One of the tasks that I do over and over again is to install the programs that I came to rely on on those computer systems. For that I open the program’s website, download it and install it afterwards. This takes some time, considering that it is not usually just one application that needs to be made available, but many.

Soft2Base is similar to previously reviewed applications like AllMyApps, Essential Software Installer or Ninite, by offering to download and/or install selected applications at once.

The program displays a set of configuration options on startup. Here it is possible to select the application language, program interface language and download / installation options. It is for instance possible to configure the program to perform silent installs, install only newer applications or download the programs only without installation.

The next screen displays the supported programs sorted in categories. A pulldown menu on top offers templates, like complete, minimum or custom, that auto select applications in the listing.

Many popular applications are available, from iTunes and VideoLan in the multimedia category, over Open Office and Notepad in the Desk category to Firefox, Flash Player, Avast, 7-Zip or CCleaner.

The selection is good, but several applications that I’d personally install are missing. The incredible burning software ImgBurn is missing, as are Google Chrome, Opera and True Crypt among others.

Still, the available applications can be put to use, and all it takes to download and install them on the system is to select them and proceed by clicking on the Install button. I have checked the versions of some applications and they were always the latest available versions.

An installation log can be displayed at the very end of the process.

Soft2Base Download and Compatibility

Soft2Base is available for download at the developer website. The portable software is compatible with most Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

There are not actually that many different noise makers in your computer, the dominant ones are fans and mechanical devices. The article will conclude with three ways to reduce the noise level of your computer starting with free alternatives, fan replacement and noise reduction hardware.

Pc Noise Makers

• Power Supply Fan
• CPU Fan
• GPU Fan
• Case Fans
• Northbridge Fan
• Hard Drives
• CD / DVD Drives

Five of the noise makers in the list are fans while the last two are mechanical devices. It is easy to distinguish between fans and mechanical devices but it becomes a little bit harder to identify the loudest fan in your system.

Open your case and start your computer. Try to identify the loudest fan by simply listening to your computer. Is it possible to identify the noise maker ? If you have troubles spotting the loudest one try the following technique that helps you identify it.

Locate a fan and stop the rotation of that fan for a few seconds by pressing one of your fingers against it. Make sure you do not put your fingers inside the fan but the central area that connects all the rotating blades. If the noise level drops you identified the noise maker. The next action depends on the type of fan:

Free Methods to reduce the noise level:

There are several free methods that could reduce the noise level of your computer.

• Software driven

Software like Speedfan or RivaTuner can control the fan speed of certain devices that support this feature. You could reduce the rotation speed of your cpu, gpu and case fans this way. I’m not aware that a similar product exists for power supply fans and northbridge fans.

It is furthermore possible to reduce the reading speed of your CD and DVD drives to reduce their noise level. Software exists for Linux and Windows.

Use Technology like AMDs Cool’n'Quiet to reduce the heat output of your system which could result in a lower spinning fan.

• Firmware Updates

Updating the firmware of a device could result in additional functionality. I had to upgrade the firmware of my Nvidia 6600 GT card to be able to read its temperature which I needed to control the fan speed.

It might be worth checking out if there are updates for your motherboard, graphic card and CD / DVD drives.

• Temporary Solutions

I once had the problem that the high pitching noise that my hard drives made would drive me crazy. I had no means of purchasing dampening devices at that time and had to find a solution that would reduce the noise. I came up with a solution that I found in a forum on the internet.

I used the foam that the hard drive shipped with and placed it on the bottom of my computer. I then connected the hard drive as usual and placed it on that foam. The noise was not there anymore. This method worked great but would pose problems if you want to transport your computer.

• Remove Fans

I know of users who have three or more case fans running at the same time thinking of the more the better. This is not always the case. If your system is cool enough you could try and remove some of the fans to reduce the overall noise level.

You should only remove them if you hear them. Does not make sense to remove something that does not make that much noises.

Low Cost Solutions:

It is not really that expensive to reduce the noise level of your computer. You will never get a truly silent computer but the level can be reduced that you can barely hear the computer running which is the optimum for fan driven systems.

• Replacing Fans

Bigger Fans that rotate slower make less noise than smaller fans that have to rotate higher for the same cooling results. It is possible to replace several fans, mainly the CPU fan, GPU fan, Northbridge fan and case fans.

Make sure you do not go out and buy the first new fan that claims to be running silent. Visit websites like Silent Pc Review and read their articles and participate in the forums. They do recommend good components which should reduce the noise level a lot.

• Dampening

Use Dampening material to reduce the noise level. Standard sized kits exist for many computer cases but it is also possible to purchase mats that you have to cut by yourself to make them fit in your computer.

They normally consists of rubber, foam or similar noise dampening material and are glued to the inside of your case. Please note that this method could result in a temperature increase which would mean that you would have to add fans to reduce the temperature again.

Dampening can also be used to counter the high pitching vibrations of hard drives. Low Cost solutions reduce the vibrations by placing a dampening material between the hard drives and your computer case.

I’m still using the foam mats that shipped with my hard drives. I have placed them beneath my hard drives in the hard drive cages which reduced the vibration to a level where I’m not able to hear it anymore.

• Fan Controls

You could buy fan controls which make it possible to reduce the fan rotating speed. This could be worthwhile if you can’t control the fans with a software. I do control my CPU fan this way.

Conclusion:

It does not have to be expensive to reduce the noise level of your computer. Most users will be happy with the solutions that I have posted. Advanced users with enough money could take a look at advanced concepts such as passive cooling devices (they are fanless) or water cooling their complete system.

I would begin by evaluation the free methods and only use the low cost ones if the noise is still unbearable for you. Please let me know if you have further techniques to reduce the noise in your computer.