PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($211.98 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BL 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII GENE Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($209.79 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($149.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.94 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.94 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card (Purchased For $280.00)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($102.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_BK 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1638.59
Additional Notes:
- I'm avoiding using the top vent for either primary intake or exhaust. With my use case, it may occasionally be blocked. I may use it as a secondary intake, but I'm not relying on it being unobstructed.
- I have some acoustic foam which will be dampening various parts of the case (probably). Prime targets are the front panel (given it has enough clearance for air movement) and the side panel that is between me an the GTX 770.
- The plan is to run two 140mm fans in the front as intake, and one 120mm in the back as exhaust. Other vents in the top and bottom will be blocked off, creating a positive pressure, front-to-back flow. This will help push the hot exhaust from the GTX 770 out the back of the case, rather than getting pulled to the CPU cooler. I'll consider ducting one of the front fans to encourage this.
As much as I wanted a compact mini-ITX build, I just couldn't find a set of features that outweighed my concerns over a 16GB memory limit and uncertain sound behavior. And yes, I know a lot of people are going to find the 350D a silly choice as its the same size as a small ATX case. Still, it fits my requirements and aesthetics better than other options I've found (I'm not a fan of the appearance of the TJ-08 and I have concerns over the 180mm fan).
No, this build isn't silent. No, its not going to satisfy many of the regular posters here. I'm looking for quiet, not silent, and my main concern is quiet-while-idle. I'm fine with 36 dB while I'm playing a game. My current build has the same video card and an overclocked 2600K in a Lian Li PC-9F with a pair of Noiseblocker fans as the intakes. It's not silent, but its quiet. I'm looking for a build that is no noisier than that.
At the moment, I'm still uncertain about the CPU cooler and the Power Supply.
I know I have loads of options for PSU, and my choice may come down to what gets tossed out for Black Friday sales. The wattage won't top 400W, and while I do plan to upgrade my video card in the next two years, I doubt it will result in more than 50W of additional power draw. I like the idea of fanless PSUs, but I might just cave and get a hybrid for peace-of-mind and a lower price.
The CPU cooler is more contentious. I like the Phanteks for the inclusion of good stock fans (saves me from buying a new set). Other options I've considered are the NZXT Kraken X31 (need 120mm for the rear of the 350D), or the Corsair H75, but neither of these seem to be dramatically better than the Phanteks. They cost more, they have the additional worry of pump noise, and are generally less proven. Still, an AIO would likely remove one or two fans from the case. I'm uncertain.
Thoughts?
EDIT: Updated the parts list based on new plans, fixed the mistaken selection of a mITX board