Design a quiet PC setup for heavy use and hide it within a desk.
Design a quiet PC setup for heavy use and hide it within a desk.
Approximate Purchase Timeframe:
2-3 months
Budget Range:
3000-4000$ total expenditure
Usage Priority from Highest to Lowest:
Main emphasis on top-tier gaming, especially Cyberpunk 2077 at ultra resolution 3440x1440 with ray tracing on maximum settings for over 60 FPS. Additional tasks for code compilation. Lower priority for general computing. Requires minimal noise.
Are you purchasing a monitor?
No
Upgrade Components:
Full system rebuild necessary
Operating System:
No need for OS upgrade
Recommended Purchase Sites:
X-kom parts
https://www.x-kom.pl/g/5-podzespoly-komputerowe.html
Komputronik parts
https://www.komputronik.pl/category/5805/czesci-pc.html
Location:
Warsaw, Poland, Europe
Preferred Component Styles:
CPU: AMD AM5 platform, ideally 7800X3D or similar with strong thermal performance
Cooling: Only air cooling, avoiding noisy AIO liquid systems
Memory: 32GB DDR5 essential
Storage: PCIe Gen 5 NVMe support is ideal but not mandatory
Case: Mid-height tower capped at 460mm, accommodating 3 RXT 4090 or 5090 fans, no LED lighting—prioritize quiet operation with ample airflow.
Focus on silent performance across all parts
Motherboard:
Preferred brands: Asrock or comparable; Lan is acceptable
WiFi not required
Avoid:
Gigabyte or inferior components
Modular Power Supply
Requires future compatibility
Overclocking:
Not desired
Compatibility Features:
SLI or Crossfire: Not needed
No support for Motherboard expansion cards
Monitor Specifications:
3440x1440 ultrawide display at 144Hz refresh rate
Additional Notes:
Previous build uses a mid-tower case (~450mm) inside a desk with the back panel removed for better airflow. The same setup is necessary here. Key goal is silent operation during intensive gaming and compilation tasks. The current 14900K sits on top of the desk as a Phanteks NV7 unit, and its noise is unacceptable.
Most importantly, why are you upgrading?
Recently upgraded to a high-end system (14900K + RTX 4080 Super) but facing considerable noise problems:
Current hardware:
CPU: Intel i9-14900K
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 AORUS MASTER DDR5
Cooling: Deepcool Mystique 360 AIO
GPU: Inno3D RTX 4080 Super
Fans: 12x Be Quiet Light Wings
PSU: Corsair 1000W
The main issue is the AIO pump noise, which is especially bothersome due to desk positioning. The pump’s sound surpasses fan noise even at full speed and generates coil whine-like tones, despite tuning efforts with fan curves and silent modes. GPU and case fan levels are tolerable after adjustments. Intending to replace the entire system while keeping peak performance and ensuring quiet operation under heavy load.
What temperatures do you encounter with the existing hardware, both when idle and under load? Are you okay with higher temperatures for the sake of quieter operation?
I've adjusted the pump to maintain 14900K at 32-45C once it reaches 45, then it switches on and returns to 32 in 3 seconds, but the noise level is still too high for me.
Under heavy load, the temperature stays around 69-70C.
I'm okay with higher temps as long as the machine operates quietly.
I don't plan to use 12 fans on a new build; anything that helps keep the PC silent is fine, perhaps 3-4 fans would work.
It's hidden even if noise isn't a problem—I could potentially add more height to fit the tower in my desk, but I'd rather avoid that.
With your present hardware... have you tried adjusting temperatures under load to reach the mid or upper 80s? I'm curious about how much this impacts noise levels. Are you comfortable with mid 80s temperatures if it means lowering temperatures? I know these temperatures are often mentioned, and the CPUs are built to handle them without issue. Do you feel confident that your current liquid cooler is functioning properly and isn't contributing to noise problems? Have you changed the case fans from 12 to 4 as a test to observe any changes in temperatures or noise?
I haven't tried running higher temperatures under load yet—I might look into it once I'm back home. I'm fine with 80s temps, but I'm not happy with my current liquid cooler. It's a first water pump cooler I've used before; it's too loud for me. Others probably aren't, but this one isn't something I'd want to keep. I think that's just how it is from the start. The fans aren't very noisy even with 12 of them, though the pump is the main source of sound during heavy use. I didn't remove any case fans, and my current Phanteks NV7 case doesn't have a glass panel installed since it came without it.
Upper level air coolers typically measure between 160 mm and 165 mm in height. Ensure the case you choose can accommodate coolers within that size range. The Noctua D15 is a popular high-end option, though it comes at a higher cost. Alternatives like Deepcool and Thermaltake offer similar performance at roughly half the price. "Peerless Assassin" is one model I remember. You seem to prefer an AMD CPU for your new build and are not planning to install an air cooler on the 14900K for testing? Also, do you plan to reuse any of the components mentioned earlier in your new PC?
I could purchase a Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU cooler and install it on my existing 14900K system to test temperatures and overall noise levels. In the end, I intend to switch to AMD because I’m more familiar with it and it has less bloatware compared to Intel’s motherboard (apps center, Intel settings, etc.). This change would also benefit from the AM5 platform, as I noticed the 7800X3D performs about 20% better in games while using half the power. Cooler height is still a consideration for the case, though I’ll assess how much space it will occupy later. I don’t plan to reuse any of the current components in the new PC.
Check RAM clearance problems with the D15 cooler.
The Noctua website provides excellent guidance on preventing these issues, with extensive documentation available.
Since the D15 comes in multiple variants, it should be possible to select a RAM type that fits your needs. You might need to opt for lower-profile RAM, which shouldn't pose difficulties.
I'm uncertain about how well the PC will stay hidden, so consider the case size, airflow, temperatures, and noise when planning.
It seems AMD has recently released a new X3D processor, possibly as a successor to the 7800X3D.
I've checked and NH-D15 chromax.black 168 mm would fit into Pure Base 500DX as max states is 190mm, I'm unsure about ram clearance yet. I think there is Ryzen 7 9800X3D but I'm concerned about cooling it as it might be too powerful just like 14900K and it would be demanding on air cooler.
These situations are common. For example, with the BeQuiet Silent Base 802 setup—no windows, no glass, it won’t be noticed—and having eight Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP fans plus a Noctua NH-D15 G2 cooler, it’s likely the best you can achieve. Using G.Skill Ripjaws S5 RAM also helps with low clearance. You can place the cooler’s front fan just 1mm above the RAM.