7 Effective Methods to Soundproof Your Rack Server

7 Effective Methods to Soundproof Your Rack Server
5 min read
12 September 2023

When processing data, network gear makes too much noise. Server cabinets near employees' desks and in workplaces can have a substantial negative impact on their performance and ability to focus on their tasks.

Moreover, the noise can even travel through the building's walls when system administrators work with huge data centers that house several rack server cabinets. In this situation, reducing server noise is crucial. Occupational noise exposure accounts for 16% of cases of permanent hearing loss. 

Here are seven effective ways to soundproof your rack server.

1: Buying a Soundproof Cabinet

Investing in a soundproofing cabinet is the simplest way to deal with noise originating from IT equipment. Although widely available in stores and online, the expense of vibration isolation mounts and noise reduction solutions can be a deterrent. 

However, because they want to avoid complicated procedures, some people put convenience ahead of expense. Some people could avoid making such an investment and instead try to handle things differently.

A soundproofing cabinet has the advantage of keeping everything quite small. Depending on how much equipment is needed to fit within, multiple sizes are available.

2: Use Mass Loaded Vinyl

It is a highly dense, and flexible soundproofing material that effectively muffles noise on floors, walls, and ceilings.

Mass-loaded vinyl was first created as a sound barrier for commercial use. So it makes sense that they would be lined with noisy machinery or equipment to dampen the noise.

To lessen those unpleasant sounds, mass-loaded vinyl can be loaded on your server floor or rack walls. 

Because of its adaptability and flexibility, this material can be sliced into any shape to produce a light yet powerful sound barrier.

3: Isolate the Rack

Rack servers are effectively decoupled from the floor or wall using rubber pads and vibration isolation mounts as noise-reduction methods. The transmission of vibrations produced by the server's internal components is stopped by these isolators, which build a physical barrier. 

They drastically limit the amount of noise released into the surroundings by preventing vibrations from passing through the building's construction. 

This improves working or living circumstances overall by reducing disturbances in communal areas and resulting in a more cozy and quiet server room.

4: Vibration Isolation Mounts

Rack servers are effectively decoupled from the floor or wall using rubber pads and vibration isolation mounts as noise-reduction methods.

They drastically limit the amount of noise released into the surroundings by preventing vibrations from passing through the building's construction. 

This improves working or living circumstances overall by reducing disturbances in communal areas and resulting in a more cozy and quiet server room.

5: Place the Rack Server in a Quiet Place

The fans in server racks make a lot of noise, especially when they are operating at maximum capacity. The walls and other objects in the room can reflect this noise into the rack. 

A quiet location, like a basement or closet, is ideal for the server rack since it reduces background noise reflection. This clever positioning lowers the total rack noise level.

A calm area is also less likely to experience abrupt disturbances, such as people chatting or machinery moving, that can impair the server rack's functionality.

6: Temperature Control

For noise reduction, it's essential to keep the server room at the ideal temperature. Fans must operate harder and faster to disperse heat when server components become overheated, which increases noise levels. 

Temperature regulation can be accomplished with the help of proper airflow and cooling options, such as strategically positioned vents, air conditioning, or specialized cooling systems. 

A server room or office will be more peaceful and comfortable if overheating is avoided and a constant, cool atmosphere is maintained. This will allow servers to run more effectively with quieter fan performance.

7: Rubberized Coating

This option is quite adaptable. With just a few sprays, you can create a surface that is paintable, sound-absorbing, waterproof, anti-corrosive, and protective. 

Rubberized undercoating has two functions: it prevents rust and adds heft to reduce noise. For metal racks, this choice is excellent. It is frequently utilized in automobiles, walls, sinks, and other surfaces. Moreover, it is waterproof.

By dampening and absorbing sound waves, it operates. It is flexible due to its rubbery composition. Be mindful of the strong smell and prolonged drying time when using this spray, though. The cabinet won't be functional for a few days.

Conclusion

To make your workstation more peaceful and comfortable, soundproofing your rack server is a wise investment. Utilizing all eight of these techniques will result in a rack server that produces substantially less noise, making it possible to live or work in a more tranquil setting. 

To achieve the best performance and dependability, it's important to balance server cooling and ventilation with noise reduction. This is true even if these techniques can successfully reduce server noise.





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Devin Marco 2
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