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Old 05-01-2006, 12:08 PM   #1
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Parts for a quiet system

Hi there

After using my last self-built system for 4 years I am now slowly looking into building a new system. With my last system the only thing that really bothered me was noise. Even though I thought I had chosen parts that were not very noisy - in the end the machine made more noise than I had hoped for.

So, for my next build noise reduction is a top priority. I am not overclocking. The machine will be used for moderate gaming (25%) and some graphic design work (25%). Any recommendations for quiet system parts and cases? My overall budget (no monitor) is between $800 and $1,000. I'd like to go dual-core (either Intel or AMD will be fine) though.

Thanks.

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Old 05-01-2006, 12:49 PM   #2
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A lot of cases by Antec are designed for quality, and the reduction in temperaure control is almost negligible. However, many other case designers focus on noise reduction, so the choice is not limited to Antec.

For example, the Antec Sonata II that I bought keeps an average internal temperature of 42 degrees C, which is quite low, in my opinion.

Some things you have to keep in mind:

Fans make lots of noise, the closer they are to you:
A fan at the back of the computer (Exhaust fan) will be quiet, however, if you choose to install an intake fan at the front of the computer, you will probably hear it.

The larger fans are, the quieter they are:
A larger fan has larger blades, which moves more air per rotation. That means that an 80 mm fan will have to spin at a higher RPM to move the same amount of air as a 120 mm fan at a lower RPM

Power Supplies make noise:
This is probably the single unit that makes the most noise in my machine. Antec, I believe, makes an absolutely silent power supply (The Phantom Series), which does not have a fan. It is expensive, however, and may be out of your budget.

Consider that Hard Drives make noise:
Some cases come with rubber pads that will dampen the noise, but some cases may not. Do your research when looking for a case, and you'll be fine

Last edited by Kareeser; 05-01-2006 at 12:55 PM. Reason: Darn... no HTML allowed anymore?
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Old 05-01-2006, 01:16 PM   #3
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I've heard the Antec Sonata II case is great for keeping a very cool system with minimal noise:

http://www.antec.com/ec/productDetails.php?ProdID=08140

You may be a good candidate for this case.


If you want an AMD system, heres a good place to start with your budget:

AMD X2 3800+
GeForce 7600GT
1GB (2x 512MB PC 3200) DDR RAM
Asus A8N-E motherboard

As for an Intel system, I suggest the Asus P5LD2 motherboard, and again with the 7600GT. Not too familiar with Intel's chips and DDR2 memory, so maybe someone else here can fill in the gaps.

Last edited by MakeYourslf2012; 05-01-2006 at 01:19 PM.
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Old 05-01-2006, 01:43 PM   #4
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Thanks for the feedback so far. Might be a dumb question - but do you run regular Win XP or Win XP 64 Bit on that CPU? I noticed at Newegg it shows AMD 64 ....

Any brandname for that videocard I should get or stay away from? I picked the BIOSTAR VP7603GT21 Geforce 7600GT for my test pricing.

Thanks.

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Old 05-01-2006, 01:45 PM   #5
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im thinking if intel, dual core 3.0 GHzor you could get one of theire dual core core processors, 1.83 GHz dual core, cant remember what socket though. But they run cooler, and are more efficeint, so more bang for your buck. for intel, this is what i'd suggest http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819111179
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Old 05-01-2006, 01:49 PM   #6
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Yeah, that CPU is a 64-bit capable chip. It can run 32-bit and 64-bit Windows; however, due to lack of support for the 64-bit version, its best to stay with good ol' 32-bit windows.

I've never heard anything bad come from Biostar. Your probably safe with them, however eVGA usually has the cheapest card in every generation - which is partly due to lack of software that is included. If you want to save some bucks - eVGA may be best. MSI and Asus are other quality manufacturers.

