Page 1 of 1

Quiet workstation build for architecture student

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 10:45 am
by saudade
Hi any advice on this build would be much appreciated. I am yet to buy anything so am open to any changes. My budget is an initial spend of around £700-£800 and then I'll probably add to it as and when I can afford over next few years. My priorities are:

1 Runs architecture (wide range of graphics/CAD) programmes at decent speed
2 QUIET! it's gotta be pleasant to be around for long periods of time.
3 Low power usage is preferable

here's my current thinking:

Case: Antec P183 (or Antec p180 mini)
CPU: Intel i5 2500k
MB: Asus P8P67 PRO (or P8P67-M PRO if i opt for the p180 mini)
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 4GB DDR3 1600mhz CL9 1.5V
GPU: PNY Nvidia Quadro 600
HDD: Western Digital 1TB Caviar Green
PSU: Seasonic X-560
CPU Heatsink: Gelid Tranquilo

Over time I plan to:
- upgrade case fans and stock heatsink fan to 120mm scythe slipstreams
- add acoustic dampening
- add 120 GB SSD for OS and programme installation
- increase RAM to 8,12 or 16GB depending on how I'm finding performance
- add a second 1920x1080 monitor
- add optical drive

The current plan is to copy a Puget Serenity system but with a Quadro 600 GPU. I'm tempted to try it in the p180 mini as it's less bulky/pricey than the p183. I was thinking of removing the 200mm top fan, covering the vent and then trying to copy the airflow from the SPCR Serenity review which seems quieter than the p180 mini's stock fans. Is there a reason this wouldn't work that I'm missing? Would it still get enough airflow in the smaller case?

The Quadro claims 'Acoustics lower than 28db' but i am concerned it would produce an annoying noise with its small fan. Anyone know of a passive aftermarket heatsink for this card? Also anyone know if NVidia Quadro cards support SLi? I was wondering if adding a second is a future possibility?

Any advice or suggestions would be great

Re: Quiet workstation build for architecture student

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:54 pm
by ame
I like OPTION 2 better. P183 and the Asus P8P67 PRO. The 2500K can overclock. The 2500 can't. no question there.

For GPU i've used both Quadro 600 and 2000 in recent builds. They are both reasonably quiet when idle, the 600 more so. the 600 also has very low power consumption and will definatly work better (smoother and more accurate) than the AMD 5750 when using Autocad or 3DSMax.

I'd go with 2*4GB of DDR3 1600. keep your future options open.

The Antec PSU is abit overkill for a system like this. I think the Seasonic X is a better choice.

Re: Quiet workstation build for architecture student

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 2:15 am
by saudade
Hey thanks for your reply

Think I'll definitely go with the i5-2500k and the Quadro 600 then.