PC Case, Now Noise vs Low Heat

Tytalus

Honorable
Mar 24, 2013
3
0
10,510
Hi All.

I'm quite torn on choice of PC Case.

I desperately need a quiet PC, but I also need to run 4 cores @ 100% all the time (Matlab calculations for days at a time), so maximal heat dissipation is of huge importance to keep the PC from frying. I plan on water cooling (something like the swiftech H-240-x) and a couple case fans... But I have tinnitus (my ears ring) and it is aggravated by constant high pitched sounds, so low noise is important.

From the reviews I've been reading, low temp cases are often the loudest, and low noise are often the hottest. Anyone know of a case that gives the best of both worlds? I'm willing to spend up to about $350-400, if the difference over a $150 case is really THAT significant, since my needs are probably on the higher end.

Other info on what I plan on getting:

CPU - 4790k -> OC to 4.5 ghz
Memory: 16gb G Skill Trident 2400mhz CL10
HD: 850 Pro SSD 256 GB
Mobo: Maximus VII Formula
GPU: No graphics card.
PSU: 750W Gold
Cooling: Swiftech H240-X

PS: Once my calculations are done around June, I want to turn it into a gaming rig and add a GPU or two, hence why I'm not getting server cpu and mobo.

Edit: While cooling solution suggestions are great, what I'm also really trying to figure out is the CASE itself, not just water or air coolers.
 
Overclocking usually adds significantly to the heat issue. I don't overclock, so I can't speak to overclocked rigs.

On stock processors, using a top-of the line and wildly expensive cooler like the Swiftect or NZXT kraken, you can go for one of the many silent cases. SilentPCReview reviews some.

Aerocool, Deep Silence and Fractal Design (which I don't recommend but is wildly popular) are makes of good, silent cases. They're all well-reviewed.

The last PC I built for silence was in Intel i7-4820K, with the "stock" Intel liquid cooler and some Cougar Vortex fans to replace the case fans on the Fractal Design Define R4. Even with the case door off, we could not hear it from 2 feet away.

Without a GPU and with a liquid cooler, you only need one (or two if you want positive pressure) fans in the front and one in the rear (assuming you put the 240mm radiator of the Swiftech on the top, venting out.
 
I trust tweaktown much more than silentPCreview, which I had never heard of until today.

I agree that the results might be a bit exaggerated (due to testing methods), but as it stands, AIO coolers are louder than air coolers. That is just how it has been, is, and will be.

The NH-D15 is my recommendation. AMAZING cooling, for less money and less noise than a comparable AIO cooler. It's an obvious choice.
 
OP: I did answer your question about cases.

(Hint: If you edit the top thread, it doesn't really show up as a new post and many people won't see it or read it again. Best is to respond directly.)

Here are my top picks for silent cases:

Nanoxia Deep Silence range: http://www.nanoxia-world.com/allproducts/1/Cases/
Aerocool Dead Silence Range: http://www.aerocool.us/ds/ds_case%20index.htm

Fractal Design: http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases
(Note that I've had some issues with a few of their cases. Seems manufacturing isn't always precise. However, they're wildly popular and good cases in general.)