![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I'm trying to build a silent workstation and I would love some feedback on my current selection of parts.
I knew next to nothing about building a computer a month ago. But I've done a lot of research and especially the information on this website has been extremely helpful. So, thanks a lot for the work that has been put into this great resource
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
My use case: I'll primarily use my computer for working (programming) at home. That mostly includes non-demanding things like editing text. But it also includes some CPU bound things like compiling code and running test suites. Sometimes also running emulators and virtual machines. Besides that I'll use the PC for surfing, light 2D gaming, etc.
Below are the parts I've currently selected.
CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($399.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($88.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($109.89 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design - Define R5 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($60.89 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: 3 x Noctua - NF-A15 PWM 140mm Fan ($21.55 @ Amazon)
Total: $824.29
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-05 11:40 EST-0500
Here are my comments:
CPU: I don't really need a CPU this powerful. But it doesn't hurt and since I've spent so much time researching this build I find it appropriate to also throw in some money as well
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
CPU Cooler: This may be overkill for my use case. If there is a cheaper CPU cooler that is as silent I'd
Motherboard: This was the cheapest motherboard for Coffee Lake that I could find. I've noted that it supports PWM fans which I've understood allows for best fan control.
Case: This case seems to be very popular and well reviewed. I've also considered the Fractal Define C case which is similair but smaller. Is there a downside to a smaller case? Is it harder to cool or does it make more noise?
Power Supply: I saw this PSU used in a low-noise build. It is semi-passive and has a 10 warranty. I've not done that much research on PSUs though so I'm not particulairly confident in this choice.
Case Fan: I choose these since I see Noctua fans recommended all the time.
I've not looked at RAM yet but I plan to buy 2 x 8GB sticks. My current laptop has 8GB and sometimes that is not enough.
Any feedback and recomendations will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)