PC gets too loud when you play: you can do that

Especially when playing, a PC can often get quite loud - especially the fans then make a noise. In this practical tip, we will show you how to lower the volume of your computer.

Loud gaming PC - that's why

Current PC games require high computing power. If your PC only gets too loud when playing, this is because the fans rotate faster than in normal operation to ensure sufficient cooling. The CPU and graphics card fans are usually the biggest "noisemakers":

CPU fan gets too loud when playing

If the CPU fan is responsible for the noise, you can do the following:

• Clean the fan. You can read about how to best do this here.
• The standard CPU coolers are usually very loud. Replace the fan with a quieter model. The CPU does not have to be replaced if its performance is still sufficient. When buying the new fan, make sure that it is suitable for your processor and works as quietly as possible. Also take the maximum volume of the fan into account. We have put together the best CPU fans for you in this CHIP article.
• Make sure there is enough thermal grease between the CPU and fan to ensure optimal cooling of the processor.

Graphics card gets too loud when playing

If the graphics card or graphics card fan becomes too loud while playing, the following solutions are available:

• Clean the fan. You can read about how to best do this here.
• Depending on the model, the fan of a graphics card can also be replaced, but in most cases this is more difficult than with the processor. Find out whether a fan replacement is feasible for your graphics card model. You can find detailed instructions here.
• If the fan cannot be replaced, you should consider buying a new graphics card. Then look for a model with quiet ventilation. In our leaderboard we have put together the top graphics cards for you.

More tips for a quiet gaming PC

• In addition to the CPU and graphics card fans, you should also clean all other fans installed in the PC case.
• The installation of additional case fans can also help to ensure a lower temperature inside the PC when gaming. As a rule of thumb, the larger a fan and the slower it rotates, the quieter it is in operation.
• When installing additional fans, make sure that they ideally generate an air flow that sucks cold air into the PC case and blows out warm air.

Of course, you can also easily use headphones while playing. We'll show you the best noise-canceling and gaming headphones in another practical tip.