8 Ohms Technologies

[02.12.09] Acoustic Absorption Mat - PAX.mate
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Introduction
There are 3 main things that I look for when picking out a computer case: Function, style, and value. Examples of good function are:
- Room for all desired components
- Rounded edges to protect your limbs during installation
- Good airflow
- Simple and effective device retention system
- Designed with cable management in mind

Style is a matter of opinion. I happen to like the minimalistic or utilitarian style of cases; nothing too flashy or elegant. A simple black aluminum case with metal accents is my "style."

Defining value can be a bit more difficult. I personally don't mind paying a few extra dollars for something that fits my definition of function and style. Some want elegant expensive cases while others simply want the cheapest case that still meets their requirements. One way to effectively add value to your case choice is with functionality mods. A functional modification is one that further enhances a case in a way that adds to the owners satisfaction or specific system performance desires. Today, I'll be discussing a functional mod to my personal rig; adding an acoustic absorption mat to reduce case noise and add to the clean look of the case.

Implementation
There are a multitude of different applications for an acoustic absorption mat in a PC. The most common use is to cover both side panels and possibly the top panel to reduce the noises and vibrations of a case. For my application, I wanted to use the acoustic mat to cover the floor of the case to hard drive / fan noise while also covering a surface prone to smudging and scratching. I chose PAX.mate from Akasa for this implementation. This article describes the steps I followed to install this product in the desired manner.

1) Trace and cut out paper templates of the bottom of the case.

I ended up making 3 different templates for my particular case, the Lian Li PC-A08. This was due to the fact that the paper I was using wasn't large enough to cover the entire bottom of the case. As you see in the picture, there are holes cut out to make room for the obstructions along the bottom of the case.

Measuring and cutting the paper templates Cutting the acoustic mat to match the template

2) Test fit each section of the mat

I cut the mat to the size of the paper templates with scissors. I then cut out the holes and notches in the mat with an x-acto knife. After completing the mat based off of the paper template, I test fit each mat (I had 3 pieces) into the case before removing the film protecting the sticky side of the mat.


Test fitting the 1st template without removing the film that covers the sticky side               Front cover, fan grill, and dust guard removed while test fitting

3) Applied the acoustic mat and installed components

I removed the protective film on the first piece of PAX.mate and installed from the back of the case to the front. I first wedged the edge of the mat as close as I could to the back of the case and slowly applied even pressure as I smoothed the rest of the mat down. It takes some time to line up the holes in the mat for tall obstructions such as the cord clip shown in the left picture below; take that part slow and make sure there is enough slack in the mat to expand slightly while stretching over these objects. Once completed I installed the system like normal.


Mat installation is complete; the templates worked well                                                    A system installed: in this picture is an E6600, 780i, 8800GTX, etc.

Conclusion
Overall, I like the look of the acoustic mat and, in comparison to the last system in the same case, the noise from the hard drives is noticeably less. Thanks for reading!

Comments? AuxNuke@8ots.com