How to Build a PC
(Nov/2007)
The Case
The Case for the server is large and came as a shell. As such even fans were missing.
A large source of noise within a PC is caused by the cooling fans. Even quiet fans
can make some noise especially when secured against the metal frame, and vibrations
can occur. However some of the noise can be reduced by using known quiet fans, available
from all good online PC build suppliers. My Case came with slots for two 12cm fans
and five 9 cm fans. I chose to install two 120mm fans and three 90 mm fans.
1. Installation of the back fans. Fans can be installed using wither rubber screws
or steel screws, and most fans will come complete with screws of both types and
connections. Simply secure the fans against the case and secure with the fitting
of your choice, I chose the steel screws as they are easier to work with in my experience.
One feature to consider is airflow. If all the fans in the case are exhaust (i.e.
blow out of the case) this will cause a pressure drop inside the case, and so forcing
air in via the vents. This could increase air noise, and so I chose to have one
of the 120 mm fans (The Top on) as an inlet fan, blowing air into the system. The
fans often have a direction of airflow arrow marked on the case somewhere.
2. Installation of the Hard Disk Drive Fans. This case can hold eight 3.5 inch hard
drives, close together. As such when the WHS is balancing the discs, it is possible
that all eight drives if fitted will be used. As such, since the facility is there,
I opted to install three 90 mm fans. The case on either side of the HHD is perforated
to aid air movement. As such I chose to install two fans blowing air left to right,
and one fan right to left. Again, these fans were mounted with the steel screws
3. Mounting of the Hard Drives. Different
cases come with different style of mounts but there are generally three types that
I have come across. Firstly there are the ‘base mounts’ where the case is mounted
in a drive bay either using the screw holes on the side, or through the bottom;
often through rubber grommets. These grommets help to reduce vibration noises. The
other types that I have come across are side mounts which are screwed into the HHD,
or in this case side mounts that are pushed into the screw holes. Before you secure
the HHD, ensure that the power lead and connection point are pointing outwards!
When the side mounts are secured, slide in and push the drives into the bays until
the drive units are secured. Here is the Case with four drives installed.
4. Power Supply. The last item to be installed
is the Power Supply. The supply I used is classed as modular. As such the main power
leads for the Motherboard are permanently attached to the PSU, whilst all the other
leads can be added as and when needed. This aides installation, and helps to keep
the inner workings of the case tidy as there are no unnecessary leads floating around.
Remove any unnecessary leads if fitted, and
place in situ on the back of the case, and mount with the four mounting screws.
As PSUs can be heavy, most cases have a ‘shelf’ on which the PSU rests, to reduce
the weight burden from the mounting screws.
That is the end of the fittings within the case. Other fittings that can be considered
include optical drives of one type or another, memory card readers and even an old
floppy drive! Again, if youare adding additiaonl features, this is the time to add
them.
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