In this blog, I will be discussing ways to soundproof a computer cabinet through easy and most economical ways. We will be going through the process step by step which will make it easier for you to come up with a solution. So, let’s get started!
If you possess servers, CNC machines, recording booths, generators, or other types of functional devices, you’re well aware that the noise they produce can be annoying. The good news is that by putting them in a soundproofed cabinet, you can lessen, soften, or even eliminate the noise. This post will show you how to soundproof a cabinet simply.
What Is a Soundproof Computer Cabinet?
A soundproof cabinet is a cabinet or storage locker that has been expertly cushioned to reduce or soften the noise generated by whatever is kept inside.
There are numerous methods for soundproofing a cabinet, but the quality of the cabinet is determined by the amount of money you are ready to invest. The padding technique and materials utilised are determined by the size of the equipment you wish to put within, the equipment’s noise level, and, of course, your budget.
To effectively soundproof anything, including cabinets, you must first ensure that it is entirely airtight. Here’s where it gets tricky: most of these loud gadgets require air to move in and out of whatever container they’re in. As a result, you’ll need a cabinet that’s well-ventilated and noise-proof.
With all of this in mind, make sure you have a plan for what you want to make. However, before taking any action, read the following guide:
Best Soundproof Materials for Good Results
People utilise a variety of materials to soundproof various items. Nonetheless, the truth is that some people perform better than others. These are materials designed specifically for sound absorption. They’re also known as acoustical materials. Although most objects reflect sound, these items absorb the majority of it. They’re frequently installed on surfaces with the sole intention of reducing noise. To make things easier for you, here are some of the best soundproofing materials for soundproofing a cabinet:
- Acoustic Foam
- Acoustic Panel
- Plexiglass
- Fibreglass
- Door Sealing Gasket
- Green Glue Sealant for Decoupling
Acoustic Foam
These are noise-reducing and noise-absorbing foams. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. They can be put on almost any surface. Even though their sound-absorbing capabilities aren’t top-notch, they can be useful, especially if you’re on a budget.
Acoustic Panel
Acoustic panels are sound absorbers as well, but they are of higher quality than foam and, as a result, they are more expensive. They can also be used to absorb sound on any surface, such as a wall.
Plexiglass
This is a type of thermoplastic that can also be used to absorb sound. Plexiglass has a refined appearance and is resistant to fracture. When it comes to plexiglass, as with other noise-absorbing materials, the thicker the better. It’s also a better option than glass because it doesn’t break.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass, as the name implies, is made up of fine glass fibres that are used to insulate building structures by absorbing heat, cold, and sound waves. It’s quite adaptable. Although it does not prevent or reflect sound, it is relatively effective at absorbing it. Fibreglass is simple to work with because it does not necessitate a great deal of skill. It’s also quite budget-friendly. Some companies employ recycled glass, while others use high-temperature sand.
Door Sealing Gasket
Many people utilised them to seal any gaps in open and closed outlets, such as doors and windows. This stops sound from leaking into or out of a room or cabinet. It’s wrapped around the door.
Green Glue Sealant for Decoupling
Decoupling, in its most basic form, is the separation of segments of a wall to avoid or reduce vibrations from bouncing off between the wall structures.
As you can guess from the title, the ideal soundproofing substance for decoupling is green glue. Remember that green glue is typically used to cover gaps between two buildings, such as between the wall and the ceiling. In a nutshell, it prevents noise from entering and exiting.
Other Soundproof Materials
More materials are required in addition to the standard soundproofing materials if you wish to effectively soundproof a cabinet. Before I move on to the other materials, I’d want to call attention to the most important:
Medium Density Fiber Board (MDF)
Let’s define this crucial subject for those who are unfamiliar with it.
MDF is a form of wood created by combining wood shavings, sawdust, and glue (resin and wax) with pressure and heat. They are thicker, denser, and heavier than the majority of woods.
Its popularity stems from the fact that it is more cost-effective and bendable for modest carpentry jobs. MDF is created from recycled wood, making it user-friendly, and it is pest-resistant due to thorough treatment during production. It’s also smooth and simple to work with.
The following are the other materials that you will undoubtedly require:
| Material Required | Tools Required |
| Medium Density Fiberboard | Nails |
| Green Glue | Wood Glue |
| Fiber Glass | Screws |
| Plexiglass | Hingers |
| Acoustic Panels Acoustic Foam | Screw Driver Drill |
Soundproofing a Computer Cabinet
Now that we’ve mentioned all of the materials that can be useful for soundproofing a cabinet, let’s get down to business and speak about soundproofing a cabinet in particular.
Because of their big fans and heavy-duty operation, computer servers and related IT devices can be exceedingly loud in open settings. This noise can be bothersome and distracting, particularly if you have a lot of work to complete in the same area. Noise, after all, can reduce your productivity.
Remember that soundproof server cabinets, also known as soundproof server racks, are your best bet for reducing or eliminating noise to the bare minimum.
