Editing Noise (section)

== Acoustic Insulation ==
=== PC and Rack Acoustic Absorption Kits ===
Absorption kits are a very effective way to retrospectively reduce the noise emanating from your servers. They typically consist of rubber-like material around 0.5-1cm thick, which absorbs sound waves from your devices, and reduces the overall noise produced by the device. Obviously they are only effective in a case where you can physically fit them to most internal case surfaces, and leaving large areas uncovered will reduce effectiveness.

It is generally not recommended to fit acoustic material inside of [[Building_a_Homelab#Vendor_Style|rack mount cases]], as these are generally built to specific tolerances etc, however most medium sized cases are perfectly capable of squeezing in a bit of acoustic foam! That said, beware as the foam not only conduction of noise, but it also reduces conduction of heat through the metal case of your machine, so your temperatures will rise inside the case, and require more effective cooling to keep to the same temperatures.

For rack servers, it is probably better to apply the absorption kits to the rack itself, as a number of Open Homelab community members have already done!

An example of the acoustic material can be found here, but other vendors are also available! [http://www.quietpcusa.com/Acoustic-Materials-C4.aspx Acoustic Absorption Kits]

=== Acoustic Absorption Panels ===
[[File:soundabsorptionpanel.jpg|200px|border|right]]Last and frankly most extremely, you could consider some acoustic absorption foam (aka egg-crate foam!).

This is only really worthwhile considering in a situation where you have decent ventilation of your homelab, as they will significantly reduce airflow and movement of air in your chosen location, but they can be reasonably effective if placed correctly.

Absorption panels do not need to entirely surround your lab; even locating the fans at the back of your servers for example, can reduce the amount of noise reflected off of any hard surfaces, such as walls or rack backs, but again always provide sufficient space for airflow and avoid creating fire hazards!!! Common sense should previal here, and the [[Open_Homelab:General_disclaimer|Open Homelab project can not be responsible]] for your over-packing your kit and burning down the house! :)