Silent SFF Gaming Build

[scytus]

Hey community,

I've been doing some extensive research in the area of SFF PC's. I do have a couple questions though, if the group would be kind enough to chime in. As the title suggests, I'm looking to build a small and quiet gaming build.

Q1. Case selection
From some preliminary research, I came across several options in regards to case:

• FormD T1
• Dan A4-SFX
• Louqe Ghost S1
• NCASE M1

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but if I want a quiet gaming setup, that requires liquid cooling the GPU. If so, I believe that cancels out the Dan A4-SFX. Since the FormD T1 and Louqe Ghost S1 are seemingly unavailable for purchase, that leaves the NCASE as the clear choice? Might be mentionable that I'd like to order everything relatively soon.

Q2. Processor
Is the 9600k the ideal choice for gaming? I'll likely not be using this machine as a workhorse for editing. Makes me think something like the 9700k/9900k is overkill.

Q3. Motherboard
Are there any specific considerations I should have when choosing an ITX motherboard for a SFF case?

Q4. GPU
I'll likely go with either a RTX 2070 or 2080. I assume this should be fine provided I get the appropriate water blocks.

Q5. Anything else
Please do feel free to offer any other advice you consider relevant, or perhaps links to builds I can follow.

Thank you for any assistance.

 

[liyi0522]

Everything will be based on your monitor resolution and refresh rate. Are you playing game with 1080P, 1440P or 4K? 60, 144 or 240 hz? After determine the GPU and CPU, you can pickup the right case based on thermal condition.

 

[scytus]

Hm, likely 1440p, 144hz.

 

[liyi0522]

2K 144Hz > GTX 2070/2080 > low TDW high clock speed CPU i3 10300 or i5 10600KF with new Z490 ITX

Smaller case: Dan A4
Quieter case: M1

 

[ignsvn]

I'm not a GPU expert but depending how quiet is quiet, a GPU with 3 fans & well designed heatsink (and those thick 2.5 or 3 slots models) should be reasonably quiet. You can also undervolt a bit.

Instead of 2080 or 2070, you may want to consider 2070 super.

The CPU is OK, i guess.

 

[scytus]

2K 144Hz > GTX 2070/2080 > low TDW high clock speed CPU i3 10300 or i5 10600KF with new Z490 ITX

Smaller case: Dan A4
Quieter case: M1

Is it a correct assumption then that a liquid-cooled M1 w/ a custom loop would be more silent than an air-cooled (at least as far as the GPU is concerned) Dan A4?

I'm also not sure when the 10600Kf/Z490 ITX would be available for purchase, as I was hoping to get this relatively soon.

I'm not a GPU expert but depending how quiet is quiet, a GPU with 3 fans & well designed heatsink (and those thick 2.5 or 3 slots models) should be reasonably quiet. You can also undervolt a bit.

Instead of 2080 or 2070, you may want to consider 2070 super.

The CPU is OK, i guess.

Would you recommend a different CPU for gaming? I wouldn't want it to be a bottleneck.

 

[ignsvn]

Would you recommend a different CPU for gaming? I wouldn't want it to be a bottleneck.

I'm quite sure a 6-cores modern i5 won't bottleneck your game.

 

[liyi0522]

Is it a correct assumption then that a liquid-cooled M1 w/ a custom loop would be more silent than an air-cooled (at least as far as the GPU is concerned) Dan A4?

I'm also not sure when the 10600Kf/Z490 ITX would be available for purchase, as I was hoping to get this relatively soon.

You would get extra noice from pump block constantly even while idle. 2070/2080’s TDW don’t need liquid cooler as long as you have good air flow.

Z490 motherboard are ready for release just waiting for CPU on May 27th. 10600KF 6/12 CT should be better than 9700K 8/8 CT and cheaper.