Are there any other alternatives than using fans to cool down your CPU? The fans I have in this comp make a lot of noise. I could always change them, but I just don't feel like going out and buying new fans. Although, if there was an alternative to fans, I would have to go out and buy those... but I'm also just curious if there is an alternative to fans, like a better way. There must be something! Could I just take out the fan I have? What happens if the computer overheats, does every circuit in it become unusable?

You definetly need something cooling your CPU and your computer. The only alternative that I know to fans, would be liquid cooling, where you use liquid, usually water to cool all the components, like the CPU. If you dont cool your computer and CPU, they will be damaged and become slower and not as stable and eventually unusable.

-C

You can get quieter fans, such as the Vantec Stealths. You can also use a fanbus or something to lower the speeds of your currently installed fans.

Good point, you should get a fan controller. I have one on my PC in one of the CD slots, and its great, because you can turn them down when your comp is cool or you want it to be quiet.

-C

You could use water cooling. From what I've heard it's booth
really quiet, and more efficient (keeping the CPU at a lower temperature).
The bad thing is the price I guess.... and the fact that it needs some space...

For some low-energy processors (like those VIA builds into some micro-ATX motherboards)
you could even get away with passive cooling, but that isn't an alternative for most,
since those processors are quite slow...

/Irkasmork

Alternatively, you could buy a small refrigerator which would house your computer. I've seen guides on this before and it looks like an interesting project. Basically, you buy a small refrigerator, make sure to remove all of the moisture from within using highly absorbant material then open your case and sit your computer inside. You also have to make sure that the holes through which the cables come out of the fridge are insulated as this can cause heat loss.

There is this stuff about water cooling, but i dont know much about it though.