New to the board, but not new to a silent pc. I have had my pc noise less than ambient for 10+ yrs (engineers love to fiddle with stuff).
Here is my criteria, most important first:
1 - Power (I really want a core 2 duo or something close in performance)
2 - Size (Ideally something small, a microATX would be best)
3 - Ultra quiet, near silent (think I can get there with good heatsinks, fans, fan controller)
4 - Sleek, something very sharp!
I need a pretty good video card, but nothing specatular (its not a gaming system, but I do have some graphics apps). Id like to get this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814125025m but not sure if its going to work with a microATX too well. Any other thoughts?
So....what is a good case, mobo, vid card, and power supply (I would guess modular for me)? Will I have problems with hd and heat? It has to be ultra reliable. I think I just need a single optical drive and single hd (although room for a second would be nice). I think the case is going to be the big sticking point for me...as always (great looking, compact, cool)
Money isnt too much of an object, I want the best stuff (within reason!). If I can put it together for ~$1,000-1,500that would be nice though!
EDIT : This looks like it may be a winner
http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-sg01Evolution.htm