[Hidden-tech] Anyone in the area have equipment for measuring PCnoise levels?

[Michael McIntosh]

Hello folks! A couple of people have contacted me and have volunteered 
to help me me determine how loud my laptop is with their sound level 
meters. Thanks to everyone who replied, I should be contacting you shortly.

I also contacted Sony again regarding my Vaio laptop and they 
recommended using compressed air (dust remover spray) to loosen any dust 
  that has accumulated on the fan blade or components. I didn't expect 
that to solve the problem. I have noticed some difference in volume 
levels, so it appears to have at least helped some.

It still generates a decent amount of noise when idle, however. If you 
have problems with a loud laptop, using a can of compressed air or dust 
remover spray to clear out the dust might help things stay a little 
cooler so the fan doesn't have to work so hard. I picked up some at 
Radio Shack, but I think you can also find it at some supermarkets now.

Thank you all for your tips, suggestions and help. =)

-Michael McIntosh

Christofer deHahn wrote:
> Michael,
> 
> I have a pro quality SLM but I don't lend or rent it out. If you're in the
> area and we can work out a time that works, I'd be glad to stop by and get a
> reading for you.
> 
> Chris
> 
> 
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net [mailto:hidden-discuss-
>>bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Michael McIntosh
>>Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 1:05 AM
>>To: Hidden Tech
>>Subject: [Hidden-tech] Anyone in the area have equipment for measuring
>>PCnoise levels?
>>
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>>
>>Hello Folks,
>>
>>My current "desktop replacement" laptop that I use extensively for work
>>and occasionally for gaming generates a LOT of noise. The amount of
>>noise it generates is having a negative impact on the mental health of
>>both my wife and I since I work from home and the noise is a constant
>>irritation.
>>
>>There is always a collective sigh of relief in our household when the
>>laptop is finally turned off. Unfortunately, being the techie that I am,
>>it doesn't get turned off too often.
>>
>>I am currently investigating building a high-performance PC that runs
>>very quietly, preferably something that generates less than 25 dB of
>>noise from ~2 feet away.
>>
>>I have found some articles that discuss how I can build a quiet desktop
>>PC (such as http://tinyurl.com/faota) or the differences between typical
>>noise levels (http://tinyurl.com/2q7vz).
>>
>>For sake of comparison, I need to determine the amount of noise my
>>current laptop generates and I do not have the equipment to do so. I've
>>considered buying sound level measuring equipment for the task, but
>>realistically I'd only probably use it a couple times before it would be
>>shelved and begin to collect dust.
>>
>>I suspect that my current system generates around 40 dB worth of noise
>>when "idle" and as much as 60 dB when running a modern computer game or
>>playing a DVD movie. If someone has or can direct me to someone who has
>>sound level measuring equipment that I could borrow, I'd greatly
>>appreciate it. Then I'd have a better idea of how much effort is needed
>>to restore peace and quiet to our home again. (er, 7 month old daughter
>>not withstanding) :)
>>
>>Thank you for your time. :)
>>
>>-Michael McIntosh
>>
>>PS: My laptop is a Sony Vaio PCG-K25. Its a nice machines that has a
>>beautiful display and works very well despite the noise/heat problems.
>>
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