I've recently replaced/upgraded a bunch of components in my ITX system to an even smaller SFF ITX system in preparation for VR, but I have run into a noise problem.
This is the current spec -
Case - Silverstone SG13
CPU - i7-3770 (77W TDP)
Mobo - Asrock H77M-ITX (2 PWM fan headers)
GPU - 1070 Founders
PSU - Silverstone SF500-LG (SFX-L 120mm fan spins only over 20% load)
Intake - Noctua Redux NF-S12B (120mm PWM 1200rpm)
HSF - Noctua NH-L9x65
First of all I already know the 1070 Founders is noisy. Before I bought it I thought the fan stops at idle like the AIBs, but it's not the case so I may just return it. But it's not the main issue right now.
I was going to re-use my Scythe Big Shuriken but unfortunately it doesn't work on any of the 3 boards I've come across due to the CPU being too close to the PCIe, so I bought the L9x65.
Now the problem. The CPU idles quite high at around 45-50C. I have set both fans to be around 40% at low load. At load the CPU goes up to 75C and the fans basically go berserk in terms of noise
So what should I do to reduce the noise while keeping a reasonable temp? Another thing is I don't want to spend TOO much money because I've spent quite a bit of it and the VR stuff already.
So to sort out the CPU fan... I have tried using a crappy & very old but thick Arctic 92mm to test instead of the slim Noctua fan. It's still noisy but the temp is slightly lower. Should I get a good thick 92mm fan? A good 92mm is like over £10 so it just doesn't seem good value for money especially when it probably won't lower the temp/noise by much.
I could also replace the HSF with another one. I think the only one that is bigger and will fit is the ThermalRight AXP-100 (2 more heat pipes, similar fin volume, 100mm fan). But it's not really that much bigger so I'm not confident there will be a meaningful difference. Any thoughts on this?
Or I could go for an AIO watercooling solution. I don't have a lot of space so it'll be a low end single rad 120mm solution I'm after. Now I'm confident that the temps will be much better than what I have now (120>92) but what are they like from a noise perspective? Especially when it comes to pump noise. Also I've done quite a lot of research on it (table attached) but am still undecided on which one to go for. This will solve my intake fan problem too, but with much more hassle. Any suggestions? Mostly likely the CoolerMaster Seidon 120V or the Corsair H55 because they are popular.
As for the intake fan... Can I set it to a static speed in the Asrock BIOS? I can't see a way except full speed. And the variation in speed doesn't seem to help the CPU temp AT AAAALLLLLL anyway.
Sorry for the wall of text. Advice welcome.
Thanks.
Code: Select all
rad w rad h rad d fans fan d total d £
coolmaster nepton 120xl 119 150 38 2 25 88 72
coolmaster seidon 120v 119 152 27 1 25 52 35
corsair h45 120 152 27 1 25 52 42
corsair h55 120 152 27 1 25 52 45
corsair h60 120 152 27 1 25 52 62
corsair h75 120 152 25 2 25 75 63
corsair h80i v2 123 154 49 2 25 99 75
nzxt kraken x31 120 155 30 1 25 55 60 variable pump
fract kelvin t12 132 163 46 2 25 96 60 expandable
antec h600 pro 120 155 27 1 25 52 35
antec kuhler 950 120 159 50 2? 25 75 50
silverstone td03 lite 120 153 27 1 25 52 45
silverstone td03 slim 120 153 22 1 15 37 48
silverstone td03 e 124 159 27 2 25 77 62