High-performance triple-purpose quiet system
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 3:46 am
Hi all,
I am new to these forums but have relied on SPCR for years! I am looking for some advice regarding a new build I am considering.
The purpose is a combination of these:
- Casual gaming at 1080p (Diablo 3 and Football Manager mostly, maybe some MMO's - I'm not into FPS-type games)
- Windows Server 2012 R2-based lab box for hosting Hyper-V virtual machines (I need an entire lab with many Microsoft products such as Active Directory, Exchange, Lync, Sharepoint etc.)
- File server for streaming videos to my TV using DLNA
The system will be placed under my desk which is in my living room, so I really need for it to be as quiet as possible. Size doesn't matter too much but I would like an ATX or microATX case.
I plan to dual-boot Windows 8.1 (for the gaming part and file server part) and Windows Server 2012 R2 (for the lab part).
I am thinking of the following components and am very interested in hearing your thoughts:
Case: Antec Solo II
Notes: The SPCR review is very favourable but I am open to other suggestions. Initially I cnonsidered the Silverstone TJ08-E but it seems there are mixed feelings about the noise level of its 200mm fan. USB 3.0 ports on the front are mandatory but most cases do have these nowadays.
CPU: Intel Core i5-4570
Notes: I need a CPU with a reasonably low TDP and support for SLAT (Hyper-V VM's require this). My understanding based on other threads is that it is not worth looking at the -S i5's because even the non-S ones can be cooled quietly
CPU heatsink: Scythe Mugen 4
Notes: My priorities are of course ease of installation and low noise. I am concerned about RAM slot and motherboard heatsink clearance, however - please advise. I hope using low-profile RAM will be enough.
Graphics card: MSI GTX 750 Ti Gaming 2 GB?
Notes: Based on this thread (http://silentpcreview.com/forums/viewto ... 0&start=30) it seems to be nice and quiet although it does not stop its fans completely when idle. GTX 750 Ti's low TDP is obviously very interesting!
PSU: Seasonic X-400?
Notes: I would prefer a fanless one if feasible, but my understanding is that many other Seasonic PSU's actually turn off the fan under low load. Also, it must be modular to keep the cable mess to a minimum.
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 4x8 GB PC3-12800?
Notes: I am sure 32 GB RAM may seem like an outrageous amount if only intended for gaming, but since I will be running a lot of VM's at the same time this seems reasonable. In addition, my understanding is that 32 GB is the highest amount addressable by non-Xeon CPU's. According to http://www.legitreviews.com/crucial-bal ... eview_2138 these sticks are only 25.5 mm tall which should should comfortably fit under the Mugen 4 according to this thread: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=67033
Motherboard: MSI H87-G43?
Notes: I'm not planning on overclocking or anything (so Intel Z87 is not required), but I would like a mobo with a UEFI BIOS and good fan control without the need for additional software. My impression from other forum posts is that MSI does a good job in this regard.
System SSD: Here I have a Samsung 830 256 GB SSD which I intend on reusing as the boot disk with 2 partitions (one Windows 8.1, one Windows Server 2012 R2)
Extra SSD: Corsair Force Series GS 360 GB?
Notes: This will be used to host VHD files for the lab VM's - high IOPS and good random write speeds are required, and I am open to suggestions
Bulk storage: 2x Western Digital Red 4 TB
I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could provide. Do ask if you need clarification on anything!
Thank you in advance!
I am new to these forums but have relied on SPCR for years! I am looking for some advice regarding a new build I am considering.
The purpose is a combination of these:
- Casual gaming at 1080p (Diablo 3 and Football Manager mostly, maybe some MMO's - I'm not into FPS-type games)
- Windows Server 2012 R2-based lab box for hosting Hyper-V virtual machines (I need an entire lab with many Microsoft products such as Active Directory, Exchange, Lync, Sharepoint etc.)
- File server for streaming videos to my TV using DLNA
The system will be placed under my desk which is in my living room, so I really need for it to be as quiet as possible. Size doesn't matter too much but I would like an ATX or microATX case.
I plan to dual-boot Windows 8.1 (for the gaming part and file server part) and Windows Server 2012 R2 (for the lab part).
I am thinking of the following components and am very interested in hearing your thoughts:
Case: Antec Solo II
Notes: The SPCR review is very favourable but I am open to other suggestions. Initially I cnonsidered the Silverstone TJ08-E but it seems there are mixed feelings about the noise level of its 200mm fan. USB 3.0 ports on the front are mandatory but most cases do have these nowadays.
CPU: Intel Core i5-4570
Notes: I need a CPU with a reasonably low TDP and support for SLAT (Hyper-V VM's require this). My understanding based on other threads is that it is not worth looking at the -S i5's because even the non-S ones can be cooled quietly
CPU heatsink: Scythe Mugen 4
Notes: My priorities are of course ease of installation and low noise. I am concerned about RAM slot and motherboard heatsink clearance, however - please advise. I hope using low-profile RAM will be enough.
Graphics card: MSI GTX 750 Ti Gaming 2 GB?
Notes: Based on this thread (http://silentpcreview.com/forums/viewto ... 0&start=30) it seems to be nice and quiet although it does not stop its fans completely when idle. GTX 750 Ti's low TDP is obviously very interesting!
PSU: Seasonic X-400?
Notes: I would prefer a fanless one if feasible, but my understanding is that many other Seasonic PSU's actually turn off the fan under low load. Also, it must be modular to keep the cable mess to a minimum.
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 4x8 GB PC3-12800?
Notes: I am sure 32 GB RAM may seem like an outrageous amount if only intended for gaming, but since I will be running a lot of VM's at the same time this seems reasonable. In addition, my understanding is that 32 GB is the highest amount addressable by non-Xeon CPU's. According to http://www.legitreviews.com/crucial-bal ... eview_2138 these sticks are only 25.5 mm tall which should should comfortably fit under the Mugen 4 according to this thread: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=67033
Motherboard: MSI H87-G43?
Notes: I'm not planning on overclocking or anything (so Intel Z87 is not required), but I would like a mobo with a UEFI BIOS and good fan control without the need for additional software. My impression from other forum posts is that MSI does a good job in this regard.
System SSD: Here I have a Samsung 830 256 GB SSD which I intend on reusing as the boot disk with 2 partitions (one Windows 8.1, one Windows Server 2012 R2)
Extra SSD: Corsair Force Series GS 360 GB?
Notes: This will be used to host VHD files for the lab VM's - high IOPS and good random write speeds are required, and I am open to suggestions
Bulk storage: 2x Western Digital Red 4 TB
I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could provide. Do ask if you need clarification on anything!
Thank you in advance!