Date of Award

2008

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering

Keywords

Applied sciences

Supervisor

Dr. Novak

Supervisor

Dr. Gaspar

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This thesis investigates acoustical and psychoacoustical emissions of a desktop computer system by attempting to understand, measure, and attenuate computer noise. Five cooling fans were examined: the CPU fan, the GPU fan, the PSU fan, a rear case fan, and a front case fan. The fans were tested individually, outside of the computer then installed within. The fully operating computer was also tested. Attenuation techniques tested were: installing acoustic insulation, software modification, and hardware modification. After experimentation was performed, the following was determined: acoustic insulation did not appear to be a viable noise reduction technique; CPU fan software modification for the purpose of noise reduction is not effective but does reduce power use; and hardware modification was not a useful technique when the case fans were installed in the fully operating computer because they were overpowered by the other noise sources present.

Share

COinS