The Quiet Revolution in Computing
by Dave Bell
PC noise isn't likely to ruin your hearing (the way rock concerts have), but if it's loud enough it can cause stress and impaired work performance. With personal computers becoming noisier as they pack more power, growing numbers of determined users are looking for ways to quiet them. In the process, they are helping to create a new niche industry, even as mainstream manufacturers are beginning to recognize noise as a consideration.
Loud CPUs and printers are part of a much larger and growing noise problem that includes high-volume public address systems, entertainment venues, home and car audio systems, and clamorous restaurants, as well as noise from trains, planes, and automobiles. "More people are affected by noise exposure than any other environmental stressor (sic)," according to the Toronto, Ontario, Board of Health.
"However, because its associated health effects are not as life-threatening as those for air, water, and hazardous waste, noise has been on the bottom of most environmental priority lists. Noise is an important health issue that affects more than hearing, [and] health effects occur at noise levels below those that impair hearing."
Cooling fans, hard drives, and optical drives are the major sources of computer noise, but they needn't be "The single most important reason that PCs are not quieter is that management has not demanded engineering to consider low noise as a primary goal," according to Mike Chin of silentpcreview.com.
Businesses and consumers have two choices: Retrofit their existing units with quiet components, or purchase new, so-called quiet, PCs. "Given what do-it-yourself enthusiasts can achieve with just creativity, desire, and minimal funds, it seems clear that if the industry focused its enormous resources on the noise issue, it could be solved overnight at minimal cost to them or to the consumer," said Chin.
Resources to help tame computer noise:
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