A good build for silent gaming?

[SebbieHE]

Hello, community! Just finished a new build that I'm able to buy in a couple of weeks. Just want some advice on if the parts I have chosen are good for silent gaming. Thanks!

• OS: Windows 8.1 Pro
• MOBO: MSI Z97 GAMING 3 Link
• CPU: Intel i5 4690k @4.00ghz Link
• GPU: MSI GTX 970 4GB Link
• RAM: Corsair Vengance Pro 8GB DDR3 2133MHz Link
• SSD: 2x Kingston V300 240GB Link
• CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i Link
• Case: NZXT H440 Link
• PSU: be quiet! 630w 80+ Bronze Link

I've chosen not to have an HDD as I won't be using much space as I keep my computer clean and also they are loud! Thanks!

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

What is your max budget? I have a better computer in mind.

 

[SebbieHE]

What is your max budget? I have a better computer in mind.

I have about £1300 but could go up to £1500. The thing is, it's all good having a silent and powerful computer, but for that much money, I want it to look nice too.

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

What is your max budget? I have a better computer in mind.

I have about £1300 but could go up to £1500. The thing is, it's all good having a silent and powerful computer, but for that much money, I want it to look nice too.

Do you care for a window?

 

[SebbieHE]

What is your max budget? I have a better computer in mind.

I have about £1300 but could go up to £1500. The thing is, it's all good having a silent and powerful computer, but for that much money, I want it to look nice too.

Do you care for a window?

Yea I'd like a window if possible.

 

[maddogfargo]

The H100i is actually a fairly loud cooler. Performance is high, but so is the noise.

I'd recommend a Noctua NH-D14 or NH-D15 or a Phanteks TC14PE instead. Great air coolers that are close to the H100i in performance but also very quiet.

Even the H110, which is much quieter than the H100i, is louder than a good air cooler.


The only way you're going to get 'near silent' liquid cooling performance is with a custom loop kit. Something like this, for example:

http://www.aquatuning.us/water-cooling/kits-und-systems/internal-kits/16245/alphacool-nexxxos-cool-answer-360-d5/ut-kit?c=6460

EK also makes some great kits.

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

For the RAM, you can choose any color of the Corsair Vengeance LP but the cooler will cover it so it won't bee too visible.

If you have any questions let me know.

This is a quieter build with better airflow. I also threw in an extra intake fan but its optional.

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/sqXxkL


This features a faster CPU with a better CPU cooler (can run without affecting overall case temps and is very quiet).

You get a MUCH better case.

A Better and more quiet CPU cooler.

A much faster SSD with a lot more space.

A great PSU capable of lots of upgrades.

A better motherboard.

 

[APassingMe]

As long as you buy a decent case and don't put any loud coolers/fans in it, you shouldn't have any problem with loudness. My computer is one of the loudest computers I know of (I don't leave it on when I sleep, it's an old workstation/server...) and I don't hear it when I'm gaming due to the game's sound. As it is your GPU is likely one of your loudest components (over a HDD even).

You will have a slight increase in sound with a windowed case and having a padded case will help if you're really serious about making it quiet.

 

[SebbieHE]

The H100i is actually a fairly loud cooler. Performance is high, but so is the noise.

I'd recommend a Noctua NH-D14 or NH-D15 or a Phanteks TC14PE instead. Great air coolers that are close to the H100i in performance but also very quiet.

Even the H110, which is much quieter than the H100i, is louder than a good air cooler.


The only way you're going to get 'near silent' liquid cooling performance is with a custom loop kit. Something like this, for example:

http://www.aquatuning.us/water-cooling/kits-und-systems/internal-kits/16245/alphacool-nexxxos-cool-answer-360-d5/ut-kit?c=6460

EK also makes some great kits.

Thanks for the info about the H100i! It doesn't just have to be liquid cooling, I just really love the look of the H100i on the NZXT H440. In my current PC I have the XSPC Watercooling kit. But, I've had this for 3 years so I bet it's kind of worn out. I think my best bet is to go with the Noctua Cooler. This may be a silly question but, would the heatsink of the Noctua cooler be paintable?

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

The H100i is actually a fairly loud cooler. Performance is high, but so is the noise.

I'd recommend a Noctua NH-D14 or NH-D15 or a Phanteks TC14PE instead. Great air coolers that are close to the H100i in performance but also very quiet.

Even the H110, which is much quieter than the H100i, is louder than a good air cooler.


The only way you're going to get 'near silent' liquid cooling performance is with a custom loop kit. Something like this, for example:

http://www.aquatuning.us/water-cooling/kits-und-systems/internal-kits/16245/alphacool-nexxxos-cool-answer-360-d5/ut-kit?c=6460

EK also makes some great kits.

Thanks for the info about the H100i! It doesn't just have to be liquid cooling, I just really love the look of the H100i on the NZXT H440. In my current PC I have the XSPC Watercooling kit. But, I've had this for 3 years so I bet it's kind of worn out. I think my best bet is to go with the Noctua Cooler. This may be a silly question but, would the heatsink of the Noctua cooler be paintable?

Painting the cooler would aftect cooling performance. Dpn't go with the H440. it isn't quiet and it has horrible airflow issues. Not to mention the nightmare called cable management in that case. You also don't need a waterloop to have a near silent liquid cooled set up. Just buy Noctua fans.

 

[maddogfargo]

The H100i is actually a fairly loud cooler. Performance is high, but so is the noise.

I'd recommend a Noctua NH-D14 or NH-D15 or a Phanteks TC14PE instead. Great air coolers that are close to the H100i in performance but also very quiet.

Even the H110, which is much quieter than the H100i, is louder than a good air cooler.


The only way you're going to get 'near silent' liquid cooling performance is with a custom loop kit. Something like this, for example:

http://www.aquatuning.us/water-cooling/kits-und-systems/internal-kits/16245/alphacool-nexxxos-cool-answer-360-d5/ut-kit?c=6460

EK also makes some great kits.

Thanks for the info about the H100i! It doesn't just have to be liquid cooling, I just really love the look of the H100i on the NZXT H440. In my current PC I have the XSPC Watercooling kit. But, I've had this for 3 years so I bet it's kind of worn out. I think my best bet is to go with the Noctua Cooler. This may be a silly question but, would the heatsink of the Noctua cooler be paintable?

Painting the cooler would aftect cooling performance. Dpn't go with the H440. it isn't quiet and it has horrible airflow issues. Not to mention the nightmare called cable management in that case. You also don't need a waterloop to have a near silent liquid cooled set up. Just buy Noctua fans.

Other good fan options are Noise Blocker eLoop 120mm fans, and I think Enermax makes some good reverse-swept fans with excellent static pressure.