ohh the differences stupid grills make...

[thenerd]

i removed the custom made shroud on my back fan, so the fan is just next to the restrictive grills. i swear the noise level is up alot.

 

[Scheizekopf]

But so is the CFM.

 

[LoneWolf]

Have you considered getting some of Vantec's Fan Silencers? They're rubber gaskets that mate between the mounting surfaces of your fan and case. They greatly reduce vibration, and with it, some of the noise. They're about five bucks apiece, and may be worth it for you.

 

[zer0signal667]

But so is the CFM.

If the fan is now right up against the grill, then airflow is probably reduced.

 

[Impulse]

Could always cut out the grill and just put in less restrictive ones, unless it's the fan that's emiting most of the noise... Doubt that's the case if it increased by removing a shroud... But I'm not really sure what you removed, a shroud or a stock mounting system that the case used?

 

[zer0signal667]

Could always cut out the grill and just put in less restrictive ones, unless it's the fan that's emiting most of the noise... Doubt that's the case if it increased by removing a shroud... But I'm not really sure what you removed, a shroud or a stock mounting system that the case used?

Cutting out the grills would probably help both noise and airflow. The noise increased by removing the shroud because the fan blades were then closer to the grill, increasing turbulence in the vicinity of the grill and increasing backpressure (resistance to flow).

 

[Impulse]

I figured that's what he meant but wasn't sure... There's also the external type of shroud that just covers the fan exhaust area, seen a few of those on the back of some new cases so wasn't sure which he meant.