Do gaming PCs need to be noisy? here are the facts (2023)

Gaming models outperform other PCs in terms of performance. For some dedicated gamers, however, this increased performance comes at a price: added noise. That brings us to today's question: should gaming PCs be loud?

Gaming PCs are not meant to be loud. The quieter your computer is, especially during a high-intensity gaming session, proves the superiority of the cooling system and configuration. If your gaming PC is too noisy, consider installing a silent fan cage, fan speed controller, or vibration-resistant fan mounts.

This article examines whether a gaming PC should be loud and how much noise is "normal". We'll also walk you through tips on how to quiet a noisy gaming PC!

Use:It's difficult to keep most gaming PCs cool when used in a hot room. The outside temperature largely determines your computer's cooling results and how noisy it will be.

Does a gaming PC have to be loud?

idleor if used regularly, an optimized PC buildshould be almost silent. The only timeexcessive noiseIt's normal when you play intensely.

However, some gamers bypass the silence to keep the PC's internal temperature as low as possible by using the fans. By increasing the PC fan speed to its maximum potential, the PC becomes noticeably louder.

Your processor (and how it cools) also affects the volume of your PC in part. For example, a PC equipped with the most powerful Intel or AMD processor model combined with air cooling is likely to be noisier than a less demanding model.

This noise occurs because the mechanics have to work harder to support enhanced graphics, creating more vibration and noise.

How loud are gaming PCs?

Aside from a few typical noises, gaming PCs are mostly quiet. Correspondingage of your computer, there may be audible initialization noises.

Other common and harmless noises you may hear from your gaming PCadd the following:

• Occasional Fan Spins:Modern computer fans have eco-friendly features that allow them to operate almost silently most of the time. However, on a muggy day, the fan is likely to make more noise.
• Hard drive buzzing:A stable hard drive works with a quiet but constant sound.
• Optical drive rotation:When you insert a CD into your optical drive, it starts spinning, which you can hear while the disc is in use.
• Internal speaker jumps:if theWooferWhen turning on some speakers, they make popping noises. You can reduce the amplitude of this sound by lowering the volume when you turn on the PC. You can avoid this tooSwitch from your computer to a digital audio signalto your speaker system, as long as everything is properly grounded.

One way to give a clearer explanation with an example is to take my personal gaming computer and share some observations.

I took dB readings from my gaming rig which is currently high endhardware on it. At rest he measured an average of approx42dB. I have an average of approx45dBwith the audio off my speakers while I was playing.

As you can see, there are many fans, and yet the system isremarkably quiet.

The main reason for this is the fact that they have so many fans, which seems to be the opposite of what one might think at first.

Plenty of fans mean they don't have to spin as hard to ensure great airflow through the system. The bottom line is that they can deliver plenty of airflow at lower RPMs.

A high quality CPU cooler.Helps reduce heat inside the case and runs quieter compared to standard CPU fans.

The best option for superior and quiet cooling is an all-in-one CPU cooler. AIO CPU coolers offer superior cooling compared to air cooling, but require additional mounting space in the computer case.

As for the noise

Do not tolerate excessive or loud noise, as this often indicates damage. If you hear anything about itfollowing noises, is about:

• Continuous revolutions of the fan:This sound is an indication that thethe computer overheats. This is also a warning that your machine is in dire need of a thorough cleaning. Thatcontinuous fan swirlsThey usually appear when the air vents are blocked or when you're playing in a hot room.
• Abnormal Hard Drive Noise:Dying hard drives make a clicking noise when the drive pin component of the hard drive pops out. A high-pitched whine often follows because the hard disk is spinning at an unusually high speed.
• An optical drive that does not turn off automatically:If your drive spins audibly, there is a problem.
• Numerous beeps:The BIOS will beep repeatedly to convey an audible error message.

What makes the most noise on a gaming PC?

The fans and the hard drive are the two main sources of excessive noise in a gaming PC. Fans provide ventilation and allow the heat generated by the mechanics to escape. If the fans are not secured, too small or too weak, they can get noisy.

