F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Quiet gaming setup that operates continuously (server mode)

Quiet gaming setup that operates continuously (server mode)

Quiet gaming setup that operates continuously (server mode)

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MineplexerMC
Junior Member
14
12-27-2021, 11:49 AM
#1
I'm assembling a gaming setup that needs constant online availability and server operations. The most demanding game I play is Counter Strike 2, which struggles under full settings on my RTX 3060 laptop. My goal is to install a GPU and power unit that stops fans completely at low temps, ensuring the PC runs quietly—perhaps with a Noctua NF-A12 inside the case. Current components: CPU i5-12400f (2.5GHz), cooler Noctua NH-U12S Redux 288, motherboard ASUS PRIME B660M-A, Wi-Fi D4, RAM Corsair VENGEANCE LPX, 32GB DDR4 3600MHz, SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus, 2TB, case ASUS Prime AP201. I'm considering a Seasonic 650W PSU with FOCUS PX series and 80 PLUS Platinum rating.
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MineplexerMC
12-27-2021, 11:49 AM #1

I'm assembling a gaming setup that needs constant online availability and server operations. The most demanding game I play is Counter Strike 2, which struggles under full settings on my RTX 3060 laptop. My goal is to install a GPU and power unit that stops fans completely at low temps, ensuring the PC runs quietly—perhaps with a Noctua NF-A12 inside the case. Current components: CPU i5-12400f (2.5GHz), cooler Noctua NH-U12S Redux 288, motherboard ASUS PRIME B660M-A, Wi-Fi D4, RAM Corsair VENGEANCE LPX, 32GB DDR4 3600MHz, SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus, 2TB, case ASUS Prime AP201. I'm considering a Seasonic 650W PSU with FOCUS PX series and 80 PLUS Platinum rating.

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Lorddoom139
Posting Freak
956
12-27-2021, 07:52 PM
#2
Only the most basic potato GPU makers manage to keep fans nearly silent. The same applies to the power supply. On the CPU side, for quiet operation under near-idle conditions, set the fan curve to drop as low as possible—below 40 degrees. I’ll note that a padded case will make a big difference compared to sleek mesh or glass designs.
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Lorddoom139
12-27-2021, 07:52 PM #2

Only the most basic potato GPU makers manage to keep fans nearly silent. The same applies to the power supply. On the CPU side, for quiet operation under near-idle conditions, set the fan curve to drop as low as possible—below 40 degrees. I’ll note that a padded case will make a big difference compared to sleek mesh or glass designs.

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arvid888
Member
118
01-02-2022, 02:29 AM
#3
You're considering a fresh setup? What's the highest budget you're aiming for? A quiet PC is possible, but you'll need to factor in costs.
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arvid888
01-02-2022, 02:29 AM #3

You're considering a fresh setup? What's the highest budget you're aiming for? A quiet PC is possible, but you'll need to factor in costs.

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4030012Ian
Junior Member
5
01-19-2022, 06:31 PM
#4
Hi, yes, completely new, and here's the price breakdown: Component Price RON Price USD Price Euro CPU: i5-12400f 2,5GHz (runs hot?) 798 176 160 CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12S redux 288 63 58 Motherboard: ASUS PRIME B660M-A WIFI D4 631 139 126 Gigabyte GeForce® RTX™ 3060 Ti EAGLE 2.0 2,151 473 430 RAM: Corsair VENGEANCE® LPX, 32GB DDR4, 3600MHz CL18 441 97 88 Power Supply: Seasonic 650W, FOCUS PX Series, 80 PLUS Platinum 580 128 116 SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus, 2TB 580 128 116 Case: ASUS Prime AP201 748 165 150 Case Fan: Noctua NF-A12x25-PWM, 120mm 150 33 30 Sound Board: ASUS Xonar SE 5.1 236 52 47 Total 6,603 1,453 1,321 Edited November 16, 2023 by Legea changed gpu and ssd
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4030012Ian
01-19-2022, 06:31 PM #4

Hi, yes, completely new, and here's the price breakdown: Component Price RON Price USD Price Euro CPU: i5-12400f 2,5GHz (runs hot?) 798 176 160 CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12S redux 288 63 58 Motherboard: ASUS PRIME B660M-A WIFI D4 631 139 126 Gigabyte GeForce® RTX™ 3060 Ti EAGLE 2.0 2,151 473 430 RAM: Corsair VENGEANCE® LPX, 32GB DDR4, 3600MHz CL18 441 97 88 Power Supply: Seasonic 650W, FOCUS PX Series, 80 PLUS Platinum 580 128 116 SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus, 2TB 580 128 116 Case: ASUS Prime AP201 748 165 150 Case Fan: Noctua NF-A12x25-PWM, 120mm 150 33 30 Sound Board: ASUS Xonar SE 5.1 236 52 47 Total 6,603 1,453 1,321 Edited November 16, 2023 by Legea changed gpu and ssd

