[Build help] Silent workstation

[joseph_us]

Hello,

I am trying to build a quiet workstation. I plan on using on-board graphics because I will not be playing any computer games.

I will use the Crucial M4 as a primary, and the 2TB internal as storage. If I buy tonight, I can get another $15 off of the power supply due to a special.

Will the 800 RPM Scythe fans cause air flow issues with this case?

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($117.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1066 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.95 @ B&H)
Case: Cooler Master Silencio 550 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.98 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 500W ATX12V Power Supply ($55.98 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.65 @ Amazon)
Other: Scythe 800 RPM case fans
Total: $1020.35

[lapon]

Looks like a nice system. If you have the funds I would invest a little more into the PSU. 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum rated units will really ensure you have a quiet, powerful PSU for a long time. Its the difference between dissipating an extra 50W which can help you run that much cooler and quieter. Many of them run with the PSU fans shut off until they reach a certain temp, which is a wonderful thing.

That's a big processor, I'm surprised no GPU. The Intel on-board systems are, well, terrible. GPU's are used for much more than playing games these days, if you watch videos or use Flash you would want a GPU. IE, firefox and chrome use a GPU to speed up websites. A fanless Radeon 6670 at newegg is about $80, a 7750 is about $120.

Either way, the fans will probably be wonderful. I would take out the top HDD bay to enhance airflow to your motherboard and CPU, and put fans in all three locations. Good luck and have fun!

[Olaf van der Spek]

if you watch videos or use Flash you would want a GPU.

Does it really matter (much)? If so, how much?

[ces]

Does it really matter (much)? If so, how much?

I don't think that matters any more with modern CPUs

[joseph_us]

Thanks for the comments. I will see how things go with the Intel HD Graphics 4000 and may buy a low-end GPU if necessary. I'll also try out the Silcenio's case fans before buying the Scythes. Thank you for looking this one over.