69gto\' post=\'424090\' date=\'Mar 14 2008, 12:53 PM\']If you talking about transferring the internal hardware to a new aftermarket case, I think it's not possible.
Dell's slim PCs are highly proprietary. The hardware is not standard ATX or standard micro ATX.
You are basically stuck with it.
If you do build an insulated box for it, make sure the box has very good airflow through it.[/quote]


I've been reasearching this more and found that a lot of people were complaining about a noisy fan to Dell directly.  There have been suggestions of BIOS flashes (some worked, some didn't) and some were just bad fans, or a bad temperature control unit causing the fan to kick into high speed permanently, yatta yatta.  Sound basically like a desing flaw that I hope they've worked out before building mine.  (I had to return the first one they shipped me because it somehow left the factory with the main CPU fan/heat-sink not even attached to the mother board, but loose and banging around inside the cabinet during shipment...damn thing new out of the box didn't even work!).

I also did read about the Slim's problems when it comes to finding upgrades that will fit inside of it.  I just need a basic system for home-office use, so I am not worried about making it a super-computer.  I would however like to be able to actually bear being in the same room with the thing.  From what I've read, the noise is like that of a jet-turbine gearing up (on a Dell Forum at that).  We'll see.  Otherwise, I'll just turn the music up a little louder to drown out the loud fans.  The new Dell supposedly has 7.1 surround sound card in it....I'll have to put it to good use.

[quick69gto]

Sorry about the very short post before. I had a pressing engagement.

It is unusual for Dell to produce a loud machine. They do have a tendency to spool up when they are leaned on but from what you tell me about how you are using yours, it should be death quiet.
I would encourage you to continue talking to Dell about fixing it.
Maybe they can refer you to a local Dell authorized repair shop to get the thing fixed (on Dell of course).
Worst comes to worst, the will have you send it back to them for a full refund (plus shipping).

Good luck!

[Snake-Master]

Thats very strange, the complete oposite to my Inspiron 531. When everything is silent you can hear a very slight blowing sound. The hardrive is silent too.