Hard drives make noise as the platters spin and the head searches for information.

Gaming PCs can be noisy thoughnoneparts come loose or rattle against the device housing. And as machines mature, debris accumulates, preventing fans from working properly and creating extra noise.

Ways to make a noisy gaming PC quieter

If your gaming PC is unusually loud, you might be wondering how to mute it! This is especially true if you have an upcoming tournament or an hour-long tournament that can put extra strain on the system and create more noise.

And that goes for gamers like me who occasionally take a day off just to play some of the latest AAA titles in single player.

Here are some tips to quiet your noisy gaming PC:

Remove interfering components

mechanichard disk, GPU cooling systems andpower suppliesall generate significant amounts of noise.

Switch from a mechanical hard drive to an SSDcan greatly improve the sound quality. SSDs are completely silent and can even speed up your PC.

power suppliescan be very noisy due to the heat generated and thelarge fan for cooling. Luckily manypower adapterThe s are now programmed to be silent. Some even turn off their fan when not in use.

A quick web search for silent electricity providers will yield countless results. Of course, it is better to stick with a trusted brand when buying computer equipment.

TuGPU also generates a lot of heat, causing the GPU fan to make a lot of noise when trying to cool the system. If replacing the GPU fan proves impossible, try adding a new graphics card.

When purchasing a GPU, look for vendors who have worked to minimize fan noise. If efficiency is not a primary consideration, consider a fanless passive model. However, I do not recommend this option for most systems.

You can think tooAdjust the fan profile of your GPUjReplacing the thermal pasteto keep you cooler and quieter.

For herUPC, you should consider removing a CPU air cooler andReplace it with an AIO cooler instead.

Use silent case fans

Case fans are one of the most audible components of any device. Although they are necessary to cool the mechanics, they do not have to be loud. However, the larger the fan, the louder it is overall.

fans enternormal sizes80mm, 120mm, 140mm and 200mm. You need a case that fits your make and model.

While the most common fan size is 120mm. And installing larger fans where possible will help reduce overall noise.

How? By requiring less RPM to move the same amount of air. Larger fan blades move a larger volume of air, reducing the overall need for higher RPMs significantly less.

I'm discussing how to add fans to your computerthis articleif you need to know more.

If you want a really good RGB fan I recommendCorsair LL series fans(links to Newegg). I like the lighting and the high quality bearings, making it a durable, quiet, and powerful fan.

Add a fan speed controller

Your motherboard controls your CPU fan, increasing or decreasing its speed in response to system temperature.

However, not all case fans are so adaptable. Instead, they're generally on and running at the same speed regardless of the temperature of the device.

By installing a fan controller, you can help the fans in your system run more efficiently and quietly. By configuring a fan curve profile with the driver software, you can achieve a harmonious balance between fan speed and noise development.

Install vibration-resistant fan mounts

As mentioned above, some case fans have anti-vibration pads. These parts can be very efficient but don't target other components that may be making loud noises.

(Video) This Gaming PC has a Dirty Secret - Build Redux

An important area where vibration can be transmitted is in the mounting bolts. By mounting your fans on anti-vibration mounts, you can effectively silence your PC.

Manage your cables

Cables that are not properly routed can interfere with other components. If they block airflow, your device can run hotter than necessary and require louder fans to dissipate excess heat.

By properly managing your computer's internal cables, you can improve airflow, minimize heat build-up, and therefore reduce noise.

To keep all cables out of the central airflow path, use various cable ties, ropes, or cable guides.

Suggestion:If you want to learn more about how to make your gaming pc quieter, please read the other article I wrote which gives you someTips to make your computer quieter.

final thoughts

While gaming PCs are powerful, their fans don't have to be overly loud. In fact, a noisy computer often indicates damage or something unhappy.

In certain cases, placing the device on a metal surface generates noise. If it's that easy, choose a new gaming table! Or relieve the device with sound insulation.

For additional tips and helpful hints on how to mute your gaming PC, Optimum Tech produced the following video: