After Christmas I'm going to get myself a proper present. A mid-range gaming build, optimized for near silent running. I could do with a critical opinion / checkup on my choices:
- Mobo: Asus H170 Pro Gaming
- CPU: Intel i5-6500
- RAM: 2 x 8 GB generic DDR4 RAM
- MSI GeForce 970GTX (already owned)
- SSD: Samsung 850 Evo (already owned)
- HDD: Spinpoint M9T 2TB (already owned)
- Case: Fractal Design Define S
- PSU: Arctic Cooling 550RF (already owned)
- CPU cooler: Hyper 212 EVO
- Fans: 2x NOCTUA NF-S12A PWM (PWM fans which are easy to get where I am)
My plan:
- Run the Define S as a very open case, with the "moduvent" covers removed to maximize airflow
- Replace the CPU cooler fan with a Noctua one. Place the other Noctua in the case, at first as an inlet fan.
- Use Asus FanExpert 3 to reduce the speed of the PWM fans to ~400 RPM at low load, and ~800 RPM while gaming. Adjust fan positions and speeds as temps indicate, taking inspiration from SPCR's Quiet ATX Gaming Build Guide.
- Soft-mount the single 2½" harddisk (which is very quiet already).
Am I missing something; going in a bad direction somehow? Ideas, improvements are welcome.