Author: Wayne Ihamäki Date: July 19, 2008 Manufacturer: FatMat Provider: NoiseKillers

Page 1: Introduction

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Having just reviewed an 'automotive' product designed for looks, now we'll be looking at another product from the automotive world, only this time for a functional purpose.

The issue we're looking to resolve is noise. So who better to ask then the folks at Fatmat to help keep the dB's down.? Of course, most of their customers have been using it in their automobiles to stop all the rattles and vibrations. We're going to use the Fatmat inside a custom-made computer case and a high-end HTPC case to see how well it works.



So what is Fatmat?


Well it comes in three layers. First you have a thin layer of aluminum. Next comes an acrylic PSA or Presure Sensitve Adhesive backing. The last seems like a wax paper release just like you'd see on a sticker.

The Product and Installation Kit.


With maybe the exception of a measuring tape, the installation comes with everything you need. I dare say you could get by with a wallpaper seam roller and you're own utility knife. But there's no way you can pass on the awesome design of the rub-on FatMat decal now is there? The instructions tell you how to install, but honestly, it's fairly straight forward.

Installation.

The product is really easy to use. First make sure the surface is clean. For most computers, probably all that's needed is a dusting. The next step was to cut the product to size. Peel the backing off. Use a roller to push the product down. (Just using fingers won't work.) The product is pretty easy to shape, so just because I used it on all flat surfaces doesn't mean it can't go on curves.



Performance

So how well does it work? It all depends on where it's applied. It works absolutely brilliantly on flimsy tin parts. It worked fabulous on a panel I made out of really thin aluminum. It actually increased the structural strength of it. On the thick solid milled aluminum panels on my expensive HTPC case, there wasn't as much of a difference. But on the back, it did because that part was only stamped steel. Because it's relatively thin, it doesn't block any air movement like you might see with other types of sound-deadening products. Being thin also means you can install it right over PSU and fan openings and then cut out the hole. The acrylic part helping to decrease vibrations. It's not the lightest material, but one doesn't need a whole lot to do a single computer. I didn't notice any smell after installing the product.


Conclusion

Now my computer case feels solid. Reminds me of an antique car door. Despite being 40+ years old, they feel way more solid then today's tin. Any concealed noise is eliminated. Although vibrations are eliminated, the FatMat can't help noise coming directly off externally mounted fan blades. If one really wants a quiet computer, this is only one part of the solution. My HTPC has panels that are ¼ inch thick! They wouldn't actually need that level of construction if the Fatmat was installed. The benefit increases exponentially depending on how thin the metal is on your case. To reduce dB's, replacing fans would be my first choice. But if that noise coming from your system is still bothering you, contact the guys over at www.fatmat.com. I'd also like to mention that they had the product shipped over the border into Canada in no time. Great product, well deserving of it's Editor's Choice Award.


Pros

• Eliminated vibrations.
• Eliminates internal noise.
• Easy installation, well documented.
• Great installation tools.
• No restriction of air movement.
• Quick delivery.

Cons

• May or may not be what someone wants to visually look at through a case window.

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