Laptop fan noise

[tpann]

I'm considering buying a new laptop and at least one vendor I inquired with mentioned that their laptops have pretty loud fans and as such may not be my best bet.

Which raises the question for me: For PT users who use laptops, is/are there ways of mitigating the effects of fan noise? Meaning, software that slows the fan, recording some sufficient distance from the laptop, etc.

[mesaone]

Assuming windows:

You can use something like Speedfan to arrange custom fan profiles. I don't bother with that. For many computers there is also the System Cooling Policy in power options that allow you to specify active or passive cooling. I would NOT recommend passive cooling when running any processor-intensive tasks like Pro Tools, since it is designed to slow the processor before kicking up the fans.

The best thing you can do is allow proper airflow and keep your computer free of dust.

For curiosity's sake, what make/model laptop are you considering?

[tpann]

I'm in early stages and not sure I can afford it, but the Puget Systems Traverse Pro 15:

https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/tra.../customize.php

I live in Seattle and like the idea of being close. They appear to have stellar customer service and a very loyal customer following.

[tpann]

Originally Posted by mesaone

Assuming windows:

You can use something like Speedfan to arrange custom fan profiles. I don't bother with that. For many computers there is also the System Cooling Policy in power options that allow you to specify active or passive cooling. I would NOT recommend passive cooling when running any processor-intensive tasks like Pro Tools, since it is designed to slow the processor before kicking up the fans.

The best thing you can do is allow proper airflow and keep your computer free of dust.

For curiosity's sake, what make/model laptop are you considering?

I am pretty vigilant about keeping my fan clean.

So are you saying that I can sufficiently cut the noise of a relatively loud fan to a manageable level by modifying the System Cooling Policy?

[mesaone]

Nice, they offer a decent price on the Samsung 850 Pro SSD. Make sure to configure it with a second hard drive, if you have the money for it.

Originally Posted by tpann

So are you saying that I can sufficiently cut the noise of a relatively loud fan to a manageable level by modifying the System Cooling Policy?

To a point... And this depends on what level of noise you consider manageable. For demanding applications like Pro Tools, you're sacrificing speed and stability for lower noise. I would not recommend it for Pro Tools, but the option is there should you want to give it a try.