I want to build a silent/low heat non-gaming computer... which parts should I buy? - Page 3

For $454 you can get an Ivy Bridge Quad Core, a Z77 motherboard, 8 GB memory, and a quality name brand PSU and Case. You can save about $10-15 if you went with lower quality components, but I wouldn't.

 

CPU/MOBO: Intel Core i5-3330 + MSI Z77MA-G45 - $265

RAM: Samsung 8GB - $45 (You can pick it up for $40 at Fry's or Microcenter)

SSD: Plextor M5S 64GB - $65

PSU: SeaSonic SS-300ET - $40

Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 or NZXT Source 210 - $40

Total: $454 ($445 after Rebate)

 

The Samsung memory is a great for overclocking and if you don't plan to overclock you can tighten the timings while staying at a low voltage,

http://www.overclock.net/t/1210482/samsung-2x4gb-low-voltage-ddr3-1600-kit-ocing-to-2400-discussion

 

For the SSD Plextor is a great company. Very reliable, and good performance. The Plextor M5S is basically the same as the Crucial M4 (same controller), but slightly higher sequential reads and higher read/write IOPS.

 

For another $40 you can get a 3570k and overclock it, but you'd also have to put down money for a good heatsink.

 

I wouldn't worry about getting a gold or platinum rated power supply. They'll drive up the price and won't save much power.

 

If you end up reusing your power supply it'll $40 less so $415/$405.

Edited by Ecstacy - 10/13/12 at 12:42pm

Well the point here is silence, I don't think it's a good idea to stick with the stock Intel HSF in that case.

i think an i3 is a poor chioce...but your money. gl with your build

 

If he's running stock he can get a decent $20 heatsink to lower the temps a bit and keep it nice and quiet.

it's a good build but he's aiming for silence and heat output. saving money might not be worth extra heat.

it completely depends on his personal definition of "worth it", but I definitely consider a quality PSU a good investment in a small room. Besides less heat dump also means less CFM fans required (or none at all - a lot don't come on until 75% load) and money saved per month.

Not worth it to everyone but maybe in his scenario.

Plus, if he wants passive, I still say an i3 or an AMD alternative would be the best route. Not living in a sauna is probably worth taking an extra minute or two doing xxxx encoding that the OP might do. The lower TDP high end CPUs from Intel cost more for essentially an underclocked CPU. even a single core Celeron or Sempron can do 1080p video nowadays.
Edited by The Pook - 10/13/12 at 6:33pm

 

The heatsinks are to keep the VRMs cool for better overclocking. How about replacing the CPU and Motherboard with this which saves $110 and then getting a good heatsink for about $20?

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1076931

 

So that'd be $345 + $20 or so for a better heatsink + Tax & Shipping + $100 for Windows 8. Should be less than $500 for everything.

I'm not sure what you need as far as quiet goes so I'm not sure what parts to pick.

 

I asked Ryan from Fractal Designs about the specs of the front fan on the Fractal Design Core 1000 and he said they were rated for 19-22 dBA. Here's the data sheet he linked me to: http://i.imgur.com/DitNG.png

 

Reviews say the SS-300ET is silent, but I've never used it myself so I can't say. So it seems like all that matters now is how loud the heatsink for the CPU is.

 

Edit: You can get Windows 8 for $40 if you already have Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.

Edited by Ecstacy - 10/14/12 at 12:12am

I really don't understand how this thread became such a mess.

1) He wants silent. Easy, Do as I suggested earlier and there will be absolutely no moving parts (and thus no noise noise).

2) He already said he isn't going to be using a video card. That means he isn't gaming. He's looking at low-mid range cpus. Do we really need to be discussing overclocking and heat issues? They're both moot points.


Just pick up your favorite CPU rated for 100 TDP or lower, slap on a passive heatsink. Find the cheapest motherboard supporting the socket from a reputable company (I'd vote for gigabyte asus or asrock) that has all the features you may want. Grab a SSD for your main drive (and a "Green" drive if you need more space for storage), Get either a fully passive PSU or one of Seasonic's newer models with the ability to go passive until reaching high load (300-400w should be more than enough to prevent it from reaching heavy load for a build like this). Slap some cheap samsung RAM in there, dump it all in a well ventilated case, and call it a day. You don't even need to worry over windows, use linux.

If you want to cheap out, do as you suggested originally and just reuse your current stuff. Just replace the mobo, cpu, and ram. Hyper 212 with a low speed fan. It won't be silent but then you already know that. Your call.
Edited by Zero4549 - 10/14/12 at 1:11am

Most CPUs can't run passive unless they're sub-55W or you have a high end heatsink. Wouldn't really say "pick any sub-95w part."

My 95w Zosma or 77w i5 wouldn't run passive just playing CS:GO. This 45w X4 doesn't break 50C in Prime95.
Edited by The Pook - 10/14/12 at 9:35am

The NoFan cpu cooler is rated for 100w TDP and is by no means the best passive cooler (I just like it cause it's purdy). There is absolutely no reason your 95w Zosma or 77w i5 couldn't run passively.

And before you go "But but zero, it's designed to have case airflow aiding it" no, no its not. Look at their website if you don't believe me.