Abstract: A system for cooling a heat-producing component in a computer system includes a conduit or plenum and a fan assembly. The fan assembly may be supported by the conduit. An air stream directing and acoustic shielding member is disposed in the conduit to prevent or reduce transmission of acoustic noise during operation of the fan assembly to a region outside the computer console. The shield member may be made of an open-cell foam or other sound deadening or reflecting material. A secondary conduit is provided for recirculating a portion of the internal air within the computer chassis. The internal air stream may be joined and mixed with the air stream from outside the chassis to provide both fresh air and recirculation cooling.