Hi everyone,
I'm new here, and just as everyone, I would love to have your advice on a super silent PC.
I'll do my best to provide you with all the information you might need to help me out.
WHAT & WHERE:
Currently I use a semi-old Laptop.
General performance isn't too bad, however GPU lacks the most - even Witcher 1 and Diablo 3 don't run on high settings - not even close to highest. My desk is in the living room. However: this living room is equipped with a TV, a dusty PS3 and a small fishtank (which is rather quiet for a fishtank). We live next to train tracks.
The above meaning: our living room is not close to 0 sone, which doesn't mean the build shouldn't aim for it.
I'm based in Germany, so if you're going to add prices, please consider this. I'm ok with ordering from countries in Europe in terms of currency, delivery times and postage. US and Asia are out.
WHY:
I'm really fed up with using a Laptop - desk setup is horrible.
My girl complains about the loud fan (I personally mostly use a headset so don't hear it).
Upgrading isn't an option, because a) laptop, b) too old, c) I want space on my desk.
WHAT FOR:
This PC is meant to be for a casual Gamer/Designer. I mostly play moderately performance-hungry Games, and do some at-home Web-Development plus hobby Photography.
I currently play the following Games:
- Diablo 3
- Witcher 1 (wanna move thru 2 on to 3)
- Skyrim (only PS3 so far, but want to switch to PC once I got the performance)
- Dragon Age (see Skyrim)
- LoL
- Ragnarok Online
- Tree of Saviour (once it's out)
- Photoshop (CS5)
- Lightroom
- Spotify
- heavy tab user on Chrome (30+ is not a rare scenario)
Additionally to above mentioned criteria, I would like something like this:
- silence! (actually I need this, it's a requirement for keeping the desk in the living room . I don't really have a notion on how much 1 sone is, but by what I read I would hope to stay under 1 sone on full performance
- durability. I want a beast! So that I still rock performance in 2-3 years and might just need to upgrade memory or so.
- eco friendly. If possible, I would love to minimise my footprint in using less power etc
- skylark - cos you know.. the specs fit I think
- wireless LAN: I'm too far from the router. I LOVE ping! Really! Gimme 2 Antennae. (I use a Fritzbox 7390, with noob settings)
- I've heard of harddrive silencers - is that necessary when the OS and programs are on an SSD?
- Sound: 80% of the time it's on my headset, so I'm guessing onboard is fine, however I do like what they say about the Creative Soundblaster Zx and ZxR (plus they look awesome).
- a pretty case. I would prefer a sleek aluminium case to an LED stuffed rainbow unicorn monster.
- small case. I know this will be difficult, but if possible I don't want an XXL Case. I like cubes.
- card reader: at least SD Cards. I don't want to connect my camera to transfer photos
- optical drive: doesn't have to be internally, I rarely use CDs/DVDs, the above mentioned laptop has a BR writer, and if neeed be I can access the drive via network
- I guess I need a (new) windows license, too
I'm willing to go up to 3000€ if that gets me EVERYTHING I want. However I won't be sad if it ends up being only 2000€.
WHAT I LOOKED AT
I checked out the pre-configured PCs from PCGH. http://www.pcgameshardware.de/pcgh-pcs/ and of those I preferred the 3rd from the right.
I also looked at the PCs these guys make: http://www.silentmaxx.de/pcs/kenko-der- ... er-pc.html (there are two labeled "NEU", those are the ones using Skylake. However, I can't really judge if their price is any good and the configuration options are just too much for me without someone to explain it all.
ADDITIONAL INFO
I have never built my own PC, yet I do know people that have (including water-cooled gaming PCs) so I will get help when it's time to actually build this thing.
I want to keep most of my current other hardware, including both a wireless Logitech Keyboard and Mouse and Headset, all 3 of course with their own sender, so that's 3 USB ports gone already (weirdly enough, the headset malfunctioned when it was plugged into a USB 3).
I currently have 3 external 2.5" harddrives, using up 4 USB ports, 1 of which is USB 3. I would prefer it if I could get rid of my ext. USB Hub, but I can understand how this might be difficult in terms of Case, Harddrive positioning etc. These drives are mostly stationary, so it might be possible to move them inside the case?
My screen needs upgrading, too - however that can still wait a little. If however it is relevant to GPU (or other component) selection: what I would LOVE, would be an IPS Panel with gaming performance. I will very very likely never play shooter games or anything else where you really have to rely on reaction times. 28" plus would be nice, doesn't have to be 4k, however if that's possible with the above budget: yay!
TIMEFRAME
This year. But other than that no rush. Although like most grown up children: I want my new toy NOW!
Please let me know if this is sufficient information. I am already grateful for any help you might provide.
ps: any grammar and spelling mistakes are yours to keep, but do point them out if you wish