Component advice.

[Sythen]

Morning all, I'm getting back into the PC game after a hiatus.

My current machine is a I7 950 clocked @ 3.2GHz, With a Noctua NH-C14 HS, 12Gb of corsair XMS3 @ 1600mhz using the stock timings, An Nvidia GTX 580 & 570 driving my 3 monitors, Using an ASUS Sabertooth X58, Housed in a Fractal Design Define XL (I dubbed her Monolith)

The machine has been solid for years. and I've had no issues with it at all. But i miss the joy of putting a machine together, so I've decided to upgrade, and build a new machine.

I did have a machine spec'd up based on a Haswell I7, but i hear Skylake is dropping later on this year, so its likely that ill wait before dropping moolar on on new gear until we see how it works out.

I think I've caught up with whats new in the world of PC components, but one thing i have seen is that AIO Watercooling units have become more widespread. I'm still put off with Water cooling still. Would moving to a water cooling setup or an AIO unit like the H100i be worth the money compared to using something like an NH-D14?

Again, i might have missed something that i haven't looked at that's relevant these days, so by all means, bring it up.

Thanks in advance!

 

[NeverBackDown]

I'd take an AIO over the D14 or even the new D15. The prices aren't far apart and you get slightly better performance with AIO's. They also look better and don't restrict ram height.

 

[Sythen]

NeverBackDown, Thanks very much for the input, Whats the typical failure mode of an AIO Watercooler?

 

[barnsley]

NeverBackDown, Thanks very much for the input, Whats the typical failure mode of an AIO Watercooler?

the pump is loud/stops working is the most common failure I believe.

 

[Sythen]

Thanks for the info barnsley, I'm starting to warm up to the thought of an AIO unit. I'm still a tad apprehensive, but i guess its time to play with one, thanks for the help Gents

 

[iBeInspire]

I personally prefer heatsinks. I'm quite the silent freak and things like the D14/15 will outperform AIOs once you get right down to ~600rpm on fans (which I begin to consider silent)

Edit : The only way AIOs can keep up at lower rpms is to use push/pull, but even then they are slightly behind on temps and the cost will be far higher.

 

[Warchild]

I find push pull at low rpm still just as loud. All comes down to the fan choice I suppose. I find the Corsair series (although fantastic performers) still too loud for me liking.

Suprisingly enough, I am using the cheap silent fans from EK which look like Gelid rebranded. These are working wonders for me right now. I just need to install the other 6

 

[Sythen]

iBeInspire, Warchild, thanks for the input. I'm personally not concerned about noise, unless its 4U Server chassis loud! . I'll pickup an AIO and have a play. Its likely that I'll use something like a D14, or grab another C14. I've never really considered Water cooling in any of the machines I've built due to possible reliability issues and longevity.

As always, thanks for the input

 

[Dawelio]

I find push pull at low rpm still just as loud. All comes down to the fan choice I suppose. I find the Corsair series (although fantastic performers) still too loud for me liking.

Suprisingly enough, I am using the cheap silent fans from EK which look like Gelid rebranded. These are working wonders for me right now. I just need to install the other 6

What fans, got link?... you use them as intakes/exhaust or only as rad fans?...