In search of a silent solution

[CMetaphor]

Hey all, as some of you probably already know I have a little HTPC running now for all my recording/downloading/surfing needs. But the one problem I have with it is noise. My current cooling arrangement for it is: Zalman 7700 Cpu cooler, Ixtrema 120mm 14db exhaust fan, Generic Apevia 500w psu and the generic blue 80mm fan for intake that came with the X-QPack the system is in.

What I was thinking of doing was replacing the intake fan with a nexus 80mm and using a sunbeam rheobus 3.5 fan controller to bring the rpm's down on all the aforementioned fans. This is one option I had in mind.

The Second option I was thinking of would be a small, self-contained, watercooling system for cpu alone (and mayyyybe the nb or graphics card) . I know thermaltake carries a couple models that are self contained with no need to do anything but hook up the power, mount it and go.

So my real question is: How quiet are these self-contained watercooling systems and is it worth my while to try it ( and OC the system more) or stick with what I've got and got with option #1. Opinions anyone?

[Cptn Vortex]

The powersupply you have and the 80mm intake are going to be your 2 loudest parts. I suggest a powersupply from Corsair or Seasonic. Very quiet.

[CMetaphor]

Good point about the power supply, but im on a budget. Which is the best bang for my buck? Modular cabling might be nice too since its an htpc.

[Cptn Vortex]

Well the corsair 520W would be the ideal choice, but upwards of $100. If you are on a budget, maybe look at some of silverstones powersupplies. I have seen a nice 350W for about $40. Not modular, but it should be of good quality and silent.

[CMetaphor]

Very true, I forgot about those smaller silverstone ones. They have 120/140 mm fans too i think. huzzah!

[MpG]

Not at all impressed with TT's water systems. Their radiators, waterblocks, coolant, and pumps are all sub-par compared to similarly priced/cheaper components available. Not to say that they might not be enough for your purposes, but they're not going to win any prizes for value.

BTW, if it's in your budget, might not hurt to toss that Silenx fan too... over-priced pieces of .

[CMetaphor]

Hmmmm, so thats one vote again the TT self-contained water systems. What of the air cooling solutions then? What nice n cheap and will do the job? Im already looking at entry level TT tr2, silverstone strider, and similiar power supplies.

[CMetaphor]

PSU option #1: Enermax Liberty 400w Modular - $73CAD
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=ENERMAX

PSU option #2: Seasonic 380w Non-modular - $67CAD
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...%20Electronics

PSU option #3:Silverstone Strider 500w non-modular
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...e%20Technology

Any other ideas? Which of these do you think is best?

EDIT:
ooooh just found this one too, i like i like
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...re=THERMALTAKE

450watts, 140mm fan and Modular!! woohoo! not bad for 70 bucks!

[Cptn Vortex]

Personally, I would go with the 380W Seasonic. Thermaltake...now they are decent supplies, but I don't know how silent it is. I would really stay away from cheap modular supplies. Who knows if the connections are good. You could get a pretty bad connection and have a unstable system. The Seasonic is definitely top grade. And 380W is going to be more than enough power.

[mr_plow_king]

The Seasonic is a good choice but the Antec Earthwatts series are pretty quiet too even if they have a 80mm fan

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ufacture=ANTEC

it's ugly but only 55$.

However, I suggest you try to find the source of the noise first. Try to stop each fan one by one to see if the noise stops. The problem could also be the hard drive. you could unplug it then power on the computer. Suspending the hard drive might help.

Also, are you using an HTPC case or a tower case ?