You’ll need a cabinet, which you can buy here or reuse an old one. If you opt to make it from scratch, you should keep the following aspects in mind:
- Create enough space to accommodate the soundproofing materials
- Make the shelf of the cabinet to the specifications of your computer or IT device • Consider the necessary cutouts for the cables
- Keep in mind that proper air circulation is required
- Make the shelf of the cabinet to the specifications of your computer or IT device
Follow these steps to soundproof a computer cabinet effectively:
- Take all of the dimensions you’ll need. After that, go to a hardware store or Amazon and get the items you’ll need (wood, screws, etc.) and have them cut and measure the wood to your specifications.
- Begin constructing your cabinet. Make a shelf inside with appropriate space for the machine you want to preserve, depending on its size. Make sure the cabinet’s edges are conveniently accessible.
- Depending on how loud your computer is, you can glue or glue-stick your sound-absorbing panels (acoustic soundproof foam) to the inside of the cabinet. Some acoustic foams contain adhesive that you can peel off and stick.
- Create a double wall on each side of the cabinet for optimal efficacy. Within the cabinet, there’s another box. Install sound-absorbing foam or even fibreglass between each wall. This is done to keep mechanical vibrations at bay.
- For the door, cut off plexiglass on the frame so you can look inside. To prevent sound from leaking out, use a door sealing gasket around the door. To keep noise from escaping, make sure the cabinet is airtight and well-padded.
- Depending on the specifications of your IT gadget, create vents on the cabinet for cooling and heat removal blowers. After you’ve padded the walls, make sure there’s enough airflow; if the heat lingers in, it can harm your server or computer.
- When making air vents, make sure there are 90-degree bends along the course; this will allow the sound wave to go a longer distance than a straight vent. Because sound bounces off the walls, the volume heard is greatly reduced.
Guide to soundproof a cabinet for generators
Generators are very noisy. Because they’re normally outside, it’s a good idea to build an enclosure to keep the noise down so you don’t bother your neighbours or the environment when you go camping. As a result, the most you can do is soundproof a generator cabinet.
Following are the steps to be followed:
- Gather the required measurements. After that, purchase and prepare your resources, including tools.
- Assemble the cabinet using the box within a box technique as stated previously.
- Make an airtight seal between the walls.
- Make a hole for the generator exhaust to let the heat out; you can prolong the exhaust by attaching a lead pipe to it.
Keep in mind that you can design the cabinet large enough to house not just your generators, but also your air compressor if you have one.
Consider the following points:
- Due to its thickness and huge surface area, acoustic foams are good at reducing echo but not so good at absorbing sound. However, when placed and stacked in a tiny cage, they can greatly minimise noise.
- When it comes to soundproofing, the heavier or thicker the material used, the greater the result.
- Wood is usually the ideal material for building noise-dampening confinement. You can use either plywood or MDF boards, as long as they are thick. MDF boards are both inexpensive and simple to work with.
- If your cabinet has vents, make sure they can reduce noise while still allowing ventilation.
- When building a cabinet, go for something simple, inexpensive, and easy to work with.
Conclusion
For the greatest results, follow these simple procedures to effectively soundproof a cabinet. Your project’s success is determined by your budget, the quality of the materials you acquire, and, of course, the amount of effort you are prepared to put in. When all of these things come together, you’ll be working or living in a noise-free environment in no time. Best of luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to soundproof a computer cabinet?
We have discussed all the processes and details step by step through which you can make a soundproof computer cabinet very easily kindly go through the blog attentively. You will need the following materials for the work done:
- Acoustic Foam
- Acoustic Panel
- Plexiglass
- Fibreglass
- Door Sealing Gasket
- Green Glue Sealant for Decoupling
Does sound dampen foam work in PC?
The overall system noise levels are greater without any sound dampening foam. In our test, we reduced noise by roughly 0.9 decibels with the GPU at 100% and the foam installed, compared to about 0.5-0.6 decibels with only the fans at 100% and the GPU at idle.
How can I soundproof my ups?
I’d make a plywood box with some foam or dedicated acoustic insulation, but cover the hole with a few overlapping baffles. It’s almost as if it’s a ported sub box. If you cover the interior in foam, it should be able to absorb the UPS’s high-frequency noises while still allowing air to flow through it.
Do acoustic panels block outside noise?
Acoustic panels are not designed to keep sound in or out of space and do not block any sound. Sound absorption is achieved via acoustic panels, which is not the same as sound blocking.
Do soundproof panels work both ways?
Isolating noises from each other is a key notion in soundproofing. In simple terms, this means that the inside and outside of a room should be completely separated. As a result, for a space to be genuinely soundproof, soundproofing materials must generally function in both directions.
Does cork wallpaper absorb sound?
Cork wall panels, unlike ordinary wall surfaces that reflect sound, can absorb and minimise acoustic sounds. Because of its great sound absorption, cork is frequently utilised in music recording contexts as a noise reduction material.
Source
http://www.msnoise.com/uc_noise_enclosure_cpu_protection_case.html
