I ended up getting a Mac Pro. I use a calibrated Android app to measure the noise level and get 15dB. I and my wife both have sensitive hearing and we cannot hear a thing from this Mac Pro at 2-3ft away. I ran Virtualbox with Ubuntu Desktop and then a Python shell on top to execute some scripts. It ...

Thanks all. I have pretty much decided to go with a Mac Mini or Mac Pro. For the prices they charge, it is not likely one can tinker a system close to their performance and quietness with the same amount of $$$. For a computer with a quad-core I7, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD, I can get this quiet c...

Since I keep my computers for a long time, it may be a good idea to get a CPU that is powerful enough for at least 5 years. My thinking is as follows. Since my computer is 7 year old and I feel it is a bit slow, for my current needs, I can get by with 2X-3X improvement. A 4X improvement will probabl...

Thanks and let me answer your questions. My Dell E521 has AMD Athlon 64x2 4600+ CPU with a PassMark of 1,365. I added a ATI/AMD Radeon HD 4600 GPU with a PassMark of 551. It has a Samsung 840 Pro SSD and a more powerful PSU. Regarding my applications, I don't usually play computer games, do 3D appli...

I am planning on getting my next desktop computer. In addition to good performance, the key requirement is quiet. I am debating if I should get a Mac Mini to run OS X or build a 4770K based PC to run Windows 8.1. It would be greatly appreciated if someone can compare a Mac Mini to a quiet PC in term...

I am late to this thread. I am trying to decide between a Mac Mini with all the upgrades and a quiet PC build. I don't play computer games or do 3D applications. A top issue for me is the fan noise as it really bothers me in a quiet home office. How do the "quiet PC" builds from various shops compar...