QUIET PC NEW BUILD for audio/video post-production

[wingfoot1]

Hi all

I am trying to finalise a new build. Thoughts welcome.

This PC is to run Cubase 7 and Adobe Premier Pro CS6 on Windows 7 x64 bit. No gaming, no internet, no massive over-clocking.

Key for this unit is to be QUIET as it will be in the audio studio during audio recording. So the minimum of fan noise. Large fans rather than small fans where possible for lower noise.

Also LOW LATENCY as glitches, spikes etc. are OUT !

I have arrived at a spec below. Any other comments on this setup from experience would be greatly welcome.

• CPU: Intel Core i7 3820, S 2011, Sandy Bridge-E, Quad Core
• MOTHERBOARD: Asus P9X79 must have firewire, 1 x PCI (for legacy audio card Echo 3G), 64GB RAM capability, low latency
• CASE: Nanoxia Deep Silence One
• RAM: 32GB (8GBx4) CHEAPEST LOW PROFILE (to clear cooling, low latency CL 8-8---24 or 9-9-9-24 1600 MHz or 1866 C10) e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006JO2KXQ/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=computers
• Or Ballistix DDR3 PC3-12800 CL8-8-8-24 low profile to clear water cooler
• HARD DRIVE 1: 240GB Corsair Neutron Series, 2.5" LAMD SSD
• HARD DRIVE 2: 2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 Barracuda 7200.14 SATA 3 6GB/s
• HARD DRIVE 3: 2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 Barracuda 7200.14 SATA 3 6GB/s
• CPU COOLER: Corsair H55 or NXZT K40 with 140mm fan .
• PSU: 850W Seasonic X-Series SS-850KM or BeQuiet Pro Power 10 850w
• WIFI: MicroNEXT MN-WD152B USB WIFI external (lower latency when unplugged)
• OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
• OPTICAL: Samsung SH-224BB/BEBE DVD±R 24X RW
• CARD READER: Vantager HR-221 All in 1 Flash Card Reader External)
• GRFX : MSI twin frozr 580 GTX + possibly Arctic Accelero Hybrid Graphics card cooler if Frozr is still too noisy . Already purchased & Adobe approved, so no change here.

Thanks.

 

[jamesriley94]

May be better going with a 3770k over the 3820, as there's little difference between them, but the 3770k runs far cooler, so you'll be able to have fans at lower speeds and still get good temps.
Also, you'd be better getting a Noctua NH-D14 over the Corsair AIO, as they can get a little loud.
Do you really need capabilities for 64gb of RAM?

 

[tinytomlogan]

If you got the Corsair H100i you can set that up to be very quiet with the link.

Or just buy SP120 QE's and then decide wether to use the fan speed reducers or not (wire direct to molex)

As for the CPU if you dont want a 3930K then Id be saying head towards a 3770K too. Memory and HDD speed will be better on 1155.

Dont forget programs DO utilise your GPU when rendering depending on the codec/format you use (especially with video) so this should be an area you look at carefully with your softwre to see if AMD of Nvidia will be better for you. Also the ref 680 cooler is much better than that arctic cooling thing.


Silent rigs are not hard to put together but take a bit of planning. even with the rig parts you still need to set it all up right

 

[wingfoot1]

Hi - thanks. I don't want an old / soon to be obsolete chip. The 3820 affords an upgrade path and more lanes for video work. Yes I will need 32GB and 64Gb eventually for large orchestral work. Is there a noise test / vs temp somewhere of the Noctua which i can compare to the Corsair/ Krane x40 on silent pcreview ?

 

[wingfoot1]

Hi Tom - I have done a lot of reading to the point of doing my head in. I agree it's all in the balance of compenents and tweaking. Surely 140mm fans will de facto be quieter as they can push more air at lower speed than 120mm fans ? Ditto a radiator will better dissiapte heat than just air. I have seen your review of the Nanoxia DS1 on You Tube. I am concerned to get the quietest CPU cooler that will fit without modding the case and also not have to get low profile RAM if possible. Vengeance Red sticks etc. I think will be too high. Agreed ? I accept the graphics card may be noisy but I am stuck with it: it is the most affordable Adobe-certified Premier Pro CS6 card for me and I already have the MSi Twin Frozr 580. I do not have the budget for a 680 etc.

 

[NeverBackDown]

If you go for the AIO coolers such as the H100 or the NZXT X40, i would suggest buying corsair SP120's quiet edition fans. Now for the X40, i would buy the COUGAR CF-V14S fans. If you stick to air cooling then go for the NH-D14