Before we dive into how to soundproof a server rack, let’s break down what kind of sound will be coming from the servers in the first place.

Structural Noise in a Server Rack

Structural noise occurs when one object makes contact with another, creating vibrational energy that is heard as sound. When it comes to structural noise in a server rack, you generally deal with parts of the server vibrating against each other. This is because servers have a lot of moving parts, and they are typically rest directly on metal shelves. If the metal rack is placed on the floor or against a wall, the vibrations will then be carried through the floor or wall and heard in other rooms of the building.

Airborne Noise Coming from a Server Cabinet

Airborne noise is exactly what it sounds like: sound that travels through the air. Servers have a lot of small engines and fans that may create a whirring sound. Unfortunately, the whirring can create an incredibly irritating high-pitched sound. Treating airborne noise usually involves creating a dense airtight barrier and potentially sound absorptive treatments as well.

1. Use sound deadening material on the server box
2. Install rubber floor isolation mounts

Structural noise is the main type of sound you will deal with when soundproofing your server rack. The best way to soundproof for structural noise is to decouple the servers and the metal racking to prevent the vibrations from traveling through the entire structure.

Step 1: Deaden The Vibrations With Damplifier Pro

Damplifier Pro is extremely good at damping the vibrations of your server rack. Stop the vibrations, stop the noise. Peel and stick Damplifier Pro on the metal sides of your server rack, and you will notice a significant decrease in structural noise as the vibrational energy is removed from the structure of the server cabinet. The product can easily be cut to size, and the peel and stick back makes for super easy installation.

Step 2: Use Rubber Isolation Mounts for Server Rack Noise reduction

The best way to prevent vibrations from transferring through the floor into other rooms of the building is to rest the server rack on rubber isolation mounts or a rubber isolation pad as opposed to resting it directly on the floor. These isolation mounts are made of rubber, which is excellent for sound isolation. The rubber dissipates the vibrational energy that would otherwise create a lot of loud rattling. For the rubber isolation mounts and pads we recommend our Super W Sound Isolation Pads or our Stomp Mat flooring pad for larger server racks!

1. Install Mega Block inside the server box
2. Make sure any material is Class A Fire rated
3. Soundproof a server enclosure with Luxury Liner Pro

Server racks also may create a lot of airborne noise due to the fans and small motors in the devices. While generally, the best way to soundproof for airborne noise is to add density to a barrier and seal all possible gaps, this is not ideal for a server rack. If you’re dealing with server racks, you probably already know this is because it’s really important that the servers get proper airflow. Proper airflow enables the small fans of the server to cool down the hot server nodes, preventing the servers from overheating. So instead, we recommend adding absorption to the interior of your server cabinet. Depending on the exact construction of your rack/or room, you may also be able to add density to the exterior of the cabinet or to the walls of the server room.

Step One: Line your DIY Soundproof Server Rack With Mega Block

Mega Block is a class-A fire rated, aerospace grade open cell melamine foam covered with a 1000F foil heat shield. Lining your server cabinet with this material will prevent the airborne noise from bouncing around the inside of the cabinet and cut down the sound energy that escapes and decibels you will hear. Line as much of your server rack as possible with Mega Block, but ensure that the servers get the proper ventilation they need.

Step Two: Ensure You Use Class A Fire Rated Acoustical Materials

We recommend using Mega Block for your acoustical material because it is the full package in terms of safety, absorption, and durability. You also could choose to use our Mega Zorbe or Mega Zorbe Pro materials that are the same hydrophobic foam without the heat shield. But, whatever product you use, it must be Class A fire rated. Servers can get quite hot, and the last thing you want to do is line your server rack with a cheap flammable material that will go up in flames and destroy your servers (and maybe your career?).

We also have a ton of other Class A fire rated acoustical materials, like our CelluZorbe panels that are recycled and extremely budget friendly.

Step Three: Soundproof a Server Enclosure with Luxury Liner Pro

Another option for blocking airborne noise in your server rack is to use Luxury Liner Pro. This MLV product adds density to block sound (read more on what mass loaded vinyl is) and is fused with a layer of closed cell foam, which acts as a decoupling material. Depending on your server rack, you may be able to wrap the exterior with Luxury Liner Pro, which will hugely reduce the noise that escapes.

If you want to soundproof walls in the room instead of the actual rack, we have plenty of resources on how to soundproof a room you should check out.

Server racks hold tons of critical data and are central to most modern companies. But, since they work hard to hold all of the company’s data, they can be very loud. Soundproofing your server rack with quality materials will significantly reduce the amount of structural and airborne noise you hear from your servers. Then you can proudly tell Dilbert he can finally have his lunch in peace without the constant whirring of the server fans.

If you plan to soundproof your server rack or need some advice on an upcoming soundproofing project, feel free to reach out to us. One of our soundproofing experts will be happy to assist you in finding the right soundproofing material!