Brandon over at Recording Review wrote an interesting article on How to reduce the noise of a computer when recording in a home studio.

"Everyone who records with a computer has probably asked "How can I reduce the noise of my computer?".

Let's get to it.  I'm not an expert, so I'd like as much feedback as possible.

1)Some BIOS systems will let you slow down the fans or set them on a thermostat type of system.  With the fans, you can often install larger fans and run them at a lower RPM.  More fans running at a lower RPM is quieter than running one fan at full speed, generally.  

2)A higher quality fan and heatsink will help a lot.  Antec makes some pretty cool stuff, but I must admit that I've never tried it.  I know they have CPU heatsinks that do not require fans.  Amazing.  

3) If you can move the computer into another room or even a closet, you may be able to kill the sound without having to put much thought into it.  You'll need extension cables for your keyboard, mouse, and monitor.  You need to think about your soundcard as well. "

You can read the full article at Recording Review.

I have actually gone as far as putting my PC's outside of my studio. I have drilled a small hole in the wall where I run my cables thru. I've insulated/soundproofed the hole, and it works like a charm. Now if I could only get rid of the noise from the washer/dryer, air conditioner, furnace, cats, dog, wife and kid...I'd be golden.

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