Questions regarding a quiet PC build

[Deleted]

Hi,

I've grown sick of the noise from my computer. I'd really like to quiet it down, or even make it silent if possible, but truth to be told I know next to nothing on the subject.

My current build is a bit over 2 years old so I figured it'd be time to upgrade sometime soon, but I'd like to puchase a few parts for a more quiet PC now that could be used in a future upgrade.

Anyways, these components are in my current build:

Case: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-...e-rc922mkkn1gp
CPU fan: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80605i5760 (the fan that's boxed with it)
GPU: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/powerco...-ax58501gbd5dh
PSU: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair...ply-cmpsu650tx

I'd guess buying a new case would do the most. I've considered this one: http://pcpartpicker.com/us/part/corsair-case-550d or a Fractal Design R4. I assume they're good since they're recommended at a lot of places but are there any better? Could I expect it to quiet my PC by a lot? How much would it affect the temperatures? Not that I can see myself OCing like a mad man but I don't want to worry about the temperatures.

On the other hand, it's the CPU fan that makes the most idle noise, so purchasing a better/more quiet fan may do a lot as well. I mean, a good CPU fan should still be viable if I buy a new CPU in half a year or so right. Perhaps I should consider purchasing both a new CPU fan and a new case?

Or, on the topic of CPU heatsinks, is it worth it looking into liquid cooling? Again, I doubt I'll OC but if it can help me build a silent PC then I'm all ears!

I don't even know what to ask about the GPU, can I even buy GPU coolers? Are they needed?

Finally the PSU, the current one is decently quiet (http://www.silentpcreview.com/files/...650w_noise.gif) but would it be worthwhile to purchase a, say, fanless PSU? Or would I risk overheating my other components with this in combination to one of the previously mentioned cases?

Thanks in advance!

edit: Oh and I should probably mention; it's the idle noise that bothers me the most. I don't need a completely silent PC with incredible performance. I want a PC that's silent when it's idle, or close to idle.

[Skarsguard]

http://www.seasonicusa.com/NEW_X-series_Fanless.htm I would get one of those if you are wanting a quite pc.

[Deleted]

http://www.seasonicusa.com/NEW_X-series_Fanless.htm I would get one of those if you are wanting a quite pc.

Why that one in particular? Are fanless PSUs really worth it? I don't think my current PSU makes a lot of noise, charts show it makes roughly 30dba at my power consumption, so wouldn't other purchases make more sense?

[Deleted]

Why that one in particular? Are fanless PSUs really worth it? I don't think my current PSU makes a lot of noise, charts show it makes roughly 30dba at my power consumption, so wouldn't other purchases make more sense?

Didn't you kinda answer your own question? Only you know which "level of quiet" is quiet enough for you. also it's likely any GPU, CPU heat sink etc. will be louder than your PSU anyways.

Perhaps try to use a different fan profile for your CPU? (if possible) Same with the fans in your case.

[noteworthynerd]

Replacing the case and adding an aftermarket CPU cooler would probably have the most notable effects.

I'd definitely recommend the Fractal Design Define R4, it comes with sound dampening foam pre-installed.

As for a quiet cooler, it really depends on how much you want to spend. I definitely wouldn't recommend going water cooling, it is not inherently more quiet than air cooling... The Noctua NH-U12P SE2 is supposed to be very quiet, even at full speed.

It might be worth mentioning: case fans can add a lot of noise to your build as well, especially if you're just using the stock fans that came with the case... Might be worth looking into aftermarket case fans. Zalman, Noctua and Scythe all make quiet case fans.

[Biernot]

PSU is the last part you should address when trying to quiet down your pc, because most of them are already very quiet. (That is, unless you got some cheaps ass thing, that is likely to explode any time). The Corsair TX you have should be inaudible with your current parts and will probably still be with newer, less noisier parts.

Loudest part is normally the graphics card, followed by the cpu cooler.

You can buy better heatsinks for graphics cards, but you have to double- and triple-check if the heatsink is compatible. And often it's just not worth the trouble.


EDIT:
I also will vouch for the Fractal R4 (see my sig ). The only thing that annoys me: The dust filter on the bottom sits a bit loose and likes to vibrate a bit, which can generate nerv-wrecking hums. So either take it out or find a way to make it tight-fitting.

[Deleted]

I've been thinking this over now and I'm getting close to a purchase.

As it stands right now, I'll buy the Define R4 case, the CPU heatsink noteworthynerd recommended (Noctua NJ-U12P) or it's older brother (Noctua NH-D14).

I intend to replace the front case fans with the Silverstone AP121 which should create a beam of air more suitable for intake than other fans. Reviews seem to praise it as well, for instance http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...g-roundup-2012

Question is, how many additional fans should I purchase? I assume 2x on low RPM procude similar cooling with lower noise than 1x on higher RPM, is this correct? Is it worthwhile mouting one of these at the bottom of the case as well? And as for exhaust on the rear (and possibly top) I'd assume another fan does a better job, but which, and is it really a big deal in the end?

[BicycleMafioso]

There is no R4 case, but there is a revision4 of the Define case.
If you undervolt (fan control) the AP121, they should be decent. Other wise, Silent Wings 2 or Shadow wings from Be Quiet! are probably your best bet
Be Quiet! Dark Power 10 or Seasonic Fanless. I highly doubt you would need more wattage than 450w in any event.

You can buy aftermarket GPU coolers. Like the Arctic Accelero Hybrid (the orange column is the interesting one). Getting a good GPU cooling solution and using a fan curve is usually an idea more than good enough.

The Noctua NH-D14 is decent cooling/noise, I have it myself. I would recommend using the low-noise adapters, personally. I'd personally recommend the Silver Arrow-series, especially those with a 150+140mm fan. Bigger fans mean less RPM for the same airflow.

Currently, the only noise coming from my computer is a small gush of air at the rear exhaust from my Define (r3). This might be because I've angled the computer's backside toward my bed, where I'm usually operating it at this time (I literally just moved).
From the side/front, I really can't tell if the computer is on or not without without seeing the power-LED.

[Nab]

Get an Aftermarket CPU heatsink, a fan controller and the Define R4 case and you're good to go.