Sensible PSU and CPU cooler combination for PC-Q11 & DH77DF
Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:12 am
I'm planning an ITX build with an Intel DH77DF motherboard inside a Lian Li PC-Q11 case. Similar builds have been discussed previously, but I've still yet to find an adequate answer to the question of what is the most sensible combination CPU cooler and PSU, given the physical constraints imposed by that particular combination of case and mobo. The machine itself will be used for web browsing, programming, occasional video transcoding and all manner of media consumption/management (no serious gaming).
The PC-Q11 necessitates a low-profile cooler, but the DH77DF rules out the larger varieties (such as the popular AXP-140), due to the proximity of the CPU and PCIe slot. The Prolimatech Samuel 17 and Scythe Kozuti both seem like plausible candidates, but I'd be very interested if anyone could suggest any other potential options. It would also be great to hear from anyone with experience of using these or similar heatsinks with the DH77DF.
The Seasonic X-400 had previously been my default choice of PSU simply due to its amazing efficiency and lack of noise, but since it is 160mm long and modular, it would appear to be at the absolute limit of what can sensibly fit into the PC-Q11. The problem is I've not come across a smaller option that offers similar possibilities for efficiency or quietness. Could anyone suggest a PSU with acceptable low-noise credentials but smaller dimensions than the X-400? I won't be using a discrete graphics card, so the power consumption will never be huge. A Pico-PSU is an option, but I'd prefer not to have an external power brick.
The PC-Q11 necessitates a low-profile cooler, but the DH77DF rules out the larger varieties (such as the popular AXP-140), due to the proximity of the CPU and PCIe slot. The Prolimatech Samuel 17 and Scythe Kozuti both seem like plausible candidates, but I'd be very interested if anyone could suggest any other potential options. It would also be great to hear from anyone with experience of using these or similar heatsinks with the DH77DF.
The Seasonic X-400 had previously been my default choice of PSU simply due to its amazing efficiency and lack of noise, but since it is 160mm long and modular, it would appear to be at the absolute limit of what can sensibly fit into the PC-Q11. The problem is I've not come across a smaller option that offers similar possibilities for efficiency or quietness. Could anyone suggest a PSU with acceptable low-noise credentials but smaller dimensions than the X-400? I won't be using a discrete graphics card, so the power consumption will never be huge. A Pico-PSU is an option, but I'd prefer not to have an external power brick.