I started this build, not because I needed a new computer, but because I needed something fun to do, as I retired from work a few months ago. Having a lot of time to spare, I didn't want it to be all that easy. Therefore I decided to build something slightly different. Perhaps, a little bit to the contrary of what is typical around here. If I got it all wrong, I could start all over again.
Some initial thoughts:
- No doubt, Antec P182 and Solo are both very nice cases, but why not try something else, for a change?
- Shouldn't a mATX case be of sufficient size, for a General Purpose PC?
- Don't use a big heavy CPU-cooler, but a medium sized one, with secure mounting (I don't like pushpins).
- Instead of minimizing the number, try if many slow spinning fans can work together, silent enough.
- Mount a quiet sleeve bearing fan in the PSU (yes I know, horizontal) and feed it from my own fan control.
- Let the airflow go the 'wrong' way around. Back intake and front exhaust, giving the PSU some fresh air and hopefully keep most of VGA and CPU heat away from it.
- It must be dustproof. I do not want it filled up with dust in a few months.
- Silverstone Temjin TJ08
- Asus P5K-VM mATX Intel G33 chipset
- Intel Core 2 Duo E4400
- Noctua NH-U9F with Noctua 92mm fan (*)
- Corsair HX520 with Noctua NF-S12-1200 120mm fan (*)
- Corsair TWIN2X PC2-6400 (4096 MB)
- Asus Geforce 8600GT with Zalman VF900-Cu (hardwired to 5V)
- Hitachi Travelstar 160GB SATA 2.5"
- NEC AD-7170S SATA
- Nexus 120mm Real Silent - back intake (*)
- Nexus 120mm Real Silent - front exhaust (*)
- Akasa AK-FC-03 fan control
(*) connected to fan controller
For the full story and more pictures, please visit my HomePage:
Building a Pretty Little Computer
Yes, I know, no cables are supposed to be seen in pictures like this, but there isn't too many places
to hide them in this small case. Especially not, since I removed the drive cage. Besides, I don't think
it's that important to hide cables that don't obstruct airflow.
Of course, pretty or not, is a matter of opinion. Noisy picture, because it's impossible to prevent this
automatic camera from turning up ISO-value in weak light.
The Noctua mounted in the PSU. The wire marked F comes from the fan, the one marked C comes from
the fancontrol. If you put them together the PSU will control the fan as it is supposed to do. However,
I intend to feed it from the Akasa fancontrol. Only the the future can tell how long this fan will last in
this environment.
More about this PSU and whining ADDA fan
Thank you, for reading my limping English...