Where should I install sound dampening foam inside my NZXT S340 Elite case?

[Serenity_3]

My pc isn't necessarily loud by any means but the hum can kind of get annoying especially when booting. I have heard that sound dampening foam works but I don't know where to put it in my S340 Elite.

 

[Gam3r01]

Well you would first need to establish what is causing the noises.
If its something like the power supply, harddrives, or vibrations there really is not much you can do.

Generally people soundproof around the HDD cage/bottom of the case.

 

[Serenity_3]

I think the noise is mainly a rattling hard drive which makes no sense

 

[Karadjgne]

No case manufacturer is perfect 1st time, every time. All it takes is 1 screw/rivet to be slightly loose and the vibration from a spinning hdd will drive you nuts.
Pull the side off the pc and use a program that you know will make the hdd spin for a good while, or keep the pc in bios mode. Use light force from your finger tip to isolate the exact cause of the Humm, is it the actual cage itself, the connection to the hdd at one of the screws/quick connects, is it the hdd itself? Could also be the backside panel might be fractionally loose and vibrating to the case frame (I had that, slight pressure to warp that side panel cured that easily). Once you determine exactly what the issue is, it's fixable. I've seen rivets where all I did was use pliers to squash it a little more and that fixed it, warped the hdd cage a little because it was contacting under the hdd, used foam under the hdd, used better rubber washers between hdd and screws, tightened hdd screws, used screws instead if the plastic quick connects etc. The only thing that isn't fixable is if it's the hdd itself, then it's a matter of isolating it as much as possible, surrounding the pc in foam or replacement.

 

[Serenity_3]

So you're saying I should tighten the hdd screws? I get humming which I think is the CPU fans but there is a rattling by the hard drive cage so I will check my screws when I get home

 

[Karadjgne]

I'm saying check everything. Just make sure that the screws, rivets, cage, quick-connects etc are secure and not loose.