1
111carys111
Posting Freak
832
01-19-2022, 06:42 PM
#5
Silent situation: Your investment in the Samsung SSD seems excessive at the moment. A more powerful CPU paired with a high-end cooler would offer better performance without unnecessary noise. A stronger GPU provides better value for money, and a quiet PSU is essential. The motherboard appears solid, RAM looks adequate, but you probably don’t need a sound card unless you’re planning to expand. You have the budget for it—we’re still close to your 6.6k RON target from the reference build. For silent operation, consider using good mounting hardware and brackets included with purchase. Add an extra fan for the rear, swapping the front’s 120mm for a larger one to improve airflow. This setup ensures consistent cooling and quiet performance. PCPartPicker list: CPU – AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz (6 cores), 1106.98RON; Cooler – Deepcool AK620 ZERO DARK, 68.99 CFM, 342.70RON; Board – Gigabyte B650M DS3H, 906.98RON; RAM – ADATA XPG LANCER RGB, 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30, 697.62RON; Storage – ADATA Legend 800 1TB M.2, 275.28RON; GPU – PowerColor Fighter RX 6700 XT, 12GB, 1716.98RON; Case – Cooler Master Silencio S400, 553.17RON; PSU – SeaSonic FOCUS GX 750W, 588.98RON; Fan – be quiet! Silent Wings 4, 48.7 CFM, 153.97RON. Overall cost around 6342.66RON, including shipping and taxes. This was generated by PCPartPicker on 2023-11-17 11:24 EET+0200.
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111carys111
01-19-2022, 06:42 PM #5

Silent situation: Your investment in the Samsung SSD seems excessive at the moment. A more powerful CPU paired with a high-end cooler would offer better performance without unnecessary noise. A stronger GPU provides better value for money, and a quiet PSU is essential. The motherboard appears solid, RAM looks adequate, but you probably don’t need a sound card unless you’re planning to expand. You have the budget for it—we’re still close to your 6.6k RON target from the reference build. For silent operation, consider using good mounting hardware and brackets included with purchase. Add an extra fan for the rear, swapping the front’s 120mm for a larger one to improve airflow. This setup ensures consistent cooling and quiet performance. PCPartPicker list: CPU – AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz (6 cores), 1106.98RON; Cooler – Deepcool AK620 ZERO DARK, 68.99 CFM, 342.70RON; Board – Gigabyte B650M DS3H, 906.98RON; RAM – ADATA XPG LANCER RGB, 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30, 697.62RON; Storage – ADATA Legend 800 1TB M.2, 275.28RON; GPU – PowerColor Fighter RX 6700 XT, 12GB, 1716.98RON; Case – Cooler Master Silencio S400, 553.17RON; PSU – SeaSonic FOCUS GX 750W, 588.98RON; Fan – be quiet! Silent Wings 4, 48.7 CFM, 153.97RON. Overall cost around 6342.66RON, including shipping and taxes. This was generated by PCPartPicker on 2023-11-17 11:24 EET+0200.

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iron_finder1
Posting Freak
750
01-26-2022, 03:00 AM
#6
Thanks @venomtail, the setup you suggested performs much better. Noctua really stand out for quiet operation. I know Ryzen 5 and 7 tend to get warm by nature, which is a concern for heavy server use. I discovered that the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G offers great power efficiency thanks to its monolithic design (IO and CPU die combined). The video card choice is Gigabyte's Eagle – it’s not the top model but it outperforms the entry Powercolor Fighter in both noise and temperature. I also looked into CM Silencio, but many reviews on Reddit warn about poor airflow and overheating. Probably worth considering a Fractal Design Torrent Nano instead. Am I mistaken for spending more for a perceived brand advantage?
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iron_finder1
01-26-2022, 03:00 AM #6

Thanks @venomtail, the setup you suggested performs much better. Noctua really stand out for quiet operation. I know Ryzen 5 and 7 tend to get warm by nature, which is a concern for heavy server use. I discovered that the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G offers great power efficiency thanks to its monolithic design (IO and CPU die combined). The video card choice is Gigabyte's Eagle – it’s not the top model but it outperforms the entry Powercolor Fighter in both noise and temperature. I also looked into CM Silencio, but many reviews on Reddit warn about poor airflow and overheating. Probably worth considering a Fractal Design Torrent Nano instead. Am I mistaken for spending more for a perceived brand advantage?

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TripleCraftMC
Junior Member
5
01-26-2022, 08:07 PM
#7
Intel and AMD both offer high-performance options, though Intel tends to lead in raw power while AMD excels in efficiency. Noctua hasn’t updated significantly in what seems like a long time, leaving most available products outdated. They claim ongoing research but only release modern designs when they hit the market. While Noctua is decent, it’s struggling lately. Right now, I’d consider Noctua only if I’m drawn to their distinctive color theme. Powercolor edges out Gigabtye, particularly for GPU stability. The case situation remains unclear; I haven’t explored it much, but it seems you’re stuck between top cooling and quiet performance—often a tough choice.
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TripleCraftMC
01-26-2022, 08:07 PM #7

Intel and AMD both offer high-performance options, though Intel tends to lead in raw power while AMD excels in efficiency. Noctua hasn’t updated significantly in what seems like a long time, leaving most available products outdated. They claim ongoing research but only release modern designs when they hit the market. While Noctua is decent, it’s struggling lately. Right now, I’d consider Noctua only if I’m drawn to their distinctive color theme. Powercolor edges out Gigabtye, particularly for GPU stability. The case situation remains unclear; I haven’t explored it much, but it seems you’re stuck between top cooling and quiet performance—often a tough choice.