What cases are you using? No GPU Build with 110mm tall heatsink

[jimmivalentino]

Title pretty much says it all - what are you using?

I'm think I'm going to go with the Noctua D9L to cool an 8700k, but so far haven't been able to find a case that will fit a heatsink of it's size that doesn't leave space for a GPU - even though its not a 'big' heatsink as such.

 

[theGryphon]

So, you want a build/case without GPU? Just to make sure...

If you use a top-down cooler, you may have more alternatives.

How about PSU choice? If you would go for external PSUs, there are even more alternatives...

 

[jimmivalentino]

Yeah. Work build. I work in audio. Need the portability and CPU speed. No gaming will be done. I am intending to go the DC/DC with external brick route for PSU. Big plus for portability + case size.

Would a top-down cooler work well enough to cool an 8700k? I know there is a lot more options available but cooling performance is somewhat of a priority. I want the biggest heatsinks I can reasonably get so I can run the fans as slow as possible so I can get it quiet(ish) (for audio work).

 

[theGryphon]

I'm using a Realan E-I7 (although with low-profile GPU), and it's great for such a build. Maximum CPU height is 77mm, and I'm using it with a Cryorig C1, which is as good as the D9L (if not better). The case is 236x245x100, supports 4x 80mm fans, all 25mm thick without the GPU.

I have a Ryzen 1800X in there at 3.825GHz.

Newegg.com has the silver version of the case...

 

[Mortis Angelus]

Umm.. do you really need a K-model for audio? If you can settle for a 7700, I suggest the AsRock H110 deskmini:

https://www.asrock.com/nettop/Intel/Deskmini 110 Series/

Small ane nimble. But if you are into audio, shouldnt you have a soundcard? Or do you run a DAC instead?

And the NH-L9i is very quiet.

 

[jimmivalentino]

Umm.. do you really need a K-model for audio? If you can settle for a 7700, I suggest the AsRock H110 deskmini:

https://www.asrock.com/nettop/Intel/Deskmini 110 Series/

Small ane nimble. But if you are into audio, shouldnt you have a soundcard? Or do you run a DAC instead?

And the NH-L9i is very quiet.

That ASRock board looks interesting, I probably don't need a K model lol. But why settle for something lesser?

Live audio processing is extremely CPU intensive, so even if I don't notice the extra performance vs something smaller straight away, it will get used. Unlike video rendering it can't be offloaded to a card, and the only DSP systems around for audio work aren't worthwhile so most things are done natively now.

And do companies even make soundcards anymore? I thought that was a 2000s thing... if I'm not working away I've got outboard rack gear I plug into that fulfils that role anyway.

 

[Mortis Angelus]

That ASRock board looks interesting, I probably don't need a K model lol. But why settle for something lesser?

Live audio processing is extremely CPU intensive, so even if I don't notice the extra performance vs something smaller straight away, it will get used. Unlike video rendering it can't be offloaded to a card, and the only DSP systems around for audio work aren't worthwhile so most things are done natively now.

And do companies even make soundcards anymore? I thought that was a 2000s thing... if I'm not working away I've got outboard rack gear I plug into that fulfils that role anyway.

Is audio processing more relying on amount of cores or higher frequency? I ask, because the H110 DeskMini does not support Coffey Lake cpus. Only Sky- and Kaby lake, meaning you would lose 2 cores (4 threads).

Also, Creative did recently release one of the best internal soundcards. HOWEVER, since you work in processing and live editing, I guess you hook your mixing table straight to the PC, and probably already have a very good DAC/ADC at your disposal making an internal soundcard useless. And as you said, the "weight lifting" is done by the CPU anyways.

 

[Mortis Angelus]

@jimmivalentino

Here's a good contender if you wanna go all custom build: http://www.cooltek.de/en/discontinued-products/cases/88/u1

Unfortunately it is discontinued, but could probably be found somewhere. Fits coolers up to 135 mm.

Here is one in Italy for sale: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cooltek-Mi...284250&hash=item1c8b5ac2d1:g:QuMAAOSwmFNZZfJn

Then again, there is the newer one with GPU-space, and you add 45 mm on the height. Question is if that is too much.

Also, do not forget about beefier coolers like these: https://noctua.at/en/products/cpu-cooler-retail/nh-c14s/specification

If you can mount the fan below the cooler, it is only 115 mm tall


Finally, Then there is this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Realan-H80...d=122597065425&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Should fit the Noctua NH-L9i easily, but could get loud due to the cramped space and low airflow. And no, do not add any 50 mm fans.