New build - power + quiet is it possible?

[Scainer]

Hi guys, I'm looking for some advice on a new build.

I currently have an q6600 in a Antec 900 with Titan Amanda TEC. When I purchased this (back in the day) it was advertised as a quiet solution, but that was far from the truth. Due to the case having no backplate access I never bothered changing the hsf. Anyway I have held off a new build for the last few years and its now time to contact the bank manager.

This is my current thoughts....

Case: Fractal Design R4
MB: MSI z87 Gaming
CPU: i5 4670k (want i7 maybe)
Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S
RAM: 2x4GB Corsair Vengeance 2400 (might just go with 2x8GB )
GFX: MSI R9 290 Gaming (when available)
SSD: Samsung 250GB Evo


What's going through my head...

I was thinking about a 4.2GHz overclock, and I am hoping that the case and cooling fan combo would be sufficient. The thing that is running through my head is that although I don't need an i7 it could benefit me in the future, and also has junk dangling kudos.

Basically my thoughts are that the computer investment can last me a good length of time, but I want the computer relatively silent when doing light tasks.

I was originally tempted by the D14 but as i'm not looking to break records I thought the u12s would be perfect. I also noticed that Tom's D14 is retired and the preference seems to be the 100i. I just don't trust the fluids with hot cold cycles and time.
Also I don't think the 100i fits the case which means I would need options with regards to quiet running.

Anyway...

Any thoughts? I want a quiet solution (during light workloads) with at least a 4GHz OC that can last a good few years.

 

[NeverBackDown]

I have the R4 and with a window its "sound absorbing foam" is rather useless. The noise goes straight through the window, but if you had just the side panel then you would without a doubt see big noise reduction.

The h100i can fit but it would be such a tight fit and the motherboard heatsinks would need to be small enough to not go over the pcb. H80i is a good AIO and just need to run the fans on 7v and it would be quiet and still perform well.

Try the arc midi R2 maybe? H100i would fit and IMO better looking case/more future proof of hardware.

16GB is what i would get if you have Win7 Pro or Ult. Win7 Home Prem. won't allow anything over 16GB.

Lastly I would go for the either the MSI Gaming or Asus DCU2 for the 290.

 

[Scainer]

The whole window thing is out my system with the blue neons and LEDs in my 900. I just want a box that is unobtrusive so i'll skip the window.
I've had a copy of windows 8 pro sitting here wrapped up for a few months.

The other thing I keep reading is about pump noise and software issues. I know that the minority are the loudest but i'm just thinking AIO's are not all that and its a poor man's water cooling.

Anyhow here is my quick research summary...

Intel Core i7-3770K @ 4.5GHz

This basically shows that the NH-U12S outperforms the H80i in a quiet scenario, in addition to being £25 cheaper. Obviously if maximum OC is the goal then AIO with noise is the better solution.

I have considered the Corsair Carbide 330R but I think the R4 is overall a better case.

 

[NeverBackDown]

You could look for a H75. Cheaper than a H80i and not bad at all.

BTW those temps posted are as if they never happened. Sure 4.5ghz but at thwat voltage? 1.1? 1.2? The jump from 1.1 to 1.2 is huge in temps, let alone to 1.3. Volts are everything for an OC on the CPU.

Which means that the h80i only performed barely better because the load was so low it didn't bother trying. If the load was bigger it would outpace the other options listed in the pic.

 

[Lystfiskern]

Your planned build will be both cool & quiet. You could consider other case fans and better cpu cooling if you want to sink more cash and personal touch to the build. If anything i suggest adding another 140 in the front.

 

[tinytomlogan]

Any rig can be set up to be quiet if you know what you are doing and buy the right bits.

The thing most people do is smash all the fans and cpu cooler on the mobo and then moan its loud..... well durrrrrrrr everything done that way will be.

 

[Scainer]

To quantify the figures posted they are meant to be from the following setup...
CPU clocked at 4.5GHZ at 1.42V and using the integrated GPU
For load temperatures, Prime95 (small FTT) is run for 20 minutes.

It just occurred to me that I can always change parts. At the end of the day if its too hot I can always lower the clock until the following pay day.
I just hate throwing money away.
Thanks for the posts. I'm going to stick with AIR for now, and if the U12S will be good enough then I will be happy. Hopefully the custom cooled 290's will have stock soon and i can find out.

 

[NeverBackDown]

If you are located in the US cards are already out. Just not reviews as of yet.

 

[Scainer]

In blighty, eta's hint at next friday, although the Windforce ones will be delayed.

On another note: 2x8GB or 4x4GB?
i'm still of the thought that if there are less items, there is less to go wrong.

 

[vorticalbox]

In blighty, eta's hint at next friday, although the Windforce ones will be delayed.

On another note: 2x8GB or 4x4GB?
i'm still of the thought that if there are less items, there is less to go wrong.

2 dimms puts less strain on the memory controler and more importntly leaves two slots open for upgrades.

i would go with 2 x 8gb

 

[NeverBackDown]

2x8GB kit.

AMD prices seem to have stablized, but now we must wait for them to drop again as the litcoin phase seems to still be in a steady roll.

 

[Scainer]

Hi Guys,
Thought i'd give you an update....

I went with the NH-U14S, i7 and 2x8GB.
I was doing my nut in trying to get the ratio from Auto to change with the mouse. lol

I also got a M65 mouse, K30 keyboard, and a MM400 surface to go with my already owned Vengeance 1500 headset. Add that to the corsair memory and PSU and its as if subliminal messaging is in the TTL vids.

On another note.. OCCT did have one issue where one of the cores dropped to recored 2 degrees, then the next minute it said 128 degrees and stopped running. It was a weird one and hasn't repeated again.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Not bad! Could probably hit 1.2ish volts with that cooler and possibly get to 4.4ghz at nice temps.

 

[Scainer]

I just stopped at 4.2GHz I assume it will go higher at the same voltage but i'm in no rush. Think i'll let the compound cure and things stabilise for a bit.

 

[NeverBackDown]

What TIM you using? When tim cures you only lose 1 or 2C btw.

If you can keep the same clock but lower volts you will lose temps better that way.

 

[Scainer]

i just used the Noctua one.

On another note I just upgraded to 8.1 and it was not a smooth transition. After what i believe was the new version of BSoD I then got the dreaded black screen of nothingness. Then I sorting that out you are forced into using a registered Microsoft account, rather than just a local account.

 

[NeverBackDown]

That compound does not need to be cured btw.

 

[Scainer]

I'm already falling out with the M65. The right click seems a little easy to click and It quickly tenderises the part of the upper palm by the pinkie / ring area.
I'm more a palm than a claw grip user. With that I'm going to try to test out the Func MS-3. What makes matters worse is that I can't find the receipt, and I bought from Maplin so likely get the run around anyway.http://www.ebuyer.com/product/451317