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Old 05-03-2006, 02:35 PM   #7
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SeaSonic

SeaSonic makes a very quiet power supply. My 500w under light load is so quiet that I shine a flashlight to see if the fan blades are moving. The downside is that they tend to run on the expensive side.
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Old 05-03-2006, 09:05 PM   #8
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Thanks. I guess I will stick to 32bit XP then. The motherboard mentioned above only supports PCI-Express 4x. Should I pick one that supports x16 instead?

Checking out the Seasonic PS now.

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Old 05-03-2006, 09:15 PM   #9
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Which board is that?. I'd recommend the A8N-E MakeYourself suggested. It's got an x16 slot. I like the rest of this suggestion too. That and the Sonata II (with 450W PSU). I've heard the power supply with that is pretty quiet. It's also a good deal combined with the case (both high quality).
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Old 05-03-2006, 09:19 PM   #10
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Newegg showed the 4x on the specs. If it is 16x - then I think I will settle on that motherboard. I also looked at the Sonata case. Looks very nice.

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Old 05-03-2006, 09:24 PM   #11
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Yeah, the A8N-E has 1 x16 slot, 1 x4 slot and 2 x1 slots.

PCI Express x16 1
PCI Express x1 2
PCI Slots 3
Other Slots 1x PCI Express x4
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Old 05-06-2006, 11:22 AM   #12
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Another thing that will keep the noise down is a video card that has passive heatpipe cooling. They are more expensive than the same card with active cooling, but sometimes you have to pay for silence.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125025
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Old 05-06-2006, 02:05 PM   #13
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just a note on the sonata II:
it has a special channel that is supposed to direct air around the case efficiently. i found it to be totally useless. it just gets in my way and i didn't notice any temperature reduction with it.
the case also has no handle or groove or any convenient place to put your hands if you want to move it or lift it.
i found this to be a pain too.
it has a blue light at the front which looks cool but cannot be turned off and doesn't look so cool when you're trying to go to sleep.
my case had a faulty case fan but antec were really excellent at replacing it.
i was very very impressed with their service.
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Old 05-06-2006, 02:26 PM   #14
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Just a response to the last post.

I also found the "Advanced Chassis Air Duct" to be a nice decoration in my case. My guess is that better airflow could be achieved if two fans (a 92mm and an 80mm fan, to be precise) wre installed in it.

The blue light, although it can't be turned off from outside the case, can be disabled by unplugging it... Just mentioning it for Christoph.
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Old 05-09-2006, 02:54 PM   #15
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Thanks. The Blue light should not be a concern.

Ok, here is what I spec'd out. Your comments would be appreciated. I also would like to know - do I need to order any additional fans or is the case sufficient with what it got?

Quote:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

$89.99

Antec LifeStyle SONATA II Piano Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450Watt SmartPower 2.0 ATX 12V V2.0 for AMD & Intel systems Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

$94.99

GIGABYTE GV-NX76T256D-RH Geforce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125025

$177.99

ASUS A8N-E Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

$89.99

CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model VS1GBKIT400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440

$79.99

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHW160P6S04 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106013

$39.99

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHW160P6S04 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106013

$39.99
I want two optical drives for copying CD/DVDs - therefore 2 listed. I got a monitor, speakers, and a firewire card that I will take out of the old system.

Anyhting else you think I should have or change?

Thanks.

Christoph
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Old 05-09-2006, 02:59 PM   #16
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Sorry, did not list a cpu.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103562

$297.00
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Old 05-09-2006, 03:27 PM   #17
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The case comes with a 120mm fan which is more than sufficient for keeping the case cool. You can add up to three fans (one intake fan at the front, and two in the ACAD (the air duct thing).

Most opinions I have read say that there is not much difference in case temperature when the intake fan is added.

The included fan should be enough.

(Just a personal figure here)
My computer contains the included fan, and idles at 43 degrees celsius (case internal temperature, not CPU)

1 concern: The Sonata II has front panel I/O ports that connect to internal headers on the motherboard. The USB and audio should have connections to the motherboard, but the motherboard doesn't seem to have one. Check your firewire card to see if it has an internal header, or else you won't be able to use the front panel firewire port.

Last edited by Kareeser; 05-09-2006 at 03:34 PM.
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