New build: minimize power consumption minimize sound

arjunmadan

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Dec 27, 2010
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Hi I am looking to build a new PC with the objective of minimizing power consumption and sound and still maximizing performance. Not looking for hardcore gaming but would like a high level of horse power to run databases and three monitors. I have listed the specs below. please tell me if you would do this any differently. thanks

I dont have a budget in mind but obviously, lower the better.


thanks


Motherboard: ASUS P8P67

CPU: Intel i7 2600k processor

Case: Antec P193 mid case

SSD (primary): Crucial RealSSD C300 128 GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148348

secondary: Seagate 1.5TB

Fan: Cooler master COOLER MASTER Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP (do i need this?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057

Power supply: Antec CP 850 power supply (Do i need this or something lower?)

Ram: Patriot 12 gb / 2000mhz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220518\

Video card: GIGABYTE GV-R687OC-1GD Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125357&cm_re=6870-_-14-125-357-_-Product

 
Solution
For minimizing sound, consider the Antec Solo case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018
It has sound deadening side panels, and elastic suspension for the hard drives. It is a favorite on www.silentpcreview.com.
It is one of my personal favorite cases.
Nothing wrong with the P193 though.

Next, a cpu cooler with a 92mm fan is not going to be quiet.
I suggest the prolimatech megahalems rev b and a noctua 120mm fan.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835242001

If you do not play fast action games, you do not need a high powered graphics card.You might try a couple of quiet fanless low priced cards like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130541
You need two to...

dominionz

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Mar 20, 2009
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Seems like a pretty good setup to me. Personally, I would opt for a smaller Power Supply unless you plan on adding another GPU. 650W should be more than enough. You only use as much power as the system draws. So using 500W or 1000W won't make a difference if you're only pulling 400W. Lower wattage and something with an 80+ rating (bronze, silver, gold) would be my suggestion. The box heatsink that comes with the 2600k is sufficient in the build you're attempting. The ASUS board is dual channel not triple channel so you'd have to get a 4,8, or 16GB kit unless you plan on buying 2 kits (4 and 8GB) to make 12GB.
 

arjunmadan

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Dec 27, 2010
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Thanks dominionz. Should i change the motherboard to something else to be able to use triple channel memory?
what power supply would you suggest?
 

dominionz

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Mar 20, 2009
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There are no triple channel boards for Sandy Bridge CPU's. They went back to dual channel setup. I see no reason to switch boards unless you're looking for less features/cheaper. As for PS this should be plenty http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035. Has good efficiency and runs quiet.
 
For minimizing sound, consider the Antec Solo case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018
It has sound deadening side panels, and elastic suspension for the hard drives. It is a favorite on www.silentpcreview.com.
It is one of my personal favorite cases.
Nothing wrong with the P193 though.

Next, a cpu cooler with a 92mm fan is not going to be quiet.
I suggest the prolimatech megahalems rev b and a noctua 120mm fan.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835242001

If you do not play fast action games, you do not need a high powered graphics card.You might try a couple of quiet fanless low priced cards like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130541
You need two to attach 3 or 4 monitors.
I think the ati cards can attach three monitors, but they need an active converter to attach the third.

Look for a gold certified power supply to keep your power usage low.
Here is a seasonic fanless 400w unit which should do well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151097

Sandy bridge does not need 2000 ram. 1333 is fine, 1600 if it does not cost much extra.
Also 6gb is a strange size since sandy bridge motherboards will have 4 slots. Better to get a 8gb kit of 2 x 4gb like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

I do like the ssd.
---good luck---
 
Solution