If you're burning a sizable CD collection it'll kick on. I've been burning for about two to three hours nonstop now and the fan is definately on. But, even with the fan on it is still very quiet.

If you have a sizeable CD collection and want to rip at a high rate you may want to consider upgrading the HD before you even get started (providing you are willing to sacrifice your warranty). The dinky 40GB drive to me is a joke when drives up to 160GB are now available. Get you a 120gig Maxtor and you'll be happy.

